Chapter 25: Progress and Feelings
The sun had barely risen when Alex arrived at the training grounds, yawning as he adjusted his slightly worn cloak. EMI was already there, overseeing the area with enthusiasm—but it was Aria who caught his attention. She stood in the center, holding a different rune in her hands, one that shimmered with a faint crimson glow.
—"Good morning, Alex," Aria said with a radiant smile. "Today we're trying something more exciting."
Alex raised an eyebrow, eyeing her with suspicion.
—"'Exciting' meaning something might blow up this time?"
Aria chuckled softly, a special sparkle in her eyes.
—"Maybe. But it'll be worth it. This rune contains an attack technique, though the exact effect is a bit… unknown."
Alex sighed, already used to the two girls' insistence.
—"Great. If I turn into a walking crater, I hope EMI feels guilty."
—"Hey!" EMI protested from the sidelines, crossing her arms. "This is for your own good, remember?"
Aria extended the rune toward Alex, her fingers gently brushing his as she placed it in his hand.
—"Close your eyes and focus on the rune's energy," she said in a softer tone, her gaze fixed on him.
Alex, a bit uncomfortable with how close she was, obeyed. The warmth of the rune spread through his palm, but this time, he not only felt the energy—it was as if he could also feel Aria's presence beside him, closer than he had expected.
Suddenly, a flash of red light burst from the rune, forming a floating sphere of energy above his hand. Alex opened his eyes in surprise, staring at the phenomenon.
—"Did that… actually work?" he murmured, disbelief in his voice.
Aria gave a small jump of joy and, without thinking, threw her arms around him.
—"You did it! I knew you could!"
Alex blinked, startled by the sudden contact.
—"Uh… thanks, I guess."
Aria didn't pull away right away. She rested her forehead lightly against his chest for a moment before slowly stepping back, her cheeks slightly flushed.
—"Sorry, I got a little excited…" she said with a shy smile, though her eyes gleamed with joy.
From afar, EMI watched the scene, her stomach twisting with a mix of emotions she couldn't explain. It was the first time she'd felt something like that, and she wasn't sure if it was because of Aria, Alex—or something deeper.
—"Well done, Alex!" EMI interrupted, walking over quickly with a forced smile. "Now you've got two techniques: support and attack."
—"So I guess this means I'm in for even more intense training, huh?" Alex said, trying to recover his usual indifferent tone.
—"Exactly," EMI replied, patting him on the back. "Get ready—we're working on your physical strength next."
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Later That Day
After a day of rigorous training, Aria approached Alex once again, holding a crystal-blue rune that radiated a calming energy.
—"This one's different," she explained gently. "It's not an offensive or defensive spell, but it'll help expand your mana reserves. It's small, but enough to make magic easier for you."
Alex took the rune and examined it.
—"What do I need to do?"
—"Just hold the rune," Aria said as she stepped behind him, coming close enough to guide him. She took his hands gently, positioning them over the rune.
—"Is it… necessary to be this close?" Alex asked, slightly uncomfortable.
Aria rested her chin on his shoulder, whispering into his ear:
—"Yes. Because if you mess up, I don't want you to get hurt."
Alex sighed but didn't move away. As he felt the rune's energy flow through him, he was also very aware of Aria's warmth. When the process was complete, she didn't step back right away, letting the moment linger.
—"You did well," she said finally, her tone warm.
Alex turned his head slightly to look at her, finding her eyes just inches from his.
—"Thanks, I guess. Though this is still… a lot."
Aria smiled, taking a step back—though her eyes still held a glint of affection.
—"Nothing's too much when it comes to taking care of you."
EMI, who had been watching from a distance, clenched her fists. She didn't know why, but seeing them so close made her feel… off, as if something in her chest was out of place. Forcing the thoughts away, she hurried over.
—"Perfect!" she said with forced cheer. "Now you've got three techniques. Let's keep training!"
Alex continued to stare at the runes now in his possession, feeling that—though he wouldn't say it out loud—something inside him had begun to shift. Meanwhile, Aria and EMI exchanged glances, each fully aware of the other's presence in Alex's life… though their feelings couldn't be more different.
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