Chương 85: The Third Day of Tests – Part 1/9

The group walked in silence through the recovery area, heading back to the central courtyard. The atmosphere was still heavy, but there was a certain calm after the hours of rest. Joker walked a little ahead, with Harley walking beside him. The two weren't talking much, but they stayed close, shoulder to shoulder. Every now and then, Harley deliberately brushed her arm against his, as if wanting to confirm that he was still there. A little behind them, Astrid watched the two with a neutral expression.

She didn't seem bothered, but she also didn't seem completely indifferent. At one point, she quickened her pace and positioned herself on Joker's other side, opposite from Harley. — Is your shoulder still hurting? — she asked, without looking directly at him. Joker looked at her sideways. — It's better. The healer took care of it. Astrid nodded once, but continued walking beside him. After a few seconds, she spoke quietly: — Next time, don't try to hold everything by yourself. We're in this together.

Joker looked at her for a second, surprised by the softer tone than usual. He simply nodded. — … Understood. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Harley, on the other side, heard the conversation but didn't comment. She simply kept walking, with a small smile on her face. Farther back, Rina walked beside Marina, slowly wagging her tails.

She watched Joker and Harley for a moment, then looked at Marina and murmured: — They're really stuck together today, huh? Marina gave a small smile and replied quietly: — Leave them be. Today was heavy for everyone… especially for him. Rina stayed quiet for a few seconds, then spoke, almost to herself: — I also wanted to stay by his side during the test. But we were separated on purpose. Marina looked at her sideways and commented: — Maybe next time we'll be able to stay closer.

Rina didn't reply, but her tails wagged a little faster. On the other side of the group, Sylvara and Lirien walked together. Sylvara watched Joker with a calm, almost thoughtful expression. Lirien, walking beside her, spoke quietly: — You're quiet. Sylvara took a moment to respond. — I was just… thinking. During the test, when the crystal almost broke… he stepped in front without hesitating. Even though he was tired. Lirien nodded. — He does that. Protects first.

Sylvara stayed silent for a few more steps, then spoke, almost as if talking to herself: — Sometimes I feel like he carries too much on his own. Even though he has us. Lirien looked at her with a small, gentle smile. — He doesn't carry everything alone. We just need to remind him of that from time to time. Sylvara didn't reply, but her gaze softened a little. Farther back, Kuroe walked alone, slightly apart from the group. She watched Joker and Harley from a distance with that calm, hard-to-read expression.

At one point, her eyes met Joker's for a few seconds. He raised an eyebrow, as if silently asking something. Kuroe simply gave a faint, almost imperceptible nod before looking ahead again. Joker understood the gesture. It was her way of saying she was okay. Harley, who was beside him, noticed the exchanged look and commented quietly, only for him to hear: — Kuroe's been looking at you more today. Joker shrugged. — She does that when she's worried. Harley stayed quiet for a second, then spoke: — I don't mind.

As long as you don't forget that I'm here too. Joker looked at her and gave a sideways smile. — I won't forget. Harley seemed satisfied with the answer and continued walking beside him. The group continued walking toward the central courtyard. The sun was already lower, and the cold wind from the forest was blowing again. No one was speaking very loudly. There was a feeling that the worst was still to come — but for now, they were together. And that, in some way, was already enough.

End of Part 1/9 (continues in Part 10)