Year X771 — New Year's Day
Location: Rosemary Village & Trade Road
Age: Ren (6) | Erza (6)
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The bell rang at dawn.
Not a loud one—just the small bronze bell at the center of Rosemary Village, struck by the elder with slow, careful hands.
A new year.
Ren woke instantly.
"—NEW YEAR!"
He shot up from his bed, tripped over his blanket, and face-planted into the floor.
"…Ow."
> [Great Sage: Diagnosis — Minor impact. No injury. Recommendation: Stand up carefully.]
Ren ignored it and scrambled outside anyway.
The village looked the same—but felt different. Fresh banners hung between posts. The air smelled like bread and smoke and beginnings.
Ren stretched his arms wide.
"I'm six now!"
Across the square, Erza stepped out of her house, wearing a scarf someone had knitted for her. She looked older somehow—taller, steadier.
"…You're yelling," she said.
"It's a special day!"
"…You yell every day."
"But today it's allowed!"
She sighed—but smiled faintly.
They joined the small crowd. Merchants had arrived early, wagons lined with cloth, tools, sweets, and trinkets.
Ren's eyes sparkled.
"SHOPPING!"
"…We're buying necessities," Erza corrected.
"Necessities can sparkle!"
She pinched the bridge of her nose.
They counted their coins—more than Ren expected.
"…We did good," Erza said quietly.
Ren nodded, suddenly serious.
> We survived a year.
They split tasks—Erza inspected blades and supplies, practical as always. Ren wandered… and wandered.
"…Ren," Erza called.
"I'm nearby!"
He was not.
Ren stood at a small stall tucked between wagons. Old weapons, odd stones, broken charms.
Something caught his eye.
A small hair ribbon—red, but deep like dried blood. Simple. Strong thread.
He held it carefully.
"…This one," he said.
The old woman smiled. "…Good eye. Made to last."
Ren swallowed.
> Erza doesn't replace things often.
But she keeps what matters.
He paid quietly.
> [Great Sage: Emotional Significance — High. Item categorized as 'Personal Treasure.']
Ren hugged the ribbon to his chest and ran back.
Erza found him examining knives.
"…Where did you go."
"Secret!"
"…That's suspicious."
They finished shopping—food stores, oil, bandages, a sharpening stone.
Ren fidgeted the entire time.
"…You're acting strange," Erza said.
"Am not!"
"You are."
"…Am too!"
She sighed. "…What are you hiding."
Ren froze.
"…Later."
They returned to the quiet edge of the village where they usually trained.
Snow lingered in patches. The sun hung low but bright.
Ren stood very straight.
"…Erza."
"…What."
He held out the ribbon—both hands, solemn.
"…Happy New Year."
She stared.
"…For me?"
Ren nodded, suddenly shy.
"…You're strong," he said quickly. "But you don't need to look scary all the time."
Her fingers closed around the ribbon.
She didn't speak for a long moment.
"…It's red," she said finally.
"Like your hair!"
She tied it carefully, movements gentle.
"…Thank you."
Ren beamed.
Then she turned around.
"…Close your eyes."
"…Huh?"
"Close them."
He did.
He heard fabric rustle.
"…Okay."
Ren opened his eyes.
Erza held out something wrapped in cloth.
"…For you."
He unwrapped it slowly.
A short sheath. Inside—
A real katana.
Not fancy. No magic. But balanced. Polished.
Ren's breath caught.
"…You… bought this?"
She nodded. "…You always give me the best food. And teach me. And—"
She looked away.
"…You should have something real."
Ren's hands shook.
> [Great Sage: Equipment Analysis — Quality: High. Compatibility with user: Excellent.]
Ren laughed—and cried a little.
"I—this—Erza—!"
He hugged her suddenly.
She stiffened—then awkwardly patted his back.
"…Don't cry."
"I'm happy!"
He pulled back, wiping his face, then struck a heroic pose with the sword.
"I will protect you forever!"
"…That's a big promise."
"I can do it!"
She smirked. "…Then don't die."
They laughed.
They spent the rest of the day sharing food with villagers. Ren cooked extra, of course.
"New year special!" he declared.
"…It tastes the same."
"That's because it's perfect!"
She didn't argue.
As evening fell, they sat by the fire pit, gifts beside them.
Ren traced the blade's edge—not sharp enough to cut deeply yet, but real.
> This isn't just steel.
It's trust.
Erza adjusted her ribbon.
"…I'll keep it."
Ren grinned brightly.
"Good!"
The bell rang again—welcoming Year X771.
Ren looked up at the stars.
> Another year survived.
Another year changed.
> [Great Sage: Projection — Future divergence increasing. Probability of original tragedy decreasing steadily.]
Ren smiled—childish, bright, unburdened.
"Next year," he said happily, "I'll cook even better!"
Erza snorted softly.
"…Of course you will."
Fire crackled.
Steel rested.
And two small treasures—given freely—outshone any gold the new year could bring.
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End of Chapter 13 ☀️🌙