Morning sunlight filtered softly through the Takeda household windows.
The small dining table sat near the kitchen, steam rising from bowls of rice and miso soup.
For a long moment, no one spoke.
Rei sat quietly with his chopsticks resting in his hand.
Across the table—
Lumi was staring at him.
Still.
Unblinking.
Rei noticed.
Of course he noticed.
He just didn't react immediately.
His father, Haruto, rubbed his temple and sighed for what was probably the tenth time that morning.
"This conversation is finished."
Rei took a small bite of rice.
Calm.
Unbothered.
"We haven't reached a conclusion."
Haruto looked up.
"We reached one. You just refuse to accept it."
Aiko placed another small dish on the table before sitting down beside them. Her expression wasn't angry anymore.
Just tired.
"Rei," she said gently, "personal mana is dangerous for a reason."
"I know."
"That energy is tied to your life force."
"I know."
Haruto's voice hardened slightly.
"Then stop talking about training it like it's some exercise routine."
Rei set his chopsticks down.
Finally meeting their eyes.
"If the body produces it naturally, then it should be trainable."
Haruto immediately shook his head.
"That's speculation."
"Yes."
"And you're betting your life on it."
Rei didn't answer immediately.
Lumi leaned forward on the table.
Still staring.
"…You're serious."
Rei glanced at her.
"Yes."
Lumi leaned back slowly.
"That's insane."
Aiko folded her hands.
"When mages use personal mana, it drains their vitality. That's why no one trains it."
Rei nodded.
"That's the assumption."
Haruto frowned.
"Assumption?"
"Yes."
Rei lifted his bowl of soup and took a slow sip.
Then continued calmly.
"No one trains it because they believe it's dangerous."
"And it is."
"But no one has tested whether the body can adapt."
Haruto exhaled sharply.
"This isn't theory class."
"No."
Rei gestured slightly toward himself.
"This is observation."
Lumi stared again.
"You're experimenting on yourself."
"Yes."
Aiko's expression tightened.
"That's not comforting."
Rei shrugged faintly.
"It's the only available subject."
Haruto muttered something under his breath.
For a moment the table went quiet again.
Outside, the early morning streets of the town were slowly waking.
Birds.
Distant voices.
The quiet sounds of daily life.
Inside the house, the tension slowly settled.
Aiko finally sighed.
"…You're not going to stop, are you?"
Rei shook his head.
"No."
Haruto stared at him for a long moment.
Then leaned back in his chair.
Defeated.
"Stubborn."
"Consistent."
"Annoying."
"Possible."
Lumi let out a short laugh.
"I can't believe you're all talking about this like it's normal."
Rei picked up his chopsticks again.
"It is."
"For you maybe."
Lumi rested her chin on her hand.
Still watching him.
"You really think if you train your personal mana enough… it stops being dangerous?"
Rei paused.
Then answered honestly.
"I don't know."
Lumi blinked.
"That's it?"
"Yes."
"And you're still going to do it?"
"Yes."
Haruto shook his head again.
"Unbelievable."
Aiko pushed another bowl toward Rei.
"At least eat properly if you're going to be reckless."
Rei nodded once.
"Reasonable."
The argument was over.
Not because they agreed.
But because they knew Rei well enough to understand something important.
When Rei decided to test a theory—
He always saw it through.
Lumi kept staring at him across the table.
Still thinking.
Still confused.
Still trying to understand how someone could calmly risk their own life over a question.
Rei simply ate his breakfast.
As if nothing unusual had been discussed at all.
After breakfast, the house slowly returned to its usual quiet rhythm.
Haruto had already left for work, the sound of the front door closing still lingering faintly in the hallway.
Inside the kitchen, Aiko moved calmly between the stove and the sink, cleaning the dishes from breakfast.
Outside, the garden sat in the soft warmth of the late morning sun.
Rei was sitting on the wooden bench near the small plum tree.
Lumi sat beside him.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
The garden was quiet.
A light breeze moved through the leaves, scattering small shadows across the stone path.
Lumi stared down at the grass, her fingers absentmindedly pulling at a blade.
Then she spoke.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Rei didn't look at her.
"About what."
Lumi turned toward him immediately.
"Don't do that."
Rei remained silent.
Lumi's voice tightened slightly.
"You were collapsing. Training something that could literally kill you. And you just… didn't think I should know?"
Rei answered simply.
"I didn't feel the need to."
Lumi stared at him.
Then she laughed.
Not because it was funny.
"You didn't feel the need to."
Rei glanced at her briefly.
"That's correct."
Lumi shook her head slowly.
"You're unbelievable."
The breeze rustled the tree above them.
A few petals drifted down onto the stone path.
Lumi looked away again.
Her voice was quieter now.
"You're the only person I trust right now."
Rei blinked once.
That was… unexpected.
Lumi continued, staring at the ground.
"If something happens to you… where exactly am I supposed to go?"
She finally looked at him.
"Tell me that."
Rei considered the question for a moment.
Then answered calmly.
"There are others."
Lumi frowned.
"What?"
"There are people more capable than me."
Rei leaned back slightly on the bench.
"They could help you."
Lumi stared at him like he had just said something deeply stupid.
"…Are you serious right now?"
"Yes."
"That's your answer?"
"Yes."
Lumi threw her hands in the air.
"You're impossible."
Rei didn't react.
Lumi stood up from the bench and turned toward him.
"No, listen to me."
She pointed at him.
"I don't trust them."
Rei tilted his head slightly.
"Why."
"Because I don't know them."
Her voice softened.
"I know you."
The wind moved through the garden again.
For once, Rei didn't immediately respond.
Lumi crossed her arms.
"And before you say something logical and annoying again, I'm not asking you to stop training."
Rei nodded once.
"Reasonable."
"I'm saying you should have told me."
Rei thought about that.
Then said quietly,
"You would have worried."
"Yes."
"That would not help."
Lumi stared at him in disbelief.
Rei didn't deny it.
She sat back down beside him, still irritated.
After a moment she muttered,
"Seriously… where would I go if something happened to this idiot…"
Rei looked forward at the garden.
The sunlight shifted across the grass.
Then he said calmly,
"You would adapt."
Lumi groaned loudly.
"See? That's exactly the kind of answer I mean."
Rei turned slightly toward her.
"You did before."
Lumi paused.
Her irritation softened just a little.
"…You really think that?"
"Yes."
She sighed and leaned back on the bench.
"You're still an idiot though."
"Possible."
The two of them sat quietly again.
Above them, the plum tree leaves swayed gently in the warm morning air.
For a while, neither of them said anything.
But Lumi didn't look worried anymore.
And Rei didn't move away.
For him, that was already enough.
The next two days passed quietly.
No arguments.
No discussions about personal mana.
Rei spent most of the time outside, moving through the small training routines he could perform without drawing attention. Footwork drills. Balance exercises. Controlled breathing.
Nothing that would worry Aiko if she happened to glance out the window.
Nothing that would make Haruto sigh and start another lecture.
It wasn't real training.
Just maintenance.
Which meant it was also pointless.
By the morning of the third day, Rei had already decided.
He packed his bag in silence.
A change of clothes.
Basic supplies.
The small notebook he kept for observations.
When he stepped out of his room, Lumi was waiting in the hallway.
She was holding another bag.
A large one.
Rei looked at it.
Then at her.
"…What is that."
Lumi pushed the bag into his hands.
"Supplies."
Rei lifted it slightly.
It was heavier than his own pack.
"So now I'm the one carrying all of this?"
Lumi folded her arms.
"Your mom gave me all that."
Rei raised an eyebrow.
"Of course you're going to carry it."
Rei stared at the bag for a moment.
Then nodded.
"Reasonable."
Lumi rolled her eyes.
The two of them walked down the stairs together.
The front door was already open.
Aiko stood near the entrance.
Haruto was beside her.
Both of them looked up when they heard the footsteps.
Haruto crossed his arms.
"You're leaving already."
Rei adjusted the straps of his pack.
"Yes."
Aiko stepped forward slightly.
"You could stay a few more days."
Rei shook his head.
"I need to train."
She sighed quietly.
"I know."
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then Aiko walked over and wrapped her arms around both of them.
Lumi looked slightly surprised.
Rei didn't react much.
But he didn't pull away either.
Aiko held them for a moment longer before stepping back.
"Take care of yourselves."
Lumi nodded.
"Yes, Auntie."
Haruto reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small pouch.
He tossed it toward Rei.
Rei caught it easily.
The weight was familiar.
Coins.
Rei opened the pouch briefly.
Then nodded once.
"Mission accomplished."
Aiko blinked.
Haruto frowned.
"…Mission?"
Rei closed the pouch and tied it to his belt.
"Yes."
Aiko looked confused.
"You mean—"
Haruto stared at him.
"…Wait."
Realization slowly appeared on his face.
"So that was your plan?"
Rei tilted his head slightly.
"You always give me travel money before I leave."
Haruto rubbed his forehead.
"You stayed two extra days for an allowance?"
Rei didn't deny it.
Haruto shook his head with a small laugh.
"As always."
Aiko sighed.
"Rei…"
Haruto waved a hand dismissively.
"He never changes."
Rei nodded.
"Correct."
Lumi was trying not to laugh.
Aiko stepped forward again.
"Just… be careful."
Rei nodded once.
Then he turned toward the road.
Lumi followed beside him.
Behind them, Aiko stood at the doorway, still watching.
Haruto raised one hand in a final wave.
Rei lifted his hand briefly in response.
Then the two figures continued down the road.
Lumi walked beside him quietly for a few steps before glancing at the bag he was carrying.
"…You really stayed two days just for travel money?"
Rei adjusted the strap on his shoulder.
"Yes."
Lumi shook her head.
"You're unbelievable."
"Possible."
They continued walking.
And behind them, the Takeda house slowly disappeared from view.
The road stretched quietly ahead of them.
Dusty, uneven, and surrounded by wide fields that slowly gave way to scattered trees the farther they walked from town.
Rei walked steadily.
Lumi followed beside him.
Or rather… behind him.
Because Rei had both backpacks.
After a few minutes of walking, Lumi spoke.
"So."
Rei kept walking.
"So?" he replied.
"Where are we going now?"
Rei answered without hesitation.
"Your village."
Lumi blinked.
Once.
Twice.
"…My village?"
"Yes."
She stared at him for a few seconds.
"Why my village?"
Rei glanced at her briefly.
"To look for your mother."
Lumi went quiet.
The energy in her shoulders dropped slightly.
"…Right."
For a moment she looked down at the road while they walked.
Then something clicked in her head.
Her eyes widened.
She stopped walking.
Rei took two more steps before noticing.
He turned around.
Lumi was staring at him.
"…Wait."
Rei waited.
"My village is far."
"Yes."
"Like… really far."
"Yes."
"Like a full day of walking."
"Yes."
Lumi sighed loudly.
Then louder.
"…More walking."
Rei adjusted the straps of the backpacks.
"Yes."
Lumi groaned.
"Are you serious?"
"Yes."
She pointed at him.
"Last time you carried me."
Rei shook his head immediately.
"No."
Lumi blinked.
"What do you mean no?"
Rei lifted the two backpacks slightly.
"I have more weight now."
He looked at her calmly.
"I will not be carrying you."
Lumi stared at him.
"…Excuse me?"
"Bear it out."
That sentence broke something in her brain.
Lumi threw her hands in the air.
Rei continued walking.
Lumi stomped after him.
"This road is long!"
"Yes."
"I'm tired already!"
"You started walking ten minutes ago."
"That's still tired!"
Rei didn't react.
Lumi started kicking small stones on the road.
"I hate walking."
Silence.
"You walk too fast."
Rei slowed down slightly.
"There."
Lumi crossed her arms.
"…That's not the point."
They walked another few minutes.
Then Lumi spoke again.
"Carry me."
"No."
"I'm small."
"No."
"I'm tired."
"No."
"I'll die."
"No."
Lumi glared at him.
"You're heartless."
"Possible."
Lumi suddenly stopped again.
Then dramatically dropped to the ground and sat in the middle of the road.
"I refuse."
Rei stopped.
Turned.
Looked at her sitting there like a stubborn cat.
"What are you doing."
"I'm protesting."
"Stand up."
"No."
"We are walking."
"I'm not."
Rei stared at her for a moment.
Then turned around and kept walking.
Lumi blinked.
"…HEY!"
Rei didn't stop.
She jumped up and ran after him.
"You can't just leave me!"
"You refused to walk."
"That was symbolic!"
Rei kept moving.
"You are walking now."
Lumi groaned loudly and dragged her feet beside him.
"You're the worst travel companion ever."
"Possible."
She looked at the backpacks again.
"…You're really not going to carry me?"
"No."
"…Not even a little?"
"No."
Lumi sighed dramatically.
"Walking is stupid."
The road stretched forward.
Long.
Quiet.
And unfortunately for Lumi—
Still very, very far from her village.
A few hours later…
The road had become much quieter.
The fields had slowly faded into rougher land, scattered trees casting thin shadows across the path.
Rei kept the same steady pace.
Behind him—
Lumi was walking.
Technically.
But only technically.
Her head was slightly lowered.
Her arms hung at her sides.
Her steps dragged just enough to kick small clouds of dust with every movement.
She hadn't complained for a long time.
Which was unusual.
Very unusual.
In fact, she hadn't spoken at all.
The only thing her body seemed to be doing now was walking… and breathing.
At least, that's what it looked like.
Rei glanced back.
Lumi's eyes were half open.
Not unfocused.
Just empty.
Like a puppet that had been told to keep moving forward.
Step.
Step.
Step.
Rei watched her for a few seconds.
Then stopped walking.
Lumi didn't.
She walked directly into his backpack.
Her forehead bumped into it softly.
She blinked slowly.
"…Huh."
Rei looked at her.
"You're dying."
Lumi shook her head weakly.
"…No."
Then she swayed slightly.
"…maybe a little."
Rei looked at the road ahead.
Then at the trees nearby.
After a moment he turned and walked toward the shade of a large tree.
"Break."
Lumi didn't respond.
She simply followed him.
When Rei sat down against the trunk, Lumi collapsed beside him with all the elegance of a sack of potatoes.
She didn't even try to sit properly.
She just flopped onto the ground and stared at the sky.
"…Walking is evil."
Rei removed the backpacks and placed them beside the tree.
"Possible."
Lumi slowly turned her head toward him.
"…How are you not tired?"
"I trained."
"That's illegal."
Rei opened one of the bags and pulled out a water flask.
He handed it to her.
Lumi grabbed it immediately and drank like someone who had just crossed a desert.
Half the flask disappeared.
She finally lowered it and sighed.
"…I can feel my legs again."
"That's improvement."
Lumi leaned her head back against the tree.
"I hate your training plans."
"This was not training."
"…It feels like it."
For a while, neither of them spoke.
The wind moved gently through the branches above them.
Somewhere in the distance, a bird called out.
Lumi slowly closed her eyes.
"…Five minutes."
Rei looked at the sun.
Then nodded slightly.
"Five minutes."
Lumi smiled faintly.
"…You're slightly less evil now."
"Possible."
Rei leaned back against the tree.
Watching the road ahead.
The journey to her village was still long.
And this was only the first day.
Five minutes passed.
Then ten.
Rei stood up.
"Break is over."
Lumi didn't move.
She remained on the ground, lying on her back under the tree, staring at the sky.
"Lumi."
Nothing.
"Stand up."
"No."
Rei looked down at her.
"We need to keep moving."
"No."
"You said five minutes."
"I changed my mind."
Rei waited.
Lumi didn't even look at him.
Her voice was calm and completely serious.
"My legs have resigned."
Rei blinked once.
"They cannot continue their duties."
"Stand up."
"Nope."
"Your village is still far."
"Sounds like a future Lumi problem."
Rei adjusted the straps of the backpacks.
"We are leaving."
"Good luck."
Rei started walking.
Two steps.
Three.
Behind him—
Nothing.
He stopped.
Turned around.
Lumi hadn't moved an inch.
She was still lying there like someone who had decided this exact patch of dirt was now her permanent home.
Rei stared at her for a few seconds.
"…You're serious."
"Yes."
"You're not walking."
"No."
Rei sighed quietly.
Then walked back.
Lumi glanced at him.
"…What?"
Rei crouched slightly.
Then lifted her.
One arm under her back.
One under her knees.
Lumi blinked in surprise.
"…Wait."
Rei stood up.
The two backpacks pulled heavily against his shoulders.
And now—
A fourteen-year-old girl in his arms.
The total weight was… not light.
But Rei adjusted his balance.
Then started walking again.
Lumi stared up at him.
"…You said you wouldn't carry me."
Rei looked ahead.
"I said I wouldn't carry you earlier."
"That's cheating."
"Possible."
Lumi shifted slightly in his arms.
"…You're going to get tired."
"Yes."
"And then what?"
"Then we stop."
Lumi stared at him for a moment.
Then slowly relaxed.
"…Walking is still evil."
"Yes."
She rested her head against his shoulder.
Rei continued walking down the long road.
Two backpacks.
One stubborn passenger.
And still many miles left before the village appeared on the horizon.