Morning light slipped gently through the leaves of Mistveil Forest as Kaito and Serena continued their journey toward Stonehaven.

  The deeper they walked, the quieter the world became. The lively chirping of birds from the forest edge had faded, replaced by the soft whisper of wind brushing past endless rows of tall trees.

  Yet the silence didn’t feel lonely.

  Not when they were walking side by side.

  Serena adjusted the strap of her bag and glanced at Kaito.

  “You walk pretty fast.”

  Kaito slowed his steps slightly.

  “Sorry. Habit.”

  She smiled faintly.

  “It’s okay. Just don’t leave your partner behind.”

  Partner.

  The word felt warm.

  Kaito rubbed the back of his head with a small smile.

  “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  They walked for hours beneath the tall canopy, occasionally stopping to check the map or drink water from a nearby stream. The forest floor was uneven, filled with roots and patches of moss, making every step require attention.

  At one point, Serena suddenly lost her balance on a sloping path.

  Her body tilted forward.

  Before she could react, a hand caught hers.

  Kaito steadied her instantly.

  “You okay?”

  Serena blinked, surprised.

  “Y-Yes… thank you.”

  Their hands didn’t separate immediately.

  The ground ahead remained rough and uneven, and without saying anything, they simply continued walking while holding hands.

  Neither of them commented on it.

  Neither of them let go.

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  By midday, sunlight filtered through a gap in the trees, revealing a small clearing perfect for resting.

  “Lunch break?” Kaito asked.

  Serena nodded happily.

  “Yes please.”

  They sat near a fallen log while Kaito pulled out ingredients from his Item Box.

  Serena still wasn’t used to the sight of objects appearing out of thin air. Every time he used the skill, her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

  “You know,” she said while watching him cook, “that Item Box skill really is convenient.”

  Kaito chuckled.

  “It saves a lot of trouble when traveling.”

  “It’s amazing,” she admitted. “We don’t even need to worry about carrying heavy supplies.”

  Kaito stirred the pot gently as steam rose into the air.

  “I think traveling like this would’ve been impossible without it.”

  Serena rested her chin on her hand, watching him carefully.

  “You really love traveling, don’t you?”

  He nodded without hesitation.

  “Yeah. Every day feels new.”

  She smiled softly.

  “I think I understand now.”

  After lunch, they resumed their journey.

  The afternoon passed quietly, the steady rhythm of footsteps becoming almost comforting. Occasionally, Serena pointed out unusual plants or flowers she recognized from her herb-collecting days, proudly explaining their uses.

  Kaito listened attentively, impressed by how knowledgeable she was.

  “You know a lot about plants.”

  Serena puffed her cheeks slightly.

  “I have read many book about herb and I also collecting herb for guild for sometime so it not a problem.”

  Kaito laughed.

  “Then I’ll rely on you if we ever get lost.”

  She smiled proudly.

  “You can count on me.”

  As the sun began to sink, the forest glowed orange and gold.

  “Let’s camp here tonight,” Kaito said, spotting a wide space between the trees.

  They moved naturally, already used to their shared routine.

  Serena gathered firewood.

  Kaito set up the tent.

  Soon, the warm glow of a campfire flickered between them.

  Dinner that night was grilled fish and warm soup.

  Serena took a bite and closed her eyes happily.

  “Eating outside like this makes everything taste better.”

  Kaito smiled.

  “I think so too.”

  They ate slowly, enjoying the peaceful evening.

  Above them, the sky peeked through gaps in the leaves, revealing countless stars.

  Serena leaned back, staring upward.

  “I never saw the night sky this clearly from the village.”

  Kaito followed her gaze.

  “It’s beautiful.”

  The forest was quiet, the only sounds the gentle crackling of fire and distant night insects.

  After cleaning up, they sat quietly beside the fading flames.

  Serena spoke softly.

  “Kaito… the sky clear today right?”

  He didn’t need to think long.

  “Yeah. It really clear today we can see a lot of star shinning over the sky.”

  She smiled, hugging her knees.

  “well we can’t see what are coming tomorrow. Let’s take our time and enjoy this moment together.”

  Later that night, inside the tent, the forest felt distant and safe.

  The silence between them was comfortable, no longer awkward.

  Serena’s voice broke the quiet.

  “Kaito?”

  “Yeah?”

  “…I’m glad I decided to travel.”

  He turned slightly toward her.

  “Me too.”

  A small pause filled the tent.

  Then Serena whispered,

  “I’m glad I’m traveling with you.”

  Kaito felt his heart skip.

  He smiled softly in the darkness.

  “Same here.”

  Outside, the forest wind whispered gently through the trees.

  And inside the tent, two travelers drifted into sleep—walking the same road toward the unknown future