The night sky stretched wide above, adorned with twinkling stars like scattered gems. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees of Quill Forest, creating a calm, soul-soothing atmosphere.
Liriel stood and gave a small stretch. "I think we should continue our discussion tomorrow. It's gotten quite late."
Darwin nodded. "Yeah, you're right. We could both use some rest."
Liriel rummaged through her leather bag and pulled out a small pouch filled with shimmering silver-purple powder. Carefully, she sprinkled it in a circle around their camp.
Darwin tilted his head, curious. "What's that powder?"
"This is Shavok Horn Dust," Liriel replied, sealing the pouch. "Shavok are horned beasts that live in the northern mountains. Their horns are crushed and refined into a powder that repels monsters and wild animals. They absolutely hate the scent."
Darwin's eyes sparkled with interest. "Seriously? It's that effective?"
Catching his curiosity, Liriel offered a faint smile. "If you want, I can give you a little. I've got extra supply."
Darwin raised his hand, politely declining. "Ah, don't trouble yourself. I can buy some later."
But Liriel scoffed with pride, her tone laced with smugness. "You won't find it easily elsewhere. It's a specialty of my village. Only we know how to refine it properly."
Darwin fell silent for a moment, then slowly accepted the small pouch she offered.
"Besides…" Liriel continued, her voice softening, "I still owe you for that potion earlier. Consider this… a small repayment."
Darwin looked at Liriel for a moment, then nodded. "In that case… thank you, Liriel."
"You're welcome," Liriel replied with a pleased smile and a proud expression, as if to say, See? I can be useful too.
They then arranged their sleeping spots. Liriel took shelter in a small tent, while Darwin lay on a large, slanted tree trunk, giving him a clear view of the night sky.
The stars seemed to whisper above—but the peace was suddenly broken by a faint laugh… echoing inside his head.
Zero's voice rang in his mind, teasing him.
Darwin rolled his eyes. "You're awake? This whole time?"
Darwin sighed and rolled to his other side. "Whatever. Just tell me—how are you doing now? You alright?"
Darwin instantly turned over. "Evolved?"
Zero's voice turned serious.
Darwin nearly fell off the tree trunk. "WHAT?!"
"That's... that's insane! I can read enemy moves?! That's a total cheat, Zero!"
Darwin calmed down, swallowing hard and nodding slowly. "...Great power always comes with a great price, huh?"
Darwin looked back up at the night sky—but now, with a burning fire of determination in his chest.
"With this… I'll be ready for even stronger enemies. I can't wait…"
Zero snorted, though there was a trace of amusement in his tone.
Darwin simply grinned widely and closed his eyes. In the quiet of the night, under a sky full of stars, he drifted off… into the world of dreams.
The morning sun slowly filtered through the canopy, casting golden glimmers that danced across the forest floor. The air was still cool, and dew had yet to fully evaporate from the grass.
Darwin stretched lazily on the tree trunk he had used as a bed, but his eyes snapped open the moment a delicious aroma teased his nose. It was savory, slightly sweet, and incredibly appetizing.
"Mmm… what's that smell…?" Darwin murmured, half-asleep.
He looked down and saw Liriel sitting cross-legged near a small fire, cooking something in a thin metal pan. A thin trail of smoke wafted upward, carrying a mouthwatering scent.
Liriel glanced up and smiled. "Morning, Darwin. Finally awake."
Darwin climbed down from the tree with a wide yawn. "Morning… Wow, what are you cooking? That smell is insane… it woke me up instantly."
Liriel giggled softly. "It's wild boar ragout. I chopped up the leftover meat from last night, simmered it with wild mushrooms, sweetroot, and forest herbs. I also added some taval fruit—it tastes like sour apples—to balance the flavor."
Darwin sat across from her, his eyes sparkling. "I can't wait…"
Liriel held back a smile. "Just a bit longer. It's almost done. Be patient."
"Alright, alright…" Darwin laughed, rubbing his growling stomach.
Liriel smiled as she returned to stirring the dish, though her thoughts wandered quietly...
'If we got married someday… mornings like this would happen often.
I'd cook… he'd wake up and sit nearby, waiting for breakfast…'
She imagined Darwin standing behind her, slipping his arms around her waist and hugging her gently with a smile.
(Good morning, my wife…)
Her cheeks instantly flushed red, and her expression turned awkward. "Focus, Liriel! Don't let it burn!" she whispered to herself.
After a few minutes, she finally put out the fire and poured the ragout into two wooden bowls.
"Food's ready. Let's eat."
Darwin accepted his bowl eagerly. "Thanks! Whoa… it looks amazing."
They sat side by side and began eating. Every now and then, a satisfied hum came from Darwin, clearly enjoying Liriel's cooking.
After the meal, Liriel cleaned the bowls and said, "Darwin, I haven't told you about my skills yet."
"Oh? I'm curious."
"I specialize in daggers and archery. My two main skills are [Detect] and [Spirit]."
Darwin nodded slowly. "[Detect]… Wait, is that how you sensed me when we first met?"
Liriel lowered her head slightly. "Yes… Sorry if I was a little harsh back then."
"It's fine. You were just being cautious, and that's completely understandable."
Liriel smiled in relief. "[Detect] allows me to sense the presence of living beings around me. I can't read minds or personal details—only presence and aura intensity."
"That's pretty impressive. You're like a walking radar."
"Hehe, something like that."
Then Liriel's expression turned a little somber. "As for [Spirit]... I still can't use it."
"Why not?"
"Because no spirit has ever appeared to me. They usually come of their own will. We can't force them."
Darwin noticed her downcast eyes. "You've been waiting a long time?"
Liriel nodded gently. "Since I was a child. But… none ever came. Sometimes I wonder… maybe I'm not worthy."
Darwin looked at her earnestly and gave her a sincere smile. "You've been patient for so long. And I believe… someday, the right spirit will come to you. You just haven't met them yet."
Liriel looked at him and replied softly, "Yeah… thank you."
After a short silence, Darwin shared his own skills, though he kept Zero a secret and only mentioned his basic abilities.
Once everything was cleaned up, they packed their things and prepared to continue their journey.