Morning broke gently over the snowy forest. The sun reflected off the blanket of white, scattering soft golden light through the paper screens of Rourke's manor. Inside, warmth radiated from the central hearth, where Kaen stood stirring a pot of miso soup.
Zian emerged from her room wrapped in a thick robe. "You cook too?"
Kaen shrugged, tasting the broth. "Cooking is alchemy with better results."
Lirien entered behind her, hair tousled from sleep. She paused, sniffing the air. "Smells… comforting."
Kaen looked back, catching her gaze. "Hunters eat a lot. I thought I'd start us right."
Mira and Leon shuffled in next, followed by Kyel and Rayden, still yawning. Rourke joined them last, carrying wood. "Hope you all slept well. Snowstorm's coming later, so best enjoy the clear day."
They ate together, gathered in a circle around the fire. It was a rare moment of normalcy—laughing, teasing, sharing food like old friends instead of elite warriors.
After breakfast, Rourke handed each student a leather pouch. "You earn Academy Credits through service or combat—just like dungeon clears. These will serve as your winter mission tokens. Use them wisely."
"Why would we need credits out here?" Mira asked.
Rourke grinned. "Because Kaen has set up something special."
A few minutes later, the group stood outside in the snow-covered courtyard. Wooden stalls, archery targets, obstacle courses, and even an enchanted snowball arena had been assembled overnight—clearly Kaen's doing. Each booth had tasks, all rewarding credits.
"Call it a winter training festival," Kaen said with a smirk.
Everyone split up. Zian chose sword trials. Kyel helped Mira in a magical maze. Rayden battled Leon in a stamina test. But Lirien… she watched Kaen from afar.
Later, Kaen stood in the quiet woods, trimming branches for firewood. Lirien approached silently.
"You're not just strong," she said, arms crossed. "You're...human here. Different from the battlefield."
He looked at her, smirking. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
"It's not."
Their eyes lingered on one another, neither speaking for a moment.
Back at the manor, Zian looked out the window and smiled faintly.
Even in a world of war and secrets, warmth had found its way in.