The days that followed the mysterious incident beneath the earth carried with them an oddly gentle peace. The Heavenly Blade Sect, still buzzing from the tournament's fiery duels and startling tremors, decided it was time for something lighter—to let the young disciples breathe, bond, and rediscover the joy of simply living. And so, the instructors announced an outdoor field training expedition to the Azure Wind Valley—a sprawling region of lush green meadows, glistening lakes, and forest paths bathed in sunlight.
The announcement alone was enough to send the entire sect into an uproar of excitement. Zeref, as usual, remained calm, his gaze drifting toward the distant mountains while others cheered. He had been quieter these past days, thoughts still tangled with the strange energy that had pulsed through him deep underground. But even he couldn't deny the calm that came from the rustling breeze and the faint laughter around him.
Yuxin ran up to him, her silver hair tied into a high ponytail. "Hey, Zeref! You're not getting away with sulking today. You're coming with us!" she declared, pointing at him like a commander addressing a soldier.
Ren chuckled, slinging his pack over his shoulder. "You better go before she drags you by the collar, Zeref. Trust me, she's done worse."
Zeref smiled faintly. "I'm aware."
Miss Lin, who had been overseeing the preparations, glanced toward their group with her usual composed smile. "Make sure you all stick together," she said softly, though her eyes held a glimmer that betrayed her amusement. "The valley may be peaceful, but even peace can hold lessons for the unprepared."
By noon, the group of disciples—over fifty of them—departed down the winding trail that led through the dense forest. The air was fragrant with blooming lilies, and golden sunlight streamed through the canopy, painting soft halos around every leaf.
Sitting atop a small boulder, Darius watched the others ahead. His usual arrogance had dimmed, though not extinguished. The recent defeat still burned like an ember in his chest, one that flared each time he caught sight of Zeref walking calmly ahead, surrounded by laughter. "Heh… star disciple, huh?" Darius muttered under his breath. Yet for a brief moment, there was no hatred in his tone—only quiet determination.
The disciples reached the valley as the sun hung midway in the sky. The view stretched endlessly—a ribbon of blue lakes glimmering like scattered sapphires, surrounded by rolling emerald hills and a sky that felt close enough to touch.
"Whoa… this place is unreal!" Yuxin gasped, running ahead barefoot on the grass. Ren followed with a grin, calling after her not to slip near the water.
Miss Lin gave them a rare laugh. "They're like children set free."
Zeref set his pack down beneath a tree. "It's… peaceful," he murmured, gazing at the shimmering reflection of clouds on the lake's surface. "Feels different from the sect."
"That's the whole point," Miss Lin replied. "Training isn't just about fighting. It's about learning to listen—to nature, to people, to yourself."
Soon, the disciples dispersed into small groups, practicing their sword forms, sparring lightly, or simply lying on the grass sharing stories. Someone even started a cooking competition near the riverside, the air quickly filling with the scent of grilled fish and roasted herbs.
Ren, with a wooden ladle in hand, stood dramatically beside his pot. "Ladies and gentlemen, prepare your tongues for the culinary miracle of Ren the Great!"
Yuxin nearly choked laughing. "Miracle? You nearly burned tea yesterday!"
"It was an experiment!" he protested, then turned to Zeref for support. "Tell her, man. Innovation requires risk!"
Zeref chuckled, his voice calm as ever. "It also requires skill, which you're still acquiring."
"Et tu, Zeref?" Ren sighed theatrically, holding his chest as though struck by betrayal.
Laughter rippled through the group, light and genuine. Even Darius, standing at a distance, found himself smiling faintly before quickly turning away.
As the day wore on, training gradually turned into games. They raced through the woods, tried to balance stones atop flowing water, and even played a version of tag using spiritual energy bursts. Miss Lin herself joined one round, stunning everyone when she vanished in a shimmer of golden aura and appeared behind Yuxin with a playful "Caught you."
"Teacher! That's cheating!" Yuxin cried, laughing so hard she nearly fell into the river.
"Life doesn't play fair," Miss Lin replied with a wink. "Why should I?"
Evening approached with slow grace. The disciples gathered around a large campfire, its glow casting long shadows and warming tired hands. The laughter softened into gentle conversations as the stars emerged one by one. Someone played a wooden flute, the melody soft and nostalgic.
Zeref sat near the fire, Eclipsera resting beside him. Its blade reflected the flame, almost breathing with it. Miss Lin sat across from him, her gaze steady. "You seem restless," she said quietly.
Zeref hesitated. "Just… thinking."
"About what?"
"About why things feel so peaceful right now," he said, eyes drifting upward toward the countless stars above. "It almost feels… undeserved."
Miss Lin tilted her head. "Peace is not something you earn, Zeref. It's something you recognize when it appears, so you can remember what you're fighting to protect."
He thought about that for a long moment, then nodded slightly. "I'll remember."
Nearby, Yuxin was arguing with Ren about constellations, claiming one looked like a dragon while Ren insisted it was a chicken. Darius sat apart but not too far, staring quietly into the fire, while other disciples hummed along with the flute.
A gentle wind passed through the valley, carrying laughter, warmth, and the faint scent of blooming lotus from the water's edge. The stars shimmered brighter, as if the heavens themselves smiled down on this brief moment of harmony.
And for one night—just one fleeting night—the disciples of the Heavenly Blade Sect weren't warriors, rivals, or heirs of destiny. They were simply friends gathered under a boundless sky, dreaming of tomorrow.
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To be continued...