Over the weeks and months, Kito and Lysar continued their rigorous training under Myria's guidance. They grew stronger and more skilled in controlling their powers, but at the same time, they learned to respect and appreciate the true nature of dark magic. Kito's dark magic, which was rank E, reached rank D during a meditation session. This took Kito by surprise, and he began to glimpse how his system functioned.
The rank of his magic depended not only on its use but also on other factors such as theoretical understanding of the magic in question, use, sensitivity to magic that he could enhance through meditation, and perhaps other things he had not yet discovered.
Another aspect concerned his characteristics. Despite Myria's intensive training, his strength, speed, and other statistics had not increased. Nevertheless, he could feel that his blows, powers, and body as a whole were stronger. A hypothesis came to mind. The system did not exactly correspond to a precise measure of his body's abilities but rather acted as an amplifier. For example, if he increased his strength through training, his strength would increase, but it would not change his statistics. On the other hand, if he improved his statistics, his overall strength would increase. More specifically, his strength resulted from the strength of his body, like any other person, but his system added a second dimension. Thus, his overall strength equaled his body's base strength, combined with his strength characteristics. He did not yet know whether this implied a simple addition or multiplication. However, he understood that he could progress even faster by working on both aspects simultaneously.
During a particularly challenging training session, Myria introduced Kito and Lysar to a new technique called "Shadow Step." This ability allowed them to teleport instantly to any location within their field of vision, a perfect tool for evasion and surprise attacks. Kito already possessed a similar attack called "shadow camouflage," which allowed him to dive into the shadows. Mastering this attack would allow him to combine the two easily and enable even faster and more unpredictable movement.
"Don't forget," Myria warned, "that if you use this technique too often, you will quickly exhaust your mana, and it requires precise control."
Kito nodded in understanding, dedicating himself to mastering this new skill. It wasn't long before he used it with ease, combining it with his other abilities to create a powerful and unpredictable fighting style.
Despite their progress, Kito knew he could not continue to hide his dark magic forever. He confided in Myria, asking for advice on how to handle the inevitable revelation. Myria thought for a moment, then shared her wisdom.
"I understand your concern, Kito," she said softly. "But remember that you are not only a practitioner of dark magic. You are also an excellent swordsman and master of other forms of magic. Hide this magic and focus on improving your earth and fire magic."
Kito listened attentively, absorbing her words.
As their training progressed, Kito and Lysar began to develop their fighting styles. Kito excelled at using his dark magic in conjunction with his swordsmanship talents, creating a deadly combination of power and precision. Lysar, on the other hand, perfected her aerial combat skills and learned to control her fangs with deadly accuracy.
One day, as they trained under Myria's watchful eye, Kito noticed a group of people watching them from afar. The strangers wore dark cloaks and seemed to be discussing something among themselves. Kito couldn't help but feel uneasy, and his instinct told him that they could pose a potential threat.
Myria more or less knew what was going on. This dimension, although rarely populated, was accessible to those who mastered dark magic at a high level. Of course, she had taken precautions and used her magic to make Kito's face unrecognizable and hide Lysar's dragon form. The group was likely just curious to see a child in this dimension, but as soon as they saw Myria looking in their direction, they left instantly.
Days passed, and one evening, Myria had an announcement to make.
Kito felt a twinge of anxiety in his stomach as he sensed the gravity of Myria's tone. She solemnly explained that an important event would soon occur in Kito's life, as he was about to turn 10 years old. She added that his father would discuss it with him in detail, as it was a family matter.
With teary eyes, Kito looked at Myria and asked in a trembling voice, "Myria, does this mean we have to go back?"
Myria gave a sad smile and placed a comforting hand on Kito's shoulder. "I know it's hard, Kito. I will miss you too. But it's time for you to return to the real world, not this one, shrouded in darkness."
In a spontaneous burst, Kito jumped into Myria's arms, surprising her. He then realized how attached he had become to the mage, more than he would have ever thought. For her part, Myria realized that she was no longer as cold and distant as she had been when they first met. She had grown attached and opened up to them far more than she ever imagined. Internally, this realization made her laugh, even if she showed no sign of her emotions.
After one last convivial meal together, Lysar slipped away for a final flight in the skies of this dimension, while Myria brought out a bottle of wine to celebrate their last moments together. The two friends toasted and drank to their adventure, the alcohol gradually relaxing them.
Kito, who had never drunk wine before, was tempted by a glass. The dark red liquid made him a little dizzy quickly, and he suddenly had the courage to say what he thought, thoughts he had kept secret, much to his dismay: "Myria, I find you truly beautiful."
Myria widened her eyes, surprised by Kito's sudden confession. She laughed, slightly tipsy as well, and jokingly replied that if he had been a few years older, she might have let herself be seduced. But unfortunately for him, he was still too young, and she was twice his age.
Blushing like a tomato, Kito realized the effect of alcohol on him. Myria, observing his embarrassment with amusement, decided to tease the young man further. She stepped forward, a mischievous smile on her lips, and stared intently at him.
"Maybe I should give you a taste of what you could have when you're older, or what you're missing out on," she said teasingly. She leaned in and placed a tender kiss on his cheek, subtly sliding her tongue along the edge of his lips to further disconcert him.
Kito felt his cheeks burn even more and stammered, "Uh, thank you, Myria. I... I didn't expect that."
Myria laughed again and sat back down next to him. "Don't take it too seriously, Kito. I'm glad you appreciate me, but our paths will part, so focus on yourself now."
In Myria's mind, she couldn't help but think about how much Kito had grown and matured over the months they spent together. She didn't know why she had acted that way, but her time with Kito had changed her. Although his body was young, his mind and behavior were those of a teenager his age, which puzzled her. Moreover, she had very rarely spent so much time with someone, and she cherished these past few months together.
The two friends continued to laugh and chat until sleep overtook them, and they fell asleep peacefully, savoring their last moments together. The following morning, the three companions, their eyes still heavy with sleep and their heads slightly sore, got up to prepare for their departure. Myria used her magic to open a portal, leading them back to their world.