CHAPTER 02 : Waking up to the smell of..

Keira woke to the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air.

'Weird, did I even have coffee?'

The soft clinking of dishes and the murmur of familiar voices reached her ears, blending harmoniously with the gentle morning light streaming through the kitchen window.

She stretched, feeling the pleasant ache of her muscles, a reminder of her recent struggles.

Pushing aside the covers, Keira stepped out of bed and made her way to the kitchen,

The warmth and comfort of home enveloped her.

As she approached the kitchen, the smell of coffee grew stronger, mingling with the scent of breakfast being prepared.

She entered the kitchen and paused, taking in the scene.

 Her loved ones were there, bustling around with easy familiarity.

The sight of their faces, the sound of their laughter, filled her with an overwhelming sense of peace and belonging.

 It felt so real, so vividly tangible, that she couldn't imagine it being anything other than reality.

"You Up? Good, I made breakfast."

Ah.

So the team decided to barge into my house again

-Sign- "good morning to you as well, Team leader."

Before team leader could reply, kale's melodious voice from the kitchen counter responds,

"It's 10:44, hardly morning anymore, little K. It's not healthy to oversleep"

Hm, No wonder my body feels like shit-

"I bet she overslept cause our crazy rabbit ended up reading all night again"

Oh good, Ed's here too...

Is it too late to go back to sleep again?

The team leader's eyes say 'NO'.

 "Then good day, team leader. What brings you guys to my humble adobe this very fine afternoon?"

"You brat...-sign- just wash up and get eat your food first, no more sleeping, am I clear?"

"Hmm"

I nod to team leader Aaron and walk to the bathroom sink.

As I finish brushing my teeth, the sound of the main door opening can be heard,

"Guys, I got the bread! It's fresh out of the oven, too."

Seems like the whole teams here.

"Hi, Maya.Did you get the garlic knots?"

I get out of the bathroom, greeting Maya along the hallway and wait as she sets her shoe in the shoe cabinet

"Hey, K. Yeah, I did."

We make our way to the kitchen, Maya passing the bakery goods to kale.

Keira moved to the table, where a steaming cup of coffee awaited her.

She took a sip, savouring the rich flavour and warmth that spread through her.

In this moment, Keira was completely at ease, her worries and fears fading into the background.

The memory of the battle seemed distant, almost unreal.

As Keira settled into her seat at the kitchen table, her teammates joined her, bringing plates of breakfast. The mood was light, and laughter filled the air as they chatted and ate.

 It felt like a perfect morning, one that promised relaxation and joy.

"Can you believe we're finally going on vacation?" Ed said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "We've earned this break."

Keira smiled, nodding. "Absolutely. I can't wait to just lie on a beach and do nothing for a whole week."

Aaron, always the practical one, chimed in. "I've got the itinerary all planned out. First stop, a secluded beach where we can unwind. Then, a few days of hiking in the mountains. And don't forget the hot springs!"

"Oh, the hot springs," keira sighed, imagining the soothing warmth. "That sounds perfect."

Maya, the second youngest of the group, couldn't contain her enthusiasm. "And I found this amazing little village with the best food! We're going to eat so well."

Kale huffs "finish your breakfast first, Maya. More coffee anyone?"

The conversation flowed easily, each of them contributing their own ideas for the vacation.

For a moment, they were just friends planning a fun getaway, not warriors who had just faced unimaginable dangers. The talk of adventures and relaxation was a balm to their weary souls, a promise of better days to come.

As they continued to discuss their plans, Keira felt a deep sense of gratitude.

These were the moments that made everything worth it—the camaraderie, the shared dreams, the anticipation of happiness. They were more than just teammates; they were her family.

Yet

Keira couldn't help but feel a bit off-settled.

Later that afternoon, Keira tried to shake off her lingering odd-feeling as she joined her teammates for a shopping trip. They had decided to spend the day in the local flea market, enjoying the sights, sounds, and tastes of the bustling area.

As they walked through the lively streets, Keira couldn't help but feel a sense of normalcy returning.

The market was vibrant, with vendors calling out their wares, children laughing, and the smell of street food wafting through the air.

"Look at these scarves, Keira," Maya said, holding up a brightly dyed piece of fabric.

 "They'd be perfect for our vacation. How about we get matching ones?"

Keira smiled. "They're beautiful," she said, fingering the soft fabric.

 "Maybe I'll bring one along for good luck."

Ed and Kale were busy haggling with a jewellery vendor, trying to get the best price on some handcrafted bracelets. Ed glanced over his shoulder and called out, "Aaron, come help us! You're the best at bargaining."

Aaron joined them. "Alright, let's see what we can do." He flashed a friendly smile at the vendor and began negotiating, his teammates watching with amusement.

As they moved from stall to stall, picking up trinkets and souvenirs, Keira found herself relaxing a bit.

 Despite the earlier news from Aaron, she was determined to enjoy this time with her friends.

 They stopped at a food stall, where Aaron insisted on buying everyone a round of fresh fruit smoothies.

"To our vacation," Aaron toasted, raising his cup. "And to Keira, for always being our rock."

Keira raised her cup with a grateful smile. "To us and to making the most of every moment."

As they continued their shopping, Keira felt a mixture of emotions—cherishing the present while knowing her path might soon diverge from her friends'.

But for now, she was grateful for the laughter, the camaraderie, and the simple joy of being together.

As the sun began to set over the bustling market, Aaron approached Keira and her teammates with a smile. "How about we cap off the day with a special dinner? My treat."

Keira's teammates exchanged excited glances, clearly pleased by the suggestion. "That sounds amazing, Team leader," Maya exclaimed. "Where are we going?"

"If team leader is treating us, let's get something expensive!" Ed looks at the others for support.

Aaron chuckled. "Alright, fine. Follow me."

They walked through winding streets lined with lantern-lit cafes and quaint boutiques until they reached a grand old building with an ornate entrance.

 The sign read "La Belle Étoile," and soft music drifted out from within.

Aaron led them inside to a beautifully decorated dining room with plush seats and elegant table settings. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the lively market they had just left.

"Wow, team leader, you didn't have to do all this," Keira said, eyes wide with awe.

Aaron waved off her concern with a grin. "Consider it a small token of appreciation for all your hard work. Plus, I thought you could use a bit of luxury before things get busy again."

They settled into their seats, menus appearing before them as if by magic.

Keira couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for Aaron's thoughtfulness.

Over the course of the meal, they laughed and shared stories, savouring each delicious course.

 As dessert arrived—a decadent chocolate mousse that melted on their tongues—the team exchanged knowing glances towards keira.

 Aaron raised his glass in a toast, his expression serious yet filled with warmth. "To teamwork, to resilience, and to Keira, whose dedication never fails to inspire us all."

Keira felt a lump form in her throat, touched by Aaron's words and the genuine affection of her teammates. "Thank you, Team leader," she said softly, raising her own glass. "Here's to facing whatever comes next, together."

As Keira finished her toast, she noticed a subtle shift in the atmosphere at the table.

 Her teammates exchanged glances, their smiles tinged with sadness yet filled with pride.

It was as if they were silently preparing themselves for what was to come, a stark contrast to the celebratory dinner they were enjoying.

"Maya, pass me the water, please," Keira said, her voice a touch unsteady.

Maya handed her the glass with a sympathetic smile, but said nothing.

Aaron cleared his throat, breaking the uneasy silence. "Keira, I want you to know that we will always be together in sprite and I know how much this team means to you," he began, his tone serious. "But sometimes, the path we must take is not the one we choose."

Keira swallowed hard, sensing the weight of Aaron's words. "What are you saying, Team leader?"

Keira couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. The luxury of the evening had been a fleeting reprieve, a final calm before the storm.

The team leader cleared their throat, and the surrounding gradually quieted. "Keira, I need to talk to you about a mission," they said, their voice calm but firm.

Shoulder relaxing for the tense position they were in, Keira looked up, curiosity piqued. "When is the team leaving for it?"

The team leader's eyes met hers, holding a seriousness that made her stomach knot. "Actually, Keira, it's a solo mission. You're the only one going."

A wave of confusion washed over her. "Just me? Why only me?" she asked, disappointment creeping into her voice.

The leader maintained their steady gaze. "This mission requires your unique skills. You're the best suited for it."

Keira glanced around, a sense of unease settling in her chest. The room seemed off, as if shadows danced at the edge of her vision. Why is there no one else in this big place?

Wait, I don't remember ordering food, much less being served by a waiter...Something's off, why did I not notice it before?

The team leader's smile was serene, almost unsettling. "We are trusting you with something only you can handle."

Keira's eyes darted from one teammate to another. Their faces were distant, their expressions oddly calm. The atmosphere grew heavier, the air thicker. She felt a chill despite the warmth of the room.

"This doesn't feel right..." she whispered to herself, a creeping dread taking hold.

She blinked, and the room around her began to fracture, the walls cracking like glass under pressure. The table, the faces, everything started to shatter, revealing the truth beneath.

The team never made it to the market...because there was a monster breach and-

The reality of the situation hit Keira like a sudden storm.

Her breath quickened as the realization hit her like a punch to the gut.

"This isn't real... the team... they're dead... this is all a dream."

She had suspected something was amiss, but hearing it confirmed sent a chill down her spine.

The cracks widened, the illusion collapsing in on itself. 

Darkness surged forward, consuming the fragments of her dream.

 Keira stood alone in the void, the haunting reality pressing down on her.

"Thank you, all of you," Keira said finally, her voice steady.

"For everything."

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In her mind's eye, she recalled the chaos of battle, the searing pain, and then a moment of profound clarity.

The memory was elusive, like trying to grasp a fleeting dream, but Keira knew one thing for certain—something extraordinary had occurred.

Whether it was a newfound ability to heal or some inexplicable intervention, she couldn't deny the reality of her restored health.

Keira furrowed her brow, focusing on that fleeting memory. She had been teetering on the edge of consciousness, unsure if she would survive. And then, in that critical moment, she had made a decision.

Something about a host and binding with it.

 'This is getting more and more like a system from those novels kale and I used to read... .'

"System?" she calls out hesitantly, her voice echoing in the emptiness. For a moment, nothing happens. Doubt starts to creep in, but she pushes it aside.

"System, Activate." she commands with more confidence.

A soft hum fills the air, and a holographic interface materializes before her, its light casting a gently orange glow in the void. Lines of code and unfamiliar symbols dance across the screen, forming a complex web of information.

[[ ! ALERT !

SYSTEM ACTIVATED

WELCOME, HOST: Keira.

Would you like to learn book: 'user guide'?

YES NO ]]

Without hesitation, she pressed 'Yes' on the interface.

Almost instantly, a beam of soft light emerges from the system and gently flows into her forehead. She feels a slight tingling sensation as the contents of the user guide are directly downloaded into her mind.

Images, Instructions and detailed explanations flood her consciousness, each piece of information settling into place as if had always known it. The process is quick yet comprehensive, providing her with an intuitive understanding of how to navigate and utilize the Tales weaver system.

'TALESWEAVER system' is the name of the system as well as its purpose, it was system made to cultivate 'storytellers' or in short 'tellers'.

A 'teller' is a person/being that presents the greater beings with stories.

It's an important part of the universe as the stories serve as nourishment for the higher beings and their ability to maintain sanity.

The tales weaver system is just one of the ways,

It is but one facility provided by the spirit world to aid the greater beings.

Keira blinks as the light fades, a new profound clarity in her eyes. She now knows how to access the various functions of the system, manipulate her environment and enhance her abilities.

[[ ! ALERT !

NOTICE: user guide successfully downloaded

RESULT: host: KEIRA has full access to all system features. ]]

As she familiarizes wit the system interface, a new notification blocks her sight; the content of it baffles her,

[[ ! ALERT !

MISSON-invitation

You are now a new member of the spirit world under the designation: taleweaver.

Your presence is required at the spirit world venue for your inauguration]]

"….huh"