Owari and Noel agreed to leave for his hometown in five days. It takes a week to get there from here by train. It was close to the border in the north, it was on the periphery of the Leviathan territory. After making their decision the two separated so they could deal with some things to get ready for the few week trip. Noel had to deal with some meetings to make sure she covered all her bases before leaving. Meanwhile Owari needed to pay for his magical beasts' housing. He could bring them in theory, but it would be a hassle to deal with the stares of the people. They were already going to attract enough attention.

Owari went to visit Lance the next day. “You’ll be gone for another few weeks?” He was shocked, Owari barely got back. “And for a visit. A shame, if you used that time to train you would definitely reach gold rank by the time the party happens.”

“I can still try and make it. I have a few new techniques to try.” That wasn’t the only reason he was confident. His breathing method that restores mana doesn’t just restore mana. It helps speed up the growth process for his mana reserves. He spent every moment he was alone using up all his mana with the phantom affinity by enhancing his movements before he meditates to restore his mana.

“I hope you make it. It’s rare for someone your age to be gold rank. That ought to humble some of the people there.” Lance smirked just thinking about it.

“It all depends on if I can kill a gold rank beast though.” Owari shrugged, he needed to prove he could before he could rank up.

“Well I hope you find one when you’re ready.” Lance wished him good luck.

“So how’s work been?” Owari asked curiously. He noted Lance was complaining less today.

“It’s been great. I just recently got an assistant from the agency once they realized things were going on around here. That mine you found along with the growing relations between our agency and the Sapphire Agency branch over here made them take me more seriously. They also can’t replace me since a lot of the reason we have such good relations with them is because it’s me handling things. Becoming indispensable has made my life so easy.” Lance laid back in his chair as he spoke.

“It’s good to hear things are going well.” Owari chuckled as he watched Lance relax, it had been a while since Lance looked so content.

After that the two made some small talk before he left Lance to his much easier work. After that he loitered around the town until he went to visit Rebecca. When he knocked on the door it was actually Erica who answered the door much to his surprise. As soon as she saw him her eyes lit up and she ran off to get Rebecca.

“Well to what do I owe the honor?” She joked as she saw Owari.

“I’ll be leaving again soon so I thought it would be rude not to stop by.” Owari laughed a bit before walking in.

“Already?” She was as surprised as Lance was.

“Yeah, I’m going home to visit my mother.” Owari sat down and looked over at Erica who was standing there with a stack of papers. “Alright, let me do this first so we can talk.”

“I finished everything in here.” Erica said as soon as Owari finished speaking.

“Then that means the next step is practicing until they are ingrained in your body. To the point where they become instinct. That way you won’t flinch in a fight or hesitate. You have to train over and over with the motions until the movements become as natural as breathing.” Owari advised her, this was what he had done.

“No wonder you could fight so well.” Rebecca was impressed, being able to train one’s instincts is difficult, she herself could only do so with the singular motion of pulling her bowstring back.

“It’s all about repetition. Once you do something enough it becomes normal for you. It’s why my breathing methods can become permanent instead of just temporary.” Owari explained a bit.

“That makes sense.” Rebecca replied.

“Alright, I’ll practice a lot. Then you have to teach me more.” Erica then ran out and into the backyard out the door.

“She says that like she doesn’t spend hours every day swinging that thing.” Rebecca was amused by Erica. She had been increasingly vocal lately and seemed more confident.

“It isn’t enough. I could tell from her movements that she is still a bit awkward in her steps. Once she perfects this she’ll walk with a perfectly balanced gait. And her arms will remain down at her hips most of the time to be able to respond by pulling out her sword at any moment.” Owari explained as clearly as he could.

“Is that how you walk?” Rebecca said with some amusement.

“Yes.” Owari noticed this and laughed with her a bit. It was interesting to have your fighting habits work themselves into your life. But it was inevitable.

“I feel like I should practice more or I’ll fall behind.” Rebecca said seriously.

“I’m catching up to you guys.” Owari smiled confidently. The only reason for this was because of his willingness to go out and risk his life though.

“Maybe I should try your method, though I’m a bit too cowardly for that.” Rebecca admitted honestly. She had come to terms with it, and could overcome it to some extent, but it was always there.

“There can be no courage without fear.” Owari said seriously.

“What are you a philosopher?” Rebecca laughed.

“I’ve dabbled a bit.” Owari also laughed.

The two continued to joke and talk for about half an hour before Owari decided to leave. The conversation was dying down since the two didn’t have a lot in common. It was better to leave early than overstay your welcome after all. At least in his opinion.

The next few days were mostly more of the same. Owari did some studying and did some theorycrafting for new techniques. His piercing skill was good. It allowed him to pierce through tough armor. The main problem is that it has to be used as a finisher or the blade would be at risk of snapping off as the enemy thrashes around if they are bigger.

His other idea was simple though. Using raw force to smash something. By using the resistance reducing method in reverse he could lower the sharpness of his sword and use raw force to smash something. The point of doing that is for enemies too tough for his moth wing strike or screeching wing, and that could also not be finished with a single pierce. As for how to do it, he planned on kicking up a draft like with the moth wing strike and using the force of his initial strike and the wind-wave to smash the enemy with a ton of force. He would have to train to reduce the rebound the sword has to deal with

After five days passed it was time to leave for home. Owari felt a little nostalgic as he waited for the train to come. It felt like a lifetime ago that he left home. He was even riding in the cheap part again to save money. Of course Noel was joining him for the same reason, she didn’t have infinite money after all.

“Feeling homesick?” Noel asked as she noticed his odd mood.

“Just nostalgic, it feels just like when I left home.” Owari smiled. “What about you? You seem nervous.” Owari called her out, she hid it well but he had spent too much time around her not to notice.

“Just a bit. Not only to meet your mother, but the last train we rode crashed remember?” Noel seemed a bit paranoid.

“That was a statistically unlikely event. What are the chances we get unlucky a second time?” Owari laughed a bit.

“Don’t tempt fate. You’ll jinx us.” Noel said seriously.

“I didn’t take you for the superstitious type.” Owari said as the train pulled up and they got on and into their seats.

“I’m just nervous” She sighed. It was hard to just get over an event like that. Especially since before that she had been enjoying a comfortable ride and sudden;y she was shoved into a life or death situation with little time to rest. It was also her first combat.

“It’ll be okay.” Owari reassured her by grabbing her hand and holding it.

She blushed but didn’t pull away. “I feel a bit pathetic though. You had it worse because you were weaker. Not to mention what you had to see before finding us.” She wasn’t stupid, after getting a chance to really think about it she realized the horrible things Owari would have seen as he tried to confirm the survivors.

“I just see death differently. Plus as messed up as it was, I loved the fighting I did after meeting you guys. It helped distract me. I just think of all the people we saved.” Owari explained a bit of his thought process.

“Right.” Noel nodded and did her best to think about that.

The two were quiet as they didn’t want to stand out too much. Of course Noel always attracted attention, but people gave up looking at her when they noticed Owari’s swords. It wasn’t worth the hassle, Noel was a passing interest to the people who rode the train. After all these were the type of people at the lowest rung of the economical ladder.

Owari and Noel both spent most of the ride in meditation. Obviously Noel had to sleep since she wasn’t as practiced as Owari, but he watched out for her. The ride was uneventful, even with Owari tempting fate. When they arrived in town Noel looked around curiously. She wondered what the people here were like. She had heard that Owari didn’t really have any friends in town nor did he interact with the adults much. She wondered whether the others felt the same.

They walked through town attracting some unusual stares. Noel was wearing her usual sundress and straw hat combo with a red parasol to block the sun. However she couldn’t hide her white face and hair, nor her purple amethyst eyes. Because of that people were looking and the gossip already started. The two of them however ignored it. They didn’t care when cityfolk talked about them, so why would they care when it was townsfolk?

Eventually they reached Owari’s house. He decided to knock since it would be rude to barge in. When she answered the door his mother was ecstatic. “Owari? Why are you here?”

“It’s a holiday so I’m taking time off. After all we haven’t seen each other in a while so I figured you missed me.” Owari chuckled.

“Hm…” His mother looked at him seriously, she could tell the difference in demeanor right away. He had not only grown up a bit, but he became more confident and social. It was at this point that she noticed Noel standing off to the side. “Oh? And who is this lovely young lady?” His mother seemed shocked by her appearance, it was oddly beautiful in a strange way.

“This is Noel.” Owari introduced her. “And this is my mother Yunis.” He then introduced his mother.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Noel smiled calmly.

“Such good manners, and such a pretty name.” His mother nodded.

“So can we come in?” Owari chuckled as his mother stood in the doorway.

“Of course.” His mother stepped out of the way and led them to the table. Owari and Noel sat on one side and his mother the other.

“I hope you didn’t dismantle my room.” He really did hope so.

“Of course not, you need a place to stay when you come back.” His mother seemed genuinely offended at the accusation.

“That’s good, because Noel is borrowing my bed, and before you ask I’ll be sleeping on the couch.” As she was about to say something Owari interrupted her.

“How interesting.” His mother smiled. “So what is your relationship really? Would you take just any friend back home?” She was looking at Noel when she asked.

Noel looked towards Owari. “Hey you said a few questions were no big deal remember?” He smiled teasingly.

“It’s complicated?” She said uncertainly.

“Then simplify it.” His mother gave her no escape.

“Well I guess it’s a bit unique. Though not so much anymore.” She recalled how Owari so openly held her hand.

“How’s that?” His mother pressed.

Noel suddenly changed and became more confident. “We’re in a relationship.” She smiled as she looked at Owari.

“Seems like it.” Owari shrugged with a smile.

“That’s no fun, I wanted her to squirm more.” His mother seemed to feel like she lost.

“You should be proud that she squirmed at all. She can turn a rock to dust with a single punch.” When he said that Noel punched him lightly. “It’s true.” He chuckled.

“What? Really? But she’s so small.” His mother was shocked.

“She’s a hunter like me. I should reintroduce her. Mother, this is Noel Silverblood.” He smiled as he watched his mother’s visible shock.

“You mean those Silverbloods?” She of course knew about them as her husband had been a pretty good hunter. In his prime he was a gold rank, though she didn’t know what specific level of gold rank.

“Yes, those Silverbloods.” Noel nodded to confirm.

“How impressive. How did you two meet?” She was curious how her son would have a chance to meet someone so important.

“Now that is definitely complicated.” Owari chuckled awkwardly. “We kind of met on a battlefield of sorts.”

“Oh really?” His mother seemed surprised.

“The train I left on back then got attacked and we defended it together.” Noel wasn’t nearly as careful with his mother’s feelings so she blurted it out.

“Your train crashed?” His mother was shocked. He didn’t even get a chance to reach his destination.

“Yeah, it was pretty bad. Luckily we had a good leader and strong allies.” Owari didn’t mention anything about his own role in the event.

“He saved my life.” Noel said offhandedly.

“How romantic.” His mother didn’t ask for details. She knew it would just worry her.

“Apparently it was because she fell for me.” Owari also said offhandedly.

“So she fell first?” His mother grew even more interested.

“Of course.” Owari smirked as Noel tried to hide her embarrassment.

“So when did you get together?” She asked.

“Officially? A few minutes ago.” Owari laughed when his mother could only blink in surprise.

“What does that mean?” She was confused.

“We hadn’t actually confirmed exactly what kind of relationship we had until just then.” Noel explained.

“It just felt pointless to do so. We knew each other well enough and were comfortable around one another, and that was enough for us.” Owari didn’t really think a few words changed anything between them.

“I see, so when did you get together unofficially?” She still wanted a real answer.

“Not sure. A few weeks after we moved to the city I think.” Owari didn’t remember.

“Yeah it was so casual I don’t even remember the date.” The two of them aren’t really bothered with that kind of stuff.

“What about your anniversary?” She was surprised, weren’t normal teens crazy about that stuff.

“Anniversaries are for marriage.” Owari replied instantly. Noel nodded as well.

“Speaking of marriage…” His mother said ambiguously.

“One step at a time mother.” Owari and Noel both laughed. To them a ring and a word meant nothing. It was more for others than themselves.

“That’s fair. Especially since you don’t even share a bed.” His mother didn’t push her joke any further.

“So how have things been in town?” Owari changed the subject now that it reached a good stopping point.

“The same as ever, though it could be better. A bunch of kids who graduated last year have moved to the big city for better work. That means less hands on the farms and worse yields so less money. However it isn’t going to tear the town apart. It happens every year.” She explained one of the more important parts of the town.

“How’s Francis?” Owari asked curiously.

“He’s been fine, he keeps sending his daughter over to learn how to sew. Said it was only fair since he taught you how to smith. Personally I think she asked him to do it because she really seems to like it. Though she is a bit clumsy cause of her age.” His mother smiled as she recalled it.

“At least that means you aren’t spending your days alone.” This had never really come up in their letters since it was mostly just checking in on one another.

“That’s the truth. I spend so much time teaching her some days that I don’t even feel lonely at all. It’s been quite nice to have something to distract myself with. Speaking of tailoring, what happened to your coat? It looks awful.” His mother showed visible disgust at his modifications.

“How rude, those are mementos from my battles.” Owari spoke proudly.

“Sure must have been hard for you. I bet you knocked your head in one of those fights if you thought wearing that around me would ever go well. Why don’t you take a lesson from Noel over here? She’s dressed up so prettily.” His mother sighed in disappointment. However Noel couldn’t help but hide her face with her hat.

“Mother, I chose that outfit.” Owari smiled victoriously.

“Good call.” His mother nodded. “She has a small frame so the more adorable clothing is a better fit than any attempt to seem mature.”

“I know, that’s why I like it. Though personally I like her combat gear more. It fits her personality better. Though obviously that isn’t something you would wear around casually.” Owari smiled as Noel finally raised her hat.

“Ahem, could you not talk like I am not sitting right here?” She smiled awkwardly.

“You can jump in any time.” Owari replied.

“You know I’m terrible with fashion.” She pouted.

“Alright enough of that then.” His mother didn’t seem bothered by this. She knew not everyone could be a master of fashion. “So how long will you be back for?”

“We were planning on being here until after appreciation day. We left early in case of emergencies.” Owari wondered what they could even do to pass the time with the next two days before appreciation day.

“There isn’t a lot to do in town.” His mother seemed to read his thoughts.

“Then I guess we will just have to find something to do on our own.” Owari already started thinking.

“We can always just walk and talk like usual. We don’t really need something to enjoy one another’s company.” Noel recommended.

“That’s true.” Owari nodded. They never really ran out of stuff to talk about. Whether it be martial arts, stories, memories from their youth, and so on.

“How sweet.” His mother smiled warmly as she watched them.

“Isn’t it?” Although she was embarrassed Noel still did her best to respond.

“I’ll leave you two alone for now.” Owari suddenly said. “I’m gonna go visit old man Francis.” He stood up and walked to the door.

“Don’t take too long.” His mother called after him getting a wave in return.

Soon enough he arrived at the smith, he knocked on the door and went inside. Unlike his house this doubled as a store of sorts. It was more like Francis couldn’t be bothered to answer the door so he would just tell people to come in. Owari looked around at some of the spare tools for the townsfolk that were lying around.

“So you’re back.” Francis’ voice came from behind as Owari looked at a hoe.

“Sure am.” Owari turned around. “I’m visiting my mother.”

“And me it seems. What did you want kid?” Francis was always the serious type. He rarely acted on emotion, so he seemed cold, but he was actually a kind man with a soft spot for kids.

“I came to give you a gift for appreciation day.” Owari grabbed a small bag the size of a fist out from his pack to the side.

“It’s a bit early isn’t it?” He was a bit skeptical about Owari’s intentions.

“You’ll see why I came early when you see what’s inside.” Owari tossed the bag to Franics who noted its weight. When he opened it he was shocked.

“Is this what I think it is?” He pulled out a sparkling white gold metal, as well as a yellowish silver one. They were about thumb-sized, but there were more in the bag.

“Electrum and orichalum.” Owari responded.

“Heh, so what did you hand them to me early for. Knowing you there is some plan you got in mind for them.” Francis knew Owari was a thinker even if he tried to play the simple-minded type. You learn these things when you teach someone.

“I figured making some expensive jewelry for that wife of yours would be a good gift. I’m sure she’d love it.” Owari gave his advice.

“She’d never wear it.” Francis still didn’t seem to think it was a bad idea though. Even having it to look at would be nice. “Where did you find this stuff anyway? This much would fetch a pretty penny.”

“I did some prospecting and found some decent veins. Those came from my samples. I had someone smelt them down for me.” Owari had obviously kept them from the time he found that ore vein.

“So what did you want in return? I know you and you know me so let’s skip the pretense.” Francis would never accept such an expensive gift, and Owari would never give out so much material just for some jewelry.

“I need you to make me a ring. I want it made with orichalcum.” He pointed to the white gold metal.

“Who’s it for?” Francis couldn’t help but ask. He knew Owari wouldn’t ask for jewelry for his mother. Maybe an earring or bangle, but not a ring.

“A girl.” Owari answered simply.

Francis snorted. “I guessed that much. Fine, I’ll have it done by tomorrow night.”

“Thanks.” Owari said gratefully.

“No problem kid, now get outta my shop. I got a lot of work to do now.” Owari just shook his head when he heard this. Francis was as bad as ever with this kind of stuff.