The sun was now high in the sky. The battle was over. Peace returned to the village.
Mya stood in the middle of the field, her breath still uneven. But around her, children laughed and ran in circles, tugging gently at her soft tails.
"Big Sis Mya! Show us the fox fire again!" "Can you make another big blue fox?"
Mya gave them a small, shy smile. One child hugged her leg tightly.
"You're amazing, Sis Mya!"
She blinked unsure how to react.
Then, the village chief approached with a warm smile.
"Tonight… we shall hold a celebration. It's been long since our village has welcomed someone new — someone like you. You've proven yourself, Mya. You belong here now."
Mya's eyes widened.
"A… celebration? For me?"
"Yes. You deserve it."
The villagers cheered again, and preparations began almost immediately.
[That Night Village Celebration]
Lanterns were hung around the main square. Tables were laid out with homecooked food, fruits, roasted meats, and warm soup. Children chased each other under the glow of the lights.
Mya walked beside Shin into the square. She wore a simple white robe lent to her by the villagers, and her ears twitched slightly from the music and noise.
"They really… did all this?" she asked softly.
"Yeah," Shin replied. "They like you."
They found an empty table and sat together. Steam rose from their bowls as the air filled with laughter and music.
"Try this one!" Shin said, handing her a skewer of grilled meat.
Mya took it with both hands.
"Mmm… it's good."
Shin laughed. "Told you. This village might be small, but the food's legit."
Just then, a group of women from a nearby table looked over.
"Ooohh… is that her?" "She's sitting with him?" "They look cute together!"
Shin paused mid-bite, eyes twitching slightly.
"W-What are they whispering about—"
One of the little girls ran up to them and shouted:
"Are you two married?!"
Shin choked on his food.
"WH-WHAT?!"
Mya blinked, a blush rising to her cheeks.
"M-Married?"
"But you live in the same house, right?" the girl said with a wide smile.
"N-No! It's not like that!" Shin flailed his arms. "I'm just— I'm just helping her out!"
The villagers around laughed cheerfully.
Mya leaned slightly toward him, still holding her food.
"You're red, Shin."
"I'm not!"
"You are."
She giggled something rare, something soft.
Shin groaned and buried his face in his bowl.
Later that Night
As the celebration continued, Mya looked around — villagers smiling, children laughing, lanterns glowing.
She breathed deeply.
For the first time… this feels like a dream I don't want to wake up from.
She turned to look at Shin again.
"Thank you… for everything."
Shin smiled without teasing this time.
"You did this yourself, Mya. I'm just glad to see you smile."
High above them, stars shimmered.
And for the first time in her life…
Mya felt like she truly belonged.
The night grew late.
The celebration had quieted down — most villagers had returned to their homes, while a few adults remained, chatting and sipping drinks. The lanterns swayed gently in the wind, and the sound of children had faded into the stillness of the night.
Shin turned to Mya.
"Mya. Want to come with me for a bit?"
Mya looked at him, a little curious.
"Where to?"
Shin gave a small smile.
"Somewhere I go when I need peace. It's a bit far, but it's quiet."
Mya nodded softly.
"Alright."
They walked down a narrow path in the dark, guided by moonlight and the sounds of the night. A breeze carried the scent of leaves and damp earth.
Eventually, they reached a hidden clearing surrounded by tall trees.
There stood an old tree towering and wide and all around them, fireflies danced gently in the air, creating a soft, magical glow. Above, the sky was full of stars — open and silent.
"Wow…" Mya whispered. "This place…"
"Peaceful, right?" Shin said with a smile. "I come here when I need to think… or when I feel lost."
They sat under the old tree.
Mya gazed up at the starry sky.
"Since I was young… I always looked at the stars and wondered if there was a place where I'd be accepted."
Shin was quiet for a moment before replying,
"You've found that place now. This village… and I think… I needed someone who understands what it means to be alone, too."
Mya looked down a little and smiled softly.
"Thank you, Shin."
Shin looked straight ahead, then spoke again.
"Tomorrow… if you're okay with it, I'd like to teach you about herbs. What helps wounds, what boosts strength. I'm not a master, but… I know a few things."
"I want to learn," Mya replied quickly. "I want to help people. Like how you helped me."
"Then we've got a lot to do. I'll show you how to make medicine for cuts, tea for fevers, and…" Shin paused. "And maybe we can collect herbs together."
Mya smiled.
"Like a healing duo, huh?"
Shin flinched a bit.
"Eh—not like that! I mean… as partners. Like… teammates."
Mya giggled.
"I know."
They fell into a calm silence, listening to the wind and the chirping insects.
"Tonight is beautiful," Mya said softly.
"Yeah… and even more beautiful because you're here," Shin replied.
Mya just smiled quietly, saying nothing.
After a few moments, Shin stood and offered his hand.
"Let's go back. It's getting late."
"Hmm."
They walked back slowly to the house.
When they arrived, Mya went into her room without saying much. She looked tired — but at peace.
Shin returned to the living room, lying down on the floor with a thin pillow.
"What a long day…" he muttered, staring at the ceiling.
"But I'm glad."
He closed his eyes… and the quiet night passed gently.
Morning arrived. The gentle sunlight slowly touched the peaceful village.
Shin woke up early and washed up as usual. Not long after, Mya came out of her room, her hair a little messy, but her face was cheerful.
"Morning, Mya," greeted Shin with a smile.
"Morning, Shin."
They left the house and headed to the forest not far from the village. The air was fresh, and the sounds of birds welcomed their steps.
Shin crouched near a tree and plucked a certain leaf.
"This is called a moonleaf. If you crush it and mix it with warm water, it can heal small wounds."
Mya nodded, committing it to memory. Throughout the walk, Shin continued introducing herbs one by one — from poison-neutralizing leaves, roots that lower fever, to flowers that calm the mind.
Suddenly — the wind stopped for a moment.
The air turned still… and a deep voice echoed in Shin's mind:
"Time is running out. This world is on the brink of destruction. You must travel — seek the truth and stop the collapse."
Shin froze.
"Mya… that voice again. The spirit king."
Mya grabbed Shin's arm, her expression serious.
"Shin… don't trust him so easily. If he can speak, he can show himself. Tell him to appear."
As if he heard her, a blue light began to glow before them. Slowly, a humanoid figure made of starlight appeared — its face impossible to discern, as if made of moving galaxies.
"I am not like the other spirit kings. They've lost their way. I… still wish to protect this world. But I need a vessel — and that vessel is you, Shin."
Mya stared at the being with deep suspicion.
"What do you mean? Why Shin? Why not someone else?"
"Because his heart is pure… and his body strong enough to carry me. The other kings are plotting destruction. I… I wish to stop them."
But Mya narrowed her eyes, stepping forward.
"Didn't you destroy three nations before this? Aren't you evil too?"
The spirit king was silent for a moment — then responded, calm and emotionless:
"Evil is part of my nature. I do not deny it. I do not claim to be good. But the others… they are worse. Their goal is total annihilation of the world."
Shin clenched his fists.
"So you're helping… not because you want to save anyone. But because you want to stop them."
"Exactly. My reason doesn't matter — only the result. With me, you may have a chance."
Mya looked at Shin, uncertain. Shin returned her gaze and gave a small nod.
"If this is what we must do to protect everyone… then we'll face it together."
The spirit king's form began to fade into light once more, slowly vanishing into the sky.
Back at the Village
Shin and Mya returned swiftly. They marched to the village chief's house and knocked on the door.
"Chief! We need to talk!"
The village chief opened the door, surprised.
"What is it, this early in the morning?"
Shin took a deep breath.
"We have to leave the village… Something important has happened."
The chief frowned.
"Leave? Why? What's going on?"
Shin lowered his gaze for a moment before answering.
"Because… inside me, there's a Spirit King."
The chief's eyes widened.
"A… Spirit King? You mean… one of the top ten ancient spirits?!"
Shin nodded slowly. Mya stood by his side, gripping his arm supportively.
Their conversation lasted long — filled with questions, disbelief, and worry. But at last, the village chief agreed.
"If this is your fate… we won't stop you. But promise us. Come back every three months. So we'll know you're still safe."
Shin smiled.
"We promise."
A Few Hours Later
The whole village gathered at the path leading out of the village. People watched Shin and Mya with mixed emotions.
Children sobbed softly. The elderly offered prayers.
"We'll miss you!"
"Stay safe!"
"Come home soon!"
Shin and Mya turned back, waving.
"We'll return! Don't worry!"
And with that, the two of them stepped beyond the village borders — their new journey had begun.
With the open sky above them and a fate still unfolding, Shin and Mya walked into a world far bigger than either had ever known.