Kael went to check on Reiro.
The wounds were gone.
Reiro's breathing was steady, his presence calm. Satisfied, Kael allowed himself to rest. It wasn't deep sleep. Just enough.
[Ivan Palace]
"Kael," Victor said quietly, standing alone in the hall, "do your best. I will do the same."
He left the chamber and walked through the palace grounds.
The training yard rang with steel and voices. Lem stood at its center, directing soldiers with sharp commands.
Victor approached him.
"Lem," Victor said, "train them harder. In the coming months, we may be drawn into war. They must be ready. Focus their bodies and their resolve."
"Yes, Sir Victor," Lem replied immediately.
"You are Ossban's childhood friend and his closest ally," Victor continued. "I place great trust in you."
"I won't fail," Lem said.
"After training," Victor added, "come with me. We'll visit the grand weaponsmith. We'll need high-quality weapons and armor. Ossban will return in a few days. After that, things will move faster."
"I'll join you," Lem replied.
As they spoke, Daichi approached, expression serious.
"Sir Victor," he reported, "our spies confirm increased Night Ray activity. We've marked several suspects and begun inspections."
Victor nodded. "Good. Also, reinforce the entrance to **Vian Forest**. Form a squad and dispatch them immediately."
"At once, sir," Daichi said, already turning away.
The palace continued moving.
Preparing.
[Soul World]
An hour later, Kael woke.
Reiro was already training.
He ran across the field, movements fluid, striking and dodging as if enemies surrounded him. His injury left no trace.
"Reiro," Kael called, "are you alright?"
Reiro turned, smiling faintly. "I'm fine. That was a solid attack. I needed rest to heal completely."
Kael nodded.
"I know the timing isn't perfect," Kael said, "but we need to move. We don't have much advantage against those seeking the Soul Stone."
He paused.
"And… thank you."
Reiro inclined his head. "I'm grateful I can serve you again. To fight, to spar, to walk this path once more. I'll stand with you as long as I'm able."
He reached for a pouch inside the room and returned.
"Lord Kael," Reiro said, handing it to him, "this pouch has space magic woven into it. It can store items based on the user's **soul force**."
Kael took it, examining the faint markings.
"For example," Reiro continued, "a lower soul can store only small items. The Soul King can store both the High and Low Soul Worlds."
Kael looked up. "What is soul force?"
Reiro smiled. "I'll explain along the way."
He turned toward the horizon.
"For now, we head to the nearest city."
Kael adjusted his grip on his sword.
"Alright," he said. "Let's go."
They stepped forward.
And the road opened.