The narrow path cut through the black mountain. Sulfur stung the air. The sky hung dull and ashen.
They were heading toward an active gas zone. A place believed to be the site of a vile demon ritual.
Kaera walked ahead. Her footsteps were quiet, measured. One hand rested near the hilt of her sword. Eira followed at a steady distance behind her.
No words passed between them. But the tension that once weighed heavily had begun to fade. Something quieter had taken its place.
"Mind if I stick with you?" Eira's voice broke the silence.
Kaera didn't look back. "As long as you don't cause trouble."
A faint smile curved beneath Eira's hood. "I'm not the type to trip over the same rock twice."
Kaera's lips twitched. Almost a smile. She kept her gaze forward.
Then the ground cracked.
A massive figure burst from the black stone. Stonebound Demon. Its skin was as hard as granite. Four muscular arms flexed as it rose. Its eyes burned like molten lava.
Kaera and Eira moved at the same time.
Kaera dashed forward, drawing the demon's attention. In one swift motion, she slashed upward, her blade cutting cleanly across the demon's right eye.
It roared in pain. Swung its massive arm. Before the strike could land, roots burst from the cracks, wrapping around its wrist. Eira activated her Nature Magic. She loosed a green arrow that struck its head.
Enraged, the demon threw its head back and opened its mouth wide. A blazing eruption of lava surged outward, rushing like a river of fire aimed straight at Eira.
"Oi!" Kaera shouted.
She sliced her finger. A drop of blood hovered, then instantly expanded under her control, forming a solid crimson shield in front of Eira. It grew and hardened, radiating a dark red aura as if daring the flames to break it.
SSSSHHHH!
The lava slammed against it. Steam burst across the battlefield. Kaera gritted her teeth, bracing herself against the crushing pressure that threatened to shatter her defense.
Eira seized the opening. Her eyes sharpened through the haze. She raised her Verdant Shard Bow. Drawing back a radiant arrow infused with nature's energy, she released it with full force.
FWOOOSH!
The green streak tore through the air and struck the demon's chest, cracking through the thick stone armor and leaving a jagged opening at its core.
Kaera emerged from the fading smoke. She didn't hesitate.
With a single, clean slash, her katana pierced straight through the exposed heart of stone.
BOOM.
The monster exploded into dust and scattered like black ash.
Silence returned.
They stood breathing hard. The only sound was their own hearts .
"We fought well back there," Eira said quietly.
Kaera sheathed her sword. She didn't turn. "You didn't get in the way. That's good enough."
---
Hours later, they rested in a small cave. Eira busied herself sorting through her belongings.
A hand suddenly held out a waterskin to her.
It was Kaera. Not looking at Eira. Her face angled elsewhere. But her hand remained steady, offering the water.
Eira accepted it with a small smile. "Thanks."
Kaera gave a slight nod. Then retreated into silence once more.
The atmosphere in the small cave suddenly turned awkward. The crackling of the fire, which had felt calming moments ago, now seemed determined to fill the silent space between them.
Eira cleared her throat. Breaking the tension.
"Now that I think about it... we've been through a lot, but I still don't know who you really are," she started, turning her body toward Kaera.
She extended her right hand with a genuine smile. "I'm Eira. What's your name?"
Kaera studied her hand for a moment, as if weighing whether to accept it or not. Finally, she clasped it briefly.
"I... Kaera," she answered curtly.
Eira's eyes widened, sparkling with sudden excitement. "Eh? Kaera? That's kind of similar!".
She started mumbling cheerfully. "Hmm, Kaera and Eira... Eira and Kaera... sounds almost the same!"
Unconsciously, she leaned closer until their faces were a hand's breadth apart. Her eyes sparkled. "Wow, I just know we're going to be the ultimate duo!"
Kaera, who had always kept her distance, could only stare at her with deadpan eyes. Empty and emotionless. Though inside, she might have been slightly startled.
"... too close," Kaera commented flatly, enough to make Eira snap back.
Eira jerked back, her face flushing. She scratched the back of her head sheepishly. "Hehe, sorry... got a little carried away."
Kaera exhaled slowly, returning her gaze to the fire. Though she said nothing, Eira's cheerful presence felt less irritating than before.
Kaera adjusted her position, letting the firelight highlight her sharp yet fatigued features. Her eyes shifted from the flames to Eira, who was still grinning awkwardly.
"Next, I want to stop by a nearby town," Kaera began, her tone returning to the serious, strategic air of a leader.
"Next, I want to stop by a nearby town. Our journey's still long. We'll need.."
Eira's cheerful energy vanished. Her expression flattened. She seemed to know what Kaera was about to say.
"...Money," she cut in softly. Almost a whisper. Her green eyes widened, staring blankly at the ground with overwhelming guilt.
Kaera paused for a moment, one eyebrow slightly raised.
"I'm really sorry, Kaera..." She lowered her head until her hair covered her face. Her fingers fidgeted with her cloak's frayed hem.
"I'm completely broke right now. No money at all. The cost to decode the relic back there already drained everything. Honestly... there's nothing left in my purse," she continued, raising the limp pouch and shaking it gently. Not a single coin could be heard.
Kaera let out a long sigh. She pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes for a moment. "I figured as much," She murmured.
Eira peeked up through her hair. Face red with embarrassment. "Hehe... but I have spirit! Spirit's free..." Her voice was overly optimistic. It didn't help.
Kaera opened her eyes. Stared at her with a deadpan look. "Spirit won't buy bread."
Eira's shoulders sagged. "Ruthless..."
Kaera let out a small huff. The tiniest curve at the corner of her lips. Almost a smirk. "Looks like we'll have to earn some coin once we reach town."
Eira lifted her head. Eyes brightening again. "Earn coin? You mean.. bounty hunting? Or other works ? "
Kaera checked her katana under the firelight. "Anything that fills our purses. I'm not letting us starve before I find the answers I'm looking for."
Eira nodded eagerly. Her energy fully restored.
"Alright! I'll make sure my arrows don't miss. A duo like us isn't going to be defeated by a little problem like this, right?"
Kaera said nothing. But she didn't argue.
When they finally left the cave, Kaera walked ahead. Her steps were still measured. Still controlled.
But she slowed her pace.
Just enough for Eira to catch up.
***