From a distance, an elf darted through the courtyard, her footsteps light and swift.
It was Ilya.
Her hair was a little shorter than before, bobbing slightly with every movement. Her face looked alive, brighter, lighter.
She moved with energy, a complete opposition with what she looked like before.
The members of New Horizons and Elysia turned to look.
"Who is that...?" Ronan murmured.
"She's... an elf, right? But she looks so... cheerful?" Elysia blinked. "That's rare."
Then they saw something even rarer.
Bel smiled, really smiled.
He stepped forward to meet her halfway. The two exchanged a short nod before Ilya started measuring the height difference.
"You're so taller," she teased. "And very, very... fit. I see you didn't just sit around."
Bel chuckled lightly.
"I improved a bit."
"That is not just a bit."
He looked her up and down.
"You're different too. More mana, more... raw energy. I can feel it."
"Mhm," she nodded. "I've been doing well."
