Chapter 5: Gear and the Ice Bridge

The sky above Monolith World was a dark gray, with heavy-looking clouds hanging, ready to pour rain. The wind blew gently through the towering trees, enveloping the forest with a cold aura that further emphasized the silence. Raka and Lily walked side by side, following the path leading to the next Safe Zone, after their fierce battle against Cerdric and Thrain.

Lily glanced at Raka, breaking the silence between them.

Lily: (In an inquisitive tone, looking at Raka) "Those two lumps of iron you used earlier... what were they? I've never seen such weapons before."

Raka: (Smiling slightly, feeling pleased to be noticed) "Oh, those are what I call 'Gear'. I designed them myself."

He shrugged casually before continuing his explanation.

Raka: (In an enthusiastic tone) "Initially, I tried using a Claymore and a Great Sword. But while they were strong for attacking, I felt lacking in terms of defense. After that, I switched to shields. But, shields are too passive, less effective for long-range attacks."

Lily: (Nodding slowly, interested in his explanation) "So, this Gear is a combination of both?"

Raka: (Nodding, a little excited) "Exactly. I needed something that could attack and defend, and most importantly, suitable for Telekinesis magic. So, I started thinking about a more flexible design, and this Gear was created."

Lily seemed impressed, but her eyes narrowed for a moment, thinking about something.

Lily: (In a serious tone, raising an eyebrow) "Andamatite... that's the metal you used for the Gear, right? You know, Andamatite is very rare and expensive, especially for custom weapons like these."

Raka: (Chuckles, feeling a little awkward) "Yeah, I know. Actually, the Gear was a gift."

Lily: (Tilting her head, her eyes radiating curiosity) "A gift? From whom?"

Raka: (Smiling warmly, recalling the moment) "I received it as a gift for successfully entering the academy."

{Flashback: An Idea for Alya}

A few months before the class placement exam, Raka stood in front of Alya in the forest where they usually trained. His hands held a piece of paper, showing the rough design of the Gear he had just conceived in his mind.

Raka: (Speaking enthusiastically, showing his design) "I want to create a flying weapon that I can use to attack and defend. The only problem is the material. I need something very hard but light enough, like Mythril or Andamatite."

Alya observed the design seriously, then looked at Raka who smiled sadly.

Raka: (In a soft tone, a little disappointed) "But, those materials are very expensive. I know this is just my dream. I'm satisfied if I have to use ordinary steel."

Alya, who rarely expressed emotions clearly, seemed concerned to see her brother's expression. She knew how big Raka's dream was, but the reality of the price of precious metals like Andamatite made everything seem impossible.

{Flashback: A Gift from Alya}

One day before the class placement exam, Raka returned to his dormitory after meeting with Alya in the academy garden. When he opened his room door, his eyes widened to see two pieces of Andamatite Gear lying on his bed.

Next to the Gear, there was a letter written in fine handwriting.

"Please cheer up, my beloved Brother ❤️

-Your dearest sister."

Raka: (Smiling broadly, feeling touched while holding the letter to his chest) "That sly little sister."

[Back to Raka and Lily's Conversation]

Back in the present, Raka saw a small smile on Lily's lips as she listened to his story. However, Lily's eyes suddenly narrowed, her gaze turning sharp.

Lily: (In a teasing tone, narrowing her eyes) "Hmm, a gift from someone, huh? You must have a rich girlfriend."

Raka: (Startled, his face reddened) "G-girlfriend? Don't joke around!"

He immediately tried to change the subject, pointing forward excitedly.

Raka: (Pointing towards a bridge in the distance) "Anyway, there's a fairly wide river ahead. How will we cross? Oh, look! There's a bridge over there!"

However, Lily just shook her head slightly, looking unimpressed.

Lily: (In a calm tone, looking at the bridge) "Don't take that bridge. We should cross the river from here."

Before Raka could ask further, Lily stomped her foot on the ground. In an instant, the part of the river in front of them froze, forming a sturdy ice bridge.

Lily: (In a casual tone, as if it were a trivial matter) "Well, now we can cross."

Raka: (Looking at her in amazement, clapping his hands) "Amazing, Lily! You're really great."

They began to cross the ice bridge formed by Lily. As they walked on the slippery ice surface, Raka turned to Lily, looking curious.

Raka: (In an inquisitive tone) "Why did you choose to cross directly like this? Wouldn't it be easier to use the bridge?"

Lily: (Looking ahead, her voice calm and calculating) "That bridge could be a meeting point for many other groups. If we cross there, we're likely to get caught in a battle. Crossing directly from here is safer."

Raka lowered his head, pondering the answer.

Raka: (Speaking softly, beginning to understand) "I see..."

However, a thought crossed his mind, and he spoke again.

Raka: (In a hesitant tone, looking at the ice bridge) "But... in that case, wouldn't this ice bridge you created also attract the attention of others to use it?"

Before Lily could answer, a strange voice suddenly came from behind them.

???: (In a casual tone, his voice echoed among the trees) "Well, lucky there's a shortcut here."

Raka and Lily immediately turned around, their bodies tensing with alertness. Behind them, two figures emerged from the shadows of the trees, looking at them with intriguing eyes.

[To be continued]