# Chapter 5: A Year Later
# Chapter 5: A Year Later
By the time Witch Enaga had settled into life with Akebi, a full year had quietly slipped by.
Their savings had started running dry, so the two of them began taking on requests from traveling adventurers just to keep food on the table.
Let's take a peek at how Akebi and Enaga have been growing — and their day-to-day life together.
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**— A Certain Day —**
"Let's seeee~? C'mon, Akebi, catch up if you can! lol"
Riding the broom she'd inherited from Master — its bristles a swirl of white and shimmering aurora — Witch Enaga soared high into the sky, flaunting her advantage without mercy. Akebi, who'd only ever trained in staff-fighting — proper martial arts, mind you — was left yelling up at her from way down below.
"WAAAAH!! Enaga, that's so mean!!! Take THIS!!"
With an emphatic *HYAH*, Akebi hurled his combat staff straight up into the sky.
The staff cut through the wind, climbing higher and higher, closing in on Enaga.
**"—>>> Black Pent <<<"**
The moment Enaga finished the incantation, the staff slipped through a warped rift in space and reappeared with a *bonk* right on top of Akebi's head.
"WAH!! No fair!! That's totally cheating!! C'mooon!!!"
"Sorry, sorry, lol."
"...I'm gonna learn spells too!! I'll get strong with spells, just you watch!!!"
"Ooh, love the ambition. Alright, I'll teach you, then."
And so began Enaga's training regimen for Akebi.
His personal hell started right then and there.
Since Akebi was naturally suited to close-range combat, he decided to start with short-range spells first — but no matter what he tried, nothing stuck. It took him a full five months just to manage his first spell: Hamoni.
**"—>>> Hamoni <<<"**
A pair of translucent orange wings sprouted, flapping wildly, from Akebi's back.
"OOOOOHHH!! I'm flying! I'm actually flying!!"
"Bwahaha! What IS that?! So lame! lol"
Akebi was plenty frustrated that spellcasting wasn't clicking for him, but his close-combat skills had come along in leaps and bounds — he could now clear field monsters with ease, even if he still had a long way to go before matching Enaga. His growth really was something to look forward to...
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**— A Certain Day —**
Witch Enaga had a soft spot for pale blue gemstones.
She sat there polishing one with a happy little smile on her face.
**Akebi** *(whispering)*
"Akebi's... special..."
**"SURPRISE ATTACK!!!!!!!!"**
"WAAAAAAAHHHH!!!"
**">>>>>>>> GIGA DIVOID!! <<<<<<<<"**
"GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!"
"Hm... yeah, thought so. A properly polished gemstone really does pump out some serious spell power..."
*Akebi, embedded halfway into the wall.*
"...ugh... you didn't... have to go... that far...... uughhh......"
"Enaga is... terrifying..."
"You brought this on yourself."
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Little by little, in their own chaotic way, the bond between the two of them kept growing deeper.
