"Ahhh, I'm so bored...!"

Naxio's head perks up from the book he was reading to look over at Moushira. The day had been winding down from the lesson and he and Moushira found themselves relaxing in the garden area. For Naxio, these relaxing moments were more than enough for him however for Moushira, it was apparent she was getting restless.

"I wish we could go down the mountain! I want to see the legendary Daemon Hunter city~~!"

Naxio lets out a small sigh as this is the third time she has announced this want over the weeks of them being at the compound. Naxio, however, couldn't truly fault her as he too is very curious about the famous city, Xeyver. Though the Daemon Core Compound is one of the general hubs for all Daemon Hunters, the city just at the base of the mountain is the central heart of all Daemon Hunter operations. He could only remember very vaguely of when he first arrived in the compound how their transport passed through the city. It truly was a marvel with the vast number of Hunters, trade, and other such things. Those that live in Xeyver are usually  Daemon Hunters, crafters, and the likes, it was a first in many ways.

"..You both want to go to Xeyver?"

Both Moushira and Naxio turned in surprise at hearing the familiar voice. The tall form of Kaldav was standing only a few feet from with his usually neutral look on his face.

"Oh, Kaldov! You also finished classes for today?"

Moushira beckons him over with a wave of her hands. Kaldov, still as quiet as a statue walks over and takes a seat nearby them. Naxio was giving him a not-so-subtle look as he sits.

"So you know about the city?"

Kaldov nods to her in answer.

"Soo.. then you know how to get there right? I heard the city has some kind of special barrier which makes it inaccessible? Is this true?"

Kaldov looks at her for a few seconds before nodding. Moushira then snaps her head to Naxio with a wide smile.

"Ha, I told you so Naxio!!"

Naxio let out a sigh as he nods. It's true that they did have a disagreement about the circulating rumor around the city being something like a ghost town. The rumor went that the Daemon Hunter city moves around the base of the mountain like a ghost, only appearing at certain times.

"I highly doubt that it's exactly like the rumor though Moushira... It just wouldn't make sense!"

"Why not? I'm sure it just a transportation spell?"

"But to move an entire city? That would be too much!"

Both Moushira and Naxio then turn to Kaldov who has stayed silent as they argued. Kaldov seemed to be amused and shook his head.

"It's not true."

Moushira pouts as Naxio gives her a teasing smile. The happy pleasant atmosphere was however suddenly interrupted by a voice calling out to Naxio. The trio all turn to see a group looking in their direction and Naxio feels his heart drop a bit. The first face he saw was Li-Ren however at seeing the rest of her group made him freeze up. Both Moushira and Kaldov easily noticed his change in demeanor almost immediantly. Li-Ren however first turns to her group and said something to them before walking over alone. The rest of her group seem to give Naxio a look before leaving with a huff. Once they were gone Naxio's body relaxed and the small smile comes back to his face.

"Li-Ren, it's been a while!"

Naxio's greeting is kind and soft, Li-Ren couldn't help but respond with a small smile of her own. Her eyes do gaze behind Naxio at Moushira and Kaldov for a moment before returning to Naxio.

"Yes, it has been. Can we speak for a moment?"

"Oh yes!"

Naxio and Li-Ren walk a few steps away. Li-Ren seems to be a bit unnerved as she looked around briefly.

"Are you okay, Li-Ren?"

Naxio couldn't help but notice her eyes darting around, looking for any eavesdroppers.

".. I'm fine."

Li-Ren looks back at him with a small smile.

"How have you been? Doing well with training? "

At the mention of training, Naxio gives her a sheepish smile.

"I'm practicing as you told me however my control is still lacking and my overall power is still not strong."

His lack of improvement was certainly weighing on his mind.  He followed everything Li-Ren instructed to the letter but still, he felt like he wasn't getting any better! A cloudy expression pulled over Li-Ren's face as a deep frown tug at her lips.  Fully expecting some form of scolding from her, Naxio was very surprised by her next words.

"I know it difficult but you have to be ready Naxio. Now that you are here, it doesn't matter what clan you are from or how you were raised. We all face the same danger. "

Naxio couldn't help but feel a cold chill creep up his spine. Her words were more than just simple advice but a warning.

"Li-Ren... is something going to happen?"

A wide range of emotions seems to shoot across her face. None stayed longer than a sec before she spoke again.

"Just promise you will continue to train, even if you feel like it's not working. I'll even help you when I can. "

"Y-yes, of course!"

Li-Ren looks at Naxio, really looks at him before nodding. She then excuses herself and walks off. After she left,  both Moushira and Kaldov walked over to Naxio, they both had questioning looks on their faces from Naxio clearly very bothered look.

"Well, what did she say?"

Moushira asked while glance back to where Li-Ren disappeared.

"She warned me to train?"

"Oh! Is there an exam coming? "

"I'm not sure but Li-Ren has a way about things. So there must be a test that we don't know about. "

Moushira nods in agreement. The major thing is what kind of exam is coming that has Li-Ren so concerned. Moushira could see his discussion was still weighing in Naxio's mind and try to lighten up the mood.

"Don't worry about training Naxio, we'll help you out! "

Naxio returns Moushira's smile and nods.

Remember Naxio, you swore to prove you will be a proud member of the Mizune Clan! You can't give up!

Reinvigorated, Naxio thinks back Li-Ren's words but doesn't let it bother him. He was going to become a Daemon Hunter!  And nothing would stand in his way.