Chapter 15 : the tournament of bonds

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Rose asked, watching him pack his things for the race.

Stone Gate was where the competition of independent mana couriers took place—those hoping to find a healer to accompany them on deliveries. The rules were simple: run from point A to point B, dodge minor obstacles along the way, and make sure the package stayed safe.

Ryo left the house to the cheers of his new family. Even Elowen wished him good luck.

Stone Gate was a small town built entirely of stone. From what Ryo had gathered, each kingdom had its own Stone Gate. Merchants filled the streets, some selling mana-infused food to fuel the runners, others peddling trinkets shaped after famous couriers. There were also inns, banks, and small houses—of stone, of course.

Ryo adjusted the worn straps of his satchel as he stood among the crowd of couriers. The Delivery Tournament wasn’t just about speed or strength—it was a tradition. Couriers from across the districts gathered once a year to test their endurance through the city’s maze of streets, rivers, and stairs.

According to custom, if a courier proved his worth in the tournament, a healer would step forward to accompany him. A bond sealed not by coin, but by trust and recognition. Ryo needed that bond more than anything.

“Looks like you’re new,” a burly courier sneered, balancing three crates on his shoulders. “This isn’t a job for rookies. Better quit before you collapse halfway.”

Ryo said nothing, he needed that healer.

“By blood, sweat, and speed—the Tournament begins!”

Then the whistle blew.

The streets erupted with motion. Couriers charged forward, weaving through alleys, sprinting up stairways, balancing impossible loads. Ryo forced his legs to move, each step pounding with determination.

Somewhere beyond the crowd, healers would be watching—waiting to reveal themselves when the right courier proved worthy.

Halfway through the course, exhaustion clawed at his lungs. His vision blurred, but he pressed on. That’s when it happened.

A faint glow appeared in his chest.

Hey brat... I sense something.

Again? Another alpha?

Nope, the girl from last time.

With the spider?

Yes.

Ryo instantly recognized the girl she was in simple robes stood watching him, her eyes calm, almost too calm. She didn’t cheer or move, but Ryo felt her gaze following him.

Is she a healer?

She is. But she isn't the one for you, also there's something else.

Then the ground shook.

A deafening crash split the square as the northern gate burst open. A pack of armored marauders stormed in, scattering couriers. Shouts of panic echoed through the streets as steel clashed against wood.

The tournament officials shouted for order, but chaos spread too quickly. Some couriers fled, others tried to fight. Ryo staggered, nearly falling.

The Tournament was broken.

The girl in robes finally moved. She stepped calmly into the fray, kneeling beside him, her hands glowing with a pale light.

“If you want me as your healer, prove again you can run—even through this.”

“Did you already forget what you did to me last time? And where’s your giant spider?”

“You still haven’t forgiven me, I see…”

“Not at all! And I’m sure you’re the one who lured those mana hounds toward the Sunwhispers. You’d better get lost.”

“Or what?”

“Hey, Ryo!” Aldah shouted. “What are you still doing here? Come on, let’s finish the race!”

“And the marauders?” Ryo asked, startled, as Aldah pulled him into the panicked crowd.

“Those walking corpses? They’re nothing,” she said before blasting a marauder’s head apart. “How many times have you joined this thing? I’ve lost count. And still, I can’t find a healer.”

And yet, she really needs one...

Shut up.

A hot-blooded girl like her runs straight into the fray, but healers these days are lazy. I suppose they see her as nothing but a burden.

I see.

Ryo tightened his grip on the satchel handle.

---

In a private chamber, healers from noble families watched the race through a magic screen.

“Marauders,” one of them sneered. “Interesting.”

“If you say so. I see nothing interesting. Honestly, what am I even doing here? None of these fools are a match for me,” complained a red-haired girl.

“It’s a good way to pass the time, really,” replied a boy with glasses. “What do you think, Vix?”

Vix didn’t answer. His gray eyes were fixed on one person: Aldah.

Without a word, he stood and left the room.

“Looks like our dear Vix has found someone.”
“And who could have melted our favorite ice heart?”

---

Outside, Vix crossed paths with a hooded figure coming out of another hall. Out of courtesy, he stepped aside to let her pass. Despite the hood, he knew she was a girl. She merely nodded and walked on.

As she brushed past him, Vix froze. A drop of sweat slid down his temple. An overwhelming power radiated from her.
He could only watch in silence as she disappeared down the corridor.

---

Meanwhile, despite the chaos, Aldah and Ryo had crossed the finish line, not without turning a few marauders into dust.

“You’re really strong, you know!” Aldah said, slapping his back hard.

“Thanks. You too.”

A young man approached them.

“Hello. My name is Vix. I would be honored to become your healer… if you wish it as well, of course.”

“Of course I do! You’re my first healer!” Aldah exclaimed.
She turned to Ryo, her eyes shining. “Did you see that, Ryo? I finally have one!”

“I’m happy for you,” he said with a faint smile.

Hey, Beast… what do you think of this guy?

Why? Worried about your new friend?

Yes.

Then make your own judgment. But let your friend make hers. She’s not stupid. Far from it.

Ryo only nodded and watched Aldah beam at her new healer.

Suddenly, a marauder larger than the rest emerged. The Beast seized control for an instant and crushed it effortlessly, then receded, leaving Ryo trembling.

At that moment, several healers appeared before him.

None of them are good enough… hmm, I have an idea.

Agonizing pain shot through Ryo’s body. He groaned, clutching his chest, as if his organs were being torn apart.

What the hell are you doing?!

Helping you, of course.

The hooded girl pushed her way through the frightened healers.

She raised her arm, and a violet magic circle flared to life. Instantly, Ryo’s pain vanished.

“Looks like I’m the only competent one here,” she said coolly, lowering her hood. “My name is Lara. From now on… I’m your healer.”

---

Later, as they left the city, Lara broke the silence with a question that shattered Ryo’s world.

“how was your life before reincarnation ?”