Sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, warming Akari's cheeks as she slowly blinked awake.
She sat up, rubbing her eyes.
"Today… I talk to Lyra."
The memory of her dream, Zilyana's warmth, her reassurances, and her very enthusiastic hugging lingered like a gentle glow inside her. And with it, a direction.
A focus.
Akari slipped out of bed, dressed, and made her way downstairs.
Lyra was already awake.
She stood in the kitchen, hair tied back, wearing light training clothes as she stirred something in a pot. The moment she heard footsteps, she turned.
"Good morning, Akari."
Her smile gentled. "Did you sleep well?"
Akari nodded. "I did… actually. Thanks."
Lyra set down the ladle and approached, concern flickering in her eyes.
"How are you feeling after yesterday? Any dizziness? Mana overflow? Headaches?"
Akari shook her head. "I'm okay. Really."
Lyra let out a breath of relief.
"Good. I was… worried." She hesitated before adding softly, "Your power responding that strongly, it could've been dangerous for you."
Akari lowered her gaze. "I know. But…"
She looked up again.
"I talked to Zilyana."
Lyra froze mid-blink. "…The goddess?"
Akari nodded.
"In my dream. She explained things. About my power. And how to control it better."
Lyra's expression sharpened with focused attention. She gestured toward the dining table.
"Sit. Tell me everything."
They sat across from each other, the morning light catching in Lyra's silver hair. Akari clasped her hands together and took a slow breath.
"Zilyana said my power isn't something that can be measured by this world's standards. And… that it reacts to emotions. Strong ones."
Lyra nodded slowly. "That makes sense. Divine magic is tied to will and spirit."
"She also said I should start channeling my power into something I can hold or wear. A focus, she called it."
Lyra leaned back in her chair, thoughtful.
"A weapon. Armor. Artifacts…"
Her gaze softened. "That would help ground you."
Akari felt a flutter in her chest at the gentle support.
"And," she continued shyly, "Zilyana said that swords or armor work particularly well."
"Oh?" Lyra raised an eyebrow. "Do you want to try one of those?"
Akari fiddled nervously with her fingers.
"S-she said… a sword or armor could help me keep my power from leaking everywhere. And I… um… I think I'd like to start with one of them."
A small smile curved Lyra's lips.
"A sword suits you, I think. And armor could keep you safe."
Akari blushed faintly. "Really…?"
Lyra nodded firmly. "Absolutely. But the choice is yours. What do you feel drawn to? What feels like it would be yours, not borrowed power, but something that reflects you?"
Akari swallowed, her heart fluttering.
"Well… I…" She glanced away. "I think… a sword first. Something light. But strong enough to hold my power."
"A good start," Lyra agreed.
Then she leaned forward, resting her chin thoughtfully on her hand.
"In that case, I need to know something important."
"What is it?"
Lyra's eyes sparkled, warm and curious.
"What do you want your sword to look like?"
Her voice was light, almost excited.
"And your armor, too. Design matters for divine focuses.
Color, shape, style, everything. So tell me, Akari…"
Her smile softened even more.
"What kind of sword and armor do you want to have by your side?"
Akari froze, heat creeping into her cheeks.
"M-my sword and armor…?"
Lyra nodded.
"Yes. Describe them to me. Anything you want. This will be your strength, after all."
Akari took a slow breath.
Her heart beat faster.
Images flickered in her mind, designs that felt gentle yet strong.
She opened her mouth.