Chapter 73 - The Second outing

  Two Weeks Later

  Two weeks have flown by in a peaceful atmosphere, and now it’s almost high noon. Seven is immersed in the training hall, dedicated to mastering his magical abilities. Over the past few months, he has made impressive strides in manipulating his mana, especially through sigil magic and runes.

  As he practices magic to stabilize his technique, he notices some glitches in the magic sigils. Rhea, who has been observing his progress in healing magic, gently chimes in. Her calming voice and the warmth in her lavender eyes bring a reassuring presence. “Hmm, it’s still not quite right, but the magic has its own way of working,” she explains.

  Seven feels a mix of confusion and determination. “So, you’re saying I can use healing magic, but it doesn’t resemble traditional methods?”

  Rhea admits that this is a bit beyond her expertise, as Seven's unique approach reflects an understanding of magic that hasn’t been fully uncovered since the recovery era after the war 200 years ago—so much knowledge has been lost.

  “There's still a lot for you to learn, especially with your distinctive technique,” she encourages.

  Through diligent training, Seven discovers that he has an affinity for both healing and lightning spells, even if he hasn’t yet unlocked their full potential.

  After hours of hard work, Ripper, the Vice Guild Leader, observes the initiates and happily grants permission for them to explore the city further, opening up new exciting opportunities for Seven!

  The guild has generously granted its recruits some much-needed rest and limited leave—a brief but delightful reprieve before the much-anticipated Survival Trial ahead.

  Seven found himself exploring the enchanting city of Novastra for the second time since his arrival, and this time it felt more like an adventure than a prison break. Fluffy hopped beside him, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she eagerly pointed out vibrant stalls and charming bridges, clearly mesmerized by the beauty around them.

  “Look at that! And that! Everything’s so beautiful!” she exclaimed, nearly bumping into a vendor cart in her enthusiasm.

  Novastra boasts stunning man-made canals crafted from robust stone, showcasing the ingenuity of this magical city. Despite the chill of perpetual winter that blankets the area, the city radiates a unique charm that captivates its visitors.

  Arne strolled casually beside Seven, a playful smirk on his face as he surveyed the bustling canals and lively markets. “Not bad for a city, huh? Plenty of spots to find a little mischief if you’re in the mood,” he teased.

  Seven responded earnestly, “I’d prefer to steer clear of trouble, especially since the locals don’t yet see me as one of their own. I definitely don’t want to give the council a reason to send me packing.”

  At the rear, Raven walked with her arms crossed, her keen eyes surveying the crowd. “Stay sharp,” she advised. “The city may seem safe, but don’t let your guard down. Pickpockets and opportunists thrive in a crowd.”

  As Seven’s gaze wandered over stalls brimming with exotic fruits, magical trinkets, and intricately crafted steelwork, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. The bridges loomed impressively, transportation boats glided smoothly through the canals, and the towering bunny folk of the war rabbit guild casually passed him by, reminding him of the vastness of this world.

  Yet, despite the surroundings, he felt a growing sense of belonging as part of his group..

  Wildlands Training

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  Far from Novastra, the Aku village thrived in stark contrast to the city’s bustle.

  Kinata dashed across a clearing, her katana slicing arcs of black lightning through the air. Her younger sister, Kita, struggled to mimic the form, wobbling slightly under the weight of her blade.

  “Focus your stance!” Kinata barked, circling her like a hawk. “Balance first. Speed second.”

  Taka and Yuuki observed from the shade, whispering advice to the younger trainee. The air shimmered with latent mana, the forest alive with an oppressive stillness broken only by the crackle of lightning from Kinata’s strikes.

  Kita steadied herself, breath ragged, but her next slash was smoother. Kinata gave a small nod of approval. “Better. Again.”

  Hours passed until the sun dipped low, painting the Wildlands in gold. Kinata finally called a halt, clapping a massive hand on her sister’s shoulder. “Good work today. You improve. Slowly… but surely.”

  Kita lit up at the praise, her amber eyes gleaming.

  The Weight of Peace

  The Aku village bustled with quiet routine. Warriors honed their blades, families gathered around fires, and hunters returned with prey easily subdued. It was too calm — almost dull.

  Kita walked beside Kinata toward their pagoda home, her excitement still bubbling. “One day I’ll be as strong as you,” she said with certainty.

  Kinata offered a faint smile, though her voice held no humor. “Strength comes with time. Patience is harder.”

  She knew boredom was its own enemy. For generations, the Aku had lived as predators unmatched in their domain. Humans were fragile, War Rabbits adapted instead of fought, and no true war had come in her lifetime. For Kinata, peace felt less like safety and more like a cage.

  Lady Lumin, however, welcomed it. She insisted peace meant the young Aku had grown without scars, without the hunger of war. To Kinata, it meant her edge dulled.

  Still, she led Kita home, where the towering pagoda’s lamps glowed warm against the twilight.

  Shared Meals

  Inside the pagoda, Kinata prepared a meal, the sheer scale of her kitchen dwarfing anything a human might imagine. Kita perched at the table, eager, while the scent of seared meat filled the hall.

  Meanwhile, in Novastra, Seven and his companions chose a small restaurant off the market district. The plates were modest compared to the guild hall feasts, but the flavors carried refinement the guild cooks rarely matched.

  Fluffy devoured her dish with delight. “Finally! Food that isn’t served on platters bigger than my bed.”

  Arne chuckled, raising a mug. “The guild feeds us like champions, but sometimes it’s the little places that hit the spot.”

  Raven sampled her stew carefully, then gave a rare nod. “Balanced.”

  Seven leaned back in his chair, watching the lantern-lit streets outside. A second chance at walking free, not as prey, not as a curiosity — but as a guild member. The city still buzzed with whispers about “the numbered human,” but sitting there with his companions, he felt closer than ever to belonging.

  Whispers of the Full Moon

  The lively chatter of patrons and the delightful clatter of cutlery filled the restaurant with an inviting atmosphere. Seven couldn’t help but immerse himself in the comforting warmth of the food in front of him, finding it a welcome distraction after weeks of grueling drills and the bumps and bruises that came with them. It felt almost surreal to be sitting in public again.

  “This is really nice,” he admitted, genuinely enjoying the delightful blend of spices and roasted flavors with each bite.

  Fluffy beamed with enthusiasm, her cheeks stuffed full while she spoke. “I told you so! This place is sometimes better than the guild hall!”

  Arne, with a playful smirk, raised his mug. “So, rookie… is city life exceeding your expectations, or is it too much to handle?”

  Seven shrugged, a hint of amusement crossing his face. “It’s definitely… a lot to take in. But it’s refreshing to stroll around without someone watching my every move.”

  The moment those words slipped out, he felt the shift in the mood at the table. He couldn’t help but think about a more serious topic. “Especially with the… moon events.”

  Instantly, he captured the crowd's attention. Fluffy’s ears perked up with curiosity, Arne leaned in, mischief dancing in his eyes, and Raven sighed, her fork softly clinking against her plate.

  “The Moon Events!” Arne exclaimed, his grin overflowing with enthusiasm. “That’s when even the most disciplined warriors let loose a bit.”

  Seven raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Let loose?”

  Fluffy’s cheeks flushed a light pink, and she quickly turned her gaze away. “It’s not bad! Just… a little intense. The guild keeps us secure during those nights for everyone’s safety.”

  Raven spoke with her characteristic candor. “We become stronger, faster. But if there are no foes to challenge us, our instincts can… well, lead us in different directions. The red eyes are your signal. Even the calmest can lose control.”

  As Seven absorbed their words, he felt a mix of unease and a surprising understanding. He had noticed those signs before—the flicker of red in eyes, the twitch of ears on specific nights, and the tension that hummed just beneath the surface.

  Arne, unable to resist the opportunity, chuckled. “Honestly, it's one of the best parts! You feel so alive and on edge. Though, well… let’s just say it can complicate the arrangements for sleeping!” He burst into laughter, clearly enjoying his own joke.

  Seven swallowed hard, an embarrassing memory flashing through his mind. His first month in the guild had been filled with wide-eyed exploration, which led him a bit too far one night. He’d found himself stumbling awkwardly into another recruit’s quarters during a full moon—something he never dared to share with Fluffy or Raven.

  Heat crept up his neck, turning his face crimson.

  Arne noticed instantly. “Oh-ho! That expression tells a whole story. Rookie’s got a tale!”

  Seven awkwardly recalled, “Well, no one told me about these moon events. I had no idea they locked the doors!”

  Fluffy leaned in, her curiosity more than piqued. “Wait—what? You ended up in someone’s quarters? Who was it?”

  Nervously shaking his head, Seven replied, “It wasn’t what you think! And honestly, it’s not a story I want to share.”

  Luckily, Raven stepped in with a smooth interjection, saving him from further embarrassment. “Let it go, Arne. Some stories are best left untold.” Yet a faint smirk danced on her lips, suggesting she understood far more than she let on.

  “Some things are better kept private,” Seven echoed quietly, muttering into his stew.

  The laughter eventually subsided, but the topic lingered in his mind. It was clear that the War Rabbits’ strength wasn’t merely physical—it intertwined with instinct, desire, and the moon itself. A powerful mix that was both exhilarating and unpredictably thrilling.