A Gift

The rhythmic sound of wooden swords clashing echoed throughout the training hall. Fenix had spent the last two weeks refining the basics under Aldric's strict guidance, practicing his stance, footwork, and grip endlessly. No flashy moves, no special techniques—just relentless, repetitive drills. Even though it was exhausting, he could feel the difference in how his body responded. His strikes were smoother, his movements more fluid, and his control over Ashfang had grown sharper.

After another morning of training, Fenix decided to join Dante and Mira for lunch. The cafeteria buzzed with students discussing upcoming exams, sparring matches, and SoulRealm expeditions. Fenix, however, was lost in thought about his training until Mira suddenly spoke up.

"Oh, right! Did you know Sylis's birthday is coming up?" she said casually between bites of her meal.

Fenix, mid-chew, nearly choked on his food. He swallowed hard and blinked. "Wait... what?"

Mira smirked at his reaction. "You heard me. Her birthday is in a few days."

Fenix frowned slightly. Birthdays? That wasn't something he ever thought about. He never had one worth celebrating himself, and he doubted Sylis was the type to make a big deal out of it. But still… It was her birthday. That meant something, right?

Dante, leaning back in his chair, grinned. "You're thinking of getting her something, aren't you?"

Fenix scoffed. "What? No, I was just... caught off guard."

Mira and Dante exchanged a knowing look before Mira leaned forward with a teasing smile. "You so are. But that's good! It'd be nice if she got something from a friend, you know?"

Fenix exhaled sharply and leaned on the table. "Even if I was thinking about it... what the hell do you get someone like her?"

"Something elegant," Mira suggested. "Maybe jewelry or a book? She likes reading."

"Or a weapon," Dante joked. "Nothing says 'I care' like something sharp and deadly."

Fenix rolled his eyes. "Right. Because nothing screams 'friendship' like handing someone a murder tool."

Dante shrugged. "Hey, it's a practical gift for an Awakened."

Mira giggled. "Still, you should pick something that means something. Something thoughtful."

Fenix sighed. This was going to be harder than he thought.

Later that evening, Fenix wandered through the commercial district of the academy's city. The streets were lively with students and instructors alike browsing shops, training, or simply relaxing. He had no idea where to start, so he went to the first few stores that caught his eye.

A small bookstore seemed like a safe bet. He browsed through different titles, picking up a few that seemed interesting. Some were historical records of SoulRealm expeditions, others were fictional tales of legendary warriors. Yet, none of them felt right.

Jewelry? He stepped into a shop filled with elegant necklaces, rings, and bracelets. Sylis was from one of the Five Great Families. Maybe something refined would suit her. He glanced at a silver pendant shaped like a crescent moon—simple yet beautiful. But then he hesitated. Would she even wear something like this?

Fenix scratched the back of his head, feeling out of his depth. He had never given anyone a gift before, let alone tried to figure out something personal.

Feeling frustrated, he walked aimlessly through the streets until a different kind of shop caught his attention—a weaponsmith.

Inside, the scent of metal and oil filled the air, and the walls were lined with various blades, spears, and daggers. His gaze landed on a particular dagger displayed behind glass. The blade had a water-like shimmer to it, its hilt engraved with intricate waves, as if meant for someone with an affinity for the element.

Something clicked in his mind. It wasn't just a weapon—it was her weapon.

"Interested in that one?" the shopkeeper asked, stepping forward.

Fenix hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yeah. What's special about it?"

"It's made from abyssal steel, a rare material that enhances the user's elemental abilities. Works best for someone attuned to water."

Fenix knew Sylis could handle herself just fine, but having something that complemented her abilities made sense.

"I'll take it."

As he paid, another student recognized him. "Hey... aren't you that guy who fought Garrick Drakar in the arena?"

Fenix glanced at him, unbothered. "Yeah. And?"

The student smirked. "You're buying a dagger? Hoping to stand a chance next time?"

Fenix rolled his eyes. "It's not for me."

The student looked intrigued but didn't press further.

With the dagger secured, Fenix turned to leave, but something nagged at him. Was this enough?

On his way back, he passed by a small general store and noticed a section with fine paper, ink, and notebooks. Sylis spent a lot of time reading—maybe she liked writing too?

Without thinking too much, he grabbed a simple, high-quality notebook and bought it as well.

Back in his room, Fenix placed both items on his desk and sat down, staring at them.

The dagger represented strength, something she could use in battle. The notebook was something more personal, something that reflected her thoughtful side.

'Am I overthinking this?' he wondered.

He wasn't sure why he cared so much. Maybe it was because Sylis was one of the few people who treated him like a person rather than just another Awakened. Or maybe, deep down, he just wanted to see her reaction.

Either way, there was no turning back now.

With a sigh, he leaned back in his chair. 'Why does this feel harder than a fight?'

He shook his head, deciding to worry about the how later. For now, he had what he needed.

Now, he just had to figure out when to give them to her.

A few days had passed since he bought the gifts for Sylis, and today was her birthday. How did he know? Well, thanks to Mira.

Fenix had grabbed his phone the night he bought the gifts and asked her over the phone.

Mira had burst into laughter when she heard his question, but in the end, she told him the exact date.

'Now there's no turning back,' Fenix thought.

The only problem was that he had no idea when would be the best time to give it to her. He spent the entire day thinking about it.

During training with Aldric, he received more hits than usual from his instructor, who was surprised to see him so lost in thought. Even in his classes, he wasn't paying attention—his teachers had called him out multiple times, reminding him to focus on the lesson.

In the end, a thought crossed his mind—Sylis spent a lot of time in the library. That would be the best

Once inside the library, the usual silence filled the air, only disturbed by the quiet rustling of pages and the occasional scratch of pens on paper. Students were scattered across the space, some studying for exams, others absorbed in books they had taken from the shelves.

Fenix scanned the room, already knowing where to find her. Sylis always sat in the same secluded corner, away from the rest. And just as he expected, there she was.

Seated at her usual spot, she had a book resting on the table in front of her. Behind her, a large window framed a breathtaking sunset, casting a golden hue over the entire scene.

'Beautiful' he thought for a brief moment before shaking his head, snapping himself out of it.

Without allowing himself to hesitate, Fenix walked over and took a seat directly across from her, just as he had the first time he met her in the library.

Clearing his throat in an attempt to get her attention, he watched as Sylis lifted her gaze. This time, she actually looked at him straight in the eyes, her tone carrying a hint of amusement.

"You again?"

"That's right, me again."

"And what brings you here today? You're not someone who messages me often."

"Well… today's a special occasion, I guess."

As he spoke, Fenix reached into his bag and pulled out two neatly wrapped packages, placing them on the table. A slight flush crept onto his face—it was embarrassing. He had never done something like this before.

Sylis tilted her head slightly, watching him. 'Cute' she thought as she observed his actions.

Raising an eyebrow at the gifts, she asked, "And what is this?"

"A birthday present," he answered, his voice steady but his body slightly tense.

Sylis blinked in surprise. "I don't remember mentioning my birthday to you."

"Word gets around," he shrugged. "And… well, you've helped me out a lot lately. So, go ahead—open them."

The embarrassment still clung to him, his pale skin making it all too obvious.

A genuine, warm smile spread across Sylis lips as she unwrapped the first gift. It was a notebook, accompanied by an intricately crafted pen.

She ran her fingers over the cover of the book, sensing something unusual about it. The moment she picked up the pen, a small shimmer ran through it. Her eyes widened slightly as she realized what it was—a magic-infused tool that could detect the owner's thoughts and write them down automatically.

Her smile grew wider.

Without a word, she moved on to the second package. As she unwrapped it, her eyes caught sight of a beautifully crafted dagger.

The details were exquisite—waves were etched into the hilt, the deep blue color resembling the ocean itself.

The moment she picked it up, she immediately recognized the material. Abyssal Steel.

A rare and valuable metal, perfectly suited for someone with her affinity.

She turned her gaze back to Fenix, gripping the dagger lightly. "You really put thought into this, didn't you?"

Fenix didn't answer immediately, only giving a slight nod. But after regaining some composure, he added, "I figured something useful would be best."

"You really didn't have to," she said softly. "But… thank you, Fenix. I'll treasure them." There was a warmth in her voice that he wasn't used to hearing.

He leaned back slightly, smirking. "Well, I think it's a bit too late for that now, don't you think?"

Sylis let out a light chuckle before teasing, "Does this mean you want something from me when your birthday comes around?"

Fenix smirked. "Well, you don't even know when my birthday is."

Sylis tilted her head slightly, waiting.

But Fenix simply leaned back further, crossing his arms. "Not telling."

Sylis let out another small laugh, shaking her head before returning her attention to her book.

Fenix stayed there for a bit longer, feeling oddly content.

Eventually, he stood up, stretching slightly before heading toward the exit.

Just as he was about to leave, her voice reached him once more.

"See you around, Fenix."

He smirked slightly, shoving his hands into his pockets as he walked out. 'Yeah… this was worth it.'

That night, just as he was about to fall asleep, his phone buzzed with a notification.

A message from Sylis.

"Thank you. And see you around."

Fenix stared at the message for a few seconds before a small grin formed on his lips.

'Yeah… this was definitely worth it.'