“Are you serious right now, bro?” Leonardo asked, staring at the weapon in his hands. Thick leather wrapped around the hilt of the sword, its sharp tip glinting ominously in the dim light.

  “This is part of the job,” Evangeline said with a nervous chuckle.

  “Am I going to have to use this?”

  “We’re crossing into the Demon Wilds. Protection is a must,” she explained.

  “Protection? Demon Wilds?” His voice rose slightly.

  “The space between cities protected by the light—or Excalibur’s barriers. We call them the Demon Wilds. It’s free game for demons to roam.”

  The two were lightly packed—basic camping gear, clothes, and food carefully stowed in their backpacks. Leonardo carried the sword reluctantly strapped to his side, while Evangeline’s wooden staff, capped with a shimmering crystal, was secured to her own bag.

  Alarmed, Leonardo dropped the sword, turning to her in disbelief. “I can barely hold this thing, and you want me to fight demons!?”

  “Keep your voice down,” Evangeline whispered. “People are sleeping, Leo. Besides, this area isn’t too dangerous—mostly wild animals and goblins.”

  “Goblins? Cliché and… reassuring,” he muttered, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

  Evangeline rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry. Goblins are like humans, just… inferior. Weaker, less intelligent. That’s why Merlin chose this area for the sword and the portals.”

  Leonardo nodded hesitantly, still unconvinced. As he strapped the sword to his side, he asked, “Also, when did you start using nicknames?”

  “We’re going to be adventuring together. Might as well become besties,” she teased with a smile.

  Leonardo shrugged, standing and adjusting his new holster. Despite his outward composure, his mind raced with anxiety.

  *****

  Beginning their journey, the two would leave. The town faded behind them, the stone paths and Victorian buildings giving way to rolling fields. Sparse wooden huts dotted the landscape, each accompanied by grazing cattle. The aroma of breads, meats and coals were nice but, nothing beat the fresh air of the great outdoors.

  After a refreshing walk along the countryside, Evangeline pointed toward a tent near a fenced lot filled with horses. Behind the stall sat an old man, hunched over a bowl of soup. Once close, the old man would quickly notice the two,

  “Evie, is that you?”

  “Yep! I’m all big and grown!” she bellowed, her voice causing Leonardo to wince.

  The old man chuckled, raising a hand slightly below himself. “You were just this tall last time I saw you.”

  From the height of his hand, it was apparent that she was quite young. Yet, he recognised her instantly.

  “Sorry to interrupt, Gragus, but it’s urgent. Can I borrow a saddle and a horse?” Evangeline asked.

  “For you? Of course. I’ll grab a saddle right away.” Gragus shuffled to the back of the stall, emerging moments later with a well-worn saddle in his hands. He handed it to Evangeline, then nodded toward Leonardo. “And what about your friend?”

  “I don’t ride,” Leonardo replied quickly, waving his hands in protest.

  Gragus squinted, his expression puzzled. “Huh?”

  “He said no thank you!” Evangeline translated cheerfully, her grin widening, “he’s hard of hearing.” She whispered to Leonardo.

  She’d then thank Gragus before relocating to the fences, calling out. “Rainbow Dash!”

  Leonardo raised an eyebrow. “Rainbow Dash? Seriously?”

  The horse—a sleek black mare with a white streak down its forehead—trotted over, neighing softly as Evangeline stroked its mane. “She’s reliable, fast, and friendly. Perfect for this trip.”

  Leonardo crossed his arms. “She’s also named like a cartoon character.”

  Evangeline raised an eyebrow in confusion, ignoring his comment, as she secured the saddle onto Rainbow Dash’s back. She ruled it as, otherworldly rambles. With practiced ease, she climbed aboard and extended a hand to Leonardo.

  “Great, how do I get on?” he muttered, eyeing the horse like it might kick him.

  “Use the stirrups for leverage,” Evangeline explained.

  Leonardo hesitated before awkwardly placing his foot in the stirrup. He hoisted himself up with her help, his movements jerky and unbalanced. “This is harder than it looks,” he grumbled, finally managing to seat himself behind her.

  “Hold on tight”

  Leonardo grabbed her waist, his grip firm as the horse started forward at a slow walk. The motion jolted him slightly out of rhythm, and he clung tighter. “How are you not falling off?”

  “It’s all about moving with the horse,” Evangeline replied, subtly bouncing with the rhythm.

  Leonardo tried to mimic her motions, his movements clunky at first. Eventually, he found some semblance of balance. “This feels… unnatural.”

  “You’ll get used to it,” Evangeline said, urging the horse into a trot and then a full sprint.

  As the wind rushed past his face, Leonardo’s grip tightened further, though he couldn’t help but feel a flicker of awe at the speed and freedom of the ride.

  *****

  After a short moment, a faint golden hue appeared on the horizon, growing more opaque as they approached. The horse didn’t slow, charging headlong into the shimmering light. Leonardo braced for impact, shutting his eyes, but felt only a gentle hum as they passed through.

  “And that’s the barrier cleared. Welcome to the Demon Wilds,” Evangeline declared.

  Leonardo looked around. The landscape seemed unchanged—grassy hills, scattered trees, and no sign of civilization. It was tranquil, almost deceptively so. Yet, as they entered a tree lined path of a forest, an almost eerie feeling crawled along the boys back.

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  “I don’t feel safe.” The boy whispered.

  “You shouldn’t be, and that’s good” The girl said back, halting her horse with a gentle kick on it’s side. The sudden speed shift caused Leonardo to almost fall.

  The two would now leave the horses back, Leonardo on edge, his eyes swivelling round like a spinny chair. Evangeline would giggle at his nerves. She on the other hand, was calm, leading the horse towards high shrubs tying the horse down.

  The two dismounted, Evangeline leading their horse into some tall shrubs before weaving a glowing circle into the air with her finger. Symbols of blue light followed her motion, forming intricate patterns that shimmered brightly before expanding below the horses feet, and then it vanished. Leonardo blinked, marvelling at the sight.

  “Wow, magic,” he muttered, the awe short-lived as anxiety crept back in.

  Evangeline gestured for him to follow her, stepping off the beaten path into the dense forest. Leonardo trailed behind, his nerves spiking with every rustling branch

  “Its been a while, it’s gonna get dark, we should leave- “The boy aggressively whispered. His sweat accumulating.

  “I’m looking for our camping spot.” She said, flashing him a smile that didn’t feel reassuring.

  Moments later, Evangeline suddenly ducked, pulling Leonardo down into the underbrush. He opened his mouth to protest but froze when he noticed what she was looking at. Through the gaps in the leaves, a small wooden hut came into view, dimly lit by a campfire. Around the fire sat four goblins, their green skin illuminated by the flickering flames. They were armed with crude daggers, their guttural chatter cutting through the stillness of the forest.

  Leonardo’s eyes widened. “Don’t tell me we’re—”

  Evangeline clamped a hand over his mouth, silencing him. “Stay here,” she whispered, her tone sharp.

  Evangeline would then begin trekking along the bush lin. As she moved closer to the campfire, one of the goblins stood and began wandering toward Leonardo’s hiding spot. His breath hitched. Panic bubbled up as the goblin’s steps grew louder.

  Evangeline leapt out of cover, drawing the attention of the group. “You can handle one, right? I’ll take the other three!” she shouted, her voice ringing through the clearing.

  The goblins snarled, scrambling for their weapons. Leonardo froze, his thoughts racing. He could hide and let Evangeline deal with them... but if he did nothing, they’d surround her. Leonardo, Think. Think. Fine!

  “She’s not alone!” he bellowed, stumbling out of the bushes with his sword drawn. His heart pounded as the straggler turned toward him, dagger glinting in the firelight.

  The fight began.

  Evangeline raised her staff, its crystal glowing a soft brown hue. With a sharp motion, she fired three stone projectiles. The first goblin dodged by a hair, the second stumbled, but the third took a direct hit to the temple, crumpling to the ground. Evangeline advanced, her movements fluid and calculated, as she prepared another volley.

  Meanwhile, Leonardo was struggling. The goblin lunged at him, its dagger slicing the air as he barely managed to parry. His arms trembled under the weight of the blade, his footing clumsy. The goblin pressed forward, its strikes relentless, until Leonardo caught a brief opening.

  “They’re weaker and inferior,” Evangeline’s earlier words echoed in his mind. Summoning every ounce of courage, he deflected the goblin’s wide swing with a desperate strike of his own. The impact threw the creature off balance, leaving its chest exposed. Leonardo hesitated for a heartbeat before thrusting his blade forward, the tip piercing through the goblin’s collar.

  The goblin staggered, gurgling before collapsing to the ground.

  Evangeline would soon follow suit. A barrage of pellets soon came forth, the sheer number overwhelming and incapacitating the beasts. The girl would then glance back just in time to see Leonardo’s success. Relief flickered across her face, but her attention snapped back as she noticed movement.

  Leonardo stood frozen, staring at the blood on his trembling hands. His sword clattered to the ground as nausea churned in his stomach.

  A sudden growl snapped him out of his daze. The goblin, bloodied but not yet dead, lunged at him with its dagger raised. Leonardo froze, unable to react in time.

  A stone projectile whizzed past his ear, striking the goblin cleanly between the eyes. It collapsed, lifeless.

  Evangeline lowered her staff, her breath steady but her eyes sharp. “You did well,” she said softly, stepping toward him. “But out here, hesitation can kill you.”

  Leonardo didn’t respond, his gaze fixed on the blood staining his hands. The weight of his actions pressed down like a boulder, heavy and suffocating. Evangeline placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, her expression softening.

  “I’ll clean up… you get some rest.”

  He nodded silently, unable to form words. Stumbling a few steps toward the hut, he was stopped by a sudden jet of water hitting him square in the face. Spluttering, he turned to see Evangeline grinning, her staff raised.

  “What the hell?!” he shouted, gargling water and flapping his hands.

  “I said I’d clean up,” she teased, tipping her hat.

  Looking down, he noticed the blood and grime were gone. Before he could retort, she turned her attention to restraining the unconscious goblins. Still damp and too drained to argue, Leonardo headed toward the hut.

  Inside, the interior was bare—a crude table, makeshift beds, and an array of poorly maintained weapons lining the walls. He dropped his bag, letting out a tired sigh. Glancing at his phone, he hesitated before scrolling through his gallery.

  He couldn’t bring himself to look at the photos. They were a tether to a life that felt painfully out of reach.

  “The isekais make this part look easy…” he muttered, pressing his fingers to his temples.

  Evangeline returned a short while later, closing the door softly behind her. Her gaze met his briefly, but he quickly averted his eyes. She walked over and sat across from him, waiting a moment before speaking.

  “Leo… I’m sorry,” she said quietly, guilt lacing her tone.

  “It’s not your fault,” he said, forcing a weak smile before admitting, “I’m just… overwhelmed. And scared. And confused. And sad.”

  Her shoulders slumped. “But I dragged you into this.”

  “Yeesh, I’m pathetic. I came here to help you, and look at me,” he sighed.

  Evangeline’s lips quirked into a small smile. “Nah, you were like this before.”

  “Wow, thanks for—”

  “But,” she cut him off, “that just shows how strong you are. Despite everything—being thrown into a new world, scared, weak, and sad—you still helped me. That’s bravery, and I envy it.”

  Brave? Him? The word felt foreign, yet something about her conviction eased the weight on his chest, if only slightly.

  “That’s… a fair opinion,” he said awkwardly.

  “I’m serious. How about I teach you magic? It might take your mind off things.”

  “Magic,” he repeated, stunned. For a moment, he’d forgotten he even had the potential to use it.

  “I thought you’d be more excited,” she teased. “Sorry if it’s not what you wanted.”

  “No, no. Teach me!”

  ******

  Night had fully fallen, and the two had set up their sleeping bags on the floor of the hut. Evangeline sat cross-legged with a book open in front of her, the page displaying a detailed diagram of a glowing sphere.

  “Alright, I’m ready to learn,” Leonardo said, his voice carrying a hint of forced enthusiasm.

  “Good. Before we dive in, let’s cover the basics,” she said, clearing her throat. “Everyone has a soul, and our souls generate mana, which flows through our bodies. This mana likes to spread, but our core—a kind of regulator—controls its flow, much like a heart pumps blood.”

  “That’s why it felt so foreign when I got here,” Leonardo said, snapping his fingers in realization.

  “Exactly. In your world, your core traps the mana. But here, mana flows freely and has many uses. The main ones are magic and strengthening, though today, we’re focusing on magic.”

  “Understood.”

  “Magic is when we release mana from our bodies and command it. Unfortunately, when mana passes through your core, it takes on the affinity of your elemental type—something you’re born with. The four main elements are Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind. They’re called ‘main’ because they’re most common.”

  “Okay, enough of the lecture. Let’s do some magic!”

  Evangeline chuckled. “Fine. Here’s the thing: when we release mana, it’s difficult to control. Without guidance, it just spews out—like a water hose without a nozzle. That’s why mages invented rune gates.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “Rune gates are symbols we use to create magic circles. These circles act like translators, turning mana into specific spells—like fireballs or water bullets.”

  “But I didn’t see you using circles when you were fighting earlier…” he pointed out.

  “Well, I’m… special. Think of magic as a language. Most people learn a few basic words—‘eat,’ ‘sleep,’ ‘fireball.’ But I can form full sentences.” She smiled modestly. “It’s called runeless casting. Only a few people are born with it, and even then, I can’t cast everything without runes.”

  “Alright, Eva, you’re the GOAT,” Leonardo said with a grin.

  “Goat?” She tilted her head.

  “It stands for ‘Greatest of All Time.’”

  “Oh. Well, thank you,” she replied, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. “But enough about me. Let’s see what you can do.”

  She began walking him through the basics of holy magic symbols, carefully explaining each one’s purpose. Though holy magic was rare, she managed to teach him the simplest applications—a tiny spark of light.