Chapter 2: Beyond the Borders (Part 2)

Part 2

The morning light filtered through the villa's grand windows, casting long shadows over the ornate carpets.

Melodía reviewed the parchment she had written the day before. The golden ink shimmered under the light—an unnecessary but characteristic touch of her style. In front of her, a young elven maid stood waiting for instructions.

—Make sure this reaches my father personally —Melodía instructed, rolling the parchment with practiced delicacy—. I will not accept excuses.

—As you wish, Lady Luminis. —The maid took the parchment with a reverent bow before leaving.

Haruto, adjusting his new cloak for what felt like the hundredth time, watched the scene with an amused smirk.

—Do you always give orders like you're leading an army?

Melodía raised an eyebrow, turning gracefully.

—It is my duty to ensure everything is in order. Something you, misfit, should learn. —Her gaze dropped to Haruto's cloak—. Though it seems you can't even handle that properly.

—I'm just trying not to look like a walking sack of potatoes. —Haruto scoffed as Simo cawed on his shoulder, as if agreeing with the critique.

Yuna, sorting through her magic bag, intervened with a gentle smile.

—Haruto, it's not that complicated. Look. —With smooth movements, she adjusted the cloak over his shoulders—. There, that's better.

—Thanks, Yuna. At least someone here isn't enjoying making fun of me. —He shot a pointed glance at Melodía.

—Don't mistake observations for mockery. I simply maintain a decent standard. —Melodía adjusted her own cloak, its golden embroidery gleaming under the light.

—Enough with the sarcasm —Yuna cut in, taking the lead toward the door—. It's time to leave. Everyone ready?

Melodía nodded while Haruto secured his magic bag one last time.

They stepped out of the warm villa, the crisp air immediately marking the beginning of their journey.

Beyond the city's marble grandeur, the world turned colder and more hostile.

As they reached the outer gates, the imposing guards greeted them with critical stares.

—I see you're finally heading out —one of them muttered, arms crossed. His gaze lingered on Haruto a second too long—. Let's hope everything is in order this time.

Melodía stepped forward with confidence.

—Everything is in order, as you can verify.

The guard scrutinized the plaques, lingering slightly longer on Haruto's before nodding.

—Everything checks out. You may pass.

Just as they were about to move forward, a familiar voice interrupted them.

—Hold a moment, guards.

Solis appeared, flanked by two aides. The guards immediately straightened, their demeanor shifting to full attention. Solis' gaze locked onto the Nulite cuffs still on Haruto's wrists.

—These are no longer necessary.

The guard hesitated but, under Solis' unyielding stare, complied. With a metallic click, the shackles fell to the ground, their weighty sound echoing through the cold air.

Haruto rubbed his wrists, relieved.

—Thanks.

Solis met his gaze, his expression unreadable.

—This is standard procedure. —He gestured toward the horizon—. You are leaving elven territory and entering the lands of the dwarves. Beyond these walls, you are no longer our concern.

His tone was cold, making it clear that Haruto's release was not out of goodwill but mere formality.

Then, turning to Melodía, Solis continued.

—The details have already been sent to your father. I'm sure he will take the appropriate measures soon.

Melodía inclined her head solemnly.

—Thank you, Solis. That will make things easier.

The regent gave a slight nod before turning away.

—I wish you luck on your journey. You'll need it.

As they crossed the limits of Stonehollow, leaving the city behind, Haruto muttered to himself with a tired smirk.

—Definitely giving the light elves five stars for hospitality.

The group pressed forward along the path leading toward the Valdurn mountain range.

The icy air grazed their faces, and the snow was beginning to accumulate underfoot.

Far from the city's influence, a sudden shimmer flickered beside them—Kizuna finally able to manifest once more.

—I'm free at last! —Kizuna twirled in the air dramatically—. Those stupid cuffs nearly killed me with boredom, Kizu!

Yuna, upon seeing her, let out a small sigh of relief.

—Kizuna… It's good to have you back.

Melodía, on the other hand, completely abandoned her usual composure and leaned toward Kizuna, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

—You're so tiny and adorable! I missed you so much! Come here, let me hug you!

With a swift motion, Kizuna darted behind Haruto, puffing her cheeks.

—I know what you're planning, Kizu! I've seen how you treat Haruto-kyun. There's no way I'm letting you get near me that easily.

Melodía placed a hand over her heart, feigning drama.

—I see… So this is what rejection feels like… Such a cruel fate…

Haruto folded his arms, a mix of disbelief and resignation in his expression.

—Seriously?

—Of course, Kizu! —Kizuna declared, puffing out her chest with pride—. I value my personal space… and my dignity.

Then, she eyed Melodía with a challenging glint.

—If you want my trust, you'll have to earn it first, Kizu!

Melodía exaggerated a sigh before standing up slowly, brushing the snow off her cloak.

—Alright, little fluffball. I will earn your trust. —She dramatically pointed a finger toward the sky—. I swear on my Luminis lineage! I shall not rest until you accept my hug!

Kizuna rolled her eyes but couldn't hide a small smile. Yuna, suppressing a laugh, finally intervened.

—Alright, enough playing around. Let's move before the weather gets worse.

Though her tone was firm, the warmth in her expression reflected a sense of comfort in seeing the group grow closer.

They resumed their march, leaving the lighthearted moment behind as the snowfall intensified, quickly erasing their tracks.

The air grew colder with each step, and the path ahead became harder to distinguish beneath the thickening snow.

—If we keep following this route, there's an inn a few kilometers ahead. We should reach it before nightfall —Yuna said, tucking her map back into her magic bag.

Haruto raised an eyebrow.

—Wait a second… I thought you'd never been outside of Mythara?

—That's true —Yuna replied calmly—. But if I'm going to be a leader, I have to be prepared. I may not have experience beyond Mythara, but I am a sentinel and scout. Knowing the terrain is part of my duty.

Haruto tried to lighten the mood.

—Just don't push yourself too hard.

After a brief pause, he added,

—What else do you know about this place?

Yuna stopped for a moment, scanning the towering mountains ahead. Her eyes seemed to analyze every inch of the landscape.

—We need to be careful. The beasts in this region are skilled at camouflaging in the snow —she warned, her voice steady—. They don't always attack right away. Some wait until we're close enough to strike.

The freezing wind howled through the cliffs as the snowfall continued, covering the trail in a deceptive blanket of white.

A chill ran down my spine, and it had nothing to do with the cold.

I glanced at the endless white horizon, wondering if unseen eyes were already watching us from the snow.

—Great… walking into a frozen ambush. My favorite activity.

Melodía, leading the group, turned around with a carefree smile. Despite her lighthearted attitude, a confident glint shone in her eyes.

—If anything shows up, I'll make sure it's not a problem. I won't let anything ruin my day.

I couldn't resist responding to her joke.

—Sure, Melodía. I'm sure the beasts are trembling before your impeccable fashion sense.

She raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing sharper.

—Don't underestimate what a good cloak and a little magic can achieve, misfit.

Yuna shook her head with a smile before pressing forward. Her composure helped ease the tension within the group.

Then, like a sudden flash of inspiration, an idea lit up in my mind. I stopped abruptly and smacked my open palm with my fist, as if remembering something important.

—Yuna, I just remembered something.

I turned to her, excitement in my voice.

—With everything that's happened and those Nulite cuffs restricting me, I completely forgot. But now that I can use magic again, I want to share something with you.

Yuna blinked in surprise, while Melodía, a few steps ahead, crossed her arms, trying to mask her curiosity.

Closing my eyes, I focused.

Beside me, Kizuna began to glow, her radiance expanding toward Yuna, bathing both of us in a warm golden light.

A floating panel flickered into existence before us—Olivia's form taking shape.

—Information! Sharing new ability via Kizuna Link. Adding ability Skip to Yuna's skill set.

For an instant, the bond between Yuna and me became visible—interwoven strands of pulsating light connecting us. Kizuna drifted toward Yuna and pressed her forehead gently against hers. A luminous glow enveloped them both, as if a magical current flowed between them.

—Skill successfully shared. Process complete.

Melodía watched, stunned. The snow continued falling around us, but the radiant magic transformed the landscape into something surreal.

Yuna, still looking bewildered, finally broke the silence.

—What… was that?

I smiled calmly.

—It's a new skill Kizuna and Olivia developed. Skip allows you to use spells without needing to chant them.

Kizuna floated in front of us, arms crossed, exuding theatrical pride.

—No need to thank me, Kizu. I already know I'm amazing.

Yuna, still incredulous, extended her hand. With a single thought, she summoned her ElvenSword. The blade materialized in an elegant flash, reflecting the soft ambient light.

—This is… really incredible. And very useful.

She tested the balance of her sword, moving with newfound ease, clearly impressed.

Unable to resist, I adjusted my imaginary glasses and struck an exaggerated pose.

—We've officially become even cooler than before.

Yuna let out a soft laugh.

Melodía, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke, her voice laced with frustration.

—Why do I feel like this is something no one bothered to explain to me?

Kizuna spun in the air with a smug smile.

—Because it wasn't your time yet, Kizu. Yuna and Haruto share a Kizuna Link—a bond of friendship.

Melodía narrowed her eyes.

—And why only her?

—Because you have to earn the link. It's not something you can buy with money. —Kizuna puffed up her chest with pride.

The message was clear—this wasn't something Melodía could just acquire effortlessly.

Something clicked in her mind. Kizuna wasn't avoiding her out of dislike—it was an intentional barrier. That realization turned her frustration into something mixed with an unfamiliar sense of emptiness.

She scoffed, crossing her arms.

—Hmph! As if I'd be interested in linking with that misfit.

Melodía's tone tried to sound dismissive, but there was something else hidden in her words.

Haruto glanced at her briefly but chose not to comment. The group resumed their march.

The snowfall thickened, blanketing the ground in a dense layer of white. Despite the cold, something in the air had shifted.

The connection between Haruto and Yuna was palpable—a bond that seemed to radiate even in the harshest weather.

—There's the inn —Yuna pointed ahead, spotting a barely visible structure in the distance as night began to fall.

Relief settled over the group… until a deep howl shattered the quiet twilight.

From the surrounding trees and hills, shadows began to stir. Glowing eyes emerged from the darkness. A pack of snow wolves—at least thirty of them—surrounded them with deadly precision.

Olivia's voice echoed in Haruto's mind.

—Alert! Multiple enemies detected. Ice wolves. Level 5. Primary abilities: Snow Storm and Ice Shoot.

—We're surrounded! —Yuna exclaimed, summoning her ElvenSword in a burst of light.

Haruto conjured his pistols, but his body still felt sluggish from the lingering effects of the Nulite cuffs.

—Thirty? This has to be a joke…

The wolves crept forward, their low growls reverberating in the frozen air.

—There are too many… —Yuna whispered, adjusting her stance—. Melodía, what do we do?

Melodía stepped forward, her gaze locked onto the wolves.

—Step aside. Leave this to an expert.

She extended her hand.

—Materialize!

A golden flash illuminated the snow as a conductor's baton appeared in her grasp.

—Melodía, maybe we should coordinate— Yuna began.

—I don't need coordination for this. —Her voice was cold, cutting Yuna off—. Activate Mode: Rhapsody Symphony.

The snow around her shimmered with warm light. In a flash of magic, her outfit transformed into an opulent conductor's ensemble, adorned with intricate golden embroidery. Her baton rose into the air, and luminous notes began to dance around her, forming a living symphony.

Yuna stared in awe.

—This is my first time seeing her Arcane Vestment…

—Arcane Vestment? —Haruto asked, not taking his eyes off Melodía.

—When you activate a Mode, your magic manifests as attire that aligns with your essence. In her case, that conductor's uniform enhances her Light Magic.

The wolves lunged.

Melodía moved her baton with the grace of a maestro. The floating notes aligned, forming an enormous stave across the battlefield.

—Symphony of Light: Final Crescendo.

Her voice resonated like a grand orchestral climax.

The notes struck with divine precision. One by one, the wolves fell before they could even get close. Within seconds, the pack had vanished into trails of golden light.

Where the wolves once stood, only untouched snow remained, glistening under the soft snowfall.

Yuna dismissed her sword, looking at Melodía with concern.

—That was impressive, but… are you okay?

Melodía dusted off her outfit as if brushing away the insignificant. Her expression remained unreadable.

Haruto watched as her Arcane Vestment and baton faded away.

—So, teamwork isn't really your thing, huh…?

His panel suddenly displayed a notification, interrupting his thoughts.

—Information: No experience gained due to level difference. No abilities recovered from enemies.

—Well… that was efficient, —Haruto remarked, trying to lighten the mood, though his gaze lingered on Melodía with a growing sense of unease.

Something felt off. Her magic was powerful, but there was something else. Something cold and detached in the way she moved.

Melodía broke the silence with a sharp tone.

—I don't like wasting time, that's all. The inn is close.

Without waiting for a response, she walked down the snowy path.

Yuna exchanged a glance with Haruto before following her.

Even though the threat had passed, the air remained heavy with tension.

Walking behind her, Yuna watched Melodía carefully.

She had never seen her like this before. Proud? Yes. Elegant? Always. But this coldness… this was new.

"This isn't just about the wolves…" she thought.

She knew the absence of the Kizuna Link had affected Melodía more than she was willing to admit. That frustration, hidden behind her distant demeanor, showed in every step she took toward the inn.

The group continued through the thickening snow, letting the silence stretch between them.