Lilith

The fire crackled softly in the quiet of the camp, casting flickering shadows against the towering trees. The night was cool, yet Lilith barely noticed the chill as she sat alone, lost in thought. Kazuya had gone out earlier that day—his first time venturing beyond the safety of their small refuge without her or Orin. It had left her uneasy, though she couldn't quite explain why.

She pulled her knees to her chest, gazing at the embers glowing like dying stars. In her heart, she knew the reason. She had grown used to Kazuya's presence, to watching over him as he stumbled his way through this unfamiliar world. He was unlike anyone she'd ever met—aloof, sarcastic, but strangely determined. And despite her better judgment, she worried about him.

Orin's voice broke through her reverie. "He'll be fine, you know."

Lilith glanced over at the old man, who sat with his back against a log, puffing on his pipe. His face, illuminated by the firelight, was unreadable. "I know," she said, though the words felt hollow.

"You don't sound convinced."

Lilith exhaled through her nose, her hands tightening around her arms. "It's not that I don't think he can handle himself. It's just... he doesn't understand how things work here. This world isn't kind to people like him."

"People like him?" Orin raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly is he?"

She hesitated, searching for the right words. "He's... lost. He acts like he doesn't care, but I think he's afraid. He hides it well, but I see it. And I don't want him to break."

Orin chuckled. "You're more attached to that boy than you let on."

Lilith scoffed, turning away. "He's an idiot."

"And yet, he's your idiot."

Silence hung between them for a moment before Lilith sighed. "Maybe."

Before Orin could respond, the rustling of leaves signaled Kazuya's return. He stepped into the firelight, his face unreadable. Lilith studied him, looking for any sign of injury, but he seemed intact—physically, at least.

"You're late," she said flatly.

Kazuya shrugged. "Lost track of time."

Lilith narrowed her eyes. Something was off about him, but she couldn't quite place what. He wasn't acting like he had gotten into trouble, but there was something different in his posture, the way his eyes seemed slightly distant. She opened her mouth to ask about his trip, but hesitated. If he wanted to tell her, he would.

Instead, she tossed him a small cloth bundle. "Eat. You'll need your strength."

Kazuya caught it and smirked. "Didn't know you cared."

Lilith rolled her eyes. "I don't. Just don't drop dead before we figure out what to do next."

Despite her words, she couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed tonight. She just didn't know what.

Lilith lay awake long after the others had gone to sleep. The steady breathing of Orin and Kazuya filled the night air, accompanied only by the occasional crackle of the dying fire. Her body was tired, but her mind refused to rest.

Kazuya was getting stronger, she had to admit that much. When she had first met him, he had been utterly lost, confused, and weak. He still was in many ways, but there was a difference now. He had changed. Slowly, but undeniably.

And that terrified her.

She had seen it before—that spark of hope, of determination—only for it to be crushed under the weight of this world's cruelty. It always happened. The strong devoured the weak, and the foolish met their ends far too soon.

She had survived by learning not to get attached. But now?

Her fingers dug into the fabric of her sleeve. Kazuya was different. She had tried to keep her distance, to remain indifferent, but it was getting harder. There was something about him—something that made her want to believe in him, despite her better judgment.

What was she supposed to do?

A sigh escaped her lips as she turned her gaze to the sky. The stars above were endless, indifferent to the troubles of mortals below. Maybe she should be more like them.

By the time morning arrived, Lilith had made up her mind. She needed to test Kazuya—to push him, to see if he was truly capable of surviving in this world.

She found him sitting on a log, staring at the remains of the fire. He looked exhausted, like he hadn't slept much. Lilith crossed her arms. "You look like death."

Kazuya smirked but didn't look away from the embers. "Thanks, I try."

She clicked her tongue. "We need to talk."

He finally turned to her, raising an eyebrow. "Oh? This sounds serious."

Lilith sat down beside him, keeping a careful distance. "You need to start taking things more seriously. You've been improving, but it's not enough. If you keep relying on luck and stubbornness, you'll get yourself killed."

Kazuya scoffed. "What, you suddenly my mentor now?"

"Someone has to be."

Silence hung between them for a moment before Kazuya sighed. "I get it, alright? I know I'm not exactly a warrior or anything, but I'm trying."

Lilith studied him. There was sincerity in his voice, but also something else—something heavier. She didn't press, instead choosing her next words carefully. "Good. Because from now on, I'm going to push you harder. No more easy days. You need to learn how to fight, how to think like someone who belongs in this world."

Kazuya blinked. "So what, you're turning this into boot camp?"

Lilith smirked. "Something like that."

He groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Great. Just what I needed."

She stood up, stretching. "Better get used to it."

For the first time in a long while, she felt a little lighter. Kazuya still had a long way to go, but maybe—just maybe—he had a chance after all. And if he was going to survive, then she would make sure he did it right.

No matter what it took.