Whitebolt dodged Rekkas incoming attacks. Rekka was ruthless. He swung his blade like a madman, having complete control over it.
-Heh, this isn't easy anymore. – Thought Whitebolt.
He started counterattacking. His electric sword was a lot stronger than Rekkas flame sword. Rekka jumped back and threw some fireballs. Whitebolt started running towards him, reflecting his attacks. Rekka tried to move back, but Whitebolt was already in front of him. He swung his sword towards him, but Whitebolt moved aside and knocked him down.
-That was a nice fight. – Said Whitebolt and helped Rekka stand up.
-Go a bit easier on me next time. – Said Rekka with a smile.
They headed towards the mansion.
-Is something worrying you? – Asked Whitebolt. He noticed the young boy was looking sad.
-It's nothing. – Answered Rekka in his usual tone.
They ate and Rekka headed towards the city to play with his friends.
-Rekka, are you okay? – Asked Kaito.
-I'm perfectly fine! – Answered Rekka with enthusiasm.
-Are you sure? You have been frowning and sighing for the whole day? – Said Sora.
-I'm telling you guys, I'm fine! – Rekka awkwardly giggled.
Others thought Rekka was acting suspicious, but there was nothing that they could do.
-Anyways, I'm going to enroll in the Battle Academy this year! – Said excited Kaito.
-Hey! Wait for us. – Said Sora.
-I will too. – Said Maeko.
-You too? – Sora got down.
-What about you Sora? – Asked Rekka.
-I will talk to my parent about it. If they let Kaito enroll they should make me too.
-I hope I will too. – Said Rekka in a frail tone.
-You should definitely go! You are already so strong. Every day you are helping us progress too! – Kaito tried to lift Rekkas spirit.
-Thanks. – Rekka smiled back.
After a couple of hours, Rekka returned home and continued training. Whitebolt saw and followed him.
-Hey, don't overwork yourself. – He said.
-Don't worry, I'm just trying to master a new move I've read in the book.
-Can I see it? – Asked curious Whitebolt.
-Sure.
Rekka took a deep breath. He took a stance, created a sword and pierced the ground with it. He started flowing MP in the earth. Suddenly, a couple of meters away, a small fire erupted from the ground.
-It's so weak. – Thought Rekka.
-How long did it take you to do that? – Asked amazed Whitebolt.
-This is my second try. The fire should be bigger, it's too small.
-Second try!? – Thought Whitebolt – Oh, okay. Try not to ruin this place much.
-I'll try. – Answered Rekka and tried again, but it had the same results.
-By the way, we are going to leave to Pearlmere tomorrow. I know It's sudden, but I'm busy later on.
-O-okay. – Answered Rekka. He clenched his fists and thought about leaving his friends behind, but he trusted Daichi, and that he would've let him stay here.
The next day came. They went in a carriage and headed towards Pearlmere. Earlier that day, Rekka said goodbye to his friends. The ways were snowy and the trip took four days. Rekka played in the snow on the way. After they arrived, Rekka went on a cliff for a view. The ocean was frozen and kids were skating on them. The snowy city was beautiful. It was cold outside, but they still wore the same clothes. Apparently, the fiber in Whitebolts suit adapted to the temperature and always kept the wearer warm. Rekka was amazed to hear this. When Whitebolt asked why he didn't wear anything, Rekka answered he could be warm with his magic. They walked through the city. It was different than it was a year ago. They arrived at Daichis door. Whitebolt knocked on it. This time, a young boy, probably in his twenties, opened the door.
-Umm, how can I help you? – He asked.
-Excuse us, - Said Whitebolt – is this the Ueda household?
-Yes.
-Is Daichi-san here?
-Oh, - The boy's mood suddenly changed – he is sick and lying in bed right now.
-Sorry to hear that. – Said Whitebolt – Can we enter?
The boy looked down on Rekka. He thought for a bit.
-Sure.
They entered. The house was empty. They looked around, but could only see a dining table and some chairs.
-Sorry, we weren't expecting guests. We sold everything to cure my father, but he isn't getting any better.
Rekka was really worried. He didn't expect to hear this. They entered Daichis room.
-We have guests father.
Daichi was lying on the bed. He rolled over. After he saw Rekka, his eyes brightened.
-Rekka? – He abruptly said.
-Daichi! – Rekka ran to him – Are you okay?
-I never expected to see you agai... *Cough*.
-Daichi! – Said Rekka in a worried voice.
-Don't worry, I'm okay. Just caught a cold. – He made a kind smile – What about you? You have grown so much.
-He is a fine boy, Daichi-san. – Said Whitebolt and approached him too.
The boy was surprised that his father knew who they were.
-Whitebolt-san, long time no see.
-Are you doing okay? You don't seem well.
-I'm fine, don't worry please. Did you do it? – Daichi nervously asked.
-Yes, Rekka is perfectly safe now.
-Thank goodness. – Daichi lied back on the bed – I know I said I'm fine, but I don't know if I have a lot of time to live.
-Can I help you with anything? – Asked Whitebolt.
-Keep Rekka safe. Sadly, I can't take care of him, and I see that in your hands, he is growing into a fine man. – He looked over at Rekka and smiled.
Rekka teared up.
-Promise me one thing Whitebolt-san. Don't put Rekka in danger and keep him safe. If you do that, I can pass on peacefully.
-Don't say that Daichi-san! – Whitebolt got annoyed.
-Promise me. – Said Daichi.
Whitebolt clenched his fists.
-I promise to keep Rekka safe.
-Thank you.
The boy teared up too after seeing his loved one in a such state. Whitebolt and Rekka told Daichi their adventures, and he happily listened.
-Sorry Daichi-san, but I need to leave. – Said Whitebolt.
-It's okay. – Answered Daichi – I'm happier than ever to see you both again.
-I promise you that I will become the strongest adventurer ever! – Said Rekka as he wiped off his tears.
Daichi kindly smiled.
-I believe in you. Save as many people, like you saved me.
Whitebolt and Rekka left. The boy closed the door on them. He turned around and saw a platinum coin on the table. He was in pure shock and brought it to Daichi.
-Heh, he is the same as always, that damn Whitebolt.
-Rekka, want to skate on the ice? – Asked Whitebolt.
-I will just probably melt the whole ocean. – Answered Rekka in a sad tone.
-Don't worry about Daichi, he is strong. He won't die this easily.
Rekka smiled and they instantly headed back towards Limasse.