Thalia followed Suiryu through the moonlit forest, her silver hair shimmering like liquid starlight. Her excitement was nearly tangible as she trailed behind the dragon, her crimson eyes alight with anticipation. Magic wasn't just something she read about anymore—it was hers to command.
"I've trained many before you," Suiryu began, his voice calm but tinged with amusement, "but your enthusiasm is... unique."
"I can't help it!" Thalia blurted out, practically skipping. "This is incredible. I mean, in movi—uh, I've never even dreamed of something like this." She caught herself, suddenly aware of how close she was to revealing her past life. "It's like... a storybook come to life!"
Suiryu gave her a curious look but didn't press further.
Thalia's heart quickened. Training. Fighting. Using magic. She clenched her hands, fire flickering to life in one and a cool rush of water forming in the other.
The night air was cool and refreshing as Thalia followed Suiryu into the forest, her silver hair gleaming in the moonlight. Her heart pounded with a mix of excitement and curiosity.
"Shadowbeasts will be your first test," Suiryu said, his glowing, icy-blue eyes scanning the dark surroundings. "They're remnants of the Demon Lord's corruption, weak but still dangerous if underestimated."
Thalia's crimson eyes sparkled. She couldn't hide her grin. "Magic. Actual magic. I'm going to use it!"
Suiryu glanced back at her, his tail flicking. "You've certainly taken this revelation well. Most people are terrified when they first face a shadowbeast."
Thalia laughed nervously, shrugging. "Well, I'm not most people. Let's do this!"
But deep down, she was buzzing for another reason. Magic had always been the stuff of fantasy in her previous life. Now, she was living the dream. Fire and water—two of the strongest elements—flowed through her veins.
---
A low growl interrupted her thoughts. Suiryu stopped, his eyes narrowing. Three shadowbeasts emerged from the shadows, their forms twisting unnaturally and their black-red eyes glowing .
"Stay focused," Suiryu said. "They're small, but vicious."
Thalia nodded, but before she could think about what to do, her body moved instinctively. Her legs shifted into a fighting stance, and her hands raised—fire igniting in one palm, water swirling in the other.
The first beast lunged, and Thalia dodged, pivoting smoothly as if she'd done it a hundred times before. Without hesitation, she unleashed a burst of fire, the flames consuming the creature in seconds.
The second beast darted toward her, but again her body reacted. Water surged from her outstretched hand, forming a barrier that deflected the attack. The barrier hardened into ice, trapping the beast. With a flick of her wrist, the ice shattered, destroying it.
The third beast hesitated, growling low. Thalia felt a surge of confidence as fire and water combined in her palms, creating a vortex of energy that spiraled toward the creature. It disintegrated on impact, leaving behind only a faint shimmer.
As silence fell, Thalia stood still, her chest heaving. Her hands trembled slightly, not from fear but from the adrenaline coursing through her.
"How did I do that?" she whispered, looking down at her hands.
"You fought well," Suiryu said, landing beside her. "But it's interesting—your movements were precise, almost too precise for someone who's never trained before."
Thalia frowned. "It didn't feel like I was doing it. It's like my body moved on its own."
The original Thalia, Her instincts remain within the body . They're part of who she is now. Combine that with the guidance of the water
The realization hit Thalia like a wave. The original Thalia's memories weren't just fragments—they were influencing her actions, guiding her in ways she hadn't realized.
"Focus," Suiryu said sharply. "Another one's coming."
Thalia snapped out of her thoughts just as a larger shadowbeast emerged. Its Red eyes locked on her, and it roared, charging.
This time, she was ready. Her movements felt deliberate now, but still smooth and precise. Fire blazed to life, but instead of attacking outright, she combined it with water in a swirling vortex. The attack struck the beast, obliterating it in an instant.
As the beast's remnants dissolved into the air, Thalia felt a rush of energy surge through her. It was warm and invigorating, as if she'd tapped into an endless source of power.
"What... is this feeling?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Suiryu's expression softened. "Water spirits are unique. They don't just use magic—they thrive on the world's energy. When you defeat corrupted beings, their mana doesn't disappear. It's purified by the spirits and absorbed into you. That energy strengthens you, replenishes you. It's why water users are so rare and powerful."
Thalia's eyes widened. "So, every time I fight, I get stronger?"
"In essence, yes," Suiryu replied. "But don't let it get to your head. Power without discipline is dangerous."
Thalia couldn't contain her grin. "This is amazing! I'm like a... like a magical battery!" She laughed, spinning on her heel. "This is the best thing ever!"
Suiryu chuckled, amused by her enthusiasm. "Let's see how far your excitement takes you. There are more shadowbeasts ahead."
---
They continued through the forest, and with each battle, Thalia grew more confident. Her movements became fluid, her spells more powerful. Fire and water harmonized in ways that felt both natural and exhilarating.
By the time they returned to the estate, the sun was high in the sky. Thalia was exhausted but exhilarated, her grin wide and unshakable.
"This is the best thing that's ever happened to me," she declared.
Suiryu smirked. "You're talented, little master, but don't get too comfortable. This is only the beginning."
Thalia nodded, her crimson eyes alight with determination. For the first time in both her lives, she felt truly alive—and she couldn't wait to see what tomorrow would bring.