The sky above Kingdom Alberto had just started to cast golden-orange hues as the sun began to lower beyond the horizon, giving the air a soft glow that matched the quiet hum of spirit energy lingering in the wind. After the chaos of his goblin encounter, Sam returned to the Spirit Training Center, his steps heavy, his shoulder bloodied but no longer trembling. His sword, slick with fading green goblin blood, hung low by his side.
As Sam stepped into the courtyard, AYANA and Kiro rushed toward him, concern lighting up their faces.
"Where did you go? Everyone is looking for you!" Ayana exclaimed, her hands gripping his uninjured arm as she scanned his injuries.
Before Sam could respond, Miss Alisa, the head spirit instructor, stepped forward, her sharp eyes locking onto the green blood staining Sam's sword and the deep wound across his shoulder.
"Have you fought with goblins?!" she asked in a tense, sharp voice that cracked through the air like thunder.
Sam nodded. "Yes."
Miss Alisa's eyes widened, and the calmness she always carried shattered into frustration. "Why are you killing yourself, Sam? It's dangerous to go alone! You're still new, still learning!"
Before another word could escape her lips, a crackle of spiritual energy split through the air behind them. Siro appeared in his ghostly humanoid form, his glowing white eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable but firm.
"He wasn't alone," Siro said with cool authority. "I was training him. So, don't worry about him."
Miss Alisa's brows furrowed, her arms crossed tightly. "You are not allowed to get him into danger, Siro. This is not a game."
Siro stepped forward, his voice low but defiant. "Who can stop me here? I'll do what I must. He's a part of me now. So just stop worrying about Sam."
Sam looked away, ashamed but silently supportive. He finally turned to Miss Alisa and whispered, "Sorry, ma'am. I… I can't do anything."
With his head slightly bowed, he walked past them all and entered his room.
The wooden door creaked open and closed behind him, shutting out the voices outside. He tossed his sword aside gently and sat on the edge of his bed, his shoulder aching with every heartbeat. The silence wrapped around him like a thick fog.
Moments later, the door opened again.
Ayana entered, followed by Kiro, her eyes filled with warmth and gentle concern. "Don't move," she ordered softly.
She raised her hand, and a soft glow of golden energy swirled into being as her spirit floated beside her. The little spirit, with translucent wings and a gentle glow, hovered near Sam's shoulder.
"Healing Flower," Ayana whispered.
A faint shimmer in the air bloomed into a delicate glowing flower above Sam's wound. Petals fell like soft light, wrapping around the gash. Slowly, the pain ebbed away. Sam watched in awe as the skin knitted itself together.
"It's almost healed," Ayana said with a gentle smile.
Sam looked up at her. "Thank you… Ayana."
She gave a modest nod, then turned away slightly. Sam added, his voice filled with quiet pride, "Today I killed seven goblins… without my spirit."
Kiro stepped closer, excitement bursting out. "Bro! You're just… awesome! Like seriously!"
Ayana nodded, but her smile had a shadow behind it. "Just keep yourself safe. I hope… you'll get what you want, Sam. Soon."
The two of them left, closing the door quietly behind them.
Now alone again, Sam leaned back and exhaled. His eyes drifted toward the window, where streaks of twilight had begun to replace the light.
"Siro," Sam called quietly.
The spirit materialized once more, hovering with arms folded.
"Why are you always so rude to everyone?"
Siro's expression didn't change. "I only fight for those who are mine. That's why I'm rude to others."
Sam stared at the floor, fists clenched. "I don't like this kingdom… Alberto. There's no equality here. People with wealth get everything… and the rest of us… we don't even get a chance to speak."
He looked up, fire burning in his eyes. "I'll end this concept. One day, I'll make Alberto a place where commoners are respected as much as nobles."
There was a moment of silence.
Then Siro said, "Then first… earn my respect. Complete the tasks. Survive. Then I'll make you strong enough to remake Alberto the way you want."
A heavy silence settled between them. Then, Siro broke it.
"Now rest. At night, we've got another task."
Sam blinked. "At night?"
"Yes. Task 2."
"Alright," Sam said with a weary sigh. "But I want to ask you something."
Siro tilted his head slightly. "Go ahead."
"Why don't you allow me to control you like other spirits let their vessels? Everyone else talks about how they command their spirits… but you never listen to me."
Siro's glowing eyes dimmed just slightly. "Because they have the thirst… thirst to live, to grow, to become stronger. But I don't. Nor do other professional spirits."
Sam frowned. "Then what do you need… if you have no thirst?"
Siro floated a bit higher, his gaze drifting toward the darkening sky. "I'll ask you that question… when you complete all fifty tasks."
Sam gave a tired smirk. "Fair enough… Then have a nice sleep during the day."
Siro nodded, then slowly vanished into a streak of mist.
As Sam's eyes began to close, the soft wind outside carried the faint whistle of distant spirit songs. The fire of purpose still burned in his chest, but for now, he let the weight of exhaustion lull him into sleep.
Tonight, he would rise again.
For Task 2.
And for the future of Alberto.
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