The warmth inside Akari no longer startled her.
That alone felt like a miracle.
She stood in the reinforced training room, eyes closed, breathing slow and steady. The divine power that once surged at the slightest emotion now rested beneath her skin, calm and responsive.
"Again," Elen said.
Akari lifted her practice sword and stepped forward.
This time, she didn't push her power.
She guided it.
The reinforcement flowed inward, wrapping her arms, her core, her legs. Her movements sharpened, lighter and more precise.
Elen struck.
Akari blocked.
The impact rang through the wooden blade, but her stance didn't waver.
Elen's eyes narrowed, not in concern, but in approval.
"Good," she said. "Very good."
Akari exhaled, smiling faintly.
Days passed, and something changed.
Akari noticed it first during meditation.
When danger crossed her thoughts, her power didn't flare outward. Instead, it gathered, tightening, focusing, as if waiting for instruction.
"…It's listening," Akari murmured.
Elen nodded.
During sparring, faint lines of warm light traced Akari's movements, subtle, contained, never spilling beyond her body. The power followed her intent instead of her fear.
Once, Elen blocked unexpectedly.
Akari's instincts kicked in.
The divine power surged, but stopped at her skin, reinforcing instead of exploding.
Elen halted mid-motion.
"…Excellent," she said quietly. "Your power is no longer reacting. It is responding."
Akari's heart raced, but not with panic.
With pride.
Three days later, as Akari wiped sweat from her brow after training, a knock sounded at the door.
Elen answered.
A messenger in guild colors bowed quickly.
"Lady Elen," he said. "Messages from Garran the blacksmith, and Master Selisse, the tailor."
Akari froze.
"…My equipment?"
The messenger nodded. "They've completed the order."
Akari's breath caught.
Elen turned to her, eyes warm.
"It seems your patience has been rewarded."
Akari pressed her hands together, barely containing her excitement.
"My swords… and my dress…"
"Battle dress," Elen corrected with a small smile. "And yes."
The messenger added, "They asked that you come in person. The enchantments are attuned specifically to you."
Akari nodded quickly. "I will!"
After the messenger left, Akari stood still for a moment, heart pounding.
"I'm… really ready?" she asked softly.
Elen studied her.
"You are not finished growing," she said honestly. "But you are no longer unstable."
She placed a hand on Akari's shoulder.
"And these items will help you take the next step."
Akari smiled, eyes shining.
"…Then let's go."
As they prepared to leave, the warmth inside Akari pulsed once, soft, excited.
Not a storm.
But a flame, waiting for a blade.