📘
POV: Kaito
Age (Kaito): 5
Date: April, X770
Season: Spring
Location: Rosemary Village → Deep Forest Route
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Kaito liked mornings that started with purpose.
Not wandering. Not guessing.
Purpose.
He finished breakfast quickly—rice, meat, vegetables—and didn't waste a single bite.
> "Predator"
Digesting nutrients at enhanced efficiency.
Redirecting caloric surplus to muscle density and bone reinforcement.
Recommendation: Engage in physical exertion within 20 minutes for optimal gains.
"Already on it," Kaito muttered.
Outside, Erza was tightening the strap on her sword. She glanced up the moment she sensed him.
"You're early," she said.
"You didn't leave without me," he replied.
She smirked. "I thought about it."
"Liar."
She didn't deny it.
They moved fast—past the familiar hunting grounds, deeper than usual. The forest grew quieter the farther they went. Fewer birds. Thicker shadows.
Erza noticed. "This area isn't used."
"Which means better training," Kaito said. "And better pay."
Her eyes sharpened. "You're planning something."
"Always."
They didn't walk blindly.
> "Grate Sage"
Analyzing terrain…
Hostile presence detected ahead (3).
Likely wild beasts: forest bears.
Recommended engagement: divide targets, stagger timing.
Kaito raised a fist.
Erza stopped instantly.
"Three," he said quietly. "Big."
She didn't ask how he knew. She trusted him enough now not to.
"Left one's mine," she said.
"Middle's mine," he replied. "Right one—tag team."
They moved.
The first bear burst from the trees with a roar.
Erza met it head-on.
Steel flashed—her blade struck joints, tendons, precise. She wasn't just strong anymore. She was learning how to end fights efficiently.
Kaito didn't watch.
He sprinted straight at his target.
The second bear reared up, towering, claws swinging down—
Kaito stepped inside the strike.
No fear. No hesitation.
His wooden blade cracked against the bear's wrist—not with brute force alone, but reinforced intent.
> Minor Enchantment: Physical Reinforcement (Self)
Mana flow stabilized.
Force output increased.
The impact snapped bone.
The bear howled.
Kaito followed through—low sweep, shoulder strike, blade to the neck. Clean. Fast. No wasted motion.
The third bear charged toward Erza's flank.
Too fast.
Kaito didn't shout.
He moved.
His body responded instantly—legs burning, lungs steady. Predator-fed strength surged as stored energy released exactly when needed.
He slammed into the beast mid-charge, knocking it off balance.
Erza finished it.
Silence fell hard.
Breathing slowed.
Erza wiped blood from her blade and looked at him—really looked.
"You didn't hesitate," she said. "You didn't overdo it either."
Kaito shrugged. "That's the point."
She stepped closer, eyes narrowed—not suspicious. Evaluating.
"You're not just strong," she said. "You're… efficient."
He smiled. "You noticed."
She huffed. "Obviously."
They worked fast after that.
Skinning. Cleaning. Packing.
Kaito handled the cuts with practiced hands—medical knowledge precise, movements calm. When Erza nicked her finger, he caught it without comment, wrapped it cleanly.
She froze. "…You're used to this."
"I don't like mistakes lingering," he said simply.
By the time they returned to the village, the sun was high.
The merchant stared at the haul in stunned silence.
"…You two cleared that area?"
Kaito met his gaze evenly. "Yes."
Coins hit the counter.
More than before.
Erza's eyes widened. "That's—"
"Earned," Kaito said, taking half and pushing the rest to her. "Don't argue."
She didn't.
Later, as they sat eating skewers bought with their own money, Erza leaned back, studying him sideways.
"You fight like you know exactly what you're worth," she said.
Kaito met her gaze, unflinching. "I do."
A pause.
Then she smiled—sharp, confident, matching him.
"Good," she said. "Because I'm not slowing down for you."
He leaned closer, voice low. "I'd be disappointed if you did."
Their shoulders brushed.
Neither moved away.
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