The morning air in Lyra's backyard was crisp, cool, and full of promise. The space behind her home was far larger than Akari expected, almost like a miniature training ground. Wooden dummies lined the fence, targets were pinned to posts, and the ground was worn from training Lyra must have done here.
Akari swallowed nervously as she faced Lyra, who stood with arms crossed and sword on her hip.
"Alright," Lyra said, her voice serious. "Today, we start working on awakening that power inside you."
Akari tugged anxiously on her sleeve. "Right… the goddess power I can't feel at all."
Lyra tapped her chin. "That's why we'll start with focus exercises. Power that responds to emotion tends to surface when your mind is clear."
"That sounds like something a monk would say," Akari muttered.
Lyra smirked. "If you prefer, I could throw you at a monster and see if terror unlocks something."
Akari blanched. "No, thank you!"
"Then follow my instructions." Lyra stepped back and gestured toward the center of the yard. "Stand there. Breathe. And try to reach for anything unusual, heat, pressure, warmth… a spark."
Akari nodded, taking her place in the middle of the field. She inhaled deeply, closing her eyes.
Calm. Focus. Spark…?
Her heartbeat slowed. The breeze brushed her cheeks. She could hear birds… distant chatter from the city… the rustle of leaves.
And deep inside her,
Something flickered.
A faint warmth in her chest, like a candle flame just beginning to form.
"There," she whispered. "I feel,"
A deafening boom shook the ground.
Akari's eyes snapped open. Smoke curled upward from somewhere within the capital, rising behind the rooftops like a black column. Distant screams followed moments later.
Lyra's expression hardened instantly.
"That direction… the east district."
Another explosion echoed.
Akari flinched. "W-What's happening?!"
Lyra was already moving. "A disturbance inside the walls. Something strong."
She turned sharply toward the back door. "Elen!"
The maid appeared immediately, almost as if she had been waiting just out of sight. Her hair was tied back, apron neat, expression calm as always.
"Yes, Lady Lyra?"
Lyra pointed to Akari without hesitation. "Take over training. Keep her here. Focus on stabilizing her energy and nothing more."
Akari blinked. "Elen? But, she's a maid, right?"
Elen smiled politely. "I am also an A-Rank adventurer, Miss Akari."
Akari nearly choked. "A–A WHAT?!"
Lyra nodded briskly. "A-Rank. She specializes in barrier magic and martial arts. She can handle your basics."
Elen bowed slightly. "I will ensure Miss Akari's safety."
Akari whirled toward Lyra, arms flailing. "W-Wait! Shouldn't I come with you? Or, hide? Or something?!"
Lyra placed a firm hand on Akari's shoulder. Her eyes softened for a moment.
"Stay here. You're not ready to fight anything yet, especially not whatever is causing those explosions."
A small lump formed in Akari's throat.
"I… understand."
Lyra gave a single sharp nod. "Good. I'll be back as soon as I've dealt with the threat."
Without another word, she vanished through the gate, her speed so great that Akari barely saw the movement, just a flicker of silver hair and the swish of her dress.
Akari stared after her, heart pounding. "She's really going alone…"
"She always does," Elen said gently. "Lady Lyra is the strongest adventurer in this kingdom. If anyone can protect the capital, it is her."
Akari bit her lip, worry bubbling in her chest. Lyra had looked calm, but beneath that calm was unmistakable urgency.
Elen stepped closer. "Akari, shall we continue?"
Akari turned slowly. "…You're really an A-Rank?"
Elen blinked politely. "Yes. I retired from active duty to work for Lady Lyra, at her request."
"Why would someone so strong become a maid?"
A soft smile formed on Elen's lips. "Because Lady Lyra saved my life once. I chose to serve her, not as an obligation, but out of gratitude."
Akari's eyes softened. "Lyra really is amazing."
"She is." Elen's tone grew gentle. "Now, Miss Akari… may I see that spark you found earlier?"
Akari nodded slowly. "I'll try."
She took her place again. Closed her eyes.
The warmth from earlier,
It was still there. Flickering timidly.
"Good," Elen murmured. "Let it rise. Gently. Like breathing."
Akari breathed.
The warmth grew.
"Now imagine it as light," Elen instructed softly. "A small glow. Let it fill your hands."
Akari raised her palms, focusing.
The warmth surged,
A soft glow bloomed in her hands.
Pale, faint, yet divine. Like moonlight caught in her skin.
Akari gasped. "I… I did it!"
Elen's eyes widened ever so slightly, impressed. "That is far more than I expected from our first session."
Akari beamed, right before the glow suddenly pulsed, sending a small shockwave that shook the training ground.
Elen immediately stepped in front of her, raising a barrier with a practiced gesture. The blast fizzled harmlessly against it.
Akari stumbled. "S-Sorry! I didn't mean,"
"No need to apologize," Elen assured. "Control will come with practice."
Akari stared at her trembling hands.
"That was… my power."
Her chest tightened with equal parts fear and awe.
What am I capable of…?
A distant explosion rumbled through the city again, louder than before.
Elen glanced toward the smoke-filled sky, then back at Akari. "Lady Lyra will be fine. She always returns."
Akari nodded weakly.
But as another dark plume rose above the rooftops, she couldn't help feeling that something about today was different,
Something far more dangerous than a simple disturbance.
And for the first time…
She wondered if Lyra would truly be okay.