Dawn hadn't broken yet when I woke to the quiet sounds of Nozue already at work in the kitchen nook, mixing something in a wooden bowl.
"Morning," I mumbled, rubbing sleep from my eyes. "You're up early."
"Getting breakfast packed for our break later," he said, not looking up from the bowl. "Part of the routine now, isn't it?"
"You can cook, too? I didn't know that." I felt a small pang of envy watching him work with such ease. "You've got more everyday skills than me."
"Picked it up from Nanay Rosalia," he said, though he looked pleased at the compliment. "She's taught me a lot."
"I'll get the water, then." I hauled the jug toward the well, and by the time I'd filled it, Nozue had our meal wrapped and ready.
"What's the plan today?" he asked. "Another construction quest?"
"Not today. Just a jog, and I want to find Kazike — I've got a question for him."
"The armored guy from the dungeon?"
"That's him. Kind of an older brother to me, honestly. He's usually who I go to when I don't understand something about this world." I paused, remembering. "Oh — I learned a new skill yesterday. Want to see it?"
"What is it?"
"Item Space." I held out my hand toward the wrapped food he was carrying. "Watch."
A small, swirling void opened in my palm, dark and quiet against the morning light.
Nozue's eyes went round. "Is that — magic?"
"I think so. Supposed to store physical things inside it." I pushed the food gently into the void, and it vanished, weightless, without a sound. "Still figuring out how it actually works."
"How does anyone even teach you this stuff?"
"It's not really taught. There's a window — floating, only I can see it — that shows me what I can do and what I've learned."
He waved a hand through the empty air in front of my face, frowning when nothing happened. "I don't see anything."
"Only I can. It's hard to describe — like a floating chart that tracks my levels and spells."
"Strange," he said, after a moment, "but I think I follow. So — you can just store anything in there?"
"Haven't tested the limits yet. We'll find out."
Two hours later, sweaty and pleasantly worn out from our jog, we ran straight into Kazike heading the same direction toward the Guild.
"Kazu! Been a few weeks — you're looking taller!"
"Guess all that log-hauling's paying off." I grinned. "Actually — I wanted to ask you about swordsmanship. Is there somewhere I could learn it properly?"
He crossed his arms, considering. "Didn't you say you wanted more magic affinities too? Swordsmanship on top of that? You might be spreading yourself thin, kid."
Nozue's eyebrows shot up. "Wait — you want to learn every affinity?"
"I want to try," I said.
"Learning even a second one usually drains your reserves badly. Most people cap out at one or two. A third could be dangerous." He shook his head, half in disbelief. "You're going for all of them?"
"Infinite mana," I reminded him with a shrug. "Might as well use it."
Kazike let out a low whistle. "If you're serious, head for the capital. Zirabia Magic Heights and Quarzia Swords Academy — best in the country for either discipline."
"Thank you, Kuya. I mean that."
"Just remember — expensive, and you'll have to live on campus. No commuting from outside the walls." His eyes glinted. "And plenty of noble young women wandering those halls, if that's the kind of thing that catches your eye at your age."
Nozue nearly tripped over his own feet. "Kuya Kazike! How's he supposed to focus on training now?"
"He'll manage. I have total faith in him." Kazike winked.
I felt my ears warm despite myself. "You're something else, Kuya."
"Here we are." He pushed open the Guild's heavy doors. "You two taking a quest today?"
"Wasn't planning on it, but since we're here—"
"Nozue's an adventurer now too?" Kazike glanced between us. "Seems young for it."
"Same age as him, actually," Nozue said, chin lifting a little.
"Ah. What're you two after, then?"
"Construction quest."
Kazike nearly choked on the water he was drinking. "An S-rank, doing manual labor? Why?"
"Working on our Strength stats. Organically."
"Well, it's showing." His eyes swept over me, appraising. "You're filling out fast, Kazu."
"It's nothing," I said, cheeks warming. "What are you taking?"
"A-rank hunt. Better material rewards for me."
Inside, Missy caught sight of us immediately. "Kazu, Kazike, Nozue! Quest today?"
"Yes!" Nozue and I said together.
"All arriving together — that's nice." Her ears twitched with pleasure.
"Morning, Missy," I said. "You're looking as lovely as ever."
She froze entirely, ears twitching harder, a flush spreading fast across her cheeks. "Oh — Kazu — thank you. That's very kind."
Nozue leaned against the counter with a look I couldn't quite place. "Missy — you're an elf, right?"
"Yes. How'd you—"
"Just observant. I've also noticed you might have feelings for Kazu. That true?"
Missy's face went a shade of red I hadn't known was possible. "I— I don't know what you mean."
"No? Really?" Nozue pressed, clearly enjoying himself.
"W-well… um…"
I looked between them, entirely lost. "Missy, are you feeling alright? You seem flushed. Fever, maybe?"
She recovered fast, straightening with visible effort. "I'm fine, Kazu. Just — warm in here today."
Nozue grinned, thoroughly satisfied with whatever he'd accomplished. "We'll take a quest, then. What's on offer?"
She sorted through her papers, glad for the distraction, and handed over a rolled scroll. "Heavy construction at the eastern wall. Already pre-approved — start whenever."
"Thank you, Missy," I said, tucking it away. "We'll head out now."
"Good luck, boys. And Kazu — if you ever need help, with anything, I'm right here."
"Will do!"
As the doors swung shut behind us, Nozue leaned in, smirking. "You know she's got a massive crush on you."
"Really? I hadn't noticed." I shrugged. "Well, I'm glad she's so supportive, at least."
Nozue just shook his head, still smiling. "Come on. We've got work to do."