A faint light filtered through the window.
Iren's fingers twitched slightly.
His eyelids slowly opened.
"…Ugh."
His vision was blurry.
Shadows moved around him.
Several voices echoed faintly in his ears.
Then one voice came closer.
"Hey, bro."
Riven waved his hand in front of Iren's face.
"Can you see me?"
"Are you okay?"
Iren blinked a few times.
His vision slowly cleared.
And he realized something.
Everyone was standing around his bed.
Kael.
Sylven.
Riven.
Lyra.
Iren slowly pushed himself up and sat on the bed.
"…What happened to me?"
Kael answered calmly.
"You used your new power during training."
"Then it completely drained your energy."
"And you collapsed."
Iren stayed silent for a moment.
Then he nodded slowly.
"…I see."
Kael crossed his arms.
"I warned everyone before training not to use their full power."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"But you didn't listen."
Iren lowered his head a little.
"…I'm sorry."
For a moment the room was quiet.
Then Kael sighed.
"…Fine."
"But now focus on recovering."
"You're not training until you fully recover."
Iren immediately shook his head.
"No, it's okay."
"I'm fine now."
But before he could continue—
Kael interrupted firmly.
"I said you should rest."
"Until you recover."
Iren stared at him for a second.
Then he sighed.
"…Okay."
"Fine."
Sylven stepped forward.
"You shouldn't push yourself too much."
"You're still weak right now."
Iren nodded lightly.
"Yeah."
Riven placed his hands behind his head.
"Take care of yourself, bro."
"Next time try not to scare us like that."
Lyra stood quietly near the door.
Then she spoke softly.
"…Get well soon."
Iren looked at her and gave a small smile.
"Thanks."
Kael turned toward the others.
"Let's go."
One by one, they walked out of the room.
CLICK
The door closed.
The room became quiet again.
---
For the next two days—
Iren was not allowed to train.
Kael made sure of that.
His body still hadn't completely recovered from the strain of Level Three.
Because of that—
The team's training also came to a temporary halt.
And for the first time in a while—
The training ground remained unusually quiet.
---
The afternoon sun shone quietly through the window.
Iren sat on his bed, leaning against the wall.
A book rested in his hands.
Since Kael had banned him from training, he had nothing better to do than read.
Then suddenly—
TOK TOK
A knock echoed from the door.
Iren looked up.
"Come in."
The door opened.
CREEEAK
Riven stepped inside first, holding a large bag.
Behind him came Sylven.
And Kael.
Riven raised the bag triumphantly.
"Look what we brought!"
"Emergency recovery supplies!"
Iren raised an eyebrow.
"…Snacks?"
Riven grinned.
"Exactly."
Sylven placed another packet on the table.
"Chips."
"And these are fried crackers."
Iren stared at them.
"You guys came all the way just to bring snacks?"
Riven dropped onto the chair beside the bed.
"Obviously."
"You think we'd let our injured comrade suffer alone?"
Sylven chuckled.
"Also… we were bored."
Iren laughed softly.
"Thanks."
Then he grabbed a packet and opened it.
CRUNCH
Riven leaned back comfortably.
"So…"
"How does it feel to get knocked out during training?"
Iren sighed.
"Don't remind me."
Sylven crossed his arms.
"That new power of yours is dangerous."
"Your body couldn't handle it."
Kael stepped forward.
His expression was serious.
"Iren."
Iren looked up.
Kael continued calmly.
"Do not use Level Three again."
"At least not until you fully understand it."
"The energy drain is too severe."
Iren nodded.
"…I know."
"I felt it."
"For a moment I couldn't even control my own body."
Kael nodded once.
"Exactly."
"That's why you must not use it recklessly."
Iren raised both hands slightly.
"Alright."
"I promise."
"I won't use Level Three again for now."
Riven suddenly grinned.
"Well… unless someone punches you first."
Sylven laughed.
"I think Lyra already did that."
Iren groaned.
"Don't remind me of that either."
The room filled with light laughter.
After chatting for a while—
Kael stood up.
"That's enough."
"You need rest."
Sylven nodded.
"Don't push yourself."
Riven stretched his arms.
"We'll come check on you tomorrow."
Iren smiled.
"Thanks, guys."
They walked toward the door.
CLICK
And left the room.
---
Evening
The sky slowly turned orange.
The room was quiet again.
Iren sat on the bed reading his book.
Then—
TOK TOK
Another knock.
Iren didn't look up.
"Come in."
The door opened slowly.
CREEEAK
Lyra stepped inside.
She was alone.
In her hands was a small box.
She walked toward the bed.
"…Are you feeling better now?"
Iren looked up and smiled.
"Yeah."
"Better than before."
Lyra pulled a chair closer and sat beside him.
Then she held out the box.
"…This is for you."
Iren blinked.
"…Chocolate?"
His eyes lit up instantly.
"Is this… for me?"
Lyra nodded shyly.
"…Yes."
Iren grabbed the box excitedly.
"You're amazing, Lyra!"
He opened it immediately.
Then began eating happily.
"Mm!"
"Delicious!"
While chewing, he spoke again.
"How did you know…?"
He paused to swallow.
"…that I like chocolate?"
Lyra looked down slightly.
"…I just guessed."
"I thought you might like it."
Iren smiled warmly.
"Thank you, Lyra."
Lyra lowered her gaze.
She didn't say anything.
Iren watched her quietly.
Then he thought,
Maybe she wants some too…
But she's trying to be polite.
He lifted the box toward her.
"Here."
"You should eat some too."
Lyra shook her head quickly.
"N-No."
"It's for you."
Iren frowned slightly.
"Do you want me to eat all of this alone?"
"I'll get cavities."
He chuckled.
"And besides…"
"I know you're craving chocolate too."
Suddenly—
Lyra looked up angrily.
BONK
She punched his arm.
"You idiot!"
"Who said I was craving chocolate?!"
"Ow!"
Iren grabbed his arm.
"You hit me again!"
"You know I'm still recovering!"
Lyra quickly looked away.
"…Sorry."
Iren sighed.
"…Fine."
Then he lifted the box again.
"But eat some."
Lyra hesitated.
"…No… it's really fine."
But Iren kept insisting.
Eventually—
Lyra gave in.
"…Okay."
She took one small piece and ate it quietly.
Meanwhile Iren happily continued chewing his chocolate.
Then Lyra suddenly asked,
"…Are you taking your medicine on time?"
Iren froze.
His chewing stopped.
Lyra narrowed her eyes.
"…So that means you didn't."
Iren laughed awkwardly.
"Haha… well…"
"I kind of… forgot."
Lyra leaned closer.
"…Then drink it now."
Iren immediately shook his head.
"No way."
"I'm not drinking that potion."
"It's way too bitter."
Lyra leaned even closer.
Her eyes became serious.
"Then tell me."
"Will you drink it willingly?"
She slowly cracked her fingers.
CRACK
"Or should I force you?"
"Because if I do…"
"I won't show mercy."
Iren imagined the scene instantly.
Lyra grabbing him.
Forcing the bottle into his mouth.
Pouring the entire potion.
His body shivered.
He shook his head violently.
The imagination vanished.
Lyra stared at him.
"So?"
"What's your decision?"
Iren raised his hands quickly.
"Okay!"
"I'll drink it!"
"Just don't do anything!"
Lyra nodded.
"Good."
"Drink it in front of me."
Iren's eyes widened.
"Right now?!"
Lyra nodded calmly.
Iren slowly grabbed the bottle.
He poured the potion into a glass.
The smell alone made him cringe.
Lyra continued watching him silently.
Iren sighed deeply.
I have no choice…
He closed his eyes.
Then—
GLUG
He swallowed the entire potion.
A second later—
His face turned green.
His tongue stuck out.
"Ughhh…!"
"It's too bitter!"
Lyra stood up.
"Good."
"It's late."
"I'll go now."
She walked to the door.
Then turned around.
And waved lightly.
"Bye."
Iren waved back weakly.
His tongue still out.
"…Bye…"
Lyra left the room.
CLICK
The door closed.
Iren immediately grabbed another chocolate.
CRUNCH
"Ahh…"
"What a relief…"
---
Outside the Room
Lyra walked slowly down the corridor.
Her thoughts wandered.
Is he really this childish…?
She sighed softly.
He really thought I was looking down because I wanted chocolate…
She shook her head.
But the truth is…
She whispered quietly,
"I was just feeling shy about meeting him."
Then she muttered under her breath,
"…He really is an idiot."
But a faint smile appeared on her face.
And she continued walking down the corridor.
---