Leo's hands burned. His arms screamed. But he held on to that vine like it was his last lifeline.
Because it was.
"Note to self… never try to be a hero again," he wheezed, dangling halfway down a cliff.
Then—a shadow.
Someone peered over the edge.
"Grandpa?" a small voice said.
Leo twitched. "GRANDPA?! I'm thirty-five!"
It was the girl from earlier. She had dirt on her face, a tattered tunic, and the same wooden sword clutched in her hand. She knelt, reached out a stick, and offered it like it was Excalibur.
"Grab this."
Leo stared at the twig. "Do I look like I weigh ten pounds?"
She frowned, tossed the stick, and grabbed the vine. "Climb up, I'll pull."
"…I don't think you understand physics."
But somehow, they managed.
Leo collapsed at the edge, groaning.
"You're heavy," the girl said, breathing hard.
"And you're eleven," Leo muttered.
She didn't answer. Just stared at him.
"…Thanks," she said finally.
Leo nodded. "Don't mention it. Literally."
Potential Disciple DetectedName: AiraFuture Title: Ice GoddessFate Trigger: Saved from Fatal EncounterBond Level: Initiated
Leo blinked at the screen.
"Wait—Ice Goddess?!"
The girl tilted her head. "What?"
"Nothing!" Leo shot up. "Nothing at all! Just… stay close. I'll protect you."
"You just fell off a cliff."
"I was testing gravity!"
The two walked slowly through the forest, Leo limping, Aira quiet.
They returned to his broken shelter. Aira's stomach growled.
Leo sighed. "Alright. Let's eat."
He roasted what meat was left over a fire.
As they ate in silence, he glanced at her. She sat straight, eating fast but politely.
She looked small now. Fragile.
But the way she gripped her sword… there was strength.
Hidden. Waiting.
This kid… is the future Ice Goddess?
Leo scratched his head.
"Well then," he muttered. "I guess I'd better start being a master."