The Vice Captain of the Crimson Lions

Patri

Mynx sprinted through the dense forest, her boots crunching against the fallen leaves, a joyful smile lighting up her face. The morning sunlight streamed through the canopy above, casting golden rays that danced across her path. She skidded to a stop beside an old oak tree, her hand brushing its rough bark for balance. Pulling out a worn leather-bound notebook from her satchel, she flipped it open, her fingers lingering on the pages filled notes.

"Hello?"

A figure emerged from the dappled shadows, his blonde hair catching the sunlight like a halo,

"Hello, Miss Mynx Vermillion,"

Mynx tilted her head, studying him with a curious expression,

"Huh...I'm not sure what I was expecting-"

The man smiled at her,

"William?"

Mynx shrugged and shook her head,

"Not really, Will told me you wanted to meet me. I'm talking more about the marks on your face. If that is offensive, then I'm sorry,"

He laughed and stepped in front of the light, it was Patri, or better known as 'Licht'. Patri shook his head,

"It is not offensive. You told William that you found something in your search?"

Mynx brightened and held up her notebook,

"Yes! The magic stones are crucial to your goal, which I assume you already know. But there's more. You also need a massive power source to activate more of their full potential."

Patri tilted his head,

"A power source? What kind?"

Mynx groaned dramatically as she plopped onto the forest floor, throwing her hands up

"That's the problem. I don't know! It's gotta be something crazy strong, though. Like, we're talking mountains of mana. And I don't mean just a few nobles pitching in their spare reserves. This is on a whole other level."

Patri settled carefully beside her, his expression thoughtful,

"A human power source?"

Mynx leaned back on her hands, staring up at the sky visible through the treetops.

"Maybe. But it would have to be someone extraordinary, and even then, it feels... unlikely. People just don't have that much mana lying around."

Patri's gaze drifted to the crescent moon necklace hanging around her neck,

"You're right. It does sound difficult,"

Mynx flashed him a reassuring smile,

"Don't worry. Will and I will try to figure something out for you. That's what friends are for,"

Patri blinked, taken aback,

"We are friends?"

Mynx laughed and nudged him lightly with her elbow,

"Yeah, Will is one of my closest friends, and I am happy he had someone else during the years I was—uh—out of commission. Other than Yami. As much as I also love Yami, I think it was in everyone's best interest that Yami did not influence Will more than he has,"

Patri chuckled and nodded,

"Yes...well...until next time, Mynx,"

Mynx stood and brushed herself off, grinning,

"Hey, does Will still hear everything we talk about?"

Patri nodded,

"Yes, he does,"