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Chapter 21 - Familiar Faces, New Expectations

Journal Entry

It's kind of hard to believe this when I actually write it down.

But It's officially been a year since I first woke up in this world.

I turned thirteen not too long ago, and honestly? That still feels weird to say considering I was supposed to be in my final years of highschool, but it's whatever I guess. 

After everything that happened back in Brookworth, I actually kept my word and took a break. A real one. For the first few weeks, I stayed close to home, didn't take any quests, and just spent time at the guild with Yukino. 

After that, I eased back into work slowly. Low-risk quests at first, then medium ones, and only after a while did I start taking higher-paying jobs again. I didn't want to be gone too long or make Yukino worry like that again. Seeing how scared she was back then… yeah. Once was more than enough.

The months after that were honestly pretty fun.

I took all kinds of quests—escorting nobles, clearing out monsters, investigating strange magical disturbances, even some dull paperwork-heavy jobs that reminded me why not every quest is glamorous. Still, every job taught me something new, whether it was about people, places, or just how unpredictable magic can be.

Also somewhere along the lines, things started changing. After Brookworth, and with me never failing a quest since joining Lamia Scale, people started paying more attention. Not just to me, but to the guild as a whole. The news has gotten even more curious about this "young Ice wizard" they keep hearing about, and Lamia Scale's name pops up more often now.

They still don't know who I actually am—and honestly, I'm fine keeping it that way for now. I don't really care about interviews or attention. What I do care about is seeing the guild grow. We've gotten more members over the months, and not only that, but Lamia Scale's steadily climbing the rankings during this time, which is pretty cool.

Also during this time, I've been making improvements.

On the magic side, I've gotten better at adjusting the properties of my ice. Density, durability, structure—small refinements that make a big difference in practice. I've also been pushing my Ice Make a bit further, experimenting with more complex constructs and seeing where my limits actually are.

I've even been working with both my Dynamic Ice Make Magic—which allows me to make Ice constructs that move/act—and Static Ice Make Magic, which allows me to create weapons and nonliving objects. You see they're both different versions of Ice Make Magic, with similar mechanics, and with different outputs. But I've got a theory that once I properly master both, I might be able to combine them into something new… maybe even create a third variation altogether.

But that's a long-term thing though. I'm not rushing it.

Overall, I'd say my Ice Magic is improving at a good pace. 

Physically, I've gotten stronger too.

I can handle most mid-tier monsters without relying on magic now, which still feels kind of surreal. I won't pretend I'm some unstoppable powerhouse or anything—I still get tired, still get hit—but my baseline strength and endurance are way better than it was 6 months ago.

One thing I've noticed in particular is how much my awareness has improved.

Ever since Brookworth, dodging and sensing attacks has become more natural. At this point, I've officially started calling it Observation Haki, mostly because I can't think of a better name for it. It's not perfect, and it's not always active, but it's there—like an instinct I can lean on.

I've also been wondering if the other Haki's like Armament and Conqueror's are possible. The way magic here works feels… similar, in a strange way. Activation depends heavily on the user, their will, their focus. There might be overlap.

That's something for later though. I'll figure it out eventually. One way or another.

Recently, I've also started branching out beyond Ice.

After spending more time in the guild library, I realized how many sub-types of magic exist. Learning them isn't easy—affinity matters a lot—but even basic familiarity could massively increase my versatility. Ice will always be my main thing, but combining it with other magical principles could open up a lot of options.

I've even been thinking about altering the magical properties of my ice itself… but yeah. That's another idea for another time.

On the physical side, I've been refining my own fighting style too. I don't want to just rely on raw strength or magic. I've been experimenting, pulling inspiration from different fighting styles I remember, and trying to make something that fits me. Training sessions have gotten longer, harder, and honestly more exhausting.

But other than being tired and sore most days?

Things have been going really well.

I'm happy with where I am right now. I'm not rushing ahead, not stagnating either. Just moving forward—step by step.

So needless to say, I'm pretty excited to see what the future has in store.

End of entry.

Third Person POV

Morning light filtered softly through the streets as Lyon finished the latest entry in his journal, his pen slowing before finally coming to a stop. He closed the worn notebook with a quiet sense of satisfaction, the steady rhythm of his steps matching Yukino's as they walked side by side toward the guild hall.

Yukino wandered a half-step ahead of him, her silver hair catching the light as she looked around with open curiosity, clearly enjoying the calm atmosphere of the town. Lyon let out a small sigh and slipped the journal back into the backpack resting over his shoulder. When he glanced at her again, he noticed the thoughtful look lingering on her face.

With a gentle smile and an easy, reassuring tone, he spoke up.

 "Something on your mind?"

Yukino blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. Her cheeks flushed faintly as she turned away.

"N–Nothing!" she said quickly.

A brief silence followed as they continued walking. Lyon didn't push, but the knowing look he sent her was enough. After a few steps, Yukino slowed, her fingers fidgeting at her sides.

"…I was just wondering," she admitted softly, "when I'll be able to learn magic too."

Lyon stopped for a moment, then turned to face her fully. His expression was calm, warm—steady in a way that instantly put her at ease.

"You will," he said gently. "There's no need to rush it. And when the time comes… I'll teach you myself."

For a split second, Yukino froze—then her face lit up with pure, unfiltered happiness. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him.

"Thank you!" she said, her voice bright and earnest.

Lyon returned the hug without thinking, resting a hand lightly on her head.

 "No problem," he replied.

They separated soon after and resumed their walk, slipping naturally into casual conversation. Yukino excitedly tossed out ideas about different kinds of magic she might have, while Lyon humored her speculation, carefully acting as though he didn't already know the answer. He let her imagination run freely, content just listening to her enthusiasm.

Before long, the familiar structure of the Lamia Scale guild hall came into view. As they stepped inside, the warm buzz of early-morning activities greeted them. Guild members looked up and smiled, offering casual greetings that Lyon and Yukino returned with friendly waves.

As they moved further in, Lyon was quickly intercepted by passing guildmates.

"Good Morning Lyon, Yukino, how's your day been?"

"Hey Lyon, heading out on another job soon?"

"Yo Lyon, you sticking around today?"

He answered each question vaguely but politely as he walked, never breaking stride. Eventually, the two settled at a nearby table. Almost immediately, Yukino's eyes lit up.

"Hey Big Brother, can I go get some food?" she asked eagerly.

Lyon chuckled softly and nodded.

"Sure, go ahead."

She cheered under her breath and hurried off toward the guild cafeteria. Once she was gone, Lyon reached into his bag and pulled out a small stack of books he'd borrowed from the guild library, along with a sleek pair of Gale Reading Glasses. 

How the heck did I live without these in my old life? Lyon wondered as he slipped on the pair of glasses which made studying become as easy as breathing. 

He opened one of the books and began reading, losing himself in the text. A short while later, Yukino returned with a tray of food and sat beside him, quietly enjoying her meal while Lyon continued to read.

The calm didn't last.

A sudden, loud scream tore through the guild hall.

"LYON! GET IN HERE—NOW!"

The entire hall froze.

Conversations stopped. Movements paused. Lyon lifted his head slowly, recognizing the voice immediately—it was the guild master, shouting from her office.

Yukino stiffened beside him, her fork hovering midair. She looked up at Lyon with visible concern.

 "Is… is everything okay?"

Lyon removed his reading glasses and set them atop the book before closing it. He offered her a reassuring smile.

"It's probably nothing," he said calmly. "I'll be right back. Go ahead and finish your food."

She hesitated, then nodded.

Lyon stood and made his way toward the guild master's office as the rest of the hall gradually returned to life. The door loomed ahead of him, slightly ajar.

Without another word, Lyon stepped inside.

Lyon's POV

I stepped into the guild master's office, the door closing softly behind me.

For a moment, I wondered what could possibly warrant being shouted in here first thing in the morning. When I looked up, I saw Master Ooba sitting calmly behind her desk, hands folded, expression unreadable. Off to the side of the room stood three cloaked figures, silent and still, clearly waiting.

I sent them a brief glance before turning my attention back to her.

"Did you need something, Master?" I asked respectfully.

Ooba smiled at me, her voice warm and grandmotherly.

"Thank you for coming so quickly, Lyon."

Then, just as suddenly, her tone dropped into something far more direct.

"I want you to look after Lamia Scale's newest members."

She lifted a hand and pointed toward the three cloaked individuals.

I blinked.

"…Excuse me?" I said, genuinely confused. "I apologize in advance Master, but why me? Aren't there others who are far more qualified for something like this."

Her smile didn't fade.

"That's true," she said calmly. "But I believe you're the best choice for these brats."

She leaned back slightly in her chair.

"You're a good role model, whether you realize it or not. And you're patient. I think you'll be able to help them ease into guild life better than most."

I stayed quiet, listening.

"You won't be responsible for them forever," she continued. "Just until they understand the basics and get comfortable here."

She finished with a gentle smile.

I thought it over for a brief moment. Honestly… there wasn't much reason to refuse. I didn't mind helping, and if it made things easier for new guildmates, then there was no harm in it.

"I understand," I said with a small smile. "I'll do it."

Ooba's expression brightened.

"Good," she said. "I'm placing them under your care. Make sure to help them when they need it."

I nodded.

We both turned toward the three figures standing against the wall. Now that I looked closer, I realized they were all nearly my height.

Ooba raised her voice.

"Well? Don't just stand there. Introduce yourselves—and take off those hoods."

The reaction was immediate.

The three of them panicked, stiffening at once.

"S-Sorry!" they blurted out almost in unison as they hurriedly pulled their hoods down.

As soon as they did, I felt a flicker of surprise.

Pink hair.

Blue hair.

Brown hair.

…I've been wondering when they were going to get here, I thought.

The blue-haired one stepped forward first. His posture was straight, his tone polite.

"Hello, my name is Yuka Suzuki," he said. "And these are my companions—Toby and Sherry."

He gestured to the brown-haired boy and the pink-haired girl beside him.

"We look forward to working with you."

He bowed deeply.

Toby and Sherry followed suit.

I stared at them for a brief second before smiling gently.

"You don't need to bow," I said.

I stepped forward and held out my hand.

"My name is Lyon Vasita. And I'm looking forward to working with you too."

They looked surprised—just slightly—but all three smiled.

Yuka reached out and shook my hand.

And just like that, it was settled.

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I was kinda conflicted to write this Chapter, because high key I was thinking of writing an Omake, with a bunch of short funny stories in it, so you could see Lyon's time in Lamia Scale as we build up to this Chapter, I'm not opposed to the idea of writing them the next time I have the chance, but I'mma let y'all decide if you want it or na. 

Also I had to look it up on the Wiki, but apparently Yuka, Sherry, and Toby were all apart of Lamia Scale before meeting Lyon in cannon (I knew Yuka and Toby were apart of the guild, but I didn't know Sherry was with them too), they didn't say what age they were when they joined, so I had to make my own estimates to try and figure it out. So don't be too surprise when everything doesn't add up completely, as at the end of the day this is a fanfic.

And for the ages of the characters so everyone doesn't get confused, it goes like this:

Lyon Vasita: Recently turned 13

Yukino Agria: 5 but going to 6 in this year (when Lyon found her she had only recently turned 5.)

Jura Neekis: 21

Yuka Suzuki: 12

Toby Horhorta: 12

Sherry Blendy: 11

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