Deep Wounds

After the mysterious figure disappeared, Kael and Aveline fell silent. The night wind carried the smell of metal and ash from the battlefield. Kael's body shook, not only from exhaustion, but also from the wound under his left eye that stung. Blood slowly flowed, forming a striking red line on his face.

Aveline approached, her face full of concern. "Kael, you need to be treated now. The wound is too deep."

Kael tried to smile, even though the pain on his face was hard to bear. "I'm fine, we have to get out of here first."

Aveline shook her head. Quickly, she took out an herbal ointment from her small pouch. "No, you have to stop being stubborn. Let me take care of you."

They found shelter in the ruins of an old building, far from the remains of the battle. Aveline began the healing process by bandaging Kael's wound. Her hands moved deftly, although occasionally her eyes filled with tears at the sight of the scar that would be left on Kael's face.

"This wound will always be there," Aveline said softly.

Kael smiled faintly, even though the pain was still there. "A sign that I have survived. I can live with that."

Aveline fell silent, looking down for a moment. She felt guilty for not being able to protect Kael completely, even though she knew that Kael would never blame her.

Reflection and Promise.

The night grew deeper, and silence enveloped them. Kael sat leaning against the cracked wall, looking up at the star-filled sky. Aveline sat next to him, still busy repairing the broken protective amulet.

"Aveline," Kael called out in a low voice. "I want to thank you. If it weren't for you, I might not be here."

Aveline looked up, slightly surprised. "Don't talk like that. We're a team. I was just doing my job."

Kael looked at her, his eyes soft yet meaningful. "You're more than just a fighting partner to me. You're the reason I can keep going."

Aveline's face flushed, but she said nothing. She simply nodded slowly, her heart pounding at Kael's words.

In the middle of the night, the now weakened Prisma began to project a hologram of a map. "Kael, Aveline, I detect a new energy source not far from here. This source could be the key to strengthening you, but it is also dangerous."

Kael understood. "Does it have something to do with the mysterious man?"

Prisma shook slightly, as if hesitant. "Most likely, yes. This source contains technology that even I cannot fully understand."

Aveline took Kael's hand. "Whatever it is, we will face it together."

Morning slowly arrived, and although their bodies still felt tired, the spirit to continue the journey was rekindled. Kael rose, gripping his sword tightly. The wound on his face had been neatly bandaged, but the scar was still clearly visible, a distinctive feature that added to his aura of determination.

Aveline stood beside him, her weapon ready in her hand. With a look of conviction, she said, "We have been through a lot. Nothing can stop us now."

Kael smiled, for the first time without pain. "You are right. Let us find the truth behind all this."

On their way to the location Prisma had indicated, Kael and Aveline began to talk more about their past. Kael talks about the simple life he left behind, and how his sense of responsibility always drives him forward.

Aveline, on the other hand, begins to open up about her loneliness as an explorer and a witch who has always felt different.

"I always thought I had to face everything alone," she says quietly. "But with you, I feel like I have a place to return to."

Kael looks at her, feeling closer to her than ever.