Chapter 47: Finn's plan

It had been a month since Luca returned home from the military camp. In that short time, many things had changed about him. He had grown taller, his muscles had become stronger. Part of it was due to strengthening technique from the book, but the strange fruit he had eaten also played a major role. Luca still didn't know its name, but he could feel its effects every day. His agility had improved tremendously, thanks to his training with Taro. His body was slowly changing, becoming something beyond normal humans.

Luca knew that if he faced his past self from a month ago, he would easily win. His mother had noticed the changes as well, often commenting in amazement that he was going through a growth phase.

One morning, as Luca and his mother were eating breakfast, Finn arrived at their house.

"Good day, Auntie," Finn greeted with a smile.

Luca's mother stood up and motioned for him to join them. "Come, have breakfast with us."

Finn shook his head. "I just ate, Auntie, but thank you." Then, he turned to Luca, his expression shifting into one of curiosity.

Luca quickly finished his meal and stood up. "I'm going out, Mom."

His mother nodded. "Take care, both of you."

As they walked, Finn kept staring at Luca with narrowed eyes. Finally, he stopped and asked, "Who are you, and what have you done with the real Luca?"

Luca blinked in confusion. "What?"

Finn sighed dramatically. "Luca, what did you eat? Not only have you grown, but your skin looks clearer, and you look... I don't know, stronger? What's your secret?"

Luca shrugged. "Nothing. Just a normal growth phase."

Finn groaned. "Great. Now when we walk together, all the girls will only look at you."

Luca shook his head, laughing a little. He hesitated for a moment, wondering whether to tell Finn about Taro. He didn't know how Finn would react, and if Finn accidentally told someone, it could put Taro in danger. Luca decided that he would only tell Finn once they both reached the harmonization stage.

"So, what's this all about?" Luca asked, changing the topic.

Finn grinned. "Luca, do you remember that girl you saw before we went to Oakwood Village?"

Luca frowned, thinking back. "Yeah, what about her?"

"You're so slow," Finn groaned. "Since I've been visiting Oakwood Village often, I actually became friends with the tall girl who shouted at us. Her name is Lia."

Luca nodded and said, "Good job."

Finn continued, "But you, Luca, you just stay home and train all day. How is that girl, the one you actually thought was cute, going to remember you?"

Luca blinked. "What should I do then?"

Finn sighed like he was talking to a lost cause. "You have to be proactive, Luca. Luckily for you, I've already done some research." He smirked proudly. "Her name is Aveline. She's from the city of Ironwill, but she's been staying at her grandfather's house in Oakwood Village. And here's the important part—she'll be leaving right after the Great Festival, which usually takes place twice a year."

Luca absorbed the information, unsure of how to respond. He had only admired her from a distance, but Finn was treating this like some kind of mission.

Finn nudged him. "So? Are you just going to let her leave without even talking to her?"

Luca sighed. He wasn't sure what to do, but knowing Finn, he wasn't going to let this go anytime soon.

Finn's eyes sparkled with excitement. "So, are you in? We can attend the Great Festival together and—"

Luca raised an eyebrow, but Finn's enthusiasm was contagious. "Fine, let's go."

Finn grinned triumphantly. "That's the spirit! We'll leave for the festival in a week. It's going to be epic!"

Luca chuckled, shaking his head. "You're something else, Finn."

Later that day, Luca made his way up the mountain for training with Taro. As he arrived, he saw Taro resting on a large rock, his long tail flicking lazily.

Luca hesitated for a moment before an idea crossed his mind. "Taro, can I ride on your back?"

Taro opened one eye and let out a small huff. Then, with a slight nod, he crouched lower, allowing Luca to climb onto his back.

Excited, Luca positioned himself carefully, gripping onto Taro's thick fur. The next moment, Taro launched forward with incredible speed. Wind rushed past Luca's face as the trees blurred around him. At first, it was exhilarating—feeling the sheer speed and power beneath him. But soon, his stomach churned. The rapid turns, the sudden bursts of acceleration, and the uneven terrain made it hard for him to keep his balance.

"T-Taro! Slow down!" Luca gasped, gripping tighter.

Taro let out a deep rumble, amused by Luca's struggle, but he gradually slowed to a stop. Luca stumbled off, slightly dizzy.

After catching his breath, Luca looked at Taro and grinned. "That was... intense. But I want to try again sometime."

Taro let out a soft growl, almost as if chuckling, before nudging Luca forward. 

Luca took a deep breath and started his training with Taro. Luca was increasing day by day in his agility training. He sometimes even subconsciously thinks about dodging Taro's tail. It is beginning to form like an instinct. 

The hours passed as he trained tirelessly. The sun had shifted high into the sky before Luca finally took a break. Sitting on a flat rock, he wiped the sweat from his forehead and stared out at the mountain view.

The mountain view took Luca's breath away. From the summit, the houses below looked like tiny dollhouses, nestled among the lush greenery. The glinting rivers snaked their way through the landscape, adding a touch of serenity to the already-breath taking scene.

As Luca stood there, the wind whipping his hair into a frenzy, he felt invincible – like he was on top of the world. The sheer majesty of the view overwhelmed him, and he let out a triumphant yell: "Wohoo!"

Taro's feline eyes narrowed, his whiskers twitching in confusion as he watched Luca's outburst. But Luca just chuckled, his grin still plastered on his face, and returned to his training, leaving Taro to wonder what had triggered the sudden celebration.