The gates of Losthill slowly disappeared behind them as Kaito and Serena stepped onto the forest road together.

  Kaito unfolded the map and checked their route one more time.

  “Stonehaven should be about five or six days from here.”

  Serena tightened her grip on her new staff, excitement shining in her eyes.

  “This is my first real journey outside the village.”

  Kaito smiled.

  “Mine too.”

  They looked ahead at the vast forest waiting for them.

  And began walking.

  The Mistveil Forest welcomed them with soft wind and rustling leaves. Sunlight filtered through the tall trees, painting golden patterns across the ground. The path was calm and peaceful, almost as if the forest was greeting them.

  Birdsong echoed above while small animals dashed between bushes.

  Serena took a deep breath.

  “The air feels so fresh out here.”

  Kaito nodded happily.

  “Much better than the village.”

  They walked side by side, their pace relaxed and comfortable. There was no rush. No pressure.

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  Just a long road ahead.

  By midday, they found a small clearing near a gentle stream.

  Kaito stopped and stretched.

  “Lunch break?”

  Serena smiled.

  “Lunch break.”

  Using the fish stored in his Item Box, Kaito prepared a simple grilled fish meal while Serena gathered sticks for the fire.

  Soon, the smell of food drifted through the air.

  Serena sat on a nearby rock, watching him cook.

  “You really enjoy cooking outside, don’t you?”

  Kaito chuckled.

  “I’ve always wanted to do this.”

  They ate beside the stream, listening to flowing water and rustling leaves.

  It felt peaceful.

  It felt right.

  After resting, they continued walking deeper into the forest.

  The road stretched endlessly, but somehow the journey didn’t feel long.

  Serena glanced at him while walking.

  “Kaito… what’s your dream?”

  He looked ahead at the trees swaying gently in the wind.

  “My dream?”

  He smiled softly.

  “To travel around the world with my companion.”

  Serena blinked in surprise.

  “That’s simple.”

  “Simple is good.”

  She looked forward, gripping her staff slightly tighter.

  “My dream is to become a strong magic caster. Strong enough to reach S-rank someday.”

  Kaito nodded without hesitation.

  “You will.”

  Serena turned away quickly, hiding a small smile.

  By evening, the sky turned orange behind the tall trees.

  Kaito found a perfect camping spot beneath a massive tree.

  They worked together smoothly—setting up the waterproof tent, gathering firewood, and preparing dinner.

  Tonight’s menu: grilled fish and warm soup.

  The campfire crackled softly between them as darkness slowly filled the forest.

  Serena stretched with a satisfied sigh.

  “Camping like this… feels nice.”

  Kaito looked up at the star-filled sky peeking through the branches.

  “Yeah.”

  He smiled.

  “This is exactly the life I wanted.”

  The fire flickered gently as the first night of their journey quietly began.