After Arthur and his group departed, Axel and Becca sat together at the village inn, their attention drawn to the small jade gem rings the druids had delivered.

  Becca eyed the rings cautiously as Axel held one out to her.

  "Put it on," he said, his tone firm yet encouraging.

  Becca hesitated. Something about the ring felt overwhelming, but after a deep breath, she slid it onto her finger.

  Almost instantly, an intense wave of information coursed through her mind—images, techniques, and secrets of druid magic overwhelmed her senses.

  Becca cried out, clutching her head as the onslaught of knowledge consumed her.

  Her body trembled as the pain grew unbearable.

  She reached to remove the ring, but Axel grabbed her hands firmly.

  "You're a fighter, Becca. Don't stop now. Hold on," Axel urged, his eyes locked on hers.

  Her screams began to fade as she fought to endure.

  Greenish veins appeared on her arms, spreading from her fingers to her forearms.

  Her blue irises shimmered with a faint green hue, and to her astonishment, a small plant began to sprout from her palm—only to wither and decay moments later.

  As the pain subsided, the green veins and glow vanished.

  Becca sat back, gasping for air, while the villagers who had gathered nearby looked on in concern. Forcing a smile, she waved weakly.

  "I'm fine, everyone. Don't worry about me," she said, her voice hoarse but steady.

  Most of the crowd dispersed, though a few still exchanged uncertain glances.

  Axel clapped his hands, drawing Becca's attention, "Well done. How do you feel?"

  She examined her trembling hands, her brows furrowed, "I feel... strange. Is that normal?"

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  "Completely," Axel reassured her. "Your mind has absorbed the knowledge of druid magic. The gem is empty now, but tomorrow morning, we'll introduce magic to the villagers properly."

  Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of two familiar faces—C.J. and Philly, both part of Becca's personal guard.

  "Becca, are you okay?" C.J. asked, his tone full of concern as he hurried to sit beside her.

  Philly, less eager, reluctantly took a seat by Axel, his nervous glance betraying his discomfort.

  Axel couldn't hide his amusement at Philly's unease.

  "What brings you two here?" Axel asked with a smirk.

  C.J. rolled his eyes, completely irritated,"We're just checking on our best friend. Do we need another reason?"

  Becca shot him a disapproving look and playfully punched his arm, "Be nice. He's our second leader and your trainer."

  Axel chuckled, leaning back in his chair, "It's fine. Actually, I was about to discuss something important with Becca, but I think having more input could be helpful."

  C.J. looked wary but nodded for him to continue.

  Axel recounted Arthur's request in detail, carefully omitting his potential plan to sow discord between the two kingdoms.

  As Axel finished, Becca's expression hardened with determination.

  "We need to help them immediately!" she declared, slamming her palm on the table. Her voice drew attention from nearby villagers, and she quickly sank into her seat, embarrassed by her outburst.

  C.J. crossed his arms, "I mean, sure, if we can help free people from those royal bastards, we should. But how are we even going to get there? We don't have a port, let alone a single boat."

  Philly fidgeted nervously, "And if the Kingdom of Earnest finds out, they'll wipe us off the map."

  Axel, calm and collected, laid out his plan, "We'll need a shipmaster, a proper port, more homes for the growing population, and trained fighters. It depends on how quickly we can build and organize."

  Becca twirled a strand of hair thoughtfully before speaking, "I might know a way to get a ship, but it's... complicated."

  All three men turned their attention to her, curiosity piqued.

  Clearing her throat, Becca explained, "One of the refugees who joined us used to be a pirate. Her crew was arrested, and she fled here. She told me her ship is hidden in a cave down the coast, west of here."

  Axel stood abruptly, "Then I'm going to retrieve it now."

  "Why now?" Becca asked, surprised by his urgency.

  "The sooner we have the ship, the sooner we can prepare for the mission. Besides, Ivy and I could use the exercise. We'll be back by morning, probably."

  C.J. and Philly exchanged puzzled looks, "Ivy?"

  Axel didn't elaborate. He left the inn, mounted Diego, and rode toward his home.

  ---

  Upon arriving, Axel found Ivy sitting on a rocking chair, her bandaged right arm moving with ease.

  She seemed lost in thought but looked up as he entered.

  "Ivy, we have a mission. Are you ready?" Axel asked, watching as she flexed her fingers.

  Her nails extended, transforming into long, sharp claws.

  A proud smile spread across Axel's face as he walked toward her, "Ever since we were kids, I've always known you had potential. You just needed the right guidance." He pulled her into a tight embrace.

  "This is your chance, Ivy. Not to prove anything to anyone else, but to me. Show me why I've always believed in you. Show me why you're perfect."