The Heart of Zero

On the road, Riyugi explained everything that had happened to Myouka along the way. The two best friends chatted and laughed, their joy seeming to make time fly faster.

Riyugi chuckled, recalling a particularly embarrassing moment. "Myouka, do you remember that time we went out, and you tripped? You insisted on pretending it was part of some dance move!"

Myouka's cheeks flushed as she pouted in protest. "That was just to save face! I couldn't let everyone think I was clumsy!"

Riyugi covered her mouth as she giggled, her eyes crinkling. "Who would laugh at you? I think you were overthinking it."

Myouka huffed indignantly. "Well, at least I've forgotten about it, unlike you."

Shingin trailed behind them, listening to their lively conversation. He sighed inwardly. They were so engrossed, he felt like an outsider. As their cheerful banter filled the air, his own thoughts turned heavy. After dropping out of school, where should he go? He'd once thought joining the Revolutionary Party was the answer, but now even that path seemed uncertain. Penniless and aimless, he couldn't help but wonder—was there any meaning left in his life?

Lost in thought, Shingin was startled when Myouka suddenly turned around and called to him. "Hey, Shingin! Let me try your alien soul!"

Shingin blinked, puzzled. "What do you want with my alien soul?"

Hands on her hips, Myouka declared confidently, "I'm from a family of archers! If Riyugi's in danger, I can shoot a few arrows and pin the enemies to a tree. Your alien soul could really come in handy!"

Shingin couldn't help but laugh, though his tone was exasperated. "You're oversimplifying it. Alien souls aren't toys."

Myouka puffed out her cheeks, clearly displeased. "What's that supposed to mean? Are you underestimating me? I'm quite capable, you know!"

Shingin sighed and tried to explain patiently. "Alien soul powers aren't easy to control. Using them recklessly could be dangerous."

Undeterred, Myouka insisted, her voice turning almost playful. "Humph! Just tell me if you'll let me use it or not!"

Cornered by her persistence, Shingin reluctantly agreed. "Fine, fine. Here you go."

He opened his palm, letting a soft blue energy condense like a translucent water sphere. Slowly, the energy drifted toward Myouka and merged into her body. She stared wide-eyed at the spot where it disappeared, marveling. "Wow… so it's real. I actually have powers now!"

She tried to feel the energy within her but found no discernible change. Disappointed, she frowned. "Hey, Shingin, are you messing with me? This doesn't feel like anything special."

Shingin shrugged helplessly. "What did you expect? A miracle pill that instantly makes you stronger?"

Pouting, Myouka turned to Riyugi with mock indignation. "Riyugi, look at him! He's bullying me and being mean!"

Riyugi stifled a laugh, patting Myouka's shoulder. "He wasn't yelling at you. You're overreacting."

Shingin, overhearing their exchange, looked incredulous. Yelling? When did I yell at her?

Suddenly, a gleam lit up in Myouka's eyes. "Since we've left school, why don't we head to the secret forest lake? There's a legend about it—a crystal-clear lake surrounded by strange plants that can grant wishes!"

"The secret forest lake?" Shingin repeated, his tone skeptical. "That's just a story. You don't seriously believe it, do you?"

Myouka grinned, her gaze unwavering. "Even if it's just a legend, it beats wandering aimlessly. Didn't we set out to experience something different?"

Riyugi nodded quietly, her expression showing agreement with Myouka's proposal.

After a moment of contemplation, Shingin sighed. "Fine. If you both think it's worth a try, I won't argue. But don't get your hopes up—it's probably just a made-up tale."

As night deepened, the trio ventured through the dense forest before deciding to set up camp in a small clearing. Though they had a destination in mind, the day's journey had left them utterly exhausted.

"We'll camp here for the night," Shingin announced, pulling a compact tent from his pack.

Myouka glanced at the single tent, her brow furrowing. "You only brought one tent?"

Scratching his head sheepishly, Shingin replied, "I thought I'd be traveling alone. I didn't expect you two to tag along."

Without hesitation, Myouka patted his shoulder. "Well then, this tent's ours. You're on night watch!"

"You two really know how to take advantage of someone," Shingin muttered with a wry smile, but he didn't protest further.

Inside the tent, Myouka and Riyugi lay down, their voices hushed as they whispered.

"Do you think Shingin knows what he wants to do?" Myouka asked softly.

Riyugi thought for a moment before replying. "Maybe he's still figuring it out. But the three of us together… we'll find our way."

"Let's hope so," Myouka murmured with a sigh, before breaking into a smile. "But you know, Shingin seems to be maturing lately. He's still a bit clueless, but he doesn't feel as childish as before."

Riyugi smiled gently, closing her eyes. "Maybe he's starting to learn what it means to take responsibility."

Outside the tent, Shingin leaned against a tree, the chill of the night wind brushing against his face. He gazed up at the starry sky, his expression a mixture of hope and uncertainty. He'd thought leaving school would help him find his purpose, but as time went on, that conviction had begun to waver.

"The secret forest lake… maybe it really can give me some answers," he muttered to himself, caught between anticipation and doubt.