The days that followed were a blur of motion, effort, and sweat.
Every dawn Baker rose early in the morning his body now tuned to training and the rhythm of the journey north. During the day, he split his time between sparring with Captain Selene Ironhart who had never gone easy on him and practicing healing magic and mana control with Aunt Clarisse. When his body finally rested, his mind refused to stop; each night, he entered Kael's Combat Dream World, where time stretched infinitely, allowing him to train for what felt like days before waking only hours later.
The difference became clear within a week.
His movements were sharper, his casting quicker. When Selene thrust her spear at him during a spar, he could anticipate the strike a moment before it came, slipping past with precision and countering with a fluid reinforced punch. Clarisse, watching nearby, raised an eyebrow at the sheer coordination of his mana control.
"You've grown again," she noted, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Your healing and reinforcement magic are syncing together much smoother now."
Selene smirked, leaning on her spear. "At this rate, he'll be teaching me soon. You've been holding out on us, kid."
Baker only smiled, breathing heavily. "I've just… had good teachers."
From the camp's edge, Meryl, Clarisse's elven maid, observed with quiet interest. Her sharp green eyes followed Baker's footwork, the flow of mana that rippled faintly around him. She crossed her arms, a faint smirk tugging her lips.
"For someone his age," she said softly, "his aura control is stabilizing faster than most apprentices I've seen in a century. It's almost unnatural."
Clarisse chuckled. "He does have a knack for learning quickly. But even talent needs rest."He'll break if he doesn't."
That evening, as the campfire flickered to life, Ventis sat beside her son while Melody quietly served tea. Baker's muscles trembled slightly from exertion, his hands still faintly glowing from lingering mana.
"Baker," Ventis said gently, setting her cup down, "you're working yourself too hard again. You remember what happened last time — when you burned yourself out studying day and night?"
Melody nodded, her tone uncharacteristically firm. "Young master Baker you worried everyone. Balance, remember? You can't wield magic or skill if your body gives out."
Her words echoed the same lesson Kael had given him in the dream world. Balance between effort and rest is the true mark of mastery.
He blinked, then sighed softly, rubbing the back of his neck blushing in embarrassment. "You're right. I… got carried away again. I'll slow down a little."
Clarisse smiled warmly from across the fire. "Good. Even warriors need to know when to sheath their blades."
That night, instead of entering Kael's battlefield, Baker dreamed of warm kitchens and glowing hearths. He rose the next morning with a lighter spirit and a growling stomach.
"Maybe," he murmured to himself, stretching, "it's time I focused on something else for a bit."
By midday, the scent of sizzling butter and herbs filled the campsite. Baker stood beside Chef Harven, sleeves rolled up, whisking a creamy sauce while Mandearoz meat simmered nearby. His movements were steady — not hurried, not forced — just peaceful.
Melody smiled softly from across the pot. "It's been a while since you cooked for everyone."
"Yeah," Baker replied, stirring the sauce with practiced ease. "I forgot how good this feels."
Selene walked past with her spear slung over her shoulder, smirking. "So the warrior turns chef again, huh?"
He laughed. "Maybe both. A fighter needs good food to keep going."
Ventis chuckled warmly. "Your father would've said the same."
Clarisse added with amusement, "And your aunt says you're already cooking better than half the inns I've eaten at on pilgrimage."
That night, as they dined beneath the starlit sky, Baker looked around the camp — his family, friends, mentors — all enjoying the meal he had made. His body was calm, his spirit steady.
He finally understood Kael's words in full: Power without balance is ruin, but strength guided by peace can change the world.
Baker smiled quietly to himself, watching them eat.
"Maybe one day," he thought, "I'll make food that heals hearts and bodies alike."