“Really is amazing,” Kei muttered to himself, too quiet for anyone to hear—or so he thought. “This kind of artistry should be up in the Louvre. Do they even take wood carvings? Meh, if I buy the place, I’ll just make them display it myself.”
“You’d really do that for me? Aww, you’re such a sweet kid,” the woodworker chimed without missing a beat, clearly amused.
Kei jolted, eyes wide. “Wait, you can see me!?”
His head whipped around in confusion. “Is Phantom Breeze not working anymore?”
He spiraled into a mini meltdown, mumbling to himself while the woodworker tried not to laugh too loudly at the strange, stealthy ninja that just walked into her shop.
“Oh, I’m sorry, you’re playing make-believe ninja in your cute little pajamas,” she said, flashing him a teasing grin without even looking up from her carving. “Gotta admit though, it’s really cool how you just appeared out of nowhere. If I couldn’t hear, I’d have never known you were here.”
Kei opened his mouth to retort, but—
“Wait, wait—are you a peeping tom or something?” she added with mock suspicion, smirking now as she side-eyed him.
Kei almost tripped over his own feet. “WHAT!? No! I came here for wood!” he blurted out, then paused, realizing how that sounded. “No, not like that—I meant actual wood. Materials. Carving! Crafting!”
She couldn’t help but laugh now, leaning back with an exaggerated sigh. “Mhm, sure. Ninja pajamas, sneaky entrances, now talking about wood. This whole encounter sounds super wholesome.”
Kei looked like he was about to combust. “You’re messing with me on purpose, aren’t you?”
She finally turned toward him, grinning from ear to ear. “And you make it so easy.”
Almost near blushing, Kei fumbled over his words. “Um… I had an idea for a weapon I wanted to make, but before I go into crafting it for real, I wanted to test a wooden model first. Just, you know… for testing purposes.”
She gave him a long look, raising a skeptical eyebrow. “Hmm mm, I’ll believe you for now. So let’s see what you’re working on.”
Kei quickly unfurled a scroll — one he had actually gotten from her shop earlier — and laid out the design he had sketched across it. The weapon was oddly shaped, unlike any traditional blade or bow. It had curves and compartments, etchings for airflow, and strange mechanical joints.
She gave it a side-eye glance. “I really can’t imagine this being used as a weapon… but it’s definitely creative.”
“Well, I’m wind force aligned, so you never know how useful it could be,” Kei said with a grin.
“And the compartments in here,” she pointed out, tapping a section of the scroll. “You plan on storing something in them?”
“Yeah. Needles,” Kei replied with a too-wide smile. “Kind of a fun surprise, hehe.”
She gave him a look. “Sounded a bit evil when you said it like that.”
Kei shrugged innocently. “It’s just practical.”
She rolled her eyes with a half-smile. “Sure, sure. Alright, I can help you make this. It’ll be fun working on something this weird.”
“Oh, that’s great!” Kei said, lighting up. “This’ll make fighting so much more entertaining.”
“By the way, what are you paying me for all this?” she asked casually, arms folded with a playful smirk.
Kei stumbled, caught completely off guard. “What!?”
“I don’t remember agreeing to work for free,” she said, mimicking his exact tone from earlier—right down to the feigned innocence and tilted head.
“You heard me from all the way down there? You’re a bit mean, don’t you think?” Kei said, scratching his cheek sheepishly.
“Gets boring in here from time to time,” she replied with a casual shrug, then grinned. “But I was just kidding. That aether control you taught me has actually been really helpful.”
She lit up her woodcarving tool, a gentle glow pulsing from it as she demonstrated various degrees of mastery. The lines of light shifted fluidly with her precision, the energy responding like it was part of her hand.
“Aether Control, huh? A really interesting skill I got from this—raised it to advanced mastery too,” she said proudly. “I’m sure you managed to train yours this high too. The value of this skill is worth more than anything you can teach me.”
“You actually learned the skill too?” Kei blinked, impressed. “The others haven’t even unlocked it yet. Good job.”
“I’m a fast learner, quite talented I should dare say for myself,” she said smugly, smiling as she leaned forward with one hand on her cheek. The other hand twirled the aether-glowing carving tool between her fingers with a lazy sort of flair. “My name is Lisa, by the way.”
“Lisa?” Kei repeated, then muttered just loud enough to be heard, “Lisa Yuichi… hmm, I like the way that sounds.”
“Oh, cheeky, aren’t you?” she smirked, eyes narrowing in amusement. “I don’t remember changing my last name to Yuichi. You planning to marry me in those ninja pajamas you’re wearing?”
“Why not, you seem to be fascinated with them. I’m sure you’d chuckle when I get into our bed with them on,” Kei said, equally amused, his tone laced with playful confidence.
A light smile played on Lisa’s lips, clearly entertained.
“Also,” Kei continued, tugging slightly at the fabric, “wouldn’t you like to see the actual details of these pajamas?”
She opened her mouth, ready to volley back another teasing remark—until her eyes landed on the outfit's stitching and craftsmanship.
Her words caught in her throat.
The moment she focused, she noticed the subtle layering of Wooloo’s wool, reinforced with compressed wind channels carefully woven into the seams. The fabric wasn’t just decorative—it was expertly designed to channel Breeze Force, enhance aerodynamics, reduce drag during movement, and allow airflow regulation. Hidden compartments were subtly tucked within the sleeves and waist, optimized for concealed tools or weapons. Every stitch, fold, and panel had been tailored for mobility, flexibility, and function without sacrificing style.
“…You designed this?” she asked, blinking in genuine surprise.
Kei just gave her a cocky grin. “Still think they’re pajamas?”
[Item Name]: Silent Gale Hood
Type: Headgear
Grade: Bronze
Crafted By: Kei Yuichi, blessed with pristine-quality Aether.
Description:
A soft, close-fitting hood made from refined Wooloo wool, designed to muffle sound and mask presence. When pulled up, the hood covers the lower face, aiding in aether concealment and silent movement.
Effects:
- Phantom Veil: Reduces detection from perception-based skills by 25%.
- Aether Dampening: Suppresses trace aether leakage when stealth skills are active.
- Sound Suppression: Footstep noise reduced by 15%.
[Item Name]: Windstep Trousers
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Type: Legwear
Grade: Bronze
Crafted By: Kei Yuichi, blessed with pristine-quality Aether.
Description:
Tailored for high agility and fluid movement, these light yet durable trousers resist snags and dampen sound, ideal for darting through terrain or slipping past enemies unnoticed.
Effects:
- Momentum Glide: Increases movement speed by 5% during sustained sprinting.
- Softstep Weave: Reduces footfall sound by 20%.
[Item Name]: Veilgrip Bands
Type: Arm Guards
Grade: Bronze
Crafted By: Kei Yuichi, blessed with pristine-quality Aether.
Description:
A pair of fitted sleeves reaching from wrist to biceps. Hidden compartments allow storage of small tools and throwing needles. Reinforced weave enhances throwing strength and stability.
Effects:
- Concealed Pocket Array: Grants 3 hidden compartments per arm.
- Throwing Mastery: +10% projectile accuracy and speed.
- Kinetic Dampening: Reduces recoil from thrown or parried objects.
[Item Name]: Whisperweave Tunic
Type: Chest Armor
Grade: Broze
Crafted By: Kei Yuichi, blessed with pristine-quality Aether.
Description:
A lightweight, tightly woven tunic that hugs the upper body without restricting movement. Its specialized weave channels aether across the torso, enhancing evasiveness while providing low-profile protection. Aether-responsive threads subtly reinforce the fabric against impact while remaining flexible.
Effects:
- Aether Weave Lining: Reduces damage taken by 10% when dodging or mid-movement.
- Veiled Pulse: Slightly obscures Kei’s aether signature from detection-based abilities.
[Item Name]: Whisperstep Wraps
Type: Footgear
Grade: Bronze
Crafted By: Kei Yuichi, blessed with pristine-quality Aether.
Description:
Thin, custom-wrapped footwear designed to mute sound and grip terrain silently. The soles are padded with compressed wool fibers that dampen noise and absorb shock during movement or sudden landings.
Effects:
- Silent Step: Reduces footstep noise to near silence when crouching or walking slowly.
- Airstep Reflex: +5% evasion rate while in motion.
- Soft Landing: Fall impact reduced by 25%.
“Impressive, but your fashion sense is childish, no? I can’t let my husband prance around dressed like this,” Lisa teased, her eyes flicking up with a sly smile. “How old are you anyway?”
“This looks so cool, what do you mean childish!?” Kei puffed his cheeks in protest. “And I just turned fifteen, I’ll have you know.”
“Super adorable,” Lisa cooed, immediately reaching over to pinch his cheeks. “But you’re still a baby. I don’t think the law would approve of me being with you.”
“We’re in a new world,” Kei grinned, smugly straightening his ninja-like outfit. “We make the laws.”
Lisa leaned back, laughing with a helpless shrug. “You’re gonna be a cheeky pain, huh.”
“Woe is a husband’s purpose in his fair maiden’s life. It’s just the way things work. If you’re not ashamed of me, am I really doing my husbandly duties?” Kei said with a shrug.
“Oh gosh, you’re gonna be the death of me, aren’t you?” Lisa sighed, shaking her head. “Before I even get to making your weapon, let’s design you another outfit. I’m thinking of adding an oversized overcoat.”
“Oh, you mean I’m gonna be Hokage?” Kei’s eyes lit up. “Wait—I’m wind-aligned, that makes me Kazekage. So cool!”
“Where do I go to file for divorce?” Lisa muttered, exasperated.
Kei’s gaze shifted. “Hey, why do you have so much Fellhorn wool stacked over there?”
“That?” Lisa pointed lazily. “A friend of mine wanted to make an oversized hoodie and sweatpants for some reason. Actually... it’s the same lady whose stall I heard you stole from.”
“Uhhhh, you heard that?”
“And saw,” she added with a smirk. “Echo Location is fun to use sometimes. You should’ve seen her—almost felt bad for Kaito, he had to calm her down before she launched him into orbit.”
Kei looked away in shame, but Lisa continued, “But yeah, she’s really adamant about making that outfit. Said it was of vital importance. I think... she wants to gift it to someone.”
Tugging at his attire like it was slightly too snug, Kei muttered, “A gift, huh? That’d be nice.”
“So, Sound—that’s your Force, right?” he asked.
“Pretty much,” Lisa nodded. “I think it’s rather useful, but if I’m being honest, I haven’t even left the settlement yet or gotten into any fights. I’ve just been here this whole time.”
“Really? So… have you used your stat points?”
“Odd question. You trying to see if I’ll end up stronger than you?” Lisa smirked. “Don’t worry, I won’t let anything happen to the baby.” She made exaggerated baby talk noises at him before continuing. “But nah, I haven’t touched them. Since I got here, I’ve basically just focused on this.” She motioned to her woodshop. “I was a bit scared at first, but this was something my grandma taught me. Calmed me down. So I kept at it.”
She leaned in slightly. “Can I tell you a secret—since you’re my husband and all?”
“Sure.”
“Even though I haven’t fought or used my stat points, I noticed my Dexterity and Agility have gone up just from carving wood all the time. It’s made everything a lot smoother.”
“Oh, you figured that out too,” Kei nodded. “Makes things a lot easier. Don’t use your stat points.”
“Okay.”
“…Really? That’s it?”
“If I can’t trust my husband, who in the world can I trust?”
“I really like hearing you call me your husband,” Kei said, smiling wide.
“Technically, we’re not married yet,” Lisa said, holding up her hand to show an empty ring finger. “Also, you’d have to wait a few years ‘til you’re at least my age—eighteen.” She wiped an imaginary tear with a theatrical sniff. “Tragic, really.”
“Our kids are really going to be something, huh? Better start preparing ourselves,” Kei said with a grin.
“Kids!? WHAT—!” Lisa practically exploded, her composure cracking for the first time as her voice pitched up in shock.
Kei burst out laughing, doubling over as her reaction played out exactly as he hoped.
“If you want to train, I can help you,” he offered proudly, straightening up with his usual confidence. “I’m stronger than I look, you know.”
Taking a second to slow her racing heartbeat, Lisa exhaled. “How about this—defeat an Apex Boss on your own, and then I’ll let you train me.” She held out her hand, eyes narrowing playfully. “Deal?”
Kei stared at her hand for a moment before cracking a grin. “Hmmmm… see you tomorrow.” He took her hand and shook it firmly.
“…Wait, what?” she blinked. “Did you really just—?!”
“First aether control, now defeating an Apex Boss. My husband is really impressive,” she muttered in disbelief, trying to keep her cool.
“And he can make cool pajamas too!” Kei said with a flourish, striking a pose and modeling his ninja-style outfit with flair, arms spread and one foot forward.
Lisa stared at him for a moment. “…You’re lucky you’re cute.”
“And this cutie patootie will do you a favor and make you a weapon,” Kei said, handing her the Gale Fang with an exaggerated wink.
Lisa took it with mild surprise, inspecting the blade. “Another Bronze-grade weapon… and this one’s carved from wood?” Her brow lifted as she flipped it in her hand. “Your carving technique’s a bit rough, but weirdly enough—every piece you’ve made registers as crafted with pristine aether. I thought I was the only one who had that. Good to know I’m not alone.”
“Really?” Kei tilted his head. “What’s your Charisma stat like?”
“Hmm… basically thirty points since I got here,” Lisa replied casually.
Kei blinked. “Even higher than mine in a sense. What about your Will?”
“About the same,” she said with a shrug. “High charisma and will are kind of my thing.”
“Besides me, you're the only person I’ve seen with that kind of stat combo,” Kei said, leaning in just slightly. “You really trust me?”
Lisa smiled faintly. “You seem harmless. And I’ve been having fun, so… why not?”
“…I might need a bit of your blood,” Kei said bluntly. “Come with me—I want to test something.”
Lisa blinked once. Then twice. “…Honestly? That’s the least creepy request I’ve gotten from a guy. Lead the way, husband.”
Making it out of the settlement and far enough from any prying eyes, Kei stretched his arms over his head. “Alright… let’s start your training,” he said, taking off into a steady, controlled jog. His breathing was measured, precise—each inhale and exhale calibrated to train endurance efficiently.
To his surprise, Lisa kept up effortlessly behind him. Not only did she match his pace, but she mimicked his breathing technique and posture without ever being told what to do.
They ran for hours, weaving through woods, hopping over fallen logs, and ducking under low-hanging branches. Eventually, Kei staggered to a stop, leaning over with his hands on his knees, sweat dripping and legs trembling. “Haa… haaa… okay… time for a break.”
Lisa, on the other hand, calmly checked her pulse with a light touch to her neck. Not a drop of sweat on her face. She twirled her carving tool between her fingers like a baton, not even winded.
Kei peeked up at her from his hunched posture, groaning. “You’ve gotta be kidding me…”
Lisa offered a smug little smile, “What’s wrong, husband? You didn’t say this was my training.”
In front of them, a tiger emerged from the treeline, its eyes locked onto them as it silently scouted its prey.
“All I’m gonna do is cut you a little to make you bleed, trust me, okay?” Kei said casually, already unsheathing a blade.
Lisa blinked. “That’s the least comforting thing anyone’s said to me before drawing blood.”
With a shallow slice, Kei caused a steady stream of blood to run from Lisa’s wrist. The tiger, curious, slowly trotted forward, sniffed at the scent, then began lapping up the blood with a low, content growl.
Kei watched closely, scanning for changes in the air, the aether, or anything that would indicate a link.
“Do you feel anything? Like… a connection forming?” he asked.
Lisa calmly petted the tiger’s head as it licked her wrist. “Am I supposed to? ‘Cause it just feels like I’m feeding a really large, really friendly cat. Nothing special.”
Kei frowned. “Huh. So even with your high Charisma, no connection is forming. Guess it might not be as important as I thought. It is reacting to your blood, though. So maybe charisma makes your blood more… appealing? But not connection-worthy.”
“Hmm… maybe. But when I use aether, I don’t really feel any resistance,” Lisa replied, lifting her fingers. With a quick snap, a ripple of sound burst outward like a soft pulse, causing nearby leaves to tremble.
Kei raised an eyebrow. “No resistance at all?”
“Nope. It flows naturally. Actually… almost too naturally. Like it wants to listen.”
Now that caught Kei’s attention.