The woods were still—but not the serene kind. The stillness was the kind that vibrated in your bones, the kind that made you feel like the world was holding its breath.
Yuuto bore a splintered branch as a staff, following behind Kaela as she glided with almost invisible quiet. Her sword was slung across her shoulders, but he could observe her hand never more than an inch or two from its hilt.
They hadn't said much since they parted the clearing. Kaela wasn't really a talker. Yuuto wasn't sure if it was that she didn't trust him—just didn't like him.
Likely both.
So he said finally, trying to be friendly. "Are you always this cheerful, or is today special?
She did not turn. "I do not speak for pleasure. Only when needed.".
"Got it. Professional brooder. Really intimidating."
Kaela herself glanced back, one of her brows raised slightly. "You talked a lot for someone who nearly died ten minutes after arriving."
"Yeah, well, I only have humor as a defense. I don't have a shining sword or iron abs like you."
She smiled—just for an instant. "Not iron. Mithrystal alloy."
…That is not an actual thing.
"It is here."
Yuuto let out a sigh and looked out through the trees. Twin moons floating in the air like questioning eyes. The more they traveled, the more foreign the world became—trees curved in impossible ways, leaves softly glinting like stars, and sounds that were from no creature he had ever known.
Do you think that anyone else from my world made it?" he asked quietly.
Kaela stopped.
Yuuto nearly collided with her once again.
She gazed at him—this time, actually looked. "I've seen a few others come in. Not many survived the first day. You were lucky I happened to be here."
".Thank you. For saving me," he said, voice low.
Kaela was quiet for a moment. Then: "Don't thank me yet. I didn't do it out of the goodness of my heart. The gods marked you. That means trouble."
Yuuto blinked. "You mean the 'Starborn' thing?
Kaela nodded. "It's a mark of the gods. Uncommon. Deadly. Monsters are attracted to you. So are cults. And kingdoms.
"That's… comforting."
She went on. "You'll have to wake up soon.".
Yuuto frowned. "Awaken?
To magic. Power. Starborn are latent vessels. The Trials test you. Some break. Others change.
Yuuto's stomach grew cold at the thought. "And what if I lose?
And then I kill you before you can become dangerous.
He stumbled. "Wait, what?"
Kaela would not turn. She simply brushed aside the foliage and pointed ahead.
Through the trees, in a clearing, stood a broken stone ruin. Vines wrapped over its broken surface, and soft blue glyphs glowed in the moss.
This is the first Trial," Kaela replied. "It will determine if you are worthy.".
Yuuto looked at the ruin and then at her. "You said we were going to a town."
Kaela drew her sword. "Plans change."