Phase Zero [2]

Flash!

The boat landed on the surface of the water, it was unstable for a moment before settling into a steady rhythm.

*Whistle! *The captain on the main deck let out a sharp whistle.

"Woo!"

A pair of dolphins appeared at the rear of the boat, effortlessly slipping into the ropes fastened at the front. Mei gasped in surprise, while Aay's eyes widened slightly in disbelief.

Aay activated his ability—his eyes glowed golden as he examined the dolphins—but found nothing unusual.

Strange... Aay thought, glancing up at the captain, who wore his usual grin. It's just like my brothers. Whenever something weird happens, I feel like someone—or something—is behind it.

He shook his head, knowing he couldn't force the examiner to reveal anything.

The dolphins began pulling the boat slowly at first, but gradually picked up speed, creating small, unbroken waves in their wake.

Mei leaned over the side, her fingers trailing in the cool, salty water, a faint smile tugging at her lips. She had never seen dolphins up close before like this.

As she watched them, her hand instinctively went to the two pendants hanging around her neck—one shaped like a tree, the other a dolphin.

Memories flashed briefly in her mind: her uncle's guidance, her aunt's cooking, and the warmth of their home. But she quickly pushed those thoughts aside.

She couldn't afford to dwell on the past now.

She had a goal—to pass the Pro Exam and become strong enough and find her origin.

The pendants were a reminder of that strength, and she clutched them tightly before letting go.

Aay sat across from her, his arms crossed, his sharp eyes fixed on the horizon. He didn't seem to share her fascination with the dolphins.

To him, they were just another part of the journey—a means to an end. His mind was already racing ahead, calculating what the next test might entail. He had learned long ago that survival depended on staying one step ahead, and he wasn't about to let his guard down now.

Still, even Aay couldn't deny the beauty of the creatures. Their grace and fluidity were mesmerizing, but he quickly pushed the thought aside.

He shifted slightly in his seat, careful not to upset the balance of the boat.

The memory of a river accident from yesterday was still fresh—the panic of being pulled under, the struggle to breathe, the helplessness as the current dragged him downstream.

He had nearly drowned, and the experience had left him with a deep-seated wariness of water.

He didn't know how to swim, and the last thing he needed was to capsize the boat by being careless. His weight alone was enough to make the small vessel unstable.

Or so he thought, but he wasn't about to take any chances.

If time permits, I'll learn how to swim immediately, Aay made a mental note.

The boat continued its voyage, guided by the dolphins as if they knew exactly where to go.

The water rippled around them, the sunlight dancing on the waves like scattered shards of glass.

For a while, neither of them spoke.

The only sounds were the gentle lapping of the waves, the rhythmic clicks of the dolphins, and the occasional cry of a seabird overhead.

Finally, Mei broke the silence. "So, Aay," she began, her tone light but laced with curiosity, "Where did you learn to fight like that? You're not just some random applicant, are you?"

Aay glanced at her, his expression unreadable. He took a moment to consider his answer, his gaze drifting back to the horizon. "I've trained most of my life," he said finally, his voice low and measured. "And I can tell the same for you."

Mei's smile widened, a flicker of pride in her eyes. "Thanks. I've had to learn fast. Growing up in the forest, I've learned how to be quick on my feet so I don't have to harm animals because of my mischief."

Aay nodded. "Good for you."

Mei tilted her head, studying him with a mix of curiosity and admiration. There was something about Aay that intrigued her—something beyond his skill and calm demeanor.

"You too," she said, her tone sincere.

"Maybe we can watch each other's backs in the next test. What do you say?"

She proposed.

Aay met her gaze, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. Why not? It would be better to have someone who knows the outside world beside me.

"I'd say that's not a bad idea," he replied. "Partners, then?"

"Partners," Mei agreed, extending her hand.

Aay shook it firmly, the gesture sealing their unspoken pact.

For the first time in a long while, Aay felt a flicker of something he hadn't allowed himself to feel in years—camaraderie. Mei, for her part, felt a surge of hope. With Aay by her side, she felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

However, Aay had no clue that Mei also had no experience with the outside world.

A bit ironic, isn't it?

As the boat glided across the water, the landscape began to change.

The endless expanse of ocean gave way to jagged cliffs and rocky outcrops, their surfaces weathered by the relentless pounding of the waves.

Mei's smile as she took in the sight. "That's where we're headed, isn't it?"

Aay nodded, his expression calm. "Looks like it. Stay sharp."

The island loomed larger as they approached, its towering cliffs casting long shadows over the water.

The dolphins guided the boat to a narrow inlet, where a rickety wooden dock jutted out from the rocky shore.

As the boat bumped against the dock, the dolphins disappeared beneath the waves, their task complete.

Mei turned to Aay, her curiosity getting the better of her. "By the way, I'm Mei. I guess I should introduce myself properly since we're partners now," she said with a grin. "I'm from Tall Tree Cliff—that island full of trees where I boarded the ship. What about you? Where are you from?"

Aay's expression remained unreadable, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly as he studied her.

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he activated his unique ability.

Mei's aura radiated a bright yellow, vibrant and warm, a clear sign of someone positive and outgoing. It was the kind of aura that suggested trustworthiness.

After a moment, he dismissed the thought. "I don't think that's important right now," he said finally, his tone neutral but firm. "It's better if we focus on the test ahead."

Mei blinked, caught off guard by his response.

The atmosphere grew awkward, and she quickly backtracked. "Oh, uh—sorry. I didn't mean to pry." she said, scratching the back of her head sheepishly.

Aay shook his head. "It's not that I don't trust you," he explained, "It's just... some things are better left unsaid. For both our sakes."

Mei nodded, though she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. Still, her ever-bright demeanor quickly returned. "Well, no worries! We're partners now, right? That's what matters."

Aay looked at her, her genuine smile cutting through his usual guardedness. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to relax. "Yeah," he said, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Partners."

"Anyway, what was that about?" Mei asked. "Your eyes—they turned brighter than they usually are."

Aay couldn't help but smile wryly. I just reprimanded you, you know? He concluded that Mei was just really a gullible child.

He ruffled her hair—a gesture to show his refusal to answer.

"Oh, uh," Mei awkwardly smiled, realizing she was prying again.

As they stepped onto the dock, the weight of their partnership settled between them.

Mei's optimism and Aay's caution created an unlikely balance, one that might just see them through the challenges ahead.

The island awaited, its secrets hidden in the shadows, but for now, they had each other—and that was enough.