Arou sat in the living room, staring at the sky through the window.
Footsteps echoed around him—Nora and the rest of the party moving about—but the atmosphere remained heavy after Airi's departure.
"So… the Assassin class is completely empty now," Arou said, his tone casual but laced with concern.
Nora shot him a sharp look. "Empty? You mean… because Airi left?"
Arou nodded, a faint sadness crossing his face. "Yeah… she was stubborn, but… she was an important part of the team. Now… no one's filling that role."
Shion, Rei, and Nova sat in silence, each of them feeling the void Airi had left behind.
Nova lowered his head slightly, his thoughts still lingering on Airi. The emotions from that morning hadn't faded.
Emi let out a soft sigh. "Do you regret recruiting her?"
Arou gave a bitter smile. "A little… but I don't regret meeting her. I just… don't know what to do when she leaves like that."
Nora placed a hand on his shoulder. "We can't force her. All we can do is hold the team together… and wait until she comes back."
The house felt quiet that morning—warm, yet empty.
---
Arou stood in the middle of the room, arms crossed, his expression firm.
"If Airi's gone, we can't leave the Assassin position empty for long."
Nora frowned. "You're serious about finding a replacement? You know Airi isn't someone you can just replace."
"I know," Arou replied calmly. "But we don't have a choice. We need someone to fill the role—for now."
Shion spoke up, his gaze sharp. "We need to be careful. That position isn't for just anyone."
Rei nodded. "And we need to keep the team stable. A bad choice could cause more problems."
Emi added, "If we're doing this, we do it wisely. And don't lose focus—especially on Nova."
Nova remained in the corner, staring out the window.
I still want to see Airi… but the team comes first now.
Arou clapped his hands once. "Alright. We begin the search. Report anything useful immediately."
Everyone nodded.
The atmosphere was quiet—but filled with determination.
---
By noon, the training arena was ready.
The first candidate stood at the center, gripping two short daggers. The team observed from the sidelines.
"Remember," Arou said, "we're judging skill, precision, and adaptability."
Nora narrowed her eyes. "Good speed… but weak reaction to sudden attacks."
Shion watched from above, hidden. "I'll signal any inefficiencies."
Rei launched simulated ether attacks.
The candidate moved swiftly, blades flashing, blocking and striking.
"Not bad… but too rigid," Arou muttered.
Emi added calmly, "Potential is there. But mentally unstable."
Nova watched silently.
If Airi were here… she'd be faster. Sharper.
---
By evening, the decision was made.
"After evaluating everything," Arou said firmly, "the Assassin position will be temporarily filled by Feeth."
Nora crossed her arms. "Decent skill. Weak mentality. But acceptable—for now."
Shion and Rei both agreed.
Emi gave a small nod. "A reasonable decision."
Feeth bowed slightly. "Thank you. I'll do my best."
Nova said nothing.
---
Later, in the training room—
Feeth stood confidently, chin raised.
"I'm the strongest among you. You could even call me the strongest human."
Silence fell.
Nora's eyes sharpened. "That's arrogance."
Shion added flatly, "We judge actions, not words."
Nova stepped forward.
"If you're really strong… prove it. I'll fight you."
Feeth smirked. "Gladly."
In an instant—
Dark ether surged around Nova.
FWHOOM!
His magic—Body Ripper and Organ Crusher—struck directly.
Feeth staggered, a cry escaping him as his aura destabilized.
"Argh—!"
Nora immediately stepped in, healing energy flowing.
"That's enough!"
Feeth steadied himself, breathing hard.
"I… didn't expect that kind of power."
Nova's gaze was cold. "Strength isn't words. It's what you survive."
---
Afterward, Feeth looked at Nova seriously.
"You're the strongest here, aren't you?"
"No."
Feeth frowned. "Then who is?"
Nova glanced away.
"The strongest… is your opposite."
"…What?"
"You think you're the strongest," Nova said calmly. "But that person… believes they're the weakest."
Feeth froze.
"They think they're weak… and yet they're the strongest?" he asked.
Nova nodded.
"True strength isn't ego. It's self-awareness."
Silence filled the room.
Feeth lowered his head slightly.
"…I see."
---
The next day, training resumed.
Nova and Feeth stood facing each other.
"Focus on coordination," Arou said.
"Don't let ego ruin the team," Nora added.
Nova stepped forward.
"Don't rely on arrogance. I'll cut through your weaknesses if you hesitate."
Feeth smirked. "Then show me how strong you really are."
Nova's lips curved slightly.
"If I did… you wouldn't get back up."
FWHOOM!
They clashed.
Fast. Precise. Relentless.
Feeth adapted quickly—dodging, blocking, countering.
I need to be faster… but careful.
Their movements began syncing, tension slowly turning into mutual respect.
From afar, Arou watched.
"He's learning."
Emi nodded. "And Nova's growing too."
The training lasted for hours.
Feeth showed incredible potential—but still had limits.
And Nova?
He kept teaching—without ever saying he was.
The air was still tense.
But now…
There was respect.