Everything around me was a dark, silent void, as if I were walking in a place without time or space, trapped between reality and a dream.
Suddenly, a soft light began to shine in the darkness, dispelling the shadows that surrounded me.
Before me appeared a small feminine figure, floating just a few inches from my face.
She was tiny, with golden hair that fell in soft curls and a white dress that gave her an angelic air, though her mischievous spark and a rebellious strand of hair broke that image, making her unique.
Her small wings flapped gently, and a radiant smile lit up her face. There was something about her that gave me an inexplicable sense of familiarity.
For a moment, I doubted whether this was a dream or if I had completely lost my mind.
How likely was it that a tiny "angel" would appear floating in front of me, smiling as if she had known me all my life?
—Hello, hello, Haruto-kyun! —sang a high-pitched, energetic voice—. I'm Kizuna, your loyal companion, Kizu!
I blinked, trying to process what I was seeing. In front of me floated that tiny figure, no bigger than a doll.
—K-Kizuna...?
—That's right! —she exclaimed enthusiastically, twirling around me—. I'm the personification of your special ability.
My mind was spinning. What was going on?
—Are you... real? —I murmured, feeling my thoughts racing.
She let out a cheerful giggle, covering her mouth with her hands.
—As real as you, Kizu! —she said proudly, puffing out her chest.
The surprise on my face must have been obvious because Kizuna let out another giggle, clearly enjoying my confusion.
Her energy radiated a peculiar warmth, different from the "conscious entities" you see in manga. She didn't seem like just a moral companion.
—So, you… are my ability, "Kizuna"? —I asked, still trying to process the situation.
She twirled in the air, visibly proud.
—Exactly, Kizu! I'm here to help you share and copy your friends' powers.
—Copy powers? —I repeated, incredulously.
Kizuna floated closer and, with a light tap on my forehead, smiled mischievously.
—That's right! But it won't be so easy. You'll need to earn those bonds. The stronger the connection, the more power you'll be able to use. It's all up to you, Kizu!
The determination in her voice made me smile, though I still couldn't decide if this was exciting or overwhelming.
She didn't just seem like she had walked out of a manga—she was also claiming to be part of my ability. Did this mean that every time I used magic, this little one would appear to remind me how little I actually knew?
—Looks like we're going to spend a lot of time together, huh? —I said with a nervous smile as a bead of sweat rolled down my forehead.
Kizuna nodded enthusiastically, spinning in the air with boundless energy.
—Yes, so much time! But it'll be fun, you'll see. Together, we'll be unstoppable, Kizu! —she exclaimed, raising both hands in a "V" shape near her eyes, striking an exaggeratedly anime-style pose.
I couldn't help but look at her in disbelief. It was as if she enjoyed being the center of attention, and that mischievous spark didn't seem to fade.
Before I could say anything else, the light around me began to fade. A familiar sensation of waking up washed over me.
She floated in front of me one last time, her radiant smile and seemingly inexhaustible energy still shining brightly.
—See you soon, Haruto! When you wake up, I'll still be here with you, Kizu. Bye-bye!
Her voice echoed as everything faded into darkness.
Slowly, the glow of the dream disappeared, and I felt myself returning to the real world.
My eyes blinked several times before adjusting to the light around me.
I woke up lying on the soft grass of the forest, the cold sensation of the ground still clinging to my skin. I felt heavy, but at least I could move.
As my senses fully returned, I heard a familiar voice nearby.
—Haruto, are you okay? —Yuna's voice asked, full of concern.
Turning my head, I saw her sitting beside me, her face showing genuine worry as she watched me closely.
It was clear she cared about me and had been looking after me the entire time.
—Yuna...? —I murmured, still feeling a slight dizziness—. What happened?
She let out a sigh of relief upon seeing me awake, though her expression didn't fully relax.
—You fainted after summoning those weapons. You completely drained your mana in one go and spent the entire morning recovering.
— I shouldn't have let you do it without warning you first, —she said, concern evident in her gaze.
I sat up slowly, feeling the world still spinning slightly around me.
—The whole morning...? —I asked, surprised. I had slept to regain some mana; although I still felt a bit drained, I was much better.
Yuna nodded with a faint smile.
—That's right. I let you rest so you could recover your energy. You still need more time to fully recover, but at least you're no longer unconscious.
I placed a hand on my chest, feeling the rhythm of my breathing. I remembered the pistols I had summoned and how they vanished instantly before everything went dark.
—Guess I overdid it with "Materialize," huh? —I joked, trying to lighten the mood, though I still felt somewhat overwhelmed.
She watched me, her expression a mixture of seriousness and understanding.
—It's not uncommon; those new to magic often use more mana than necessary without realizing it.
—Your body isn't yet accustomed to that kind of strain. You need to learn to manage your energy, or you might end up exhausted again—or worse.
I nodded, understanding the lesson.
—I'll keep that in mind next time. Though... —I hesitated for a moment, recalling my encounter with Kizuna in the dream—.
—While I was asleep, I had some sort of dream... I met someone, a small figure who called herself Kizuna.
—She said she was the representation of my ability and that she would help me share the powers of others.
Yuna looked at me with mild surprise, though she didn't seem entirely alarmed.
—Are you talking about the being dancing above your head? —she said, pointing with a faint smile.
Confused, I frowned and slowly looked up.
There, right above my head, I saw Kizuna spinning in circles with what seemed like boundless energy.
Her tiny figure floated joyfully, humming a tune that couldn't have been more out of place:
—You can't live on mana, Kizu! —she sang while shaking a pair of tiny maracas enthusiastically, her dance accompanied by a lively rhythm that brought a soft, spontaneous laugh from Yuna.
The scene left me completely frozen. I blinked a couple of times, but she was still there.
—Kizuna...? —I murmured, trying to process what I was seeing.
She paused her impromptu performance for a moment, leaning toward me with a mischievous smile that seemed to say, "What would you do without me?"
—That's right, Haruto-Kyun! —she replied with overwhelming energy, shaking a maraca in front of my face as if it were a scepter of authority—. I'm here to remind you that not everything in this world depends on mana, Kizu! —And with that, she resumed her cheerful dance, spinning in circles without missing a beat.
—Looks like you've won her over quickly, —Yuna remarked, her laugh barely contained and a playful glint in her eyes—. I suppose Kizuna will always be by your side... and not just in your dreams.
I tried to respond, but all that came out was a nervous laugh. Kizuna continued her wild performance, as if the concept of taking a break didn't exist in her repertoire.
—It seems so... —I muttered, unsure whether to feel flattered or overwhelmed.
Yuna observed Kizuna for a moment before turning her gaze back to me.
—It seems that Kizuna is a rather active manifestation of your ability.
I sighed, resigning myself to the inevitable.
—It's the first time I've seen an ability manifest as a "humanoid being." It must be because it's a unique ability, —Yuna commented thoughtfully—. It seems this ability has a deeper connection to you than we initially thought.
—Exactly! —Kizuna interrupted, making a dramatic twirl in the air—. I'm not just any manifestation,
Haruto. I'm the best manifestation you could ever have, Kizu!
Yuna smiled softly, trying to maintain her composure. It was clear she was struggling not to burst into laughter.
—From what I understand, Kizuna will allow you to share abilities with others, —she continued, returning to her reflective tone—. But I imagine it will depend on emotions, trust, and the time you spend with those people.
Kizuna floated in front of me, nodding enthusiastically.
—That's right! The stronger your bond with someone, the easier it will be to share their abilities.
Then she pointed at me with her tiny hands, as if giving a motivational speech.
—But don't think it'll be easy! Not everyone will accept you right away.
—It's a gradual process! Building bonds takes time. It's not like you can make friends overnight, right? But don't worry! With my help, you'll become a pro, Kizu!
I remained silent, reflecting. The idea of sharing abilities was incredible, but it also felt like a huge challenge for someone like me, who had never been good at connecting with others.
—So, I need to earn people's trust to use their abilities?
Yuna nodded firmly.
—It seems so. Imagine your ability as a bridge you're building little by little between yourself and that person.
Kizuna spun around me once more, her smile unwavering.
—Exactly, Kizu! But don't worry, I'll be with you every step of the way.
I scratched my head, still trying to process everything this meant. I would have to rely on the people around me—something that had never been my strong suit.
—This is... a lot more than I expected, —I admitted with a sigh—. But... I guess it makes sense. If I'm going to be part of this world, I'll have to learn to trust others again.
Yuna nodded, her expression softening with understanding.
—Exactly. Unlike other powers, this one requires collaboration. It seems you won't be alone on your journey.
Kizuna floated in front of my face, tilting her tiny head in an almost solemn gesture.
—And that's why I'll be here to remind you! —she exclaimed, quickly regaining her usual energy—. It's not just about power, Haruto. It's also about trust. So get ready to make lots of friends!
I stayed silent for a moment, absorbing her words. Even though doubts still lingered, a small spark of hope ignited within me.
—Thank you... to both of you, —I said at last, managing a faint smile—. I don't know how all this will turn out, but I'm definitely going to need a lot of help.
Kizuna did a little pirouette in the air, glowing with happiness.
—That's the spirit, Kizu! —she sang, spinning with contagious enthusiasm.
Then, placing one hand on her tiny hip and pointing theatrically toward the sky, she declared:
—No need to thank me! Together, we'll be invincible! We'll conquer the world, Kizu!
She was trying to sound like a manga villain, but her high-pitched voice and tiny size made her look more adorable than intimidating.
I blinked at her, unsure whether to laugh or worry. In the end, a hearty laugh escaped my lips.
—"Conquer the world"? At your scale, I think you've already done it.
Yuna, for her part, brought a hand to her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter. However, the glint of amusement in her eyes gave her away.
—At least you have "big aspirations," Kizuna, —she added with a gentle smile—. Though perhaps we should start with more achievable goals.
—Hey, don't make fun of me, Kizu! —Kizuna protested, her feigned indignation only making her look even more endearing.
The laughter slowly faded, and the forest around us returned to its usual calm.
Yuna straightened her posture, regaining her serene demeanor. Her eyes met mine, reflecting a mix of calm and determination.
—Well, now that you've recovered a bit, I think we should continue toward the village. My father will probably want to meet you. Perhaps he can give you more information about this world and your powers.
I stood up with some effort, still feeling a slight heaviness in my body, but much better than before.
Kizuna floated cheerfully by my side as Yuna began walking along the forest path.
—It'll be interesting to see how you handle things from now on, —Yuna remarked as we walked together—. This journey is only just beginning, and you're already discovering fascinating things about yourself.
I nodded, aware that my abilities were still in their earliest stages, but also of the promise of something much greater waiting for me ahead. This world was an opportunity I had never had before, and I didn't intend to waste it.
—I'm ready for whatever comes next, —I affirmed with renewed determination.
—That's the spirit, Kizu! —Kizuna exclaimed, radiating enthusiasm—. With that energy, nothing can stop us! We'll overcome any obstacle in our way!
I smiled at her boundless optimism, and after sharing a knowing glance with Yuna, we continued forward.
Each step took us deeper into the heart of the Mythara Forest, where answers and challenges awaited me in equal measure.
As we advanced, the forest unfolded its magic at every turn. The vibrant colors and melodic sounds created a landscape so enchanting it felt like something out of a fairy tale.
For Yuna, this place was nothing more than her home; for me, it was like stepping into a dream world.
Every tree, every breeze seemed alive, as if the forest itself was aware of our presence.
Then I saw it. In the distance, amidst the dense vegetation, a colossal tree rose majestically above everything else. Its branches formed a vast canopy, covered in delicate pink blossoms, like a sakura in full spring bloom.
Its immensity was overwhelming, and its beauty, almost unreal. Each pink petal seemed to vibrate with its own life, as if the tree itself were breathing alongside the forest. The air around it felt denser, charged with an energy that took my breath away. This wasn't just a tree—it was something more... something that was watching me.
—It's beautiful... —I murmured, unable to look away.
Yuna, noticing my fascination, gave a serene smile. There was a mix of pride and reverence in her gaze, speaking to her deep connection to this place.
—That tree you see there is Cherri, a dryad and the protective deity of the forest, —Yuna said with reverence, her eyes fixed on the majestic sakura—. She is the heart of Mythara, the source of its life.
—A deity? —I repeated softly, trying to grasp the idea while my gaze remained locked on the tree.
Yuna nodded calmly.
—Cherri, the ancestral spirit of Mythara, has protected this forest for centuries. As long as she blooms, the forest will remain alive and strong.
She turned to me with a gentle smile, full of respect.
—She is a dryad, a being deeply connected to nature. Though her essence resides in that tree, she can take on a human form to communicate with those she deems worthy of her trust.
—A human form? —I asked, surprised by the revelation. The idea of such an ancient and wise being taking a physical form was as fascinating as it was incomprehensible.
—That's right. In her human form, she radiates an indescribable grace and wisdom. To us, she's not just the heart of the forest; she's its guide and protector.
I paused, letting her words settle in. Even now, as I looked at the towering sakura, I could feel something special in the air, as if the tree were truly alive, aware of our presence.
—Can Cherri… speak to you? —I asked, intrigued, my eyes never leaving the massive tree.
—Sometimes, those with a deep connection to nature can hear her voice, though rarely in words, —
Yuna replied, turning her gaze back to the sakura with a serene air—.
—She communicates through the wind, the whisper of the leaves, the earth beneath our feet. Her essence is always here, even if it doesn't always manifest directly.
The idea of such an ancient being communicating in such subtle ways was as bewildering as it was fascinating.
The thought of meeting her in person intimidated me, but it also sparked an insatiable curiosity. What would Cherri say if she saw me? Could someone as insignificant as I be worthy of her attention?
We walked in silence for a while, each lost in our own thoughts. Without realizing it, I noticed a subtle change in the atmosphere.
Kizuna floated happily beside me, spinning in the air as she hummed a melody I had never heard before. Her energy seemed to seep into the surroundings, making even the forest feel more alive.
Yuna, a few steps ahead, led us with a steady pace along the winding path between the trees. The serenity of the place, combined with the promise of the unknown, wrapped the moment in a unique kind of magic.
I watched Kizuna for a moment, and an idea began to take shape in my mind. What if her appearance hadn't been random?
I recalled what Yuna had mentioned about my ability to share powers through bonds. Perhaps… somehow, Kizuna had manifested because of it.
I stayed lost in thought for a few seconds before deciding to ask.
—Kizuna… did you activate because I have a… bond with Yuna?
Kizuna stopped her cheerful spinning and floated in front of me, crossing her tiny arms with a self-satisfied smile.
—Exactly! —she exclaimed, puffing out her chest with pride—. I manifested because your connection with Yuna is strong enough for me to accompany you. And not only that! I can even help you share some abilities.
She leaned slightly toward me, as if she were revealing a grand secret.
—I'm not just adorable! The stronger your bond, the more I can help you, Kizu!
I paused for a moment, processing her words. So Kizuna was some kind of visible reflection of my bonds with others?
—So… you're here because I trust Yuna and… because she trusts me? —I asked softly, absorbing the weight of what I was beginning to understand.
Kizuna nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with excitement.
—Exactly! Your bond with Yuna is at level one, so you'll only be able to use basic abilities for now, like Wind Walk. —Kizuna crossed her arms with an air of self-importance.
—And what exactly does it do? —I asked, looking at Yuna.
—It's an ability that enhances your speed and lightness, perfect for difficult terrain, —Yuna replied calmly.
Kizuna floated closer to my ear and whispered, her mischievous smile ever-present.
—So, be good to this elf, Haruto-kyun. She cares about you a lot.
No sooner had she finished speaking than a feminine voice, cold and mechanical, echoed in my mind, as if it had been waiting for the perfect moment to intervene.
Would you like to add the ability "Wind Walk" to the wind element through Kizuna?
"The panel is asking me this? I guess… Yes, go ahead," I thought, still trying to wrap my head around what was happening.
Understood. Initiating process...
A soft glow appeared in front of me, illuminating the air as if the very world recognized the bond that had just been established.
New ability acquired! —announced the voice in my mind—. The Kizuna Ability: "Wind Walk" has been successfully added to the "Wind" element.
I felt a faint warmth in my chest, followed by a subtle certainty: something within me had changed, as if new knowledge had silently integrated itself.
—You did it, Kizu! —Kizuna exclaimed, floating excitedly in front of me. Her eyes sparkled, and her energy seemed to have multiplied.
—And this is just the beginning! Imagine what you could do when you form stronger bonds with others. This is the first step of many, so don't get too comfortable, Kizu!
Her enthusiasm was contagious, though I couldn't ignore the weight of her words. Forming bonds... trusting others. It sounded simple in theory, but for me, someone who had always been alone, it felt as daunting as facing a final boss.
I looked at Kizuna, cheerfully floating beside me, and then at Yuna, whose expression reflected confidence and calm.
Both represented something I had never had: friends and a purpose. This world was a mystery, but also an opportunity.
—One step at a time, —I murmured to myself, feeling a spark of determination grow within me.
With one last look at the path stretching ahead, I straightened my posture and nodded.
—I'm more than ready. Let's go.
We resumed our journey, leaving behind doubts and moving toward the unknown.
As we ventured deeper into the forest, the atmosphere began to change. The shadows between the trees grew darker, and the silence became almost tangible, interrupted only by the whisper of the wind.
—Haruto, —Yuna whispered, her voice barely audible amidst the rustling leaves—. Stay close. The forest feels... different.
The air around us had changed. It wasn't an ominous silence that foretold danger, but a profound calm, as if everything was holding its breath.
Even Kizuna, usually restless, floated closer to me, observing with an unusual curiosity.
—Do you feel that? —I asked, trying to describe the strange sensation coursing through my chest. It was as if the forest itself was watching us.
Yuna nodded, her green eyes shining under the faint light filtering through the leaves.
—The Mythara Forest isn't just a place, Haruto. It's a living being. Sometimes, it guides those it deems worthy, but other times... it simply places trials in their path.
Breaking the silence, Kizuna flapped her tiny wings and pointed toward a path we hadn't noticed before.
—Look! That path wasn't there a moment ago, was it? —she said, tilting her head curiously.
Looking in the direction she indicated, I noticed a narrow trail opening between the trees, shrouded in a faint mist that seemed to glow with a soft radiance.
—Is this... normal? —I asked, my voice filled with doubt.
—In Mythara, nothing is, —Yuna replied, her tone a blend of caution and reverence—. But I don't think it's a coincidence. If the forest wants to show us something, we should follow it.
Kizuna floated ahead excitedly.
—Let's go, Haruto-kyun! The forest wants us to explore, Kizu! I'm sure something amazing is waiting for us at the end.
I took a deep breath, glancing at Yuna and Kizuna before focusing on the trail. There was something in that mist, something that seemed to invite us... or warn us.
—All right, —I said finally—. Let's go. But let's keep our eyes open.
And so, we ventured into the unknown trail, with the Mythara Forest guiding our steps toward the unexpected.