The sun dipped low over Elystria Prime, painting the sky in shades of gold and violet. The streets were quieter now, though magic and machinery still hummed in the background, a constant reminder of the city's blend of ancient power and modern innovation.
Kiyoto strolled down the cobblestone paths, hands tucked behind his back. He had spent the afternoon experimenting with minor variations of Pulse Mode Ascendant, delighting in the way even small manipulations of reality made objects flicker or float.
Lost in thought, he didn't notice the hurried footsteps ahead—until a basket of herbs tumbled toward him, spilling contents across the walkway.
"Oh! I'm sorry!" Kiyoto exclaimed instinctively, lunging forward to catch a few of the rolling plants.
The girl from before—Mitsui Tachaina—scrambled to gather her herbs, cheeks flushed with frustration.
> "It's fine," she muttered, though her hands trembled slightly from the strain.
Kiyoto knelt beside her, his aura flickering faintly, causing a warm, calming sensation to wash over the nearby air. "Here, let me help," he said, scooping up the scattered herbs. "I really wasn't paying attention. Are you okay?"
Mitsui glanced up, taking in the boy's golden-white aura without fully understanding it. "Yeah… I'm fine," she said, her voice soft but carrying a sharp edge of curiosity.
As she gathered her herbs, a small mechanical creature skidded out from an alley, its mana core sparking wildly. It barreled toward them, threatening to knock Mitsui over.
Before she could react, Kiyoto extended a hand. A radiant glow enveloped the creature, halting it midair. Mitsui's eyes widened.
"You… you did that?" she whispered, awe lacing her words.
Kiyoto shrugged awkwardly. "Uh… yeah. Just a little trick. Don't worry, it won't hurt anyone."
For a long moment, Mitsui studied him, curiosity battling caution. "You're… different," she finally said. "Most people wouldn't even notice that thing coming."
Kiyoto grinned sheepishly. "I notice a lot of things. Maybe too much. I like helping when I can."
Something in Mitsui's gaze softened. "Well… thank you, Kiyoto. I guess you saved more than just my herbs."
Kiyoto chuckled, scratching his head. "Happy to help. Maybe next time we bump into each other, it'll be under better circumstances?"
Mitsui smirked faintly. "We'll see."
Even as she walked away, Kiyoto felt a strange pull—a sense that their fates were tied, and that this seemingly simple encounter would mark the beginning of something far greater.
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