Felix found himself in a rather good mood as he and Zira departed the group. Arlen was overjoyed to have his ring back, something that obviously held sentimental value. However, he hadn't offered any reason why, and Felix had chosen not to ask. Some things were better left unsaid.

He held his head high and felt truly satisfied. This was what life should have been about. People helping people, living quiet and simple lives. That's all he wanted, anyway.

Though, I suppose I didn't always want that. His memories from the war were proof enough of that claim. But that was the old me, the dead me. I have redeemed myself and now I must do what I can here to ensure something like that never happens again.

And there was a lot of doing that needed to be done.

Just make sure you don't over do it, Zira interjected with. I will always be by your side, so make sure you ask for my help.

Felix took in a deep breath, taking in the last scents of summer. He knew autumn was approaching, and with it? With it would come their stand, their fight. They had to win no matter what.

I know, and I will make great use of your offer. So much so, in fact, that you will come to regret it! he responded humorously before dropping it and becoming serious. But it isn't just you I'll need to rely on. Eri and Kyrith, as well as the jewels and their partners. Hells, all the elves, dwarves, and gnomes too–

And dragons, his partner added. As much as it pains me to say it, we will need Ithea's and Yarnel's help. She let out a physical shudder. Gods help us…

True, though Lorenzen is still around as well. He and Ithea are supposedly dealing with an invader, the person who is responsible for the attack here.

I hope they find him– No, I take that back. I want to find him.

Felix reached down from his perch and patted her shoulder. Sadly, I think it is wise for us to remain here for now. We need to train and prepare. Speaking of which… Let's head for our little spot in the forest. I need to see how much skill I've maintained with my sword.

Zira tossed him a glance. I was hoping we could get some practice in the air.

He gave her a wry smile. No, what you want is some alone time… But! I'm not against it. It'll have to be tomorrow though, so long as I don't hurt myself again.

Again– Oh, right. Yarnel. Do you think he will call on you today?

He will, he said, giving her a mental nod. But I will be more prepared this time.

This time… I heard what you said to Eri. You are going to try and talk with the souls?

I am, though I admit I don't know how successful I will be. But it doesn't matter. I was surprised by that…outburst, I won't be this time. I think I can do this.

Zira remained silent for several long, agonizing seconds before responding. Just… Please be careful. I really do regret what I said last night.

As they stepped out of the clearing and into the forest, Felix turned and craned his neck. He could easily make out the massive tree that stood in the middle of the clearing.

There are many things I regret, Zira. But, if I had to do it all again, I don't think I would change a single thing. Even Calinna's death. I mean, just look at her now.

As he said those words, the two of them felt the ground shift. Mana and roots were coursing and spreading deep into the earth…

The rest of their trek to the special glade was made in silence. Neither one wanted to be the person to break the serene quiet that formed. Well, the relative quiet that formed. The dwarves and gnomes were building their outpost not too far away and the sounds of construction were faint but present.

However, that did not stop them from enjoying the moment for what it was. And, Felix wanted to make the most of it.

Before he even landed onto the ground, he had already donned his armor. It came in a flash of light, his boots sinking slightly into the soft ground.

Hmm, interesting. It still adds weight to me but I don't feel it. Good to know. And that was the reason why he wanted to come out here. His armor had been modified, but to what extent?

Only one way to find out…

He spun around and gazed up to Zira. Hey, try hitting me–

What?! Absolutely not! she exclaimed in disbelief.

Relax, I don't mean at full power– Not yet at least… I just need you to strike me a few times so I can test out these enchantments.

She stared down at him as a nervous energy leaked through their bond. Felix…

Come on, lightly hit me. Use your tail if you wish.

She remained silent as she mulled it over.

Don't make me call for Kyrith. I know he wouldn't hesitate–

But we're bonded! I can't strike you, not like this! she countered.

Well, Kyrith and Eri are both bonded with us… he stated before letting out a sigh. Zira, I'm not asking you to hurt me. I'm asking you to train with me.

To…train with you?

He gave her a nod. Yes, train. And right now, I need you to hit me so we can see how well these enchantments work.

Felix could feel her slowly giving in despite her still objecting. But what if–

But what if you go too far? You won't. I trust you.

It was then that he heard something come from her that he never would have imagined. A whimper. Fine… But, I don't like this!

He gave her a smile. I know, but if we can train like this together… I think it would be beneficial.

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Taking a few steps back, he gave himself a quick stretch before standing tall and straight. I'm ready–

Zira whipped her body around and brought her tail to bear against him, striking him right in the chest.

Felix found himself tumbling backwards into the ground, landing hard and skidding to a stop. Yet, as he blinked and stared up into the opening in the canopy, he felt entirely fine.

Standing up, he heard his partner's panicked voice in his mind as she rushed to his side. Felix! Felix, are you alright?!

He gave her a reassuring smile as he peered back up to her. Yeah, and not a scratch on me. I think if I had braced, I wouldn't have been flung.

She lowered her head and inspected every inch of him, even scenting the air. Are you sure? she asked, not believing her own eyes.

Yes, yes… He shook his head in amusement and reached out to give her a gentle pat on her snout. Actually, I don't think that did a single thing to my armor, he added. And, looking down at himself, he was impressed to find not a single dent.

She pulled her head away, seemingly satisfied. Well, that is something I suppose… But isn't there a better way to test the armor? I really don't like this.

His smile turned into a grin. You know? I think it's adorable how worried you are. You're not normally this nervous. This is something I'd expect from Kyrith.

And I'm not normally striking you!

He conceded that point. Fair… But as to your concern, unless you have a better idea, I think having a dragon strike me is the best way to test it. Like I said, I trust you completely.

Felix didn't wait for a response and made for the spot he had originally been standing. This time I will brace and see what happens– Oh! And add a little more power to your swing.

Zira watched him for several seconds, her eyes pleading the entire time. However, he was not going to budge. She finally caved.

I don't have a better idea… She took her position and lifted her tail as if readying to strike, but then she did something different. She began to spin…

Ready?! she asked nervously mid spin.

He braced himself, suddenly feeling his armor reacting to him. Ready!

Her tail came out like a whip, letting out a thunderous CRACK! It struck Felix again in the chest. But, unlike last time, he reacted quickly enough to catch it. His arms clung tightly to her tail and he felt his entire body go rigid, as if locking up.

My armor! he shouted in surprise. Its enchantments activated without any command or spell from him. That wasn't entirely unheard of, though, not even for him. But the speed and complexity of which they triggered, were.

In that split moment, not only had his body locked up but his boots had worked to keep him planted. His feet were firmly on the ground and nothing could move him.

His gauntlets and pauldrons flared with a strength and speed he had never known. His arms reacted faster than he did, effortlessly grappling his partner's tail.

Then there was his cuirass…

His chest piece activated multiple enchantments of its own. Most were for either absorbing the impact or to simply divert it. The force of Zira's hit was dampened and shifted away from his body.

As the moment ended, the two of them stared dumbly at the scene.

Whoa… Okay, that is impressive, he said almost absently. Slowly, he released his grip and let her tail fall to the ground.

Zira blinked, letting out a slight grumble, Ow…

Did that… Did that hurt?! he asked, mystified.

A little…yes. What in the Hells happened? she questioned, finally regaining her wits.

But Felix shook his head. I have no idea. I've never heard of armor enchantments like this before, not to this complexity. Not even from the Holy Triumphant…

Trailing off, he inspected himself one last time. His armor was coursing with mana, sucking and pulling it in from the ambient air. It was so pronounced he didn't need his mana sight, he could feel it gathering and storing mana throughout his gear.

I bet this is a feature Fea added so that I don't have to constantly feed it myself, he thought. But then, he had another realization. I could use this with my mana manipulation! I could pull mana from all around and store it within the armor!

There were plenty of uses he could see with this…

I'm done, Zira suddenly announced and plopped down onto the ground nearby. I think that was enough to determine the strength of your armor.

He nodded. Yeah, I think that is enough. I might need to have Yarnel or Noria take a closer look at the enchantments though. This is far more advanced than I was expecting.

Good. Now, how about we rest? I need to calm down before I do anything more. That was nerve wracking and I never want to do that again.

Go ahead but I still have one thing I'd like to try, he responded, his eyes slowly gazing down to the hilt of his sword.

Suite yourself, but please try not to harm yourself.

He chuckled. Of course…

With growing anticipation Felix grabbed a hold of the sword and pulled it out, letting it hiss as he did so. The blade thrummed and vibrated in his hand. There was no heft to it either, a mere extension of himself.

Instantly, he knew that he would need to be extremely careful. The sword didn't just feel dangerous, it was dangerous.

With a gulp and sweat beading on his forehead, Felix got into a basic, low stance. He brought the sword up cautiously, and chopped down.

The wind hissed and howled as the blade cut through it, not even the mana escaped being cut. Small sparks and frost formed off the edge before quickly dissipating. But as mesmerizing as that was, Felix couldn't help but feel disappointed in himself.

His technique was rusty, rusty and unpracticed. He could tell with only that simple strike, his ancient memories screaming at his improper balance and positioning. Again…

He took a similar stance but, this time he kept his blade raised. Closing his eyes, he pictured the movements he wanted to perform: A feint.

His eyes opened and he brought the sword down as if to chop once more, but, at the last second, he shifted his weight and angled the blade towards his imaginary opponent's side. There was a burst of light and the sound of crackling fire as his attack went through.

Better, but still rusty… He wanted to practice his stances but there was more he still wanted to test out. Just how sharp is it?

He gazed into the forest that surrounded him and Zira. He needed something tough, something sturdy. He had no sacrificial metal or armor, but he did have an abundance of massive trees…

Nothing too big, I don't want to scare the workers nearby. He immediately discarded the sky trees themselves. Perhaps a sapling or– He caught sight of one of the smaller types of trees, the ones that somehow found a home under the sun-smothering canopy above.

The tree in question was nearly two feet thick and looked healthy, its own canopy covered in lush and vibrant leaves. Perfect…

Stepping up to the tree, Felix took a deep breath and raised his sword. A small part of him worried that this would be too much, but the rest of him was confident this would work.

What was more interesting, though, was it felt like the sword wanted him to use it. It thrummed excitedly in his hands.

Taking a deep, calming breath, he made a practice swing. The blade stopped mere inches away from the thick bark. The blade made an angry hiss.

This will work, he said to himself and raised the blade once more. Another deep breath followed and, as he exhaled…

Felix sliced through the tree. His world turned white as a hail of splinters hammered into him.

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