peace
Night fell over the forest in a calm, quiet way.
The sky was clear.
Stars began to appear, one by one.
And the sound of crickets filled the silence between the trees.
The group walked without hurry, moving a little away from the village.
After everything that had happened…
That moment felt rare.
Almost… normal.
— Let’s stop here — Daichi said.
Kaito had already started gathering some branches.
Toma helped, grumbling under his breath.
— I hope there’s food after this…
Dagan simply watched the surroundings.
Alert.
Always alert.
Aira crouched down and lit the fire.
The flames started small…
But soon grew.
Lighting up everyone’s faces.
The warmth brought comfort.
Silence for a few seconds.
Rin moved closer.
And naturally…
She sat beside Daichi.
Close.
Closer than necessary.
Aira noticed.
And without saying anything…
Sat on his other side.
Kaito raised an eyebrow.
Toma let out a low chuckle.
— Well, well…
— Looks like we’ve got a problem here.
Rin didn’t understand.
— A problem?
— N-no…
She moved even closer to Daichi, almost leaning on him.
Instinctively.
As if he were the only safe place.
Aira crossed her arms.
— Hm.
Daichi noticed.
But didn’t comment.
Liora just sighed.
— Children…
The fire crackled.
Sparks slowly rose into the night.
— So… — Kaito began — are we staying in the village for now?
Daichi nodded.
— For now, yeah.
— We need to get organized.
— And understand what’s going on.
Dagan spoke, direct as always:
— And prepare.
Toma scoffed.
— Prepare for what exactly?
Silence.
Daichi looked at the fire.
Thoughtful.
— For when they come back.
The mood shifted.
Heavier.
Aira didn’t look away.
— They will come.
Kaito nodded.
— After what happened… it’s only a matter of time.
Rin stayed quiet.
Watching everyone.
Trying to understand that world.
Without realizing it…
She lightly grabbed Daichi’s clothes.
As if afraid of getting lost.
He glanced at her.
But said nothing.
Time passed slowly.
Between small conversations.
And long silences.
Until—
Daichi stood up.
— It’s time.
— Let’s head back.
Rin stood up immediately.
Right along with him.
Without even thinking.
Toma started laughing.
— Look at that!
Kaito joined in.
— Not even trying to hide it anymore.
Aira rolled her eyes.
— Idiots.
Rin blushed.
— I-it’s not like that!
But she stayed beside him.
Without stepping away.
Not even once.
The group started walking back.
The forest now darker.
More silent.
Rin walked close to Daichi.
Quieter.
More insecure.
He noticed.
— Are you scared?
She hesitated.
Then gave a small nod.
— A little…
Daichi answered simply:
— I’m here.
That was enough.
They left the forest.
The village lights appeared.
The tavern just ahead.
But before they could enter—
A shout came from above.
From the watchtower.
— HEY!
Everyone looked up.
The guard was waving.
— DAICHI!
He cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted louder:
— SEND SOMEONE TO BRING FOOD UP HERE!
— WE’RE STARVING!
Silence for a second…
And then—
Toma burst out laughing.
Kaito too.
Even Dagan let out a small smile.
The tension that was there…
Broke.
Rin looked at Daichi.
And for the first time since leaving the room…
She laughed.
Softly.
For real.
And that night…
Without talking about the future.
Without talking about power.
Without talking about what was coming…
They simply existed.
For a moment.
In peace.
Daichi and Rin returned to the tavern.
The warm light inside contrasted with the cold night outside.
As soon as they entered…
Erza was already waiting.
Standing near the counter.
Arms crossed.
But when she saw the two—
Her gaze softened.
— You took a while…
Her voice came out firm.
But carried relief.
Rin approached first.
As always…
Right beside Daichi.
Erza let out a quiet sigh.
— Sit.
They obeyed.
They chose a simple table near the wall.
The place was calmer now.
Few people.
Quiet.
Erza turned, grabbed two plates, and began serving.
Hot food.
Simple.
But well made.
She placed the plates on the table.
— Eat.
Rin didn’t wait long.
She was hungry.
But this time…
She ate more slowly.
More calmly.
Daichi also started eating.
In silence.
Erza pulled a chair.
And sat with them.
Watching.
For a few seconds…
No one spoke.
Until—
Rin lifted her gaze.
Excited.
— Mom…
Erza focused on her immediately.
— I managed to…
A small pause.
— Use magic.
Silence.
Erza’s eyes widened slightly.
Surprised.
But soon…
A light filled them.
— You…?
Rin nodded, excited.
— It was in the forest.
— I just…
She raised her hand, trying to explain.
— A light appeared.
— Very faint…
— But… I felt it.
She lightly clenched her hand.
— Can I use magic?
Erza’s expression changed.
Now it wasn’t just emotion.
It was attention.
Care.
She leaned forward slightly.
— Tell me exactly how it happened.
Rin explained.
Every detail.
The moment.
The feeling.
The light.
Daichi watched in silence.
Erza listened to everything.
Without interrupting.
When Rin finished…
There was a brief silence.
Then—
Erza smiled.
Softly.
But truly.
— Even if it was just a spark…
She gently placed her hand on Rin’s face.
With care.
— That’s already enough.
Rin’s eyes widened.
— So I can…?
Erza nodded.
— You can.
A pause.
She looked at both of them.
— Tomorrow…
— I’ll explain everything I know about magic to you.
Her tone became more serious.
More firm.
— But for now…
She slowly stood up.
— You need to rest.
She looked at Rin.
Gently.
— Tomorrow will be a big day.
Rin smiled.
Tired.
But happy.
Daichi nodded.
In silence.
And in that moment…
Before going to sleep…
For the first time since everything began…
They had something beyond survival.
They had…
Expectation.
