Chase stirred awake as the morning light seeped through the thin curtains of the inn room. He let out a small sigh, stretching slightly—only to realize there was a weight pressed against him. Turning his head, he saw Selena curled up beside him, her body snug against his like a contented feline basking in warmth.

  Chase: Really…?

  He pinched the bridge of his nose. He distinctly remembered offering his bed to her the night before, intending to sleep on the floor beside it. And yet, here she was having claimed his space and somehow, dragged him into the bed while he’s asleep. He shook his head with a faint chuckle, careful not to wake her.

  Chase slipped out of bed and got to work preparing breakfast in the small kitchen provided in the room. The smell of cooking filled the air, and before long, a pair of ears twitched from the bed. Selena stirred, then practically leapt up, making her way over to him in a half-awake daze.

  Selena: Good morning!

  Chase nearly dropped the pan he was holding. His eyes flicked toward her in disbelief.

  Chase: Good… morning?

  Selena blinked at him.

  Selena: What?

  Chase: That’s the first time I’ve ever heard you say that.

  Selena: Huh?

  She scratches her ear idly.

  Selena: Guess I’m in a good mood.

  Chase smirked as he turned back to cooking.

  Chase: So, what’s your plan today? We have three more days before the raid.

  Selena: I should be asking you that.

  Chase: Like I said before, I’ll find someone in the tribe to teach me spiritual arts. If I’m going to be more effective against magic-wielding enemies, I need to learn how to counter them.

  Selena leaned against the counter, arms crossed as she eyed him.

  Selena: I see. But don’t expect anyone here to hand you their knowledge easily. My tribe… doesn’t like teaching outsiders. It’s not that they hate humans or anything, but spiritual arts are deeply tied to our identity. Sharing them is… complicated.

  Chase: That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, though, right?

  Selena: So stubborn. (Smirk) Impress me then. But don’t tell me I didn’t warn you.

  Chase: Thanks for the vote of confidence.

  Selena laughed, a genuine and rare sound, as she settled in to wait for breakfast. Chase shook his head, smiling to himself. Somehow, despite the trials ahead, this moment of simple camaraderie made it all feel a little easier.

  Warrior’s Camp

  Chase went to the warrior’s camp to find someone to teach him. The sound of clashing weapons echoed through the training grounds as Chase stepped into the open area, where warriors of all shapes and sizes practiced their combat techniques. The air smelled of earth and the rhythmic grunts of exertion filled the space. At the center stood a towering beast with broad shoulders and fierce golden eyes—Tarnak, the tribe’s training leader. His presence alone demanded respect, and the warriors around him seemed to hang on his every word.

  Chase approached with measured steps, gripping the hilt of his sword.

  Chase: Excuse me…

  His voice firm but polite.

  Chase: I’d like to request your guidance in learning spiritual arts.

  Tarnak turned, his expression unreadable as he looked Chase over.

  Tarnak: A human? Our arts are not for outsiders.

  Chase: I know. But I’m not asking for mastery—I just need the basics of using magic.

  Tarnak’s gaze hardened.

  Tarnak: I don’t have time to waste on someone who won’t benefit from our teachings. Leave.

  But Chase didn’t budge.

  Chase: Please! I’ll work harder than anyone here. I’m only asking for a few days, just until the raid. If I fail, you won’t hear another word from me.

  Tarnak’s tail flicked with irritation as he crossed his arms.

  Tarnak: You’re persistent, I’ll give you that. Fine. I’ll humor you—for now. But don’t expect to succeed. You’ve likely never even touched magic before.

  Chase’s determination didn’t waver.

  Chase: Thank you.

  Training began immediately, and it was brutal. Tarnak showed no mercy as he pushed Chase to his physical and mental limits. Learning to harness his spirit required intense focus, precise control, and an understanding of energies Chase had never encountered before. Hours blurred into days as Chase stumbled, fell, and got back up again.

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  Tarnak: Feel your spirit flow into the weapon.

  He barked, his voice sharp.

  Tarnak: It’s not about brute strength. It’s about control. Channel it, or it’ll slip away like water.

  Chase gritted his teeth, his hand trembling as he tried to focus his energy into his sword. It took countless attempts, but finally, a faint glow enveloped the blade—a small, flickering light, but a light, nonetheless.

  Tarnak’s eyes widened, though he quickly masked his surprise, he muttered under his breath.

  Tarnak: You actually did it.

  By the final day of training, Chase had managed to sustain the glow for longer, the technique known as Weapon Enhance now within his grasp. It wasn’t much, but it was progress—a testament to his sheer determination.

  As Chase prepared to leave the training grounds, Tarnak approached him.

  Tarnak: I’ll admit… I didn’t think you’d last. You proved me wrong.

  He extended a clawed hand.

  Tarnak: You’ve earned my respect, Chase.

  Chase clasped Tarnak’s hand, a tired but grateful smile on his face.

  Chase: Thank you for giving me a chance, Master.

  Tarnak nodded, a hint of pride in his gaze.

  Tarnak: It’s not for free, though. Treat me a healthy meal later.

  Chase: Ah. Of course, Master!

  With those parting words, Chase left the training grounds, his newfound skill and Tarnak’s respect fueling his resolve for the challenges ahead.

  The Inn

  Chase pushed open the door to the inn, stepping inside with a mix of exhaustion and excitement. The warm glow of lanterns bathed the room in soft light, casting gentle shadows over Selena, who lounged on a cushioned bench, her tail swaying lazily.

  At the sound of the door, she flicked an ear but didn’t look up.

  Chase: Selena!

  There was a triumphant edge to his voice, enough to make her glance at him with curiosity.

  Selena: What is it?

  He strode over, gripping his sword with barely contained excitement.

  Chase: Watch this.

  Taking a deep breath, he focused his energy, channeling his spirit into the blade. A faint glow enveloped the weapon, shimmering softly like the first light of dawn.

  Selena’s ears perked, her eyes widening as she leaned forward, studying the blade closely.

  Selena: You… actually did it?

  Her voice was laced with surprise—and something else. Admiration, maybe?

  Chase grinned, pride swelling in his chest like a kid showing off a new trick.

  Chase: Yeah! Master Tarnak said it was impossible, but I managed to impress him anyway.

  For a moment, Selena was silent. Then her tail flicked, and her expression shifted.

  Selena: You learned magic… before I even had the chance to start my training?

  Her tone was casual, but there was a hint of something—envy, maybe, or a challenge.

  Chase: Uh, well, I-

  Before he could finish, Selena lunged.

  Chase barely had time to react before he found himself flat on his back, Selena straddling him, her claws retracted but her weight keeping him firmly in place.

  Selena: You think you’re so great now, huh?

  She smirked down at him, her golden eyes gleaming with mischief.

  Selena: Don’t forget… I’m still stronger than you.

  Chase’s brain short-circuited. The warmth of her weight, the way her tail flicked playfully behind her, the teasing glint in her eyes—it was all very distracting.

  Chase: W-wait! Let me go, Selena!

  Selena: Oh? What’s the matter?

  Her smirk deepened as she leaned in slightly, just enough to make his face turn a shade too warm.

  Selena: You were so confident just a second ago.

  Chase: It’s not that!

  He turned his head away, squeezing his eyes shut as if that would make the situation any less flustering.

  Selena tilted her head, amusement dancing in her expression.

  Selena: Why is your face red, Chase?

  She let the question linger, enjoying his reaction far too much before finally releasing him.

  The moment she got off, Chase scrambled to his feet, his heart pounding.

  Chase: I’m… I’m going outside to get some air! Don’t follow me!!!

  Without another word, he rushed out of the inn, leaving Selena lounging on the bench, utterly pleased with her little victory.

  Fun Games?

  Chase rushed aimlessly through the town, desperate for fresh air and a moment alone. His thoughts were a whirlwind, still lingering on what had just happened. Without realizing it, he walked past a local food stall where Tarnak sat, enjoying a treat to himself.

  Tarnak: Chase! My boy! Where are you off to in such a hurry?

  Chase: M-Master?

  His mind was still caught on the earlier scene.

  Before he knew it, the two of them were seated at a lively tavern, sharing a meal. The warm glow of lanterns and the hum of chatter around them made for a comfortable atmosphere. Tarnak laughed heartily as they exchanged stories, the bond between master and disciple evident in their easy conversation. But as the night wore on, Chase found himself hesitating before asking a question that had been weighing on his mind.

  Chase: Master, is it possible for a beast to…

  He carefully chose his words, making sure not to directly relate his thoughts to Selena.

  Chase: …love a human?

  Tarnak’s chewing slowed as he raised a curious brow.

  Tarnak: What do you mean by "love"?

  Chase: Love… Don’t you have a wife, Master?

  Tarnak: Wife? Is that a human term?

  Chase: Hmm… yes. A partner?

  Tarnak: Ah! You mean "mate"? Yes, I have one.

  Chase: That’s it, Master! So, how do you show your love to your mate?

  Tarnak leaned back, scratching his chin in thought.

  Tarnak: Hmm. I do love a good fight—it keeps my blood pumping. But I don’t imagine fighting my mate. I would, however, protect her with my life.

  Chase: Is it normal for you two to roughhouse with each other?

  Tarnak: Of course! It was a fun game between us during our youth. Testing strength, playing tricks—it’s how we bond.

  Chase: "Fun game", huh…

  Chase thought back to Selena’s expression when she pinned him down. The glint in her eyes, the way her tail swayed—was she just playing with him the way beasts do?

  Tarnak: But, to answer your first question, I’ve never heard of such a thing happening, even among other tribes. I’ve seen some female humans during my youth, but I don’t feel the strong urge to protect them.

  Chase felt his chest tighten slightly at that.

  Chase: I see. Thank you for the enlightenment, Master…

  With that, he treated Tarnak to another round of food before heading back to the inn, the conversation leaving a weight in his chest.

  Chase (to self): So that’s all it was… just playfulness. Nothing more.

  When he returned, Selena greeted him with an excited grin, her tail flicking behind her.

  Selena: Took you long enough! I was about to eat without you.

  Chase forced a small smile and handed her a wrapped meal.

  Chase: Here, I brought you dinner.

  Selena: Oh? What’s this sudden generosity?

  But Chase didn’t respond with his usual teasing. His energy was noticeably lower.

  Chase: I’m a bit tired, Selena. Sorry, I’ll get some rest early tonight. We have a dungeon raid tomorrow.

  Without waiting for a response, he walked past her and into the bedroom, shutting the door behind him.

  Selena blinked, tilting her head.

  Selena: Tired?

  She shrugged, assuming he really just needed rest. But still… something about him felt different.