the beginning after the end perfect duo

Tom's Hidden Memories

Even with Tuskara pulling the wagon, the journey to the nearest adventurer's guild—the one where we had accepted the mission—was slower than I'd hoped.

By the time we arrived, the sky was painted in hues of orange and purple, marking sunset. Exhaustion weighed on me like a heavy cloak. Everything we had faced up to this point was relentless, and though my mind itched with unanswered questions—Sylvia's mysterious identity, that unsettling presence, and my very purpose in this world—I lacked the energy to unravel it all.

Arthur had finished reading his book on mana theory just before we arrived, his curiosity and focus as sharp as ever. Lilia, who had finally begun speaking to me again, was now deeply asleep, her head resting on my shoulder. Mira and Sylvia exchanged those worrying smiles, though Sylvia's carried an enigmatic edge that gnawed at my instincts.

Jasmine remained characteristically silent, her stoicism as dependable as ever.

"We've arrived," Jasmine announced as she stood and moved toward the wagon's door. Arthur, seated beside me, glanced at me and the sleeping Lilia. His mischievous smirk didn't go unnoticed, and I sighed inwardly. I was just trying to be a decent person, but clearly, my actions were up for interpretation.

Arthur stepped out, leaving with that same knowing glance. Meanwhile, Lilia groaned softly, burying herself further into my shoulder as she muttered, "Just five more minutes, Dad. I promise I'll get up." Her protest was so childlike it made me almost forget the chaos we'd been through.

Mira's voice cut through the moment, her tone teasing. "You're such a thoughtful boyfriend, Tom," she said with a laugh, clearly enjoying the scene. Sylvia nodded, her agreement laced with her usual subtlety.

"You both look like princesses," Sylvia added, her eyes darting between me and the still-sleeping Lilia. "Tom, for your elegance, and Lilia for her peaceful slumber."

Her words struck me as odd. Me, a princess? Even as a joke, it didn't quite land right. What was she implying?

"Mira," I said, letting a hint of mana pressure escape my grasp, "you'd better keep an eye open while you sleep. You never know."

Lilia stirred as I shook her awake, my voice firm. "Lilia, come on. Wake up!"

She finally groaned, half-conscious and resisting every effort to move.

"I said wake up," I shouted again. This time, I let a small spark of lightning crackle to life, jolting her awake.

With a faint buzzing sound, Lilia shot up, fully alert, her hair standing comically on end.

"Was that really necessary?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at me.

"Necessary? Maybe not. Funny? Absolutely," I replied with a grin as I hopped out of the wagon.

She groaned but followed after me, stopping briefly to pat Tuskara and hand her a small snack.

"Come on, the others are already inside," I called back over my shoulder as I walked toward the adventurer's guild.

The guild hall was just as I remembered—same creaky floors, faint smell of ale, and the usual buzz of voices. Jasmine was already heading toward a back room. I couldn't see her, but her mana signature was easy to pick up. I started following it, and Lilia trailed behind me.

"Hey, Tom, can I ask you something?" she said after a moment.

"Sure, what's up?" I asked, glancing back.

"Well... I was hoping you could help me train later," she said, hesitating slightly. "It's great training with Jasmine and all, but I feel like training with you might work better. You know, since we're closer in age."