The next morning.
At the breakfast table, Kavi and little Rosa sat across from each other, steam rising from their food. But something was off.
Kavi narrowed his eyes. "What's wrong? Why the long face? Who messed with you this time? Come on, tell me—I'd love to be entertained."
Rosa barely touched her food. Her usual sparkle was gone, replaced by a heavy silence.
She lowered her head. "You're leaving, aren't you?"
Kavi blinked, then burst out laughing. "Hahaha! Don't tell me you're getting attached to me, little witch."
Although he had achieved his goal—the Seven Star Sword now firmly in his grasp—Kavi had no intention of leaving just yet. Rosa's sacred duty was over; she was no longer bound to the island. But without direction, what would her life become? A listless wanderer, just like he once was.
He remembered that kind of life all too well: drifting day to day, no purpose, no strength, no reason to move forward.
"No! I just… I just don't want to be stuck here doing nothing!" Rosa snapped back, her cheeks flushing. She looked away in embarrassment.
Kavi smirked. "Your mission's complete, Rosa. What will you do next?"
She went silent for a moment, then lifted her head, eyes shining with resolve.
"I want to go out to sea! I want to see the world for myself!"
The conviction in her voice made Kavi pause. Her little face brimmed with hope.
'But, little Rosa,' Kavi thought, 'the sea isn't as kind as I made it sound. One wrong step and you could die without anyone even knowing your name.'
He tilted his head. "So, what's your plan? Gonna become a pirate?"
"What? No! Pirates are the worst. I don't want to be a pirate!"
Kavi nodded approvingly. "Smart. Then how about joining the Navy? If you're going out into the world, you'll need some kind of identity. And at least the Navy is better than being an outlaw."
"The Navy…" Rosa's eyes lit up. "Can I really join? And… fight pirates?"
Her tiny fists clenched in excitement, imagining herself chasing down infamous criminals.
Kavi chuckled. "You? With your current strength, the pirates would chew you up and spit you out."
Rosa deflated instantly. "Ah…"
She slumped in her chair like a deflated balloon. "But I want to be strong. I want to become an elite Marine. I want to bring honor to Aska Island!"
"Then the answer is simple." Kavi leaned forward, voice low and persuasive. "You just have to work hard. Harder than you ever thought possible."
"As long as you put in the effort," he continued, "you might even become an admiral one day. Imagine it—standing tall in your uniform, the world trembling at your feet. Civilians admiring you, pirates fearing you... you could do whatever you want."
Rosa's eyes sparkled. "Do whatever I want…?"
The dream took root in her heart.
Moments later, she stood up, fists clenched and face burning with determination. "Kavi, please teach me! I want to become stronger!"
Kavi's lips curled into a grin.
'A butterfly effect, huh? Let's see just how far the wings of change can flap...'
He hadn't planned for this. Initially, he just wanted to be invincible and enjoy the ride. But now? Maybe he could mold someone else—shape her future.
"It won't be easy," he warned. "Are you prepared for that?"
"I can handle it," Rosa declared. "One day, I'll be stronger than you!"
Kavi burst into laughter. "All right then. But listen carefully. Once you choose this path, there's no turning back. I won't go easy on you."
"Got it, Teacher Kavi!"
"Starting tomorrow, training begins. Until then, enjoy your last moments of peace."
After breakfast, Kavi headed into town to report to Mayor Ster. He explained the holy sword's situation had been resolved—no more curses, no more priestesses bound to destiny.
Then he found the best blacksmith in town. He had a scabbard made for the Seven Star Sword and commissioned a sleek, lightweight blade designed for a girl's build. Lastly, he drew up blueprints—straight from his memories—for full-body weighted training gear.
The next morning, before the sun had even cleared the horizon, Rosa was already bouncing with anticipation.
"Let's start already!" she said, dragging Kavi out the door.
Kavi smiled. "Rosa, remember: power comes from the body. You can't throw a punch if you can't even stand. Daily physical training is everything."
"I know!" she chirped.
"Good. Now put this on." Kavi revealed the surprise: a full set of custom weighted gear.
Rosa struggled just to lift an arm.
"This… this is twice my weight! Are you serious?!"
"Of course," Kavi said with a nod. "Tailor-made for you. Stick to my methods, and one day you'll be invincible."
Invincible… The word echoed in her head. Could she really become that strong?
Grimacing, Rosa began her first exercise: three laps around the entire town.
The moment she started running, her legs trembled like jelly. After only half a lap, she felt like she might pass out. Her vision blurred, sweat poured down her face, and every breath was a battle.
Kavi walked alongside casually. "You can stop if you want. No shame in quitting. But if you give up now, forget about becoming strong. You'll stay on this island forever."
She couldn't even reply—she had no strength left to speak. But her eyes said everything.
'Give up? Let you leave me behind? Never!'
Lap one… then two… and finally, barely dragging her feet, Rosa finished the third.
"I… I did it…"
And then, her vision went white.
Thud!
Kavi caught her before she hit the ground and carried her home in silence.
"…Not bad," he muttered, smiling faintly. "I thought she'd collapse halfway through lap one."
He tucked her into bed and watched her sleep, sweat still clinging to her brow.
'She's got the will. Now, we build the strength.'
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