Shadows of the Past

The city seemed frozen in time: its massive walls still bore the same cracks, its cobblestones retained the dust of their last passage, as if nothing, neither the seasons nor men, had dared to disturb its stillness.

"Do you want to come with me?"

                                                                       Without further ado, the two moved away from the rest of the group.

Tristan raised his hand and called out,

"I'll see you later at the guild! Take your time."

"Sure," Kyle replied.

"See you later!" Lys added.

Elena, Iris, and Anne also waved goodbye, which Kyle and Lys returned silently.

The cobblestone street led them gently into the heart of Helion. The city was bathed in the orange glow of twilight. The smells of warm bread, magical incense, and freshly tanned leather hung in the air. Shops were closing their doors, adventurers were returning, and a few children were still running around, imitating mage duels.

"It feels like nothing's changed here," Kyle murmured.

They walked side by side in silence. A silence that was a bit... long. 

"Are you bored?" Lys asked, clasping her hands behind her head.

"Actually... a little," Kyle admitted. "Do you have any ideas for something to talk about?"

"We're almost there, aren't we?"

"Exactly. Walking together without talking is a little awkward."

Lys turned her head toward him.

"Do you want to go back to Asterion?"

Kyle raised an eyebrow.

"Why are you asking?"

"Because I know you. With your thirst for adventure, aren't you curious about what other people are doing... those who came from another world? And don't the Valkyries intrigue you?"

"Maybe, yeah. But I don't plan on going back there right away."

"Why?"

He paused briefly.

"Because... if I did, it'd be like turning around."

"I don't understand."

"Before I turn around... I want to go as far as possible."

Lys frowned, a little disconcerted.

"You talk strangely sometimes."

"It's okay. The important thing is that I understand myself."

She smiled, touched.

"And you? What do you plan to do after I leave?" Kyle asked.

"Honestly? I'm not sure yet. But the most logical thing... is for me to stay with the group."

Kyle laughed softly.

"Tristan's going to be all alone again, surrounded by girls."

"Are you jealous?"

"Me? Not at all."

A silence. Then Lys moved closer. A little too close, even. She was now walking a few inches away from him, her face close, almost provocative.

"You know I'm not interested in Tristan... right?"

Kyle swallowed, backed away slowly, his cheeks flushed. He immediately looked away and pointed at a building in the distance.

"The inn! We're here," he said, his tone a little too cheerful.

And without waiting, he quickened his pace, eager to escape the overly electric atmosphere that had just set in.

The inn was there, true to form. A carved wooden facade, hanging lanterns, and that smell of stew that made you feel at home, even if you came from another world.

Kyle stood in front of the inn's door.

Lys ran to join him.

"Wait for me!"

They pushed the door open together. A bell rang, signaling their arrival.

Inside, the atmosphere hadn't changed: laughter, clinking glasses, the smell of simmering stew, and in the background, Rose, busy serving a customer.

"Here we are again!" Lys called out, her smile bright.

Rose looked up. A brief glance. Then she returned to her service without a word.

Kyle, a little disappointed, raised an eyebrow.

"I expected more of a reaction... but oh well."

They approached the counter. Lys seemed a little pained by her aunt's silence.

"The mission lasted longer than expected," Kyle explained.

"It's nothing," Rose replied without looking up. "The adventurer's life isn't easy."

"Do I still have our room?" Kyle asked.

"Yes, of course." 

Kyle nodded and turned to go upstairs... but before he could take another step, Rose grabbed his arm and pulled Lys into an unexpected hug as well.

"I was so worried," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"I'm sorry," Lys said, hugging her back.

"No, I'm sorry... You know, I was an adventurer too. I thought I could stay strong when you came back, but now..."

Tears silently rolled down his cheeks. Lys broke down too, and the two women began to cry silently in each other's arms.

Kyle, embarrassed, tried to free himself by discreetly tugging at his sleeve.

"Uh... well. Now that that's out of the way... I'll go," he said, half-freeing himself.

 But Rose immediately grabbed his arm.

"You haven't changed one bit."

"Okay, okay... but I'm still leaving..."

"You're not going anywhere! Tonight, we're all having dinner together to celebrate your return," she declared firmly.

Kyle sighed.

"I guess I have no choice..."

Rose winked at him.

"Exactly."

A little later, the three of them were sitting at a table, a nice hot meal in front of them.

"Hey, Aunt Rose," asked Lys, "why were you so worried?"

"Because you just weren't coming back. I was starting to think something bad had happened to you..."

"Not a chance," Kyle said with a smile.

"With recent events, I was far from at peace," Rose continued.

"What events?" asked Lys.

"The wyvern horde," she replied.

"But it was defeated, wasn't it?" Kyle asked in surprise.

Rose stared at them.

"How did you know about that?"

"It doesn't matter," replied Kyle evasively.

"Okay... but there were still survivors. Not many, but enough to cause some damage." 

"We know," Lys confirmed. "But don't worry, they've all been eliminated. There's no longer any danger."

Rose sighed with relief.

"Good."

"Honestly, there's nothing to worry about with ordinary wyverns," Kyle shrugged.

Rose frowned.

"I forgot that you don't have the same concept of danger as normal people. You know, a wyvern is a B-rank monster. You have to be at least C-rank to have a chance of survival."

Kyle didn't answer. But a broad smile spread across his face.

Lys noticed and proudly announced:

"In the capital, Kyle has been promoted to B-rank adventurer."

Rose almost choked.

"What? In less than a month?" You're becoming a B-rank adventurer? You're... truly incredible!"

Lys added timidly,

"I too... I've been promoted. E-rank."

Rose grabbed Lys's hands with infectious energy, her eyes shining with admiration.

"That's wonderful, Lys! You were incredible too!"

Then, without giving her time to protest, she burst out laughing and said triumphantly,

"So what? A victory like that can't be celebrated half-heartedly! Tonight, we're uncorking the best bottle of wine we have left."

Kyle sighed again.

"Looks like I really have no escape..."

The table was well-laid. Steaming stew, crusty bread, candied fruit, and... several bottles of amber and red wine.

Rose cheerfully poured it into three glasses.

"Here you go! High reserve wine, aged in oak barrels, with a rich, deep bouquet... just to properly celebrate your promotions!"

"Um... I'll pass," Kyle replied, both hands raised in front of him.

Rose stopped in her tracks.

"You don't like it?"

"That's not it... I'm just not very... into alcohol."

Rose's eyes widened, but she didn't press the issue.

"I understand. I'm not going to force you, don't worry."

"What's wrong?" Lys asked. "Is there a problem?" 

"No...actually, yes. In my...where I come from, you're not allowed to drink until you're twenty. And I'm not old enough yet." Kyle replied.

But Lys, a mischievous smile playing on the corner of her lips, leaned towards him.

"You know that here, we don't have the same restrictions?"

"Oh?"

"We dilute wine with water from the age of seven. It's even common for some noble families."

Kyle's eyes widened, both shocked and amazed. He clasped his hands together as if in prayer.

"Blessed be the fantasy worlds..."

"You change your mind quickly, huh?" Lys teased.

"Rose!" Kyle called with a big smile. "Finally...I'm going to try a tiny bit. Just a finger. Well, two." »

"I love this enthusiasm," Rose said, refilling the glasses.

And the evening continued with laughter. But Kyle... didn't know when to stop.

One glass. Then two. Then three. Then...

Big mistake.

The Next Morning

The light streaming through the shutters assaulted his eyes.

Head heavy, stomach in knots, Kyle woke up... in his bed, but with no memory of how he got there.

"Ouch... my head..."

He slowly rolled onto his side, clutching his forehead as if his skull was about to explode.

"It's decided. That was the first and last time I'll drink alcohol."

Shuffling, he left his room, descending the stairs one by one, like a defeated hero returning from the front.

 Downstairs, Lys and Rose were already at the table, eating peacefully, as if they hadn't had a drink at all.

Kyle approached, his mouth thick.

"Hi..."

"Good morning, Kyle," Rose replied, smiling. "Did you sleep well?

"I've... known better."

"I'm sorry about last night. Lys explained the situation to me."

Kyle blinked.

"What situation?"

Rose got up to get a pitcher of water.

Lys took the opportunity to lean toward him.

"I told her your family was very strict. And that it was your first time drinking."

"... That's true," Kyle admitted, rubbing his eyes. "But you didn't have to make excuses for me, did you?"

"Maybe... but I felt a little guilty seeing you like that." 

"Well. Might as well leave it as it is, then."

A slight silence fell. But Lys, seeing his miserable expression, suddenly placed her hand on his chest.

"Wait... don't move."

A soft, green, soothing light emanated from his palm. A healing spell.

She stayed a little longer than necessary. Her warm hand, gently placed, gradually calmed Kyle's uncontrollable heartbeat.

"Thank you..." he breathed.

"You survived a dungeon, but it was the wine that brought you down. Ironic, isn't it?"

"I'd rather fight a dragon than relive that hangover..."

Kyle sat down at the table, a plate already filled in front of him.

"You should eat something," Lys said. "You're going to need your strength. We're off to the guild afterward, right?"

Rose returned with the pitcher and poured a generous helping.

"To your return... and to your exploits," she said with a wink.

Kyle raised his glass of water... much more cautiously.

 After sharing a good meal with Rose, Kyle and Lys finally set off for the Adventurers' Guild.

The atmosphere was relaxed, almost joyful. They exchanged jokes, discussed their mission in Thoralis, and joked about Kyle's state after drinking the night before.

And a few minutes later, they found themselves in front of the large doors of the Helion Guild. The carved wooden sign, the familiar sounds of animated discussion, and the lingering smell of iron and sweat welcomed them like a familiar cocoon.

They pushed open the doors, and the familiar bustle immediately enveloped them.

"Hey, look over there," said Lys, pointing to the reception desk.

Tristan was standing not far from the counter, deep in conversation with Eris, the receptionist, and a young woman in light armor... very light.

 Black and silver armor molded her figure precisely, revealing far more than it actually protected. Her long black hair flowed behind her, and her bright smile contrasted with the confident aura she exuded.

"Oh, there's Tristan at the reception desk. Shall we join them?" Lys offered.

"Why not," Kyle replied.

They started to walk forward. But as the footsteps brought them closer, Kyle slowed down.

He narrowed his eyes, staring at the female figure.

A chill ran down his neck.

Then suddenly, he recognized her.

He turned immediately on his heel, trying to turn around as naturally as possible.

"Hmm... I forgot something. I'll be right back."

Lys arched an eyebrow, intrigued, but said nothing.

 But he had barely taken two steps when a clear voice echoed through the room.

"Kaito?"

He froze in place. His whole body tensed.

That voice...

He turned slowly. The young woman had already broken away from the group and was walking towards him.

"Aoi..." he breathed. "It's been a long time."

Lys stared at him blankly, arms crossed. Tristan, meanwhile, watched the scene with a puzzled expression.

Kyle had no choice but to return to them.

"I... I didn't expect to run into someone I knew here," Aoi said, her eyes shining.

"Me neither. Honestly, this is... unexpected."

He gave a small, uncomfortable smile.

But he immediately turned around.

 "Anyway, nice to see you again. See you later!"

He tried to slip away, but Aoi grabbed his shoulder.

"Wait."

The contact startled Kyle... and the look Lys gave the hand placed on him spoke for itself. A subtle mix of surprise... and suppressed jealousy.

Eris, for her part, seemed completely lost.

"Um... can someone explain to me what's going on here?"

Tristan smiled softly.

"It's complicated... but in short, Kyle... well, Kaito, is also from another world. So it's normal if they know each other."

"Another world?" Eris repeated, her eyes wide.

"Yes," Lys confirmed. "Kyle is also one of those people from another world."

Aoi opened her mouth, about to say something important. But Kyle raised a hand to interrupt her.

"It would be better if we talked about this sitting down, wouldn't it?" Calmly, without attracting attention.

Without waiting for a response, he walked purposefully towards an empty table.

Lys immediately followed him, silent.

Aoi fell into step with them, a wry smile on her face.

Around the table, the silence hung heavy.

Kyle said nothing. He stared at the table, sighing from time to time. Tristan, Lys, and Aoi watched him, not daring to break the atmosphere.

Finally, it was Aoi who broke the silence.

"So... have you finally decided to leave the protective shelter of the Shrine of Awakening?" 

"It's been a month since I left," Kyle replied neutrally, without looking at her.

He then looked up.

"If I remember correctly, you went to train with Lady Kaelis and Miss Sakura and some other girls from the class, right?"

"Right. It was... a good experience."

Her face lit up for a moment, but she stopped before saying more. She'd sensed Kyle didn't want to dwell on past memories.

Aoi swallowed her nostalgia and asked softly, "But what are you doing here?"

Kyle shrugged.

"I'm just here for... an adventurous experience. And you?"

Aoi smiled weakly. She knew Kaito—or Kyle—well enough to know that was enough.

 "Okay. To answer your question, I came here to warn you about the wyvern threat."

"I'm aware. But... I thought you'd already left."

"It was planned. But after what happened to Harry's group... I couldn't just leave like that."

"I see..."

Kyle crossed his arms, visibly tense.

"By the way... why did you change your first name?" asked Aoi.

"No particular reason. Every time I played an RPG, I used Kyle as my nickname. It's become a habit."

Tristan and Lys listened to the conversation in silence. The further it went, the more lost they became. The names, the places, the innuendos... nothing made sense to them.

But they respected the exchange.

Aoi looked at Kyle for a moment, her eyes narrowed.

"You still think we're in a fictional world, don't you?"

"The more time passes, the more I'm convinced of it," he said without blinking.

She let out a sigh, as if to accompany her thoughts.

"You know... I read something about it." These were cases where individuals are convinced their entire lives are orchestrated, guided by an invisible script. It's called... Truman syndrome."

Kyle narrowed his eyes, looking irritated.

"You think I have a psychological disorder, is that it?"

"No! I'm just saying... if you ever need to talk, I'm here."

Kyle frowned. His voice became a little harsher.

"First of all, Truman syndrome isn't recognized in the DSM. And secondly, it's just how I've felt since I came here."

Aoi froze for a moment, surprised by the precision of the answer.

"I... I didn't know you were so well-read..."

"Having parents in the medical world has its advantages too."

"And you're not going to say anything else, I take it?"

Kyle stood up without answering. Lys was about to follow him, but Tristan placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I think it's best if I talk to him," he said calmly.

Lys hesitated, then nodded. Tristan followed Kyle out.

A little further, outside the guild...

"Hey, Kyle! Wait!"

Tristan caught up with him. Kyle stopped, arms crossed, still looking upset.

"This is the first time I've seen you react like this," Tristan said sincerely.

"It's nothing. Like everyone else, I lose my cool sometimes."

"I believe you, but... what happened, exactly? It's not fair what she said."

A moment of silence.

"Even if I explain it to you, you won't understand."

"It doesn't matter, the main thing is that you tell me."

Kyle took a deep breath.

"I was diagnosed very early with Level 1 ASD. It's a part of me that I've learned to understand and manage over the years."

"ASD?"

"Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mild level. It affects communication, emotions, and social interactions... That's why, when she implied I had a problem, it completely threw me."

"I... see," Tristan replied, even though he hadn't understood everything. A confused smile tugged at his lips.

Kyle stared at him for a moment, then let out a light laugh.

"Your face... it's clearly telling me you're missing the point." 

"Not really... but I'm glad you brought it up. Sometimes talking helps, doesn't it?"

"Affirmative... you're right. And you know what? Thanks."

"Do you want to go back inside?"

Kyle nodded.

"Yes. I left Lys alone with Aoi... I wonder if she's okay."

Back at the guild

Meanwhile, inside, an eerie silence had fallen between Lys and Aoi.

To break the ice, Lys spoke up.

"So... what's your relationship with Kyle? Well, with Kaito."

Aoi raised an eyebrow, seeing through Lys's subtle innuendo with a glance.

"Just to be clear... if you're interested in him, the answer is no. Even in our world, we weren't close." Barely acquaintances, nothing more."

Lys, a little embarrassed, looked away.

"I see..."

"He's always been unique," Aoi added with a slight smile. "But I guess that's precisely what makes him so charming."

Lys simply smiled shyly.

At that moment, Tristan and Kyle reappeared in the room.

"We're back," Tristan announced calmly.

Kyle approached the table, more relaxed. He glanced quickly at Lys, who responded with a genuine smile.

The reunion could now continue... more calmly.

The atmosphere had been more relaxed since Kyle and Tristan's return. Aoi apologized quietly, a little embarrassed.

"Sorry about earlier... I didn't mean to offend you," she said, her voice almost clipped.

"It's fine," Kyle replied, nodding. "It's already forgotten."

Then he leaned slightly toward her, trying to restart a less tense conversation.

"Have you heard from the others?" he asked.

Aoi looked up, slightly surprised by the question.

"Yes. I received a letter from Reiji. It was delivered by a fantastic bird."

"You too?" Kyle whispered. 

"Yes. I even ran into him in person. When I went to see the King of Asterion for a mission, he was there."

"Okay..."

Kyle's voice was flat, almost indifferent. He was trying to remain polite, but it was obvious he didn't want to dwell on the subject. Aoi seemed to notice.

"I won't be here long, by the way. Just a quick chat with Master Richard, the guild leader, and then I'll be on my way."

"Okay," Kyle replied, his tone neutral.

She stared at him for a moment.

"Want to come with me?"

"No, thanks."

"We could use an elemental mage, you know. You could be useful."

"No again, thanks."

This time, he didn't even bother to hide his disinterest. Lys broke into the conversation, her voice breaking the atmosphere:

"Tell me, your group... you're the ones called the Valkyries, right?"

Aoi rolled her eyes.

"Unfortunately, yes. Even though I hate that name."

"Let me guess," Kyle chimed in. "That's Reiji's idea again, right?"

Aoi sighed.

"How do you know?"

"We've always been passionate about mythology," Kyle said. "That was at least one thing we had in common. And, actually, it's totally his style."

Aoi nodded.

"He started calling us that... and everyone followed suit."

Kyle tilted her head slightly.

"Besides, between you and Reiji... How are things going?"

She blinked in surprise.

 "Huh? Why are you asking that?"

"Oh, I don't know... Maybe because you have feelings for him, right?"

Aoi's cheeks immediately turned red.

"W-Who told you that?!"

"Nobody. It just... feels like it."

She looked away, unable to deny it, and fell into an awkward silence. To mask her confusion, she changed the subject:

"And you... why don't you want to come back to Asterion?"

Kyle shrugged.

"I just don't want to. That's all."

"Too bad..."

A heavy silence fell. Kyle sighed.

"I think we've run out of things to talk about."

"I agree," Aoi whispered.

He was about to stand up, but Lys interrupted, curiosity in her voice:

"By the way, how did you get to Thoralis from Asterion?"

Aoi raised her head, happy to answer something else.

"I just flew in." 

Kyle raised an eyebrow.

"You mean... you too... you know how to fly now?"

"Huh? No!" she laughed. "I rode on the back of a hippogriff."

"A hippogriff?! Isn't that the creature that looks like a griffin... but with hooves and a horse's head?"

"Right. You have a solid knowledge of fantastical creatures."

"Normal. When you spend your life in front of screens."

Lys, slightly sidelined by the two's complicity, tried to rejoin the exchange.

"But... isn't it dangerous, riding that kind of beast?"

"I asked a tamer for help so I could seal it and fly with it."

Kyle seemed to make the connection immediately.

"Isn't that Mr. Kobayashi, by any chance?" 

"Yes, it's definitely him. And besides, he's the only one we know personally."

"That's true."

"I originally wanted the pegasus," Aoi sighed. "But Ms. Sakura had already taken it..."

Lys, curious, continued softly:

"Hey... could you tell me a little about your adventures? I'm really interested."

Aoi smiled warmly at her.

"Of course! With pleasure."

As the two girls launched into a heated discussion, Kyle leaned toward Tristan.

"By the way... Where are the others?"

"Anne and Iris are with their respective masters, who just returned from their mission. As for Elena, she said she had things to do."

"Hmm... Always so mysterious, that one."

Tristan smiled.

"They'll come later."

"Okay."

Kyle glanced at Lys and Aoi, who were deep in their conversation.

A slight sense of relief washed over Kyle to see the atmosphere soften. Yet, deep down, he had a feeling that this meeting would mark an irreversible turning point.