Descendants of the Lost Heroes: Journey in Another World

"You know what?" Alex prompted gently, curious about her unfinished thought.

Stella turned away from him, her fingers working to undo her ponytail. As she rose to her feet, her hair cascaded freely around her shoulders, creating a natural barrier between them. "It's nothing, Alex, don't worry about it," she deflected, attempting a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Just forget what I was going to say. Maybe in the future, but... I don't know. Life, you know?" Her voice carried a forced lightness that poorly masked deeper emotions.

Alex recognized the delicate moment for what it was. Pushing further now would only cause her to retreat completely, potentially closing this door of vulnerability forever. Instead, he stood up and offered what reassurance he could. "Well, if you aren't ready now, just know that I'm always here. You can message me whenever you want." He shrugged, keeping his tone casual. "I don't really have anywhere else to go, so just hit me up if you need anything, okay?"

Reaching for the towels they'd set aside earlier, Alex wiped away the mixture of sweat and blood from their sparring session. He tossed the spare towel to Stella with practiced ease. "Here. You probably need this."

She caught it gracefully, and as she began cleaning up, Alex couldn't help but admire her figure. The way her training uniform clung to her athletic frame, how her now-loose hair framed her features in the dojo's ethereal light. 'Damn, she's hot,' he thought, immediately grateful she couldn't read minds.

Walking over to Alex, Stella held his gaze. "Thanks, Alex. I definitely need to clean up." She reached for her water bottle, taking a long, grateful gulp before changing the subject. "How have your classes been?" Her tone remained conversational, deliberately steering away from her earlier vulnerability.

"They've been good. I've learned quite a lot," Alex replied, holding up his hand. "Especially this." He closed his eyes, concentrating on the delicate interplay between mana and his bloodline. As he stirred his power, infusing its properties into his mana, a purplish glow emanated from his palm, its ethereal light casting dancing shadows across his features.

"Finally learned it," he said, studying the manifestation with intense focus. "Took forever, but I can finally use my bloodline for something beyond just sensing. Professor Bain says I'm making great progress, but..." He shrugged, self-deprecation coloring his tone. "It doesn't feel that way when everyone else in class is throwing fireballs or flinging mana bombs like they're skipping stones. Still, it's something."

Releasing his control, he let the mana and bloodline energies dissipate. "I always thought I'd awaken with nothing special, yet here I am with something grand and rarely seen. Well, it has been seen before, but you know what I mean - not many people have it." He smiled, unaware that his casual mention of expecting no bloodline had caused a subtle shift in Stella's expression.

Her eyes narrowed slightly, catching the inconsistency in his story, but Alex's exhaustion prevented him from noticing her reaction. Before he could ponder it further, she spoke.

"Yeah, I know exactly what you mean, Alex," Stella responded, her voice thoughtful. "My father's arts were always extraordinary, and I have access to all his resources to learn them. But when it comes to other things..." She trailed off meaningfully. "It's all a mystery. The Academy has helped though - I can feel my skills growing. I'm actually excited for the field trip in a couple months." Her voice brightened with genuine enthusiasm. "Maybe then we'll finally put everything we've learned to real use, you know?"

"Ah, the field trip," Alex mused, his thoughts drifting to their upcoming expedition. The Academy would send them to their training grounds, where first-years faced real monsters for the first time - creatures they'd only studied in textbooks until now. They would be divided into hunting parties, competing to eliminate the most demons for precious class ranking points. It was their first real chance to apply everything they'd learned.

"Yeah, I'm excited too, though I am a little worried," he admitted, his voice dropping slightly. "This will be my first time actually fighting one instead of just..." His words trailed off as memories flickered through his mind - the Brute's savage presence, the looming shadow of the Behemoth. An involuntary shudder ran through him, and he shook his head to clear away the dark thoughts.

"Anyway, Stella, I should probably get going," he said, changing the subject. "Getting pretty hungry after all that, and I'm sure Randy and Max are waiting to grab some food. But thanks again for helping me."

"Of course, Alex," Stella replied softly. "Like I said, just let me know anytime."

"Yeah, and the same goes for you," he offered. "If you ever need to talk, I'm here."

"I will, Alex. Thanks. I really do appreciate it," she said, her hands folded delicately in her lap.

Rising to his feet, Alex's muscles protested every movement as he made his way toward the dojo's exit. At the doorway, he paused, turning back to see Stella still seated in her chair. "You leaving or staying for a bit?"

"Don't worry about me," she smiled, though something lingered behind her expression. "I'm just taking a longer break."

"Alright then, you do you," Alex said with a casual wave, stepping out into the corridor. As he walked away, he couldn't shake the feeling that her smile hadn't quite reached her eyes.

The moment Alex left the room, Stella's smile evaporated, replaced by an icy composure. "You can come out now," she commanded, her voice sharp as winter frost.

From the dojo's corner, a figure materialized as if woven from shadow itself - Vespera, her presence both familiar and imposing. "My, how did you spot me, dear child?" she purred, trailing a finger along her lips with calculated playfulness.

"Spare me," Stella cut through the act. "We both know I wouldn't sense you if you truly wished to remain hidden. You wanted me to know you were here. Say your piece before I leave." Her words carried the weight of noble authority despite her youth.

Vespera's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by an equally glacial intensity. "You were present at the council with your father. You heard Merlin's decree. The Daywalkers are to be treated with caution, yet I see none of that prudence in your actions. Care to explain?"

"Treating them with caution?" Stella's voice dripped with disdain. "You're the ones treating them like laboratory specimens. They're people, no different from you or me."

"While I appreciate your sentiments, Stella, their bloodlines are simply too powerful to ignore." Vespera's words cut through the air like silk-wrapped steel. "Merlin himself declared that the Ten Families should maintain their distance unless specifically called upon."

"He needed my help," Stella countered. "I don't see the issue."

"Yes, Stella, but you're overstepping. Teaching them is one thing - planting ideas in their heads is quite another."

"I merely expressed my genuine feelings. That's hardly 'education' - it's called building trust." Stella's defense carried an edge of defiance.

"Regardless of your intentions, know that Merlin's eyes are upon you. Cross his plans, and there will be consequences."

Stella rose from her seat, frost practically crystallizing around her. "If Merlin has concerns, he can address them with my father. Now, if you'll excuse me," she brushed past Vespera with deliberate disregard, "I have a shower to take and studying to do. Unlike some, I don't spend my time spying on fifteen-year-olds."

The dojo door slammed behind her with thunderous finality. As she strode away, a dangerous smile played across her features. 'They can't stop me.'

Watching Stell leave the empty dojo, Vespera's form dissolves into light, vanishing as mysteriously as she'd appeared.