"Well, this is awkward."

Kiara froze in place.

"Who are you? Why are you in my house?"

The girl was black haired, wearing simple leather clothing.

She stared at Kiara with cautious eyes.

Kiara could only raise her hands awkwardly.

Although she could easily neutralise the black haired girl, she still have morals.

"I am Kiara, please put down your... Uh. Dagger."

Kiara tried to pacify the girl, but she stepped forward.

She could only continue to raise her hands while praying the black haired girl doesn't attack.

"I'm not going to put my knife down until you say what you are doing."

The girl gripped the knife harder.

She stared at Kiara.

"Uh wait wait—I just found this place when I was searching for water."

Kiara slightly panicked.

She looked behind her and found the wall near her back.

"And..?"

The girl pressed on, her red eyes glowing.

Kiara was slightly shocked, her back finally meeting the wall.

"Um, the door is unlocked?"

Kiara answered, doubtful of her own reply...

"... That one is my fault."

The girl stopped, a slight blush creeping on her face.

"Then—"

Kiara smiled.

"—No!"

The girl suddenly shouted.

"Uh."

Kiara was speechless.

"Mom said to not let anyone inside the house."

The girl muttered.

You're the one that left the door unlocked...

Kiara thought. She didn't dare say it out loud.

"Well, how about this... I'll stay outside."

Kiara said.

"..."

Kiara and the girl stared for a few seconds.

"You're a threat, please leave. "

The girl finally said.

Kiara sighed in her mind.

I could have awakened my mana core earlier, but I guess this is fine too.

Kiara thought.

She looked outside and saw the sun coming down.

The sun is coming down too. I wish I could've stayed at least for the night...

Kiara pondered for a split second, before looking at the girl.

Time slowed in Kiara's eyes.

Using mental power, she forced her mind to process everything faster, hence the slow time.

Black hair that reached her shoulders, red eyes, and a body that should have the same age as me.

This is the first time she seriously assessed the black haired girl.

Kiara's current body is when she was ten years old, and the black haired girl could be said to be one year older or so.

The way she held the knife is also solid comparing to a basic combat technique.

The black haired girl's body is of a child, but Kiara was curious.

Kiara concentrated mental power to her eyes.

Although she couldn't see the insides of the girl's body, she could at least roughly assess how strong is she physically.

Time passed. (In a split second)

The more Kiara looked, the more she became surprised.

This girl's physical strength and durability is stronger than the current me.

Kiara was shocked.

No child can be stronger than two adults without any special methods...

Kiara has an idea.

Time continued flowing normally.

"Phew."

Kiara breathed in a mouthful of air.

Using her mental power like that took a toll on her stamina.

She looked at the black haired girl.

"I will go."

But I will observe you.

"Good. Gather your things if you have any, please leave immediately."

The girl lowered the knife, but didn't sheath it.

She's still clearly weary of Kiara going back on her words.

"I don't have any things."

Kiara paused, before turning around to leave.

"Don't come back."

The girl said.

Kiara didn't turn back and left the area.

...

Time passed.

Kiara stopped walking.

This distance should be enough.

She stayed on one of the branches of a tall tree and observed the house from afar.

That girl is special. So is the house.

Kiara silently offered her assessment.

The night is coming.

Kiara looked at the sky and saw the sun completely gone.

"..."