Hitory and Tekime finished setting the dinner table. After arranging everything, they helped Elyndra, who was still a bit shaken after the excessive use of energy and the recent discoveries about Tekime. Carefully, Hitory guided her to a chair.

  — "I hope you can rest well while we eat, Elyndra," — said Hitory, offering an encouraging smile.

  Elyndra nodded, grateful, while Tekime served the plates with discreet enthusiasm. The atmosphere was calm, with the soft crackling of the fireplace in the background.

  — "You know, Tekime, that power of yours is impressive," — Hitory commented, breaking the silence. — "Manipulating mana directly... it's something I never thought I'd see up close. That could be a huge help to us."

  Tekime, who was pouring soup into Elyndra's plate, paused for a moment. She looked at Hitory, visibly happy with the compliment.

  — "Thank you, Hitory. I'm still trying to understand how it works, but... I'm glad to know I can contribute in some way," — she replied with a small smile.

  Hitory let out a light and relaxed laugh before replying:

  — "Contribute? That's an understatement. If you manage to master that ability, it could change everything."

  Tekime chuckled, but with a curious look.

  — "And you're talking as if you haven't changed anything. Your physical abilities are insane! I was... really surprised, not to say scared, when I tried to sneak up on you."

  Elyndra, who had been silently observing, let out a soft laugh upon hearing the last part.

  — "Scared?" — Hitory asked, raising an eyebrow.

  Tekime crossed her arms and smiled.

  — "When I got close to you, you vanished from my sight, and the next second you were behind me with your sword at my neck. As if you knew exactly what I was doing."

  Hitory rubbed his neck, visibly uncomfortable.

  — "Ah, that... Sorry about that, it was pure reflex. I didn't mean to scare you."

  — "It's okay. I'm just saying I was impressed," — she replied, still smiling. — "It seems that duel with édros left you... different."

  — "How do you know about our battle?" — Hitory asked, not knowing how she had that information.

  — "I talked to Lunaria the other night. From what she told me, the world of 'Deities/Gods' is the same for everyone. She mentioned seeing you in an arena."

  Hitory nodded thoughtfully. He felt that something had indeed changed, but he still didn’t know exactly what. For now, he just accepted the compliment.

  Elyndra cleared her throat softly, drawing their attention.

  — "You two are changing, and that's a good thing. But remember that all power comes with responsibility. Make sure you use it wisely."

  The two exchanged glances and sat in silence, reflecting on Elyndra's words. The conversation was interrupted by a comforting aroma coming from the dinner.

  — "Let's eat before the food gets cold," — Hitory suggested, breaking the serious mood.

  — "Good idea," — Tekime replied cheerfully, while Elyndra gave a tired but satisfied smile.

  After dinner, the three finished cleaning the kitchen. Elyndra, exhausted, said goodnight early and went to her room, while Hitory and Tekime prepared to head upstairs to the room they shared.

  Upon entering, the room was calm, illuminated only by the moonlight streaming through the window. Tekime grabbed a set of clean clothes and looked at Hitory.

  — "I'll go first," — she said, pointing to the bathroom door.

  — "Sure. Take your time," — Hitory replied, sitting on the floor near the bed, leaning his back against the wall.

  While Tekime was in the shower, Hitory looked around the room, reflecting on recent events. The duel with édros, the revelations about Tekime, and her newly discovered ability left him deep in thought. He closed his eyes for a moment, listening to the distant sound of running water.

  Shortly after, Tekime came out, wrapped in a large towel and her hair still wet. She wore a simple set of sleepwear, looking visibly comfortable.

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  — "Your turn, Hitory," — she said with a smile.

  — "Alright." — He grabbed his clothes and went into the bathroom.

  While Hitory showered, Tekime settled into bed, pulling the covers up to her shoulders. She stared at the ceiling, thinking about how quickly things had changed. The feeling of finally having an ability that could contribute to the journey made her anxious but also determined.

  A few minutes later, Hitory returned, now also dressed for bed. He placed his sword by the wall and looked at Tekime, already lying down.

  — "Good night, Tekime," — he said with a smile before heading toward the balcony.

  — "Good night, Hitory," — she replied with a soft tone.

  Hitory walked to the balcony and stood there, letting his eyes wander over the stars shining in the sky. The night breeze brushed against his face, bringing him a sense of calm. He stood there for a few minutes, reflecting on everything that had happened so far, with no rush to return.

  When he decided to go back inside, he found Tekime already asleep. She looked peaceful, her face softened by sleep. Hitory grabbed his things from the corner of the room and, carefully avoiding any noise, lay down on the floor, making himself as comfortable as possible. The room, now silent, seemed to envelop them in deep peace.

  The sun was starting to shine through the curtains when Hitory woke up. He stretched, feeling his body a bit sore after sleeping on the floor, but soon got up, determined to start the day.

  He began packing his things, checking his backpack and organizing the items for the journey. When he finished, he looked at Tekime, still completely immersed in sleep. With a smile, he walked over to the bed and touched her shoulder.

  — "Tekime, wake up. It’s time to get up."

  Tekime let out a low sound, clearly not wanting to leave the bed. She pulled the covers over her head, pouting.

  — "Just five more minutes, please..." — she mumbled drowsily.

  Hitory chuckled quietly but knew they couldn't wait any longer.

  — "Come on, wake up. The day’s already started, and we need to get going."

  With a final sigh, Tekime turned over, stretching and pulling her messy hair back.

  — "Alright, alright..." — she said, dragging herself out of bed and heading to the bathroom, still half-asleep.

  A few minutes later, Tekime appeared, now dressed for the journey but looking grumpy. She glanced at Hitory with an annoyed expression.

  — "Why did you sleep on the floor, Hitory?"

  Hitory, caught off guard, tried to explain.

  — "I don’t know... I thought it was... indecent to sleep with you in the bed."

  Tekime frowned, clearly not buying the excuse.

  — "Indecent?" — she repeated, already irritated. — "That wasn’t necessary, you know?"

  She made a face, still grumbling, and walked toward the kitchen without looking at him.

  Hitory watched her for a moment, unsure of what to say. He knew the day was starting, and he would still have to deal with Tekime’s reaction.

  Hitory finished organizing the last of his belongings. With a light sigh, he headed to the kitchen, already imagining what awaited him. As soon as he entered, he found Tekime sitting at the table, her arms crossed and a clearly sulky expression.

  — "Good morning to you too, Tekime," — he said in a light tone, trying to ease the mood.

  She shot him a quick glare but said nothing, maintaining her firm stance. Elyndra, who was facing away, was stirring a pot on the stove. With skilled movements, she finished preparing breakfast and brought a tray to the table, placing it right in the center.

  — "Here you go, my travelers. A hearty breakfast to start the day with energy," — said Elyndra with a cheerful smile, like a grandmother caring for her grandchildren.

  Hitory thanked her, pulling out a chair to sit down. He glanced at Tekime again, who turned her eyes away, still sulky.

  — "How long are you going to stay like that?" — Hitory asked while grabbing one of the cups.

  — "Until you give me a good explanation," — she replied, finally breaking the silence.

  End of EP 15: "The Price of Pride."