"I have to kiss her…
I don't want to do this…
But if I don't hurry… she'll die."
The words echoed inside his mind like a cruel ultimatum.
"If you want to save her, do it. If you don't… she will die."
Ayal's heart pounded violently in his chest.
I have to do this… I have to…
His face burned red as he slowly leaned closer to Hinata. His lips trembled.
If I don't do this… Hinata will die.
Without allowing himself another second to hesitate, he closed the distance between them.
Their lips touched.
It was his first kiss.
For a brief moment, Hinata didn't understand what was happening. Her eyes widened in shock. Then suddenly, her entire face turned bright red.
"What… just happened…?"
Ayal couldn't speak. He was too focused—too overwhelmed.
Both of them stood frozen, their faces flushed crimson.
Then suddenly—
Ayal noticed something strange.
A soft light began to shine from Hinata's body.
"What… is that?"
"Master," Milia's voice echoed faintly, "I told you… this is the only way to save her."
They watched in disbelief as the light grew brighter. Hinata's wounds began to heal. Her breathing stabilized. The pain on her face disappeared.
"It… it was real…?" Ayal whispered in shock.
The light slowly faded, and Hinata's body was completely restored.
"Ayal… what just happened to me? How did I recover?"
Before he could answer, Hinata suddenly threw her arms around him tightly.
"You're okay… I thought I would never see you again…"
Her voice trembled. Her cheeks were still red.
Ayal awkwardly tried to step back. "Th-thank you… but can you let go now?"
Realizing what she had done, Hinata quickly released him and lowered her head in embarrassment.
"I'm sorry… I just… I'm really happy you're safe."
She smiled softly.
Seeing that smile, Hinata herself seemed surprised by how relieved she felt.
"I'm glad… I'm alive."
Ayal cleared his throat. "By the way… you noticed the sword behind me?"
"Yes… You defeated the demon with it?"
"Yeah. I found it while searching for something to fight the demon. I didn't have any weapon before."
He hesitated before continuing.
"But… do you know? A girl came out of that sword."
Hinata blinked. "A girl…? From the sword?"
"Yeah. She made me her master."
"Wait… you mean she's still inside the sword?"
"She can talk."
Hinata stared at him in disbelief. "It can talk?"
Ayal turned slightly. "Milia… can you hear me?"
Silence.
"Milia? Are you there?"
No answer.
Ayal frowned. What's going on? Why isn't she responding?
Just then, a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Ayal! Hinata! Are you both alright?"
They immediately turned toward the direction of the voice—