On the continent of Uwa, somewhere within the Kingdom of Honoo, dawn was breaking. Clouds blanketed the sky, the air was cool and fresh, and there was no great city in sight yet. A quiet loneliness hung over the land. A two-week journey awaited Daike and Dan…

  “Yawn… looks like another day’s started. I feel a bit stronger than yesterday. That was rough, but I guess it helped me grow,” Daike muttered, stretching.

  Dan was still asleep. I’ll go hunt so we can have breakfast together, Daike thought.

  The world was unnervingly quiet. He headed toward the meadow without a sound, aiming for a deer and careful not to alert anything to his presence.

  After a while, he found his prey. He concealed his tarmo as much as he could, then, before the deer could react, he reinforced his legs and took its head in a single, lightning-fast strike.

  “Thank you for becoming my food,” he said, almost like a prayer.

  I hunt to eat. I’ve been doing it for years, but I still haven’t gotten used to it, Daike reflected, his heart still racing.

  Back at their small camp, he lit a fire and began roasting a deer leg.

  “Mmm… that smells incredible,” Dan murmured, half-asleep.

  “Up already, Daike? And this early, with a feast like that?” Dan said, surprised.

  After a while, they were both enjoying a hearty breakfast when Dan spoke up. “Kid, how did you make that bandit bleed? Honestly, you surprised me.”

  “Hah, hahaha… I’m surprised you’d ask. I didn’t think you were interested in the art of combat,” Daike replied.

  “I like learning about everything,” Dan said.

  “Well then, I’ll tell you. First, I tricked him into thinking my movements were predictable. Then I reinforced my arm and immediately concealed my tarmo. I still can’t hide it properly, so it feels unstable. That made him think I was running out of steam. In that moment of doubt, I caught him off guard. That’s all.”

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  “I’m impressed you thought that far ahead. Kids your age don’t usually think tactically,” Dan said with approval.

  “My master taught me. He taught me to fight with my head,” Daike said, smiling.

  “If you don’t mind, tell me more about him while we travel,” Dan suggested.

  “Then let’s get going,” Daike replied.

  Days passed. The two grew closer, a quiet bond forming between them. Daike could be prickly at times, but Dan took it in stride. Before they realized it, they were on the final day of their journey.

  “Daike, I think you should stop reinforcing your tarmo. You’ve already improved it as much as you can before the entrance exam. If you keep pushing, you might not be at your best,” Dan warned.

  “I understand, but I need to raise my capacity as much as possible before that exam. I’m really nervous. I can’t afford to fail,” Daike said.

  “Don’t stress so much. You managed to fool an elite bandit, even if only for a second. You did it. I’m sure you’ll pass,” Dan said firmly.

  Daike took a deep breath. “I get what you’re saying, but I can’t stop thinking it was just luck. I don’t trust my own skills. Let’s drop it.”

  Dan sighed and fell silent.

  The air grew tense for a moment. But the journey was almost over. Soon, they would part ways.

  After a while, Dan spoke again. “When we get to the city, want me to buy you a special dagger? We could check the market.”

  A special dagger? Is he offering because he feels bad about earlier? Maybe I was too harsh, Daike thought. I should accept… but I should apologize too. I don’t know what to think about Dan. He’s been good to me, trying to calm my nerves, even bringing me all the way to the capital. He’s a good guy. But why is he so patient with me? Do I deserve that?

  Not long after, they arrived at the capital.

  “I’m going to find an inn for the night and leave my carriage there. Where will you stay, Daike?” Dan asked.

  “An inn too, I guess. Let’s go together.”

  “Alright,” Dan replied, a hint of happiness in his voice.

  At the inn, Daike finally spoke up. “I’m sorry, Dan. I’ve been rough at times. I haven’t treated you as well as you’ve treated me. I don’t know why you keep being so kind, but… thank you. Really. And I’m sorry.”

  “Alright, alright. Don’t overthink it. Let’s go buy that dagger,” Dan said with a grin.

  I appreciate Dan. He’s my friend now. It feels good not to be alone. I’m happy. It’s fun, interacting with others. But… I’m scared. He’s much older than me. I’ll probably never see him again. I don’t like that, but what can I do? I’ll just enjoy these moments.

  Before goodbye.