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"Hey, Reiji," Lyrien's sweet, gentle voice echoed softly. "You should rest for now. Don't worry, we'll stay here and guard you while you sleep. On our way here, it seems you've already taken down all the Grombles along the path, so we should be safe here for the night."

Lyrien's words carried a reassuring calmness, but Lyra quickly added, "She's right. If you're heading further north, you can join us. We're moving in the same direction. For now, let's make camp here until dawn. We're also waiting to see if any of our comrades will show up."

"Thank goodness. It's a good thing I decided to help these two," Reiji thought to himself. Then he responded aloud, "Alright, I'll just take a quick nap. Thanks."

As he settled down, he thought, "I still feel a little exhausted. I wonder what Drainea really means... I'll need some time alone with Lyrien later to figure this out."

Meanwhile, Lyrien leaned over to Lyra and whispered, "Lyra, we literally followed him so we could ask for his help to find the others and get home. Why did you make it sound like we're the ones helping him?"

Lyra replied in a hushed tone, "We are helping him... aren't we?"

Hearing their exchange, Reiji smiled faintly, thinking, "Is that supposed to be a whisper? It's hushed, but they're practically shouting at each other. Anyway, Lyra does have a point."

With the sound of the sisters' voices still ringing softly in his ears, Reiji drifted into a peaceful slumber.

When he regained consciousness, the gentle crackling of a campfire reached his ears. 

Slowly opening his eyes, he noticed it was already dark. Turning his head, he spotted a warm glow from the fire a short distance away.

By the campfire, Lyra and Lyrien sat together, engaged in a hushed conversation.

"How long was I asleep?" Reiji wondered.

He stood up, stretching his stiff limbs, before making his way toward the fire and the two sisters.

"Hey," Reiji greeted them.

"Hey, you're up already?" Lyra asked, her voice tinged with surprise.

"Yeah, I'm good. It's your turn to sleep." Reiji responded.

Lyra glanced over at Lyrien, her eyes soft with concern. "Lyrien, you sleep first. I know you're already beat."

"I am, actually. I'll go ahead and sleep now. Goodnight!" Lyrien stated, standing up and walking over to where Reiji had been resting.

Reiji looked at Lyra and said, "You can go ahead and sleep too. I can keep watch over both of you."

Lyra paused, her gaze steady as she met his. "I know you saved us, but I'm still not trusting you with us asleep."

Reiji chuckled softly and shrugged. "I guess you're right." He offered a warm, disarming smile before adding, "Do you mind if I quickly scout the area? The moon is bright, and there might be some Darkspawn lurking around."

"There are still Darkspawn here?" Lyra asked, her voice laced with concern.

Reiji nodded. "Yeah, but it's quite rare. Still, it wouldn't hurt to be extra cautious."

"I see. Alright, we'll be here if you need anything," Lyra replied.

Reiji nodded and made his way into the darkness, his mind preoccupied, "I can't be in one place with Lyra. I still can't unsee it…" He thought to himself, a slight blush creeping up his face as he walked away.

As Reiji walked, something crossed his mind. "That thing looked high quality. I'll quickly check it out," he murmured.

With determination, he cast Vitalis Vedere, enhancing his physical abilities. He swiftly moved, retracing his steps back to where he had first met the two sisters.

Within minutes, he arrived and muttered, "It's still here." 

As he approached it, he cast Mechanika's Touch and his eyes glowed sage green.

Suddenly, a beautifully crafted sword materialized in front of him. Reiji couldn't help but grin. "I was right about its quality," he said, pride bubbling up inside him.

After admiring the sword for a moment, he added with a soft smile, "Since I'm here, I might as well get this for Lyra too."

Reiji made his way back to where the sisters were. As soon as he arrived, he called out to Lyra, "Lyra, I have something for you." 

He drew the sword and approached her, holding it out.

Lyra, who had been staring idly into the distance, was suddenly surprised.

She looked at the sword in Reiji's hands, her eyes wide. "Is this my sword?!" she asked, incredulous.

Reiji nodded with a grin.

"But it was shattered!" Lyra added, still in disbelief. "How?"

Reiji gave a casual shrug. "Let's just say, I did to it what I did to you."

Lyra's eyes widened at his words, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. 

She hesitated for a moment before lifting the sword and swinging it experimentally. 

The weight of the blade surprised her, but in a good way. "This feels different... It's lighter, yet more powerful. Just who are you, Reiji?"

Reiji chuckled, a teasing grin forming on his face. "Uhm... I'd appreciate a simple thank you. You don't have to become a fan now."

Lyra blinked at him in disbelief, her voice full of wonder. "Where have you been all this time?"

Reiji quickly answered, "Here. In Caitstown. I've been here this whole time. They adopted me, remember?"

"Yeah, I know," Lyra grinned. "But what I mean is, why haven't you gone to the kingdom?"

"Not my thing," Reiji quickly replied.

"Oh no… I think I might've messed this up," Reiji fretted.

"What are you two up to?" Lyrien's voice suddenly cut through.

"Lyrien! Look!" Lyra turned, excited, and held up her sword.

"Is that the sword Brother Kaelin gave you? But wasn't it shattered by Krogar earlier?" Lyrien asked, her confusion clear.

"Reiji had it repaired!" Lyra answered, her excitement growing.

Reiji smiled, relieved. "Phew. I think Lyrien just saved me again."

"You might be right, Lyrien," Lyra exclaimed. "Reiji must be an ART ability holder!"

"ART ability?" Reiji pondered in confusion.