Volume 1. Chapter 36

The forest trail continued to wind between the trees, leading the travelers farther into the unknown. Ken walked alongside Lily, listening intently as she talked about magic. Though everything in this world felt foreign and strange, her explanations helped him better understand the laws that governed it.

“You mentioned light and dark magic,” he began, thoughtfully scratching his chin. “They sound… like something especially rare and mysterious. Can you tell me more about them?”

Lily shook her head.

“They really are the rarest types of magic. I’ve never met anyone who could use them. Even in books, such mages are only mentioned in legends. It’s said that light magic is tied to healing and creating barriers, while dark magic involves curses and suppressing the enemy’s energy.”

Ken let out a low whistle.

“Sounds like something out of an epic tale. Maybe there’s some hermit out there in the mountains, secretly training in those arts, waiting to become a hero one day?”

Lily chuckled softly.

“Or a villain,” she noted. “But most likely, it’s just a myth. Even if someone had an affinity for light or dark magic, I doubt they could develop it much without a teacher.”

“Makes sense,” Ken nodded. “Still, I like to imagine someone out there using light magic to grow radiant flowers, or dark magic to create stunning works of art.”

Lily pondered that for a moment, then smiled, picturing it.

“Magic doesn’t always mean power,” she said after a pause. “Some people achieve incredible things without it. Like my father, Gilbert Bennett. He didn’t have an affinity for any of the main types of magic, but he was considered one of the strongest adventurers of his time.”

“Seriously?” Ken looked at her, impressed. “How did he manage that?”

“He had an affinity for one of the auxiliary skills - body enhancement,” Lily explained. “He developed it to about eight out of ten. In critical moments, he could temporarily increase his strength, speed, or endurance. But most of his victories came from determination, skill, and hard work. That’s what he taught me.”

“That’s impressive,” Ken said with a respectful nod. “Sounds like your father was a real inspiration.”

“He was… amazing,” Lily smiled, though a hint of sadness laced her voice. “He always told me not to rely solely on magic. Your sword, your bow, your mind and body - that’s what you can truly depend on. Magic is just a tool, a backup if everything else fails.”

“Do you have any auxiliary skills?” Ken asked with interest.

Lily nodded.

“Yes. I inherited body enhancement from my father. But I only use it in special cases. It drains a lot of mana and only lasts a short time.”

“When was the last time you used it?” Ken asked.

Lily hesitated, her face turning slightly pink. She lowered her gaze, as if embarrassed.

“When I saw you…” she said quietly. “By the river, when you were running from the Mordred. You were about a hundred meters away, and I realized I wouldn’t make it in time if I ran normally. I used body enhancement and covered the distance in about two seconds.”

Ken stopped, stunned.

“Wait, wait, wait,” he raised his hands as if trying to process it. “You’re telling me you ran a hundred meters in two seconds?”

Lily nodded, biting her lip, her face growing even redder.

“It was a critical moment,” she added in her defense. “I couldn’t afford to waste time.”

Ken broke into a wide grin.

“Lily, you’d win all the gold medals at the Olympics! I can just imagine the judges freaking out, like, ‘What was that, a meteor?!’”

Lily laughed quietly but still avoided his gaze.

“Well… it was an exception, right?” Ken squinted at her teasingly, catching her embarrassment. “Or maybe… I’m the exception?”

Lily flushed bright red, her face practically glowing.

“No, no, you’ve got it wrong!” she quickly protested, waving her hands. “I just… it was necessary… at that moment…”

Ken couldn’t help but laugh at her reaction.

“Okay, okay, I won’t tease you anymore,” he said with a warm smile. “But honestly, Lily… thank you. You saved my life, and I’m truly grateful.”

Lily finally dared to meet his eyes. They sparkled with a touch of emotion, but she gave a small, composed nod.

“No need to thank me, Ken,” she replied. “I just did what I had to do.”

“I’ll never forget it. I’m grateful I’m still breathing because of you,” he said sincerely.

A faint smile touched her lips, and though she looked away, her heart felt warm. Those simple words meant more to her than she could ever admit.