A year later.
A lot had happened this past year compared to his last years.
First off, Koji completely learned to use the Zelit. Turns out, the Zelit Lin gave him became easier to use after absorbing the first rock; he could simple release the rock and then absorb it again very easily without trouble. Zelits actually could release materials, however they could only drop them normally; there would be no effect like a Relic would have.
Secondly, he had gone out into town a couple times with Lin now; he had a much more developed understanding of his current surroundings than he did previously.
His house actually was not set in a giant forest; rather, it was a small portion of a forest and throughout the rest of it there were multiple other buildings. Also, a bit away from them was the center point of the kingdom where tons of things occurred. That was where the academy was and tons of other buildings: bars, shops, inns, and more; Koji couldn't wait for when he was older so he could further explore the kingdom, and even outside of it. But for right now, he was mostly still stuck near the house; only rarely did Lin actually take him out into the kingdom.
Lastly, he had been improving his knowledge on nurturing a new Xin core. However, he had not started yet because Lin said that since Koji is so young, his first Xin core was not developed enough to stabilize a third one being made; it may not kill him, but it would be a heavy burden. So instead, he decided to continue further developing his other skills.
'Why are we still doing this shit? I hate sparring!'
The sun was shining on the familiar surroundings of the forest, and currently Koji and Ivory were about to spar again. However, they were older and both more experienced now. Granted, Koji was only eight and Ivory only 10. He still had around four more years of specifically being with her, and in that time Koji had decided something.
When she turns 14, she would be only a year younger than he was back on earth; therefore, it would be okay for him to get romantically involved with her. Of course, he also considered the fact mentally he would now be considered 23; however, he never actually experienced true adulthood so he viewed it as fine.
Some may view this as immoral still, but Koji had his reasoning.
It's not like he was physically an adult and would be dating someone who is being taken care of while already being old enough to fend for himself. Secondly, he didn't have the maturity of a true adult because he had never experienced being one! Yes, he was 23 mentally but all that time he has been a child physically.
As time went on, Koji had thought he would become Ivory's equal, contrary to this it was the opposite. Ivory's fighting prowess skyrocketed and Koji's only steadily increased; she was much further ahead of him now.
'Oh shit!'
Ivory launched her slender leg at Koji's stomach at an astonishing speed, giving Koji barely any time to react.
Despite the situation, Ivory had fostered a deep care for Koji now; he was her only friend and she was exposed to him almost every day for the last couple years. Truly, he was her favorite person behind her own father.
In fact, it would not be far fetched to also say she was infatuated with him; Koji was still only a child but definitely already was showing signs of being very attractive, and it had a great impact towards this girl of similar age.
In under 10 seconds, Koji had already lost. This time, Lin was not here to dictate the fight; Ivory just kept asking Koji to spar and eventually he became tired of her demands and agreed.
"Haha, you lost again Koji! You still can't beat me!"
Ivory snickered as she saw Koji groaning on the ground.
"What do you expect? You're a monster!"
Koji blurted out; he was not sure this girl was even human at this point!
"M-monster? You think I'm a monster!?"
Ivory looked utterly offended as Koji accused her of being a monster.
"N-no, wait Ivory I didn't mean it like that..."
Koji sighed, and even though he was in pain he quickly tried to calm her down.
"Good! Because if you did, then I would have kicked you where it hurts!"
Koji's face went pale, after all she had already done that before; he knew the pain that this entailed.
"Okay..."
Ivory huffed, now she was bored because she already knew Koji would not spar again.
"Let's do something!"
Koji was not in the mood; he replied with a slightly fed up tone.
"Like what?"
Ivory smiled brightly.
"Let's kiss!"
Koji's eyes went wide in shock at her words.
'W-what!? Did she just say kiss?!'
There's no way Koji can kiss her, she's only ten!
"W-what? Why?"
Ivory's expression transformed into more of a nervous one.
"Because I want to!"
Koji had now slightly calmed down; he already had an answer. However, he was still nervous
"W-well no, we can't just kiss..."
Ivory was now thoroughly embarrassed, but decided to mask it.
"W-well I was just joking about it anyway..."
Koji automatically knew she was lying, however he just wanted to end this awkward situation so he pretended as if he was oblivious.
"Oh, okay good."
He showed a nervous smile on his face as he replied to her.
After that awkward interaction they waited for Lin to come back, and then they parted ways for the rest of the night.
...
Under the light of the chandelier, and in the comfort of their home, Koji had just finished dinner with his family.
Nothing special happened today, so there was no extra chatter as they ate.
After dinner, Koji headed to bed expecting a peaceful sleep tonight; however, that was not what he would get at all.
Because he woke up in yet another dream.