The celebration had finally come to an end.
What had begun as a birthday surprise for Aizen had turned into a memorable farewell for everyone in Mayana Village. The villagers had laughed, eaten, shared stories, and wished the travelers good fortune on their journey. Even Captain Roland and his knights had stayed until late, making sure their guests enjoyed their final night together.
However, every journey eventually demanded that its travelers move forward.
And for Aizen Arcime, Lyra Subaru, Mikaela Ivalisk, Theodore Ivalisk, and Lina Taileon, that time had arrived.
The night air was cool when the five gathered inside their room at the Silver Maple Inn. Through the windows, the moon illuminated the quiet streets of Mayana Village, casting pale silver light across the rooftops.
Their belongings were scattered across the beds.
Clothing, magical tools, spare weapons, toiletries, cooking equipment, and other necessities had been arranged into separate piles. Lyra carefully checked each item before storing it away, making certain that nothing essential would be forgotten.
Fortunately, she possessed something far more convenient than an ordinary traveling bag.
Her magical ring was an ancient storage artifact capable of holding an enormous amount of space within its own dimensional interior. Its capacity was so extraordinary that it could accommodate the contents of an entire mansion, including furniture, clothing, and countless other objects.
For someone responsible for a family of five, it was practically indispensable.
Lyra slipped another bundle of clothing into the ring. The fabric disappeared into a faint shimmer of mana, leaving her hands empty.
"All right. That should be everything for the children."
She glanced toward Mikaela and Theodore, who were sitting on the edge of a bed.
Mikaela was checking her belongings for the third time, while Theodore was trying to determine whether he could fit an additional bundle of bread into his own small bag.
"Are you sure you need that much bread, Theodore?" Mikaela asked.
"Of course! We don't know when we'll find another village!"
"We have food in Mama Lyra's storage ring."
"But what if we get hungry before she takes it out?"
Mikaela stared at her brother.
"...You really think about food all the time, don't you?"
Theodore nodded without the slightest hesitation.
"Yes!"
Aizen, who was standing nearby, couldn't help smiling.
"Well, at least you're preparing for something important."
Lyra turned toward him.
"Aizen, please don't encourage him."
"Hey, I'm only supporting his survival instincts."
"His survival instincts are going to make him eat all our supplies before we reach Ravaryn."
"That's a possibility," Aizen admitted with a small laugh.
Theodore immediately hugged his bag protectively.
"I won't eat everything!"
"That's what you said last time," Mikaela reminded him.
"That was different!"
Their playful argument continued while Lyra finished organizing the remaining supplies.
Meanwhile, Aizen prepared his own equipment.
Unlike Lyra, he preferred keeping his personal belongings relatively simple. His black spear was his most important weapon, and he carefully secured it inside a specially prepared magical cloth designed to conceal its presence.
The weapon's appearance alone was unusual enough to attract attention. More importantly, its extraordinary nature meant that revealing it carelessly could invite unnecessary questions from strangers.
Once the spear had been concealed, Aizen stored it away with his other equipment.
He then checked his own magical ring, which contained spare clothing, bathing supplies, and the other necessities he needed for a long journey.
After confirming that everything was properly secured, he examined the rings worn by the others.
"These rings really are reliable," Aizen remarked.
Lyra nodded.
"They are. Ancient gods created magical storage artifacts like these to make traveling between distant places much easier. Some were designed for ordinary adventurers, while others possessed enough capacity to store entire buildings."
"Entire buildings?" Aizen raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. Although the quality and capacity depend on the artifact. Mine is considerably more advanced than an ordinary storage ring."
Aizen looked at her ring with renewed interest.
"I suppose that explains how you manage to carry so many things without needing a wagon."
"Exactly."
She smiled proudly before giving the last pile of clothing a quick inspection.
"Now, I believe we're finally ready."
Aizen glanced toward the window.
Outside, the village was quiet. Most of its residents had already gone to sleep, and only a few lanterns remained lit along the streets.
The night was still young enough for them to begin traveling, but late enough that they could move through the surrounding forest without attracting much attention.
"We should get going now," Aizen said. "Our destination is Ravaryn."
Lyra nodded.
"Agreed. Let's make sure everyone is comfortable before we leave."
She helped Mikaela adjust her clothes and checked Theodore's belongings one last time. Aizen, meanwhile, crouched in front of Lina.
The little cat beastman had been unusually quiet throughout the preparations.
Her yellow hair was slightly disheveled, and her yellow tail swayed lazily behind her. Although she had become more comfortable around her new family, she still sometimes behaved like a child who was afraid that everything she had gained might disappear without warning.
Aizen understood that feeling better than most people.
After all, he had once been a child who lost almost everything.
"Come here, Lina," he said gently.
The little girl approached him.
"Yes, Papa?"
Aizen smiled at the familiar title.
"Let's make sure you're ready too."
He helped her put on her traveling clothes, ensuring that they were comfortable enough for the journey ahead. He then checked her small collection of belongings and stored the extra clothing and supplies inside his magical ring.
"There. Everything's ready."
Lina looked down at herself, then back up at him.
"Thank you, Papa!"
"You're welcome."
Aizen gently patted her head.
Once everyone had finished preparing, he straightened and looked around the room.
Five travelers.
One destination.
And a long road waiting beyond the village.
"All right," he announced. "Let's move."
Before they left, Aizen crouched slightly in front of Lina.
"Come on. You can ride on my shoulders for a while if you're sleepy."
Lina's eyes brightened.
"Really?"
"Of course."
She eagerly climbed onto his back, carefully settling herself against his shoulders. Aizen supported her legs with both hands to keep her secure.
Within moments, the little girl had closed her eyes.
Her yellow tail curled comfortably against his back as she drifted toward sleep.
Mikaela stared at the scene.
Theodore stared too.
Then the twins exchanged glances.
"...Papa," Mikaela began.
Aizen looked toward her.
"Yes?"
"Why does Lina get to ride on your back?"
Theodore immediately raised both hands.
"I want a piggyback ride too!"
Aizen laughed.
"One at a time. Lina's already falling asleep."
"But—"
"No buts," Lyra interrupted, placing a hand on each child's shoulder. "We're leaving now, and I don't want either of you waking the entire village."
The twins reluctantly lowered their hands.
Mikaela puffed out her cheeks.
"...Fine."
Theodore looked toward Lina with obvious envy.
"...Lucky."
Lina, already half-asleep, made no response.
Aizen adjusted her position carefully, ensuring that she wouldn't slip while they walked.
Then he followed Lyra toward the door.
The five travelers left the Silver Maple Inn, quietly stepping into the cool night air.
Behind them, Mayana Village remained peaceful beneath the moonlight. The place had given them shelter, companionship, and memories they would carry long after they departed.
But ahead lay Ravaryn.
A city whose name carried both opportunity and danger.
And somewhere within its walls, a new chapter of their journey was waiting to begin.
The first several days passed without any serious trouble.
Aizen and Lyra took turns leading the group through the forest roads, occasionally leaving the main paths to avoid dangerous areas. When necessary, they camped beneath the trees, prepared meals, and allowed the children to rest before continuing their journey.
Their destination was still far away.
The Green Continent was enormous, stretching across thousands upon thousands of miles. Even traveling at a steady pace, reaching the major cities could take weeks or months, depending on the roads and the dangers encountered along the way.
For Aizen, however, the journey was also an opportunity to train the children.
He wanted Mikaela, Theodore, and Lina to become capable of protecting themselves if they were ever separated from him and Lyra.
Strength alone was not enough.
They needed discipline, awareness, and the ability to make decisions under pressure.
And so, whenever they found a suitable clearing, Aizen would turn their ordinary rest periods into training sessions.
Theodore and Mikaela practiced their magical control and learned basic defensive movements. Lina focused on improving her illusion magic, gradually discovering how to use her abilities in more practical ways.
Aizen supervised all three.
Lyra helped correct their magical techniques, explaining how to control their mana without exhausting themselves unnecessarily.
Although the children sometimes complained about being tired, they rarely gave up.
After all, their Papa and Mama were always there to encourage them.
And before long, a month had passed.
One evening, Aizen and Lina ventured into the nearby forest to hunt for their dinner.
Aizen wore a fitted black shirt and flat black trousers, allowing him to move freely through the undergrowth. His black lion ears occasionally twitched whenever he detected a distant sound, while his golden eyes carefully observed the surrounding trees.
Lina followed close behind him.
Unlike her father, she wore a lightweight traveling outfit designed for agility. Her yellow tail swayed as she moved, and her emerald-green eyes remained fixed on the tracks in the dirt.
Several meters ahead, a wild boar was searching for food among the roots of an old tree.
It was a relatively ordinary specimen, although its muscular body and thick hide made it a challenging target for an inexperienced hunter.
Aizen crouched beside Lina.
"All right. Remember what we practiced."
Lina nodded seriously.
"Yes, Papa."
"Don't rush in without thinking. Observe your target first, control your mana, and choose the safest opportunity to attack."
"I understand!"
"Good. Now show me what you've learned."
Lina took a slow breath.
She extended one hand toward the boar and began gathering mana.
At first, nothing seemed to happen.
Then a faint white mist appeared around the animal's legs.
The mist spread gradually, drifting across the ground and weaving between the roots. The boar lifted its head, apparently noticing something unusual, but the illusion had already begun to affect its perception.
Its movements slowed.
One step.
Then another.
The creature seemed to believe that the ground beneath it had become heavier, making it increasingly difficult to move.
In reality, the boar was not physically restrained.
Lina's illusion magic was interfering with its senses, distorting its perception of distance and movement. By making the animal misjudge its surroundings, she had created an opportunity to approach without exposing herself to an immediate charge.
Aizen watched closely.
Good. She's learning to apply her magic instead of simply releasing it.
Lina moved forward cautiously.
She kept her mana focused, maintaining the mist while approaching the distracted animal. When she reached a suitable distance, she shifted her weight and delivered a precise slash toward its vulnerable side.
The boar squealed and struggled to escape.
However, the illusion disrupted its movements long enough for Lina to avoid a dangerous counterattack. She withdrew immediately, keeping a safe distance until the animal finally collapsed.
The forest became quiet again.
Lina stared at her successful hunt for a moment before turning toward Aizen.
"Papa! I did it!"
Aizen smiled proudly.
"Good job, Lina."
He approached her and gently patted her head.
"You controlled your illusion magic well. You didn't waste too much mana, and you waited for the right opportunity instead of attacking recklessly."
Lina's ears perked up.
"Really?"
"Really."
Her tail began wagging excitedly.
"Then I'm getting better and stronger!"
"Of course you are. But don't become overconfident. There are plenty of opponents who won't be fooled so easily."
Lina nodded.
"I'll keep practicing!"
Aizen chuckled.
"That's what I like to hear."
He glanced toward the sky. The sunlight was beginning to fade, and the shadows between the trees were growing longer.
"Come on. Let's take this back to camp. Mama Lyra should have the ingredients ready for dinner."
Lina hurried toward him.
"Is she making boar soup?"
"That's the plan."
"Yay!"
Aizen laughed at her enthusiasm before lifting the animal with the help of his strength.
Together, father and daughter returned to their campsite.
Their journey toward Ravaryn continued.
And with every passing day, the bonds between the five travelers grew strongers.
As the sun slowly disappeared beyond the distant mountains, Aizen and Lina finally arrived at their campsite with the wild boar they had hunted together.
The sky was painted in shades of orange and purple, while the shadows of the surrounding trees stretched across the ground. A cool breeze passed through the forest, carrying the scent of damp soil, leaves, and the approaching evening.
Lyra was already preparing the ingredients for dinner. She had gathered several vegetables and herbs along their journey, keeping them safely stored inside her magical ring until they were needed.
When she saw Aizen carrying the boar, she turned toward him with a smile.
"Welcome back. It looks like you two managed to catch something good."
Lina immediately rushed toward her.
"Mama! Papa and I caught a big boar!"
"I can see that, Lina." Lyra giggled and gently patted the little Beastman's head. "You must have worked hard."
"I did! Papa taught me how to use my illusion magic while hunting!"
Aizen placed the boar on the ground near their cooking area.
"She's getting better at controlling her magic. She still needs more practice, but she's learning quickly."
"That's wonderful." Lyra smiled proudly at Lina. "Keep listening to Papa, all right?"
"Yes, Mama!"
Lina's yellow tail swayed happily behind her.
Aizen watched the two of them for a moment before turning toward the nearby clearing. The children had been waiting for him to finish the hunt, and he still had something important to do before dinner.
"All right, Lina. Since we've returned, let's continue your training."
Lina's ears twitched.
"Now?"
"Yes. Just a little more. You can't expect to become stronger by hunting alone."
She hesitated for a moment, then nodded firmly.
"Okay, Papa! I'll do my best!"
Aizen smiled and led her to a clear patch of ground away from the cooking area. Mikaela and Theodore soon joined them, curious about what their father was planning.
Although both twins possessed magical abilities, Aizen believed that relying entirely on magic would eventually become a weakness. There would always be opponents who could resist spells, interrupt their casting, or close the distance before they could finish an incantation.
That was why he insisted that they learn basic combat and self-defense.
Even a magician needed to know how to survive when magic alone wasn't enough.
"Today, we'll practice movement and defensive techniques," Aizen explained. "You don't need to defeat every opponent you encounter. Sometimes, surviving long enough to escape is already a victory."
Theodore nodded seriously.
"But what if the enemy is stronger than us?"
"Then you need to recognize that fact before you get yourselves killed." Aizen folded his arms. "Don't let pride convince you that you can win a fight you have no chance of winning. Learn your opponent's movements, protect your weaknesses, and look for an opportunity to escape or counterattack."
Mikaela listened carefully, while Lina stood beside her father, ready to follow his instructions.
Their training continued until the evening grew darker. They practiced their footwork, defensive movements, and the proper way to react when an opponent attacked unexpectedly.
Aizen corrected their mistakes patiently, demonstrating each movement whenever necessary.
By the time he finally called an end to their training, all four children were exhausted and covered in sweat.
"That's enough for today," he announced. "Go and get yourselves cleaned up before dinner."
"Finally!" Theodore sighed in relief.
Mikaela gave him an amused look.
"You were the one complaining about wanting more training earlier."
"That was before I knew how exhausting it would be!"
Lina giggled at their exchange.
Aizen shook his head with a faint smile.
"Come on. We still need to bathe."
Fortunately, they had discovered a suitable place near their campsite earlier that day. A river flowed through the forest before reaching a mountain, where the rocky terrain divided the water into two separate lakes.
The water was clear, and the surrounding trees provided enough privacy for the family to bathe without worrying about being seen by passing travelers.
They divided themselves into two groups.
Aizen and Theodore went to one lake, while Lyra, Mikaela, and Lina used the other.
Before leaving their belongings behind, the family made sure everything was arranged properly. However, they didn't need to worry too much about someone stealing their possessions.
Aizen's magical control allowed him to sense disturbances around his belongings, and his black spear provided another layer of protection. Even when he wasn't holding it, he could summon the weapon remotely and sense vibrations through its connection to him.
If an intruder approached their campsite with the intention of stealing something, Aizen would notice.
And if that person attempted to take anything, they would quickly discover that robbing this particular family was a terrible idea.
After bathing, everyone returned to camp and changed into clean clothes.
Aizen wore a brown leather jacket decorated with black stripes and a pair of dark-grey pants. His black hair was still slightly damp, and he brushed it away from his face while checking that his belongings were in order.
Lyra changed into a pink gown that allowed her to move comfortably without restricting her movements. Mikaela wore a blue dress, while Theodore put on a black leather jacket and blue pants.
Lina, meanwhile, wore a cute yellow dress that suited her cheerful personality.
Once everyone was ready, Lyra served the dinner she had prepared.
The warm aroma of boar soup spread throughout the campsite, mingling with the fragrance of herbs and vegetables. The meat had been cooked until tender, and the broth was rich enough to make the long day of traveling and training feel worthwhile.
The children eagerly gathered around the meal.
"This smells delicious!" Lina exclaimed.
"Then eat while it's still warm," Lyra told her.
Aizen sat beside Lyra, watching as the children enjoyed their dinner. For a little while, there was nothing to worry about. No enemies were attacking them, no urgent mission demanded their attention, and the forest remained peaceful around their small campsite.
It was a simple moment, but Aizen appreciated it.
After everything he had experienced, he understood that peaceful moments like these were worth protecting.
Once dinner was finished, the family cleaned up and prepared to rest for the night.
They had established two separate camps during their journey: the Green camp, where Aizen and Lyra stayed, and the Black camp, where the children slept.
The arrangement gave the children their own space while allowing Aizen and Lyra to discuss matters that they didn't want the twins or Lina to worry about.
As the night settled over the forest, the children headed toward the Black camp. After making sure they had everything they needed, Aizen and Lyra remained together in the Green camp.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
The forest was quiet except for the occasional chirping of insects and the rustling of leaves stirred by the wind. The faint light of their campfire illuminated the surrounding trees, casting long shadows across the ground.
Eventually, Lyra broke the silence.
"Aizen, we should reach Ravaryn tomorrow if we continue at our current pace."
Aizen looked at her.
"That's right. We need to find somewhere suitable to stay once we arrive."
Lyra nodded, but her expression gradually became more serious.
"There's something I want to tell you before we enter the kingdom."
"What is it?"
"When I was still living at the Subaru estate, I heard rumors about an organization called the Red Hand."
Aizen's expression changed slightly.
"The Red Hand?"
"Yes. I've also heard people call them the Crimson Hand." Lyra lowered her voice, even though there was nobody nearby who could easily overhear them. "They're dangerous. According to what I learned, they target homeless people and those who have nowhere to turn for help."
She paused, remembering the stories she had heard.
"Some of their victims disappear without anyone investigating what happened to them. People are afraid to speak about the organization, and those who know more about it usually keep their mouths shut."
Aizen remained silent, listening carefully.
Lyra looked toward the direction of the Black camp, where the children were sleeping.
"That's why I'm worried about entering Ravaryn with Mikaela, Theodore, and Lina. They're still young. If those people discover that we're traveling with children, I don't know what they might try to do."
Her hands tightened slightly in her lap.
"I know Mikaela and Theodore aren't our biological children, and Lina isn't either. But that doesn't change anything for me. They're our children, Aizen. We've accepted responsibility for them, and it's our job to protect them."
She looked directly at him.
"I won't allow anyone to hurt them."
Aizen's golden eyes softened as he listened to her.
"Of course. I understand."
He reached over and gently took her hand.
"They're our children, Lyra. Blood doesn't determine whether someone deserves to be loved or protected. We've taken them into our family, and that means we'll do everything we can to keep them safe."
Lyra's shoulders relaxed a little.
Aizen continued, his voice calm but firm.
"I'll find a good place for us to stay once we reach the city. Somewhere safe, where the children can rest without having to worry about people like the Crimson Hand."
"But we still need to be careful," Lyra reminded him.
"I know."
Aizen's expression became more serious.
"Captain Roland warned me about Ravaryn before we left Mayana. According to him, the kingdom's ruler is corrupt. That means we shouldn't assume the authorities will protect us if something goes wrong."
Lyra frowned.
"So we need to avoid both the Crimson Hand and the royal authorities?"
"At least until we understand the situation better. There's no reason to attract unnecessary attention, especially when we're traveling with the children."
He glanced toward the darkness beyond their campsite.
"We'll observe the city first, learn how things work there, and decide what to do afterward. Until then, keeping our family safe is the priority."
Lyra listened to his words, gradually feeling the tension in her chest ease.
She had been carrying these concerns since learning about the Crimson Hand. She didn't want to frighten the children by telling them about an organization that might pose a threat to their lives, but keeping the information to herself had made her increasingly uneasy.
Speaking with Aizen helped.
He understood her concerns without dismissing them, and his answer reminded her that she wasn't facing the danger alone.
Lyra leaned slightly closer to him.
"Thank you, Aizen."
"For what?"
"For listening to me."
Aizen gave her a small smile.
"You don't need to thank me for that. If something worries you, tell me. We should talk about these things together instead of letting them trouble us separately."
Lyra smiled back.
"All right."
She glanced at the children's camp one last time before looking at the darkening sky.
"It's getting late. We should get some sleep. Tomorrow, we'll finally arrive in Ravaryn."
"Goodnight, Lyra."
"Goodnight, Aizen."
They settled down for the night, the warmth of the campfire gradually fading as the forest grew quieter.
Aizen soon closed his eyes, allowing himself to rest after the long day of hunting, training, and traveling.
Lyra lay beside him, trying to empty her mind of the worries that had occupied her thoughts.
Little by little, her breathing became slower.
Her eyes finally closed.
And then—
Darkness swallowed her.
Lyra found herself standing in a place she didn't recognize.
The air was heavy, and an unsettling silence surrounded her. She couldn't tell where she was, nor could she understand how she had arrived there.
She looked around, searching for something familiar.
Nothing.
Only the darkness.
A strange feeling crept into her heart, growing stronger with every passing second.
Something was wrong.
She tried to move, but the world around her seemed to stretch endlessly into the distance. A faint presence stirred somewhere beyond her sight, leaving her with a sense of dread she couldn't explain.
Then she heard something.
A voice.
It sounded distant at first, almost as though someone were calling to her from the other side of an enormous void.
Lyra turned toward it.
"Who's there?"
No answer came.
Instead, the darkness began to shift.
Her heart pounded as an unfamiliar sensation washed over her. It felt as though she had experienced this place before, somewhere deep within her memories—yet every time she tried to remember, her thoughts slipped away like sand between her fingers.
She took a cautious step forward.
The presence grew stronger.
And the moment Lyra realized that she might not be alone, an overwhelming sense of fear seized her.
She wanted to wake up.
She wanted to return to Aizen's side.
But the darkness showed no sign of releasing her.
Was this merely another nightmare?
Or was something waiting for her beyond the boundaries of her dreams?
End of Chapter 13.