The sun cast golden hues over Mailie Town, illuminating the bustling streets that had long since returned to their former vibrancy. The scars of the attack six months ago had faded, leaving only memories of loss, struggle, and resilience. Merchants called out to passersby, children ran through the streets, and Postknights-in-training marched with renewed purpose.
Among them stood a new establishment—a quaint yet well-stocked shop nestled between two larger buildings. A wooden sign above the entrance read "Pearl's Merchant Store", elegantly carved with a Postknight insignia beneath it.
Inside, Pearl busied herself behind the counter, arranging a fresh batch of health potions. The scent of herbs and medicinal tonics filled the shop, a comforting aroma for many. It had been six months since she had taken the leap and opened her own store, providing Postknights and trainees with essential supplies. It wasn't just business—it was her way of supporting those who put their lives on the line.
The shop bell jingled as a young Postknight trainee entered, holding a neatly sealed scroll with the familiar Postknight emblem stamped in red wax.
"Delivery from Elizabeth's infirmary," the trainee announced, placing the scroll on the counter.
Pearl wiped her hands on her apron before breaking the seal. As expected, the scroll contained an inventory list detailing a request for more health potions and medical supplies. But alongside it was a letter—one she had received numerous times over the past six months.
She unfolded the parchment and read:
---
To Pearl,
I hope this letter finds you well. As always, I would like to request a batch of health potions for the infirmary. The recent trainees have been overworking themselves, and I'd rather not see them collapse from exhaustion.
Additionally, please send extra potions to Solis. He won't ask for himself, so I must do it for him. He's still training in the forest, pushing himself harder than anyone should. I've tried speaking to him, but he refuses to return to town or even check in for proper medical care.
If you see him, remind him that Postknights do not fight alone.
With gratitude,
Elizabeth
---
Pearl sighed as she rolled the parchment back up.
"Still at it, huh?" she murmured. It wasn't new to her—every month, Elizabeth sent potions to Solis, and every month, she was the one delivering them.
She handed the required supplies to the trainee before gathering the special package for Solis. Slinging her satchel over her shoulder, she stepped out of the shop and onto the familiar path leading to the forest.
---
The Forest's Embrace
As she walked deeper into the wilderness, the world transformed around her. The air turned cooler, the scent of damp earth and wildflowers filling her senses. Sunlight filtered through the thick canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Birds chirped in the distance, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a serene atmosphere.
Pearl had made this journey multiple times, yet she never tired of the scenery. The forest was alive, pulsing with energy, yet strangely peaceful. It was easy to see why Solis had chosen this place to train.
After some searching, a sudden BANG echoed through the trees.
Pearl froze. The sound was unmistakable—wood shattering, the force of something heavy colliding with it. She followed the noise, carefully stepping over fallen branches and under low-hanging vines, until she reached a small clearing.
What she saw made her breath hitch.
Solis stood in the center, bare-chested, wearing only a pair of loose shorts. His body was drenched in sweat, his muscles taut as he swung his massive battle axe at a group of wooden dummies.
THWACK!
The axe cut through the targets like they were paper, splintering them into pieces.
Pearl's eyes widened.
The boy who had once relied solely on his speed—slim, agile, but lacking in raw power—was now something entirely different. His body had changed drastically over the past six months. Broad shoulders, defined abs, powerful arms—it was as if he had been sculpted from stone.
Her face flushed as she realized she was staring.
She shook her head, snapping herself out of it. This is Solis! My junior! What am I doing?
Before she could compose herself, Solis suddenly turned toward her, sharp eyes locking onto her position.
"Pearl?" he called out.
Pearl squeaked. Damn it! He caught me!
Reluctantly, she stepped out from behind the bushes, clutching the satchel at her side. "H-Hey," she greeted awkwardly.
Solis wiped sweat from his forehead, setting his axe down. "What are you doing here?"
She crossed her arms. "What do you think? Elizabeth sent me with health potions—again. You should at least check in with her once in a while, you know?"
Solis chuckled. "I don't have time for that. Training comes first."
Pearl huffed. "Training is pointless if you push yourself to the point of collapsing." She tossed the satchel at him, and he caught it effortlessly.
"I'm not going to collapse," he assured her, opening the bag to inspect its contents.
Pearl watched him for a moment, then sighed. "You know… You don't have to push yourself that much, Solis."
At that, his expression changed. His usual lighthearted demeanor faded, replaced by something more serious.
"I know," he said quietly, "But I can't let that happen what happened to instructor Tedric. So I have to become strong, whatever it takes."
For a moment, silence stretched between them. Pearl wanted to say more—wanted to ask if he had really been okay all this time. But before she could, she decided to change the subject.
"So…" she started, trying to lift the mood. "When are you going to take your Rank D exam? You've been out here long enough."
Solis's gaze flickered up at her, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"Well," he said, cracking his knuckles, "today—because I'm ready."
Pearl blinked. "Wait… today?! As in, right now?!"
He nodded. "I've trained enough. It's time to move forward."
Pearl stared at him, then sighed dramatically. "Geez, at least warn people before making decisions like this."
Solis laughed, his orange eyes shining with determination.
"Come on," he said, grabbing his axe. "Let's head back."
And with that, the two set off toward Mailie Town