Six days eventually passed...
To gravitate toward their goals of getting stronger, Sougo sparred with Lusina and Mika. Lusina and Mika teamed up against Sougo, strategizing to defeat him.
Sougo would then follow them into the forest, treading along the footsteps. As Sougo was picking up flowers, something was targeting him.
"Lusina, now!" Mika commanded.
With a massive piece of wood that was tied and hung, Lusina cut the string that was holding the giant log. They determine that there was a good likelihood that Sougo would be struck by the log trap that he fell into with a log that size. But Sougo responded swiftly and calmly, requiring less effort to cut the enormous log. Then, when Sougo turned to face the sky, he saw a hail of lightning arrows approaching.
Sougo's agility proved unmatched as he deftly evaded each attempted maneuver against him. Frustrated by his elusive nature, Mika swiftly devised a new strategy. Turning to Lusina, he issued a command for her to employ her formidable magic to divert Sougo's attention. However, their efforts were short-lived as Sougo quickly detected Lusina's presence and apprehended her before she could act further.
In a selfless act, Lusina chose to sacrifice herself by invoking her magic to summon forth a tangle of enchanted vines, ensnaring Sougo in a temporary bind.
"Now's your chance!" Lusina cried out, leaping away to safety as she urged Mika to make his move. Closing in on Sougo with determination to win, Mika channeled his magic into a brilliant yellow glow emanating from his outstretched palm, intent on stunning the elusive Sougo.
Reacting with swiftness and precision, Sougo unleashed his own magic, creating a powerful vortex of wind that sent Mika hurtling backward, thwarting his attempted assault.
As the plant ropes disintegrated after Lusina lost control over it, he wasted no time in launching a swift and precise series of wind slashes towards Mika. Agile and focused, Mika managed to evade each slashing attack, but in doing so, he unknowingly left himself vulnerable to Sougo's cunning maneuver.
Unseen and unheard, Sougo closed in behind Mika, his blade poised menacingly at the nape of Mika's neck.
Sensing the imminent danger, Mika raised his hands in surrender, conceding defeat as Sougo's victory became undeniable. The spar concluded, with Sougo declared the triumphant combatant.
"Darn, almost had you," Mika lamented, acknowledging the formidable skill of his opponent that led to his ultimate downfall.
Recognizing the need for improvement, Mika realized he had not yet ready. Mika dedicated himself to rigorous training sessions with Sougo before the spar, determined to elevate his swordsmanship to new heights. Through his accumulated tries and perseverance, Mika eventually achieved a level of mastery in swordplay that could be deemed intermediate.
"Hard fought. Next time, I won't lose," Mika vowed with unwavering determination, his resolve unshaken by his recent defeat.
Reflecting on the encounter, Mika marveled at Sougo's adept use of magic to dispel the bindings with such ease. It became apparent that Sougo's proficiency in magic was the result of diligent training and preparation. Sougo's strategic foresight in anticipating the need to break free from constraints showcased his tactical acumen and resourcefulness, underscoring the depth of his capabilities as a formidable adversary.
Sougo confessed he had been training secretly; there wasn't much to know about magic, but he was creative enough to find a way. Hence, he tried numerous techniques up his sleeve.
As Lusina stood before Mika and Sougo, a sense of unease weighed heavily on her mind, causing her to appear withdrawn and contemplative. With a deep breath, she mustered the courage to address her companions.
"Mika, Mister Sougo, I-I'm sorry I won't be able to stay much longer." Lusina began, her voice soft and tinged with regret. "I... yesterday, I was going to talk about this sooner, but it took me some time to get ready. I sincerely hope you would pardon my abrupt departure as I must leave tomorrow."
Bowing her head in a gesture of humility, Lusina shared the reason for her unexpected departure. She explained that her family was facing difficulties that required her immediate attention, compelling her to depart the following day. Despite the abruptness of her decision, she expressed her gratitude for the cherished memories they had shared during their time together.
Perplexed by Lusina's somber demeanor and her implication that their paths may not cross again, Mika voiced his confusion. "What gives? Is your home that far? We can meet up if you want. Just share your location," he offered, his tone laced with concern and a hint of disbelief at the possibility of their impending separation.
"Just that... I'm not so sure you might stand how far my home is. You see, I don't belong in this neighborhood, I'm from Aklyassa Maquourolapuno." Lusina revealed where she lives.
"SERIOUSLY? THAT FAR?!" Mika's eyes popped out after knowing where she was from, meanwhile, Sougo couldn't catch a thing.
Lusina later revealed how she ended up here, "As you all may know, I ventured all alone for half a year. I've been an unfortunate girl who's always gotten into trouble every second. I traveled by horse, of course, but she died along the way and made me travel on foot."
"Then a group of bandits showed up and almost took my organs out. I ran away, and then all of a sudden, a strong wind current flew me up high and very far away. I had nowhere to go, and my clothes were all torn, so I wore a robe and covered my face with it too. I was too afraid that I might scare everyone, and they would take me as their meal because I belong to a rich family."
Mika's eyes squinted in disbelief, couldn't even imagine how she managed, 'How is she still alive...?'
'For whatever reason, does this explain why I've been having a mishap, or is it Sougo who put a curse on me?' Mika's arms were folded while he was contemplating, accusing Sougo to be the main reason of his misfortunes.
"After many unfortunate encounters I've been through, I owe you my deepest gratitude for having me stay for three weeks, but I'm afraid, my stay is over. Until we cross paths again, I'm sure we'll be together soon." Lusina encouraged Mika and Sougo that this wouldn't be the last they would meet and hoped to a fate they would cross paths again.
However...
"Alright, I've made up my mind."
"?" Sougo and Lusina both looked directly at Mika, waiting for what he had to say.
Mika then brought out all his ideas, "In three months, we'll catch up to you as soon as we can. Before that time arrives, we'll have to make quick preparations for our journey. I have my ambition and goal to satisfy and he wants his answers."
"The journey may be a bit of a pain, considering I haven't traveled anywhere far from home. And that doesn't include the previous incident we've been through."
Mika would then apologize for the long prep to Lusina, "I know, it must be tiring to wait, but, will you wait for us, y'know just stay in the hotel for couple of weeks and change places? I'll give you money to support the expenses."
"Sure!" Lusina was ecstatic and agreed to Mika's meet up plan.
"It's a promise. I heard there's a big town named Auberyonne; it's actually pretty far, and, might I calculate, it would take roughly one week to get there by train, but by foot, we can manage; that is unless no obstacles obstruct our path." Mika had already calculated how long the journey would take.
It took Mika five days to decide whether or not to accompany Sougo. He gave up trying to rethink and decided to go instead of needlessly overthinking too much because he desperately wanted to experience adventure outside of his home.
"Anyway, bring Magriyu along. Since I was eight years old, he has been a loyal friend of mine. In addition to his incredible speed and intelligence, he could fly. He lost both of his wings; therefore, I have no idea what kind of creature he is or where he came from. He just appeared out of nowhere from the woods, and he was stuck on the tree. I think he's endangered..."
The horse Magriyu had a blue piebald and was white. The detachable portions of Magriyu's wings, as Mika had previously described, allowed for a clear view of his body. In addition to having a massive bulk that could support three adults at once, Magriyu was also extraordinarily hefty at 540 kg. It was clear Mika groomed his horse based on its clean appearance.
"Problem's solved, so let's uphold it as our oath." Mika indicated a fistbump by pointing his fist at Lusina and Sougo.
"Right!" With a fist bump and a smile, Lusina promised to see them in three months.
"Hey, you too!" With the exception of Sougo, who declined the pointless fist bump and spent his remaining time practicing.
Promised to return once again in a group, Lusina left the next day with Mika's horse.