21 A ray of warmth

I went out of the store with a complicated expression. The sword in my hands let out a hum, as if it was wailing in pain and frustration.

It was a connection I've never felt before in my life.

It was the first time I saw a weapon as living object, instead of a tool.

But why did I sense this only now? Why not before I bought the blade? Is it because the sword knows that I am its owner?

I grabbed Kali's hand and ran through the crowds.

Is this the 'know the sword' of a rank two swordsman? But I'm a dagger specialist, aren't I?

I recalled the words of my hateful instructor.

First rank is the rank of mages or any profession.

Second rank is when you feel the thing you use. For mages it would be when they feel the mana in the world. Elemental ability users can skip up to this level once they awaken, which is why they are so valued. For other professions, it would be feeling life of their weapon.

For instance my sword, I could feel its anger and frustration at the world. I could feel its refusal to believe it was trash. I could feel its dream to reach the pinnacle of all swords.

Remembering the old blacksmith's words I frowned.

No wonder he pitied the blade so much.

A blade meant for reaching the pinnacle was stopped due to the lack of money. Very pitiable.

The sword let out an indignant hum.

(EA) Salty is he?

But why does this sword seem to have so much emotion, yet my daggers don't?

I picked up my dagger and examined it.

It was the same old dead steel. Just like how a normal weapon should be.

Lost in thought I forgot that I was holding a certain persons hand until I felt a weak fist hitting my head.

Turning around I saw a tired Kali, panting with exhaustion.

"You *wheeze* stupid *wheeze* Ark..."

I smiled guiltily.

"I'm sorry, I forgot you were there."

"That's not *wheeze* very comforting."

"You need help."

"Yes *wheeze* please..."

I squatted down and offered her my back.

Kali quickly tried to decline.

"N-no that's too embarrassing."

I rolled my eyes.

"Just get on before you collapse."

Kali covered her red face.

"I'm... heavy..."

"Oh come on it's just a piggy back. Just think of me as your older brother or something."

"...geez..."

She got on my back and wrapped her arms around my neck.

I felt a soft sensation on my back... or I wished.

(EA) She is still growing.

But as of right now, she hasn't.

I clicked my tongue in disappointment. Suddenly, my eye twitched and I felt an unexplainable sense of danger.

"Why are you disappointed?"

Holy fuck.

Tip 3: never EVER make a comment about parts a girl lack. NEVER.

"What do you mean, why would I be disappointed?"

I replied with cold sweat dripping down my back.

"Hmm really? No disappointment on certain... aspects of my body?"

"No, why would I. In fact, I consider it a honor to carry someone as beautiful as you on my back."

Tip 4: always compliment girls, especially angry girls.

Kali calmed down and the sense of danger disappeared.

Hey EA.

(EA) What

Please cross out our Survival List and cross out number nine.

(EA) the one about grandmas?

Yeah and replace it with 'be careful around women.'

(EA) It is done.

I glanced at the sky, a blazing white ball lit the world in orange flames as a tiny black dot was struggling to not be overwhelmed by the brilliant orange.

I heard Kali gasp.

"It really is beautiful no matter how many times I see it."

"It really is wonderful."

We carried on walking slowly while silently watching the sunset. We just walked, no words, just watching.

"I think I can walk on my own now..."

"Oh, ok."

Absorbed in the moment I forgot that I was carrying Kali on my back.

As she got off my back, I could feel residue warmth that she left on my back.

Some part of me felt reluctant to let her get off.

I waited until she got off and then stared at her face.

Her face was crimson red, I didn't know if it was from embarrassment of me carrying her for such a long time, or if it was from the ephemeral moment we just shared with each other.

I smirked.

"Why aren't you blushing a lot today?"

She laughed.

"Oh cut it out, but when did you get so strong?"

I tilted my head.

When did I get so strong? I admit, that stupid instructor must be doing his job for me to get so strong. Of course I would never admit that.

"Must be because I have a good diet now."

Kali playfully smiled.

"So you weren't eating properly in our old world, I knew it."

She playfully pinched my stomach and let out a yelp.

"Ark! You have a six pack?"

What? I lifted my shirt and to my amazement I had an almost perfect six pack.

Dude, I might not have the face but at least I have this killer body.

"Kali, look, I have a six pack!"

I looked up to Kali and realized she was covering her face with her hands, leaving a tiny amount of space for her eyes.

Quickly I pulled my shirt down.

We stared at each other, gazing into each other's eyes.

The wind interrupted us by blowing my hair all over the place.

Frustrated I was about to put it back in order when I saw an incoming hand heading towards my head.

I froze as small, delicate hands lightly parted my hair to the side and revealed my face.

I say Kali draw a sharp breath as she stared at my face and as I stared into hers.

She gently whispered, barely loud enough for me to hear.

"You should really cut your hair..."

And we stood there staring into each other's soul, our faces almost kissing, with the sunset slowly hiding away from the world, only to leave behind a bright expanse of stars.

We stood there, unable to make any sense of time, unable to take our eyes away from each other. Unable to block out a ray of warmth of the setting sun that had already dispersed from blooming inside our hearts.