In the bustling marketplace of Rose Village, where the scent of dried herbs mingled with the echoes of merchants calls, Imenata stood inspecting goods at a wooden stall.
Sonia stood beside her, arranging small purchases, while Sofia played a few steps away under their watchful eyes.
"Imenata."
Imenata lifted her head at Kalu's voice.
He appeared holding a rolled-up sheet of paper, fatigue clear on his face.
"Shopping? Look what I found." He unrolled the paper, revealing local spices shimmering in warm earthy hues.
"They look intriguing," Imenata said, examining the herbs with the practiced eye of a seasoned vendor. "You should've asked the seller about their uses…"
She studied them for a moment before raising her head again. "Anyway, did you finish your business with Sheriff?"
He nodded. "Yes, I'm done. We've almost reached an agreement—and you won't believe what I discovered. It turns out Sheriff is Anton's sister."
"His sister?" Imenata asked, surprised.
"Yes. Apparently, she's from a noble family in Entdeckt. I don't know all the details," he added briefly.
Sonia approached them, holding a basket of fresh vegetables.
She paused for a moment, studying the spices as if they stirred a memory. "These… they resemble the spices my mother used to use. She'd add them to mushroom or beet soup."
Imenata turned to her with a gentle smile. "Thank you, little one. That's very helpful."
Then, softening her tone, she asked, "Speaking of mothers… you mentioned your parents are in Entdeckt. How did you end up so far away from them? Sorry—but this has been on my mind for a while."
Sonia looked down, her shoulders rising in an uncertain shrug. "It was…" She paused, searching for words.
Kalu said gently, "Don't feel pressured, little one. You don't have to talk if you don't want to."
"Oh! Right! You don't have to answer. I'm sorry if I brought up something sensitive without thinking," Imenata quickly apologized.
Sonia stared into space for a moment, then whispered, "No, it's fine… I've actually wanted to tell you this for a while. It happened a little over two months ago…"
She took a deep breath and began: "I was living with my family just like any normal family. Yes, we were poor, but we were happy with what we had. Poverty never truly hurt us—until…"
She looked at the spices as if drawing strength from the memory. "One morning, while we were having breakfast… my father collapsed."
A heavy silence fell. Her tone alone carried the weight of those words.
"My father was very sick," she continued, her voice gradually gaining confidence. "My mother and sister tried everything. But… we didn't have the money for such expensive treatment."
She paused again before adding, "Then… my sister heard about a slave trader staying at an inn near us…"
She lifted her pink eyes to Imenata. "My sister decided to sell herself. She told my mother she'd leave the next morning… but I overheard their conversation."
"And you… decided to go in her place, didn't you?" Kalu asked quietly.
Sonia nodded. "Yes. I couldn't let my sister live that life…"
"Weren't you afraid?" Imenata asked gently.
"Yes… but I made up my mind. I'd never felt useful at home—always like a burden. So that night… I went to the slave trader myself. I met him… and signed the contract before my sister or mother even knew."
"But… he couldn't have bought you without your parents' consent… unless!" Kalu said, sudden realization dawning on his face.
"Yes. Our family isn't registered with the Citizen's Guild. So it was easy…" she said with a faint, pained smile.
She recounted the story matter-of-factly, as if reliving events from just yesterday.
But Imenata noticed how Sonia's fingers gripped the edge of her basket tightly.
"And after that?" Imenata asked softly.
"After he took me, I was moved from Entdeckt with several other children along the coastal road. We stopped briefly in Little Old Viaco…"
A genuine smile appeared on her lips. "And there… my brother Boris showed up… and bought all our freedom—mine and every child with me."
"I don't know all the details, but in Little Old Viaco there was a man named Mr. Agnus who owned a library and wanted to care for orphans. So my brother Boris placed us under his guardianship."
Then she added, "As for me… I wanted to return to my family. My brother Boris was going to send me back with a group of travelers along the safe coastal route—but…"
She laughed lightly, her words contrasting with her tone. "I got kidnapped by bandits because of my own carelessness. After my brother rescued me, he had no choice but to take me with him—especially since I insisted on staying with him. Hehe~ I practically forced him."
Sonia looked at Imenata and Kalu, as if suddenly aware she'd opened a window into her past.
"That's why I call him 'my brother.' He became the older brother I never even dreamed of having."
Imenata pulled Sonia into a strong yet surprisingly gentle embrace.
"I'm truly grateful to him," Sonia said with a wide, sincere smile, tears glistening in her eyes.
Imenata glanced at Kalu—and finally understood the depth of the bond between Boris and Sonia.
She understood why she followed his path so trustingly. She understood he was the safe haven Sonia had found after a journey soaked in pain.
Kalu didn't say anything more. Instead, he looked toward a nearby stall displaying colorful fabrics.
"Life puts us on paths we never expect," he said, stroking his beard slowly. "But it also gives us chances to meet people who change the fate we thought we were bound to."
Imenata nodded in agreement, then took Sonia's hand in her warm palms. "You're a brave girl, my dear. And your brother Boris… is a gift from the Creator, born from that very bravery."
At that moment, Sofia tugged eagerly at Imenata's hand.
"Mama! Look!" She pointed to a nearby stall selling stuffed dolls woven from dyed plant fibers.
Two simple little bunny-like dolls with long ears sat on a wooden shelf.
"I want those two!" Sofia said, eyes sparkling. "One for me, and one for Sonia Sis!"
Sonia looked at the dolls, then at Sofia, a warm smile spreading across her lips. One doll was black with pink ears; the other was white with black ears.
Imenata glanced at the dolls, then at Kalu, who gave a smiling nod. "Alright—but you must choose just one, sweetheart. The other one belongs to Sonia."
Imenata began negotiating the price with the vendor while Sofia wavered between the two dolls.
Sonia turned toward the path leading out of the village, still holding Sofia's hand. "My brother Boris… this conversation made me miss him, even though he's not far…"
Sofia, still torn in her choice, turned to Sonia. "Why?" she asked innocently.
Sonia smiled and brushed a strand of hair from Sofia's face.
"I don't know~," she said playfully, her smile wide and bright.
***
In the green meadow outside Rose Village, Boris and Jon stood facing each other under the midday sun.
The air was still, carrying only the whisper of wind through the grass.
A small crowd of children and a few guards had gathered to watch.
Takashi stood a few steps away with Zofia, his eyes fixed on the scene. Beside them, Ethan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Is this really a good idea?"
"It's not a fight—it's a simulation," Zofia replied calmly, her gaze locked ahead.
Jon's face broke into a challenging grin. "Alright, kid—show me what you've got this time. No weapons, no energy, just your body."
Boris didn't reply with words. He simply gave a slight nod, then sank into a relaxed, balanced stance.
The movements began deliberately slow. Jon threw a straight punch, but Boris slid away with a subtle shift of his body, evading the outstretched hand.
"Watch his feet," Zofia whispered to Takashi. "He's not just moving away—he's positioning himself to counter if he chooses."
*Her ability to see without opening her eyes is still a mystery to me.... Could it be TRAITUM?*
Takashi glanced briefly at Zofia, then closed his eyes for a moment before reopening them, trying to imprint the image in his mind.
Jon attacked again—this time with a flurry of rapid punches. Boris moved among them like a shadow, every evasion intentional, every step calculated.
"He doesn't waste a single motion," one of the guards remarked, shaking his head in admiration.
After several exchanges, Boris decided to raise the stakes.
Instead of merely defending, he began to attack—but not with brute force. Instead, with clear technique: a spinning punch to Jon's ribs, a sweeping kick at his knee, a pulling motion that nearly toppled him.
"That's more like it!" Jon laughed as he regained his balance. "I've learned since last time!"
Among the gathered children, Mina stood with her fingers nervously intertwined.
Beside her, Saty and a few others lingered at a distance, their expressions a mix of curiosity and unease.
Takashi noticed their glances from the corner of his eye but said nothing.
Instead, he continued watching the demonstration, observing how Boris deliberately revealed intricate movement details.
Boris began displaying a variety of techniques: sidesteps, evasions, grips, and throws—all in a deliberate sequence.
"He's showing so many different styles!" Takashi whispered in awe.
"He's showing you your options," Zofia replied calmly. "So you can see which one fits your nature."
After ten minutes, Jon's breathing grew heavier, while Boris remained as calm as when he'd started.
"Alright, I think that's enough for me," Jon said as he stepped back, wiping sweat from his brow with his forearm.
There was no bitterness in his voice this time—only honest acknowledgment.
Boris stopped immediately and gave a small, respectful bow.
A few children rushed to him, asking about certain moves or simply expressing admiration.
Mina hesitated for a moment, then glanced at her brother, who gave her a subtle nod of encouragement.
She stepped forward shyly: "Boris Bro… my brother said you… help him."
Boris turned to her and crouched to her eye level. "That's right, little Mina."
"And… thank you for helping us in the forest." She paused, her eyes glistening. "I know that… what happened to my father isn't…"
He wrapped his arms around her in a warm embrace. "You don't need to say anything else," he whispered in her ear. "I'm so sorry for what happened."
Mina shook her head, tears welling at the edges of her eyes.
"My brother said you didn't know… and that you tried to help… I was a bad girl."
"No," Boris said gently, wiping her tears.
"You're a strong and brave girl. Never let anyone tell you otherwise."
Takashi watched the scene with a proud smile for his sister…
Soon after, the crowd dispersed. Boris walked over to Takashi.
"Now it's your turn. Try to remember even just one move—any one—and perform it."
Takashi closed his eyes and took a deep breath…
In his mind, one sequence replayed itself: the sidestep, the pivot, the hand catching the arm…
He opened his eyes.
He stepped forward, executed a sidestep, and attempted to mimic the motion…
Suddenly—without even realizing how—he found his hand firmly gripping Boris's arm, his foot sliding perfectly into place, and with one smooth motion, he swept Boris onto the soft grass.
Silence…
Then he burst out: "I... I did it! I really did it!"
Ethan approached, amazed, while Zofia remained where she stood—but a faint smile appeared on her lips. "I saw it," she whispered to herself.
*The net around him network resonated the moment his body moved correctly—just like that day in the forest.*
Boris stood up slowly, brushing grass from his clothes. "Excellent," he said with that calm smile.
"Now I'm certain—your TRAITUM activates when you witness a real combat technique—not against you, and not just empty air drills. Was it Automatic or Active?"
"I think it was… Active," Takashi said thoughtfully, staring at his hands in wonder. "I triggered it on purpose, but then it executed automatically."
Zofia nodded, her closed eyes turning toward the absentminded Takashi.
"Don't forget to train your body first," Boris continued. "Copying without a strong foundation will break you in the end. Be careful."
"Yes… my arms, chest, and legs feel numb and sore. I'll be careful," Takashi said, massaging his aching muscles.
"Now you know the path. The rest depends on your perseverance," Boris said, walking away toward a distant spot in the meadow—
Leaving Takashi to begin practicing, watched closely by both Zofia and Ethan.
***
Boris walked toward a small rise in the meadow, where a large tree shaded a patch of grass.
Leo lay stretched out on the grass beneath it, while Lia sat with her knees drawn to her chest, leaning against the trunk.
The breeze was soft, carrying the scent of wild herbs and the whispers of the wind.
Leo opened his eyes. "Dad," he said without looking. "You were far too lenient with him."
"I know," Boris replied calmly, sitting on the ground and leaning against the tree beside Lia. "But everyone needs their time."
Lia shifted slightly to press closer to Boris's side, while Leo got up and leaned against his other side.
Lia turned to him, her cool silver eyes assessing. "Patience isn't always the best solution for everyone. Some learn faster under pressure."
Boris closed his eyes for a moment. "Takashi isn't a trained warrior, or even an adventurer. He needs time. He has potential."
Leo stretched his arms straight out and yawned like a large cat. "He's still too weak to protect himself from even a finger-flick from me."
"Yes—but he has a strong heart," Boris said, gently ruffling Leo's hair. "And strong hearts deserve investment. That's what I believe."
The three fell silent for a moment, listening to rustling leaves and distant birdsong.
Then Lia rested her head on Boris's shoulder, as if calculating something in her mind.
"His chance of success with consistent training is high—but so is the risk of serious injury during the learning process."
Boris smiled, his other hand resting on her head, his eyes glinting in the shade. "Potential doesn't measure will."
"Will is an unreliable variable in the equation," Lia replied—but leaned even closer to him until her head rested on his chest.
Leo raised his head, gazing through the branches at the sky. "When are we leaving this little meadow? It's boring."
"Most likely tomorrow—after everyone rests and prepares provisions," Boris answered.
Then, gently, he added, "Did anything dangerous happen while I was away from the caravan?"
Leo said lazily, "Nothing major. Just the report Lia told you about. A few conversations here and there…"
Lia lifted her head slightly, her silver eyes glinting in the sunlight. "But we've used a lot of energy. We need to recharge soon. We haven't charged at all since entering the forest."
Boris's attention sharpened—a flicker of concern in his silver eyes. "How much is left?"
"About 23% for me, 31% for Leo," Lia answered with precise figures, as if reading from a screen. "We need to connect soon."
Boris nodded.
Then he raised his left hand and touched Lia's face.
Yellow Koshin energy began to glow around his fingers, flowing gently into her skin.
Extended his right hand to Leo as well.
Leo pressed closer to Boris's side like a child clinging to his father, while Lia grabbed Boris's palm and pressed it more firmly against her cheek.
For a moment, Leo also grasped his hand.
The yellow energy flowed softly—like solar mist seeping into their bodies.
"I need a full charge…" Lia whispered, warmth flooding through her.
"I still don't need one… but I'll go in too…" Leo grumbled, though he didn't move.
"Alright, go ahead then," Boris said gently.
Leo and Lia's features began to blur slightly at the edges, as if slowly evaporating into a golden mist.
The yellow energy intensified—a pulsing, rhythmic hum—until their bodies became semi-transparent, ghostly wisps of gas drawing life from their connection to Boris.
With Leo, a few crimson nanocrystals swirled faintly, accompanied by a soft crystalline grinding sound—Kora.
With Lia, glowing blue droplets shimmered with a gentle watery whisper—Kona.
Their bodies truly began to dissolve—not into air, but into Boris's own form.
"See you both tomorrow," Boris said, his voice as quiet as the evening breeze.
"Goodnight, Dad," Lia said—her last words before her form melted away completely.
Leo vanished a moment later, his smile the last visible trace before it dissolved into a flash.
The entire golden mass now flowed into Boris through his hands. He felt a wave of warmth spread through his chest, then settle.
He took a deep breath…
Inside him—in a space that wasn't physical—they settled to sleep…
Then… he opened his eyes…
He was alone beneath the tree.
Leo and Lia were no longer in his hands—but he felt their presence—sleeping.
They were his TRAITUM—manifestations born from him.
Spectrum Pair...
"Sleep well," he whispered to them…
***
Elsewhere, Takashi was still repeating the move he'd learned.
Ethan sat on the grass, staring at the sky, wondering when he'd truly understand this world.
Zofia sat in stillness, observing everything around her.
Then one of the guards approached Takashi and said quietly:
"Excuse me… if you need a training partner, I'd be glad to help a little."