Two or three days later, everyone slowly started to recover from the incident. They almost forgot—because that's how humans are. They don't lose memory; they just stop caring. It's human nature.
Even if someone dies—someone close—they forget in just a few days. Sometimes, even in one day.
But the tension remained the same.
Among all of them, Soru and the old lady's friendship grew even stronger. Soru shared all his thoughts with her and spent most of his time with her.
Their relationship became like a grandmother and grandson. Soru was happier than anyone else. He didn't care about monsters like the others did. He didn't take them seriously.
During training around 2 PM, after lunch, everyone was practicing—except Amaya's team, who were waiting for her.
Akiko and Sofia were sitting on a bench, waiting.
Akiko said, "Where is Lady Amaya? It's the first time she's ever been this late."
Sofia nodded. "Yeah, you're right. It is the first time."
They both sighed.
While they were waiting, Soru was training nearby.
Again, his eyes wandered. He was looking at Akiko with admiration.
Hikari noticed.
Soru was distracted and not focusing on his training.
Hikari called out, "Soru!"
His voice was calm but had a firm, commanding tone.
Soru turned toward him.
Hikari said, "Don't get distracted. Focus on your training."
Soru hesitated a little bit, then nodded. His face turned red because he saw that Akiko, Sofia, and the other trainers and trainees had heard that—and were looking at him.
He started paying attention to his training again. The others also resumed training.
Rin shot a glare at Soru, Ming rolled his eyes, Luca and Kenzo ignored it, Akiko glared at Soru. Meanwhile, Sofia looked between them with confusion.
As they continued training, Amaya arrived. Akiko and Sofia stood up when they saw her, but Amaya didn't come to train them. She looked at Hikari, Rin, Fubuki, and Daisuke and called out, "Sir Hikari, Rin, Sir Fubuki, Sir Daisuke—please come with me. For a minute."
They all stopped training. Hikari looked at her, then nodded and followed her. The others followed behind him. All the trainees' eyes followed them curiously.
They arrived a bit away from the others.
Hikari said, "What do you want to say, Amaya?"
As he asked, the others waited for her response. Amaya took a breath. She looked serious.
Then Amaya replied, "Sir, all the fruits are almost finished. We need to get more."
Hikari raised his brows, and his expression became even more serious. Then he replied, "They're already finished?"
Amaya nodded seriously.
Fubuki stepped forward and said, "Then we should go get fruits as soon as possible."
Daisuke said, "But who will go outside this place—into the forest? We can't leave this place. Not even for a minute."
Hikari nodded, then thought for a bit. He looked at Rin. Rin noticed it and understood that Hikari wanted him to go.
Then Rin stepped in.
Rin said, "Sir, I will go."
Hikari looked at him, then said, "Great. I know you will never disappoint me. Hmm... but you can't go alone. Monsters are everywhere."
Daisuke asked, "Then who will go with him?"
The tension grew. They all became even more serious.
They were all thinking about who could go with Rin. Among the trainers, none of them could go. Only one trainer could be spared—and that was Rin. Now they had to select someone from the trainees.
Then a voice spoke. "I will go with him."
They turned. It was Ming.
Then another voice: "I will also go."
They looked in that direction—it was Luca.
Rin said, "You were hearing our conversation without our permission? How dare—"
Hikari stopped Rin by placing a hand on his shoulder.
Hikari looked between them—Luca and Ming. Rin didn't like the idea of them coming with him, but he waited for Hikari's decision. Amaya, Fubuki, and Daisuke also waited.
A few minutes later—
Hikari said, "Hmmmm... Are you sure? It's a bit risky."
They both nodded.
Ming said, "It's boring to stay in one place. I want to go out."
Rin glared at him. He didn't like that Ming wanted to go just because of boredom.
Luca said, "We're sure. We can help."
Hikari thought for a minute. He wasn't sure if it was a good idea or not—but they didn't have any other option.
Hikari nodded and said, "OK, great then. Go and pack your things. Don't forget your swords."
They nodded. Rin rolled his eyes. Then Ming and Luca went to pack their things.
That journey would not be easy for them.
It would become a beautiful and horrifying journey.
End of Chapter 17