Danmachi: A Mage's Journey

After saying that, Akira drew out his one-handed sword. A white gust of wind immediately coiled around the blade like a living serpent, the air howling softly in response to his magic.

He stepped forward, his movements fluid and deliberate, and with a sharp swing of his arm, he released a four-meter-long arc of wind.

The crescent-shaped wind blade roared forward, cleaving through the forest with explosive force.

Boom!

The trees within ten meters fell in unison with thunderous crashes.

Akira turned to Ais, who was watching wide-eyed and said, "I remember that your battles are all close combat, mostly relying on speed and precise thrusts."

He said, casually resting the flat of his sword against his shoulder, "You don't have any real long-range attack techniques. If you can master this wind blade, it might expand your options and help during your adventures."

"The way to release this wind blade is similar to how you created the wind ball earlier. Give it a try, Ais."

Hearing that, Ais's golden eyes lit up with anticipation. She nodded and gripped Desperate tightly, the blade catching the light as she raised it.

Her lips moved softly as she chanted her magic, and in the next moment, a swift emerald gale wrapped around her weapon.

With a cry, she slashed forward.

A brilliant green wind blade burst forth, shooting across the open clearing. However, it only traveled four or five meters before dissolving into the air.

The impact was minor, barely ruffling the grass beyond that point. Still, Akira's eyes lit up—not with disappointment, but with surprise.

He clapped his hands and offered her an encouraging smile.

"That was incredible, Ais. You managed to release it on your first try. After a few more days of training, you should be able to reach the same strength as I did just now. There's no need to rush."

After all, Akira thought, Ais wasn't like him. She didn't have the Dark Eyes embedded within her, which gave him an almost limitless supply of magic power. For most others, repeatedly using magic was mentally and physically draining.

The two of them continued training on the 18th floor. The warm afternoon light filtered through the leaves, dappling their bodies with golden patches as they moved.

Sometimes they sparred, exchanging swift strikes in friendly combat. Other times, Akira patiently guided her through the intricacies of wind magic.

Time slipped by unnoticed. The shadows grew longer, and a subtle weariness settled in Ais's steps.

When her breathing became heavier and her magic started to falter, Akira recognized the signs—her magic reserves were nearly depleted.

"Let's call it a day." He said gently.

As they made their way back toward the dungeon's exit, Akira decided to share some advice, "You don't have to change your fighting style just because you've learned something new. Every adventurer has their own path, Ais. The wind blade doesn't have to replace anything—it can become part of you, to be used when the moment is right."

Ais nodded, her eyes drowsy with exhaustion. "I know…" she murmured.

Then, without warning, she reached her arms out and hugged him.

Akira stiffened, caught completely off guard.

'H-Hug!? The distance between us has decreased this much already?!'

He blinked rapidly as his heart did a funny flip in his chest.

Seeing her swaying slightly, Akira realized the truth—Ais was simply too tired.

Her magic use had taken a toll on her mind and body. With a resigned sigh, he crouched down and allowed her to climb onto his back.

She nestled against him, her golden hair brushing his neck and tickling his cheek. Before he could say anything else, he felt her light breath against his shoulder—she had already fallen asleep.

"What a strange kid…" Akira murmured softly, then immediately sneezed.

"A-choo."

— — —

When Akira emerged from the dungeon and stepped into the guild hall with Ais asleep on his back, the usual chatter among adventurers instantly turned into hushed whispers.

"Isn't that girl the War Princess? Why is she with the super rookie from the Astraea Familia instead of Nine Hell?"

"Wait, wait, my princess is being snatched away right in front of me…! This is treason!" A dramatic female adventurer wailed.

"Idiot, use your brain. It's obvious the Astraea Familia asked Loki Familia to take care of him."

"Yeah, even though Evilus has calmed down a bit, the Justice Faction's patrols are still active in Orario."

"But since when did she get so close to him?"

"No idea, but forget that—don't you wanna know how that guy leveled up so fast?!"

Hearing the escalating commotion and the approaching footsteps of curious adventurers, Akira's face tensed.

He quickened his pace, weaving through the crowd and heading straight toward the familiar gate of Loki Familia's base: the Twilight Manor.

When he arrived, the gate guard raised an eyebrow upon seeing Ais slumped against his back, but he still opened the way.

Inside, seated gracefully on a stone chair in the corridor, was a familiar figure—Riveria Ljos Alf.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting, Riveria-san." Akira said respectfully, tightening his grip on the sleeping girl on his back and striding forward.

Riveria's gaze softened as she saw Ais's peaceful expression.

She said with asmile, "It seems the two of you are getting along quite well. Please, carry her inside."

"Yes. She fell asleep after overexerting herself with wind magic." Akira replied, following Riveria into the mansion's elegant hall.

"It's no surprise." Riveria commented as she walked beside him.

"With your shared affinity for wind magic, discussing techniques together must've been both efficient and enlightening."

Once in the lounge, Akira gently turned so Riveria could lift Ais off his back. The girl didn't even stir as she was laid down on the sofa, her delicate face serene, framed by flowing blonde hair.

Riveria's expression turned unusually gentle as she brushed a few strands of hair away from Ais's face.

Not wanting to disturb the moment, Akira bowed slightly. "Then, I'll take my leave."

"Akira," Riveria called softly.

"Thank you for spending time with Ais. Aside from Finn, Gareth, and myself… most of the others in the familia couldn't truly connect with her. We all tried, but she kept her distance."

Her voice dipped with honest emotion. "I never expected her to act so spoiled with anyone other than us. It makes me happy to see her change like this."

Akira scratched his cheek, a little embarrassed. "No, no… I'm just glad to be friends with her."

He made his way toward the door but paused just before stepping out.

"Please let Ais know when she wakes up—we should go adventuring again sometime when we're both free."

And with that, he stepped out into the fading light.