The forest fell silent.
Nerisse's voice trembled as she finally spoke the name she had buried for years.
"…His name is Lynvar."
The moment the name left her lips, Reeve felt something click inside his mind—like a missing piece snapping into place.
The mask.
The presence.
The cold intent.
"So it was him…" Reeve murmured.
Nerisse lowered her gaze. "He destroyed my village. Not directly—but by guiding the demons toward us."
Reeve didn't say anything more.
He simply turned—and started walking.
Eldmere — Guild Hall
The doors of the guild hall slammed open.
Reeve walked straight in, dust still on his clothes, eyes sharp, presence heavy.
Kaelith looked up.
"…So you're alive."
Reeve stopped in front of him.
"You left without waiting."
Kaelith stood. "You disappeared without warning."
"You didn't even try to look for me."
"And you didn't even think before chasing danger alone."
The air between them crackled.
Their voices rose—not yelling, not calm—a real argument.
Steel without blades.
Elaryn watched from the side, a soft smile on her lips.
She looked… happy.
Finally, Lunareth stepped forward.
"Enough."
Her gaze shifted to Reeve.
"Who was the one hiding their face?"
Reeve answered immediately.
"First—her name is Nerisse."
"And second—she's a girl. Not a boy."
The change was subtle.
But Lunareth's expression… shifted.
Just a little.
"…I see."
The Walk Home
As they walked back together, Lunareth spoke calmly.
"We're thinking of changing houses. But before that, we wanted your opinion."
She glanced at Nerisse.
"She'll be staying with us too. So we need a five-bedroom house."
Reeve nodded without hesitation.
"That's fine."
A moment later, Reeve frowned.
"Wait… Lunareth."
She looked at him.
"Why is Nerisse's level 38, and mine is 8?"
Lunareth answered immediately.
"It's because of mana."
Reeve blinked.
"…Is her mana higher than mine?"
"No," Lunareth replied.
"Her mana is far lower than ours."
Reeve stopped walking.
"Then why is my rank so low?"
Lunareth pointed at his clothes.
"Because of those."
Reeve looked down.
"…What's wrong with them?"
"These clothes constantly consume your mana," she said.
"When you were tested, the clothes were draining you too."
Reeve's eyes widened.
"If a normal person wore them," Lunareth continued,
"they would die instantly."
Reeve swallowed.
"My seal can't fully suppress the pressure they create."
"…Then is there a way to control my mana?" Reeve asked.
"Yes."
"Then teach me."
Lunareth smiled faintly.
"I will."
At that moment—
Thud.
Reeve walked straight into a tree.
"…Ow."
Kaelith immediately grabbed his arm and pulled him up.
"Watch where you're going, leader."
Reeve blinked.
"…Where's the new house?"
Lunareth stopped walking.
"You're already standing in front of it."
Reeve looked up.
And froze.
The house was massive—far larger than their previous one, elegant yet solid, mana flowing naturally through its structure.
"…This is a house?" Reeve muttered.
Night — Dinner Time
They sat together at a long table, warm light filling the room.
Reeve took one bite.
Then another.
Then stopped.
"…Who cooked this?"
Lunareth replied calmly,
"Nerisse."
Reeve looked at her seriously.
"…Can you cook like this every day?"
Nerisse hesitated—then nodded.
"Yes."
Lunareth raised an eyebrow.
"…You're spoiling him already."
Late Night — Reeve's Room
Reeve sat on his bed, staring out the window at the quiet city lights.
"Nyx," he whispered.
[System Response]
"Yes."
"You're hiding things from me," Reeve said softly.
"…But I won't force you."
There was a pause.
[System]
"…I will tell you.
When the time is right."
Reeve closed his eyes.
"Then I'll get stronger," he said.
"So you won't have to hide anymore."
The moonlight spilled across the floor.
And somewhere deep inside—
Something stirred.