The sound of fierce sword clashes echoed inside the warehouse, bathed in the setting sun's glow.
"Uooooooohhh!"
"Seyaahhh!"
Shadows darted wildly, attacking a blur moving at lightning speed. But the moving figure evaded every strike, counterattacking the boy at the center of the shadows. In a flash, ten slashes were made, seven of which the boy deftly blocked.
He spun around, delivering a powerful kick, but the kick was met and neutralized by a back kick reinforced with shadows.
They both took a step back, glaring at each other. Their clothes were tattered and they were breathing heavily.
The boy muttered suddenly,
"Shall we call it here?"
"Tch… yeah, I guess."
They both lowered their stances. Toki pulled out two high-grade healing potions from the shadows and tossed one to Bete. Without a word, Bete caught it, opened it, and downed the potion.
"Still couldn't kill you. Even rotten, a First-Class Adventurer's no joke."
"Hah, talk about nerves. But hey, what kind of person can keep up with a First-Class Adventurer's training like you?"
"That's a company secret ♪"
"I'll kill you."
"Oh really? Is it okay for a Loki Familia executive to tire themselves out before an expedition like this?"
"Damn it, you seriously piss me off."
Toki taunted while Bete glared back. Despite having just fought what could've been a deadly battle, both were alive, after all, they were treating it as training. A fight between a First-Class Adventurer and one with comparable strength, yet neither was seriously harmed.
"Well, I'm heading off. Don't want to carry any fatigue, and frankly, I don't want to see your face for a while."
"That goes both ways."
"Tch, you really are an annoying weakling."
With that, Bete turned to leave the warehouse.
"Bete."
Toki called out to his retreating figure. Without turning around, Bete stopped.
"Good luck... no, don't die until I kill you."
"Hah, you better not drop dead before I do."
This time, Bete really left.
𓂀═════════════𓂀
As the sun fully set, Toki was at home with Lefiya. Since tomorrow was the day before the Loki Familia expedition, there was no night training. Bell had also been informed.
"Hey, is it okay for you to stay here, Lefiya?"
"Yeah, Loki and the captain gave permission. As long as I'm not late, it's fine."
I absentmindedly thought how we'd had this same conversation before.
"Want me to come see you off tomorrow?"
"No, if you do, everyone will tease me. And besides…"
"And?"
"If I see you, I'll lose my expedition nerves."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Toki smiled wryly; Lefiya smiled back. The air in the room was filled with a different kind of pink warmth than before.
"Well, I should get going."
"I'll walk you out."
"No, it's fine. Everyone's already tense before the expedition."
"...Right."
I walked her to the door. Lefiya stepped outside.
"See you later."
"Yeah."
She turned on her heel to leave.
"Lefiya."
I quickly stepped behind her and made her turn.
"Huh?"
Before she could react, I pressed my lips to hers. I bit down slightly, feeling softness.
I stepped back as Lefiya froze, her face bright red.
"...Good luck."
With a quiet, small word of encouragement, I returned inside. Lefiya stayed outside, cheeks flushed all the way to her ears, staring blankly.
𓂀═════════════𓂀
"Bete, what kind of training did you do on your own?"
"Enough, tell me about your [Status]."
"My total proficiency increase is around 120."
"Tch, only that much?"
"No way, that's actually abnormal for this level. So, what did you do for solo training?"
"No way I'm telling you."
"What, come on! Bete, you're so stingy!"
"Keep talking and see what happens!"
Next time I get the chance, I'll definitely kill him.
𓂀═════════════𓂀
After unexpectedly stealing a first kiss from Lefiya, Toki's eyes now held a cold, icy glare.
In his mind was the image of his former guardian he met three days ago. What was that person's purpose? If it was him, that would be troublesome enough. But if it was something else, it could get complicated. Either way, Toki was likely at a disadvantage.
He had requested a citywide search yesterday, but expected no real results. That person was scum but also an elf and a professional assassin who had trained him. They wouldn't be easy to find.
Moreover, they said they'd need to prepare, at least three weeks, maybe up to six months.
So for now, Toki was safe. He would grow stronger in the meantime, and no matter what form or person appeared, he'd destroy it all. Everything he'd built in the past six years, everything he'd gained, he'd protect the ones he loved.
Toki renewed his resolve.
==========
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