Jack didn't say much on the walk back.
By the time he reached home, Lina was outside, busy with her work. Jack passed by quietly and sat down, staring ahead without really seeing anything.
"You're back early," Lina said. "Something happened?"
Jack didn't answer.
She waited a second. Then tried again.
"Jack?"
Still nothing.
Lina frowned and walked closer. She placed a hand on his shoulder.
Jack blinked, then looked up.
"Oh. Was I spaced out? Sorry."
She sat down beside him. "You don't usually ignore me."
Jack smiled faintly. "Was I? No. I always ignore you."
"That's not true," Lina said. "And you know it."
"I'm hungry," Jack said, standing up. "Let's go inside. I need breakfast."
He went in before she could reply.
Lina watched him for a moment longer, then followed.
Jack ate quietly while Lina prepared food. Turt sat near his feet, focused on its own meal, occasionally lifting its head before returning to eating.
The silence stretched.
Then Jack spoke, not looking up.
"How… would the Battle Stages be?"
Lina paused mid-motion.
She turned to face him. "Are you thinking about participating?"
Jack didn't answer.
"That's strange," she said. "You usually avoid things that take effort."
She studied him for a moment. "Something happened on your walk."
Jack chewed slowly, then said,
"I met Evan."
Lina nodded. "I figured."
"He's participating this year."
Her eyebrows lifted slightly. "Already?"
"The Stages are open," Jack said.
Lina exhaled. "And he asked you to join."
Jack nodded. "Because of that promise."
"Oh," Lina said softly. "That promise."
She leaned back. "So? What are you thinking?"
Jack stood up instead of answering.
"Thanks for the food," he said, pushing his chair in.
He walked toward the stairs. Halfway up, he stopped.
"Maybe I'll give it a shot," he said quietly.
"Who knows. Might make my effortless life a little exciting."
Then he went upstairs.
Lina stayed where she was.
After a moment, she smiled.
Jack closed the door behind him and leaned against it for a moment.
"You're not exactly the adventurous type either," he said.
Turt shifted closer and nudged his knee gently, curling in slightly. A small smile formed on its face.
Jack watched it for a moment.
"…Alright," he said quietly. "Let's do it."
He turned to his desk and opened his laptop. The screen lit up, and after a few clicks, the Battle Stages website loaded.
Participant Registration.
His cursor hovered over the button.
His hand stopped.
For a moment, nothing moved.
Then he clicked.
The form appeared. Name. Region. Monster partner. Basic details. Jack filled it out slowly, carefully.
When he reached the end, he hesitated once more.
Then he pressed Enter.
The confirmation appeared.
"…Done," Jack said softly. "Guess you can't turn back now."
A faint smile crossed his face.
He stood up, lifted Turt with both hands, and held it up.
"Let's do it."
Turt's smile widened.
The next morning—
"Wake up, Jack!"
No response.
"Jack!"
Still nothing.
Lina frowned and pushed the door open.
The room was empty.
No Jack.
No Turt.
Her eyes moved to the desk. A folded paper lay there.
She picked it up and unfolded it.
Lina,
This sounds very odd and not like me, but I've decided to participate in the Battle Stages.
I want to explore the world. And maybe myself too.
(That sounded weird. Sorry.)
I didn't wake you up because… well, you know me. It's not that I didn't want to tell you.
When father comes back, please tell him. I don't know how he'll react.
I won't be home for a while. Maybe two years? Not sure.
I packed some food which was left in the fridge—for the road to Prof. Moth's place. I think she'll give me a better idea of what I'm doing.
Don't worry. And who knows… I might even win. Bye.
—Jack
Lina lowered the letter slowly.
She smiled—and then her eyes burned.
She laughed softly and wiped them away.
"I knew it," she said quietly.
"I knew this day would come."
She looked toward the open window.
"…Go do some effortful work for once."