Shikra and Valentino are inside the library, spending almost two days on research about the cores in their body.178Please respect copyright.PENANAYzvQa8q2Ee
“I think I know how we can test it!” Shikra said excitedly, “It won’t hurt, right?” she asked.178Please respect copyright.PENANA3W9YOtjLnm
“Not at all! Why do you think I was researching about them?” Valentino replied, “We need to be careful though because we don’t want to use it too soon. Not until we have more knowledge about what this power does to the core itself,” Valentino explained.178Please respect copyright.PENANAIHIgOYXzde
“Okay... but if we succeed, I will owe you one. One big one,” Shikra grinned mischievously at Valentino.178Please respect copyright.PENANAzTXCXo68Mn
So the two tested what is inscribed on the book they have collected.178Please respect copyright.PENANA7M73Gxasyc
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It said that when you want to directly manipulate Magika towards your core, you need to force it out of your body. The two did it, and they are successful, with minor issue of exhaustion.178Please respect copyright.PENANAqn4bQarv1r
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After minutes of practicing, Shikra got reminded about a certain festival at their place called Rose Quartz. It is a festival where they dance along with the music together with their partners.178Please respect copyright.PENANAgTPSsRZOdI
Shikra suggested that they should go there.178Please respect copyright.PENANAYyfsMqLvID
When they arrived in the town, both were surprised to see there are so many people here.178Please respect copyright.PENANAJuF9JiWtw1
There is a small stage near the center of the village. There are also many stalls selling food and drinks, as well as dancing partners.178Please respect copyright.PENANA3XEAupYuSJ
“What are we going to do first?” Shikra asked Valentino as they walked around.178Please respect copyright.PENANAZm120Eui1c
“Well, I guess we could start with our usual tradition,” Val said, and then grabbed Shikra by the hand and pulled her into the dance.178Please respect copyright.PENANAoadrPz3MmQ
"Aren't you a little excited to dance with me, Mr. Valentino Sarimiento?" she teased.178Please respect copyright.PENANADuF9p1UZeA
The conductor started tapping his baton, signaling the start of the dance.178Please respect copyright.PENANAlNflNGzgyb
Valentino didn't respond to Shikra's teasing. He just kept smiling while watching how beautifully Shikra danced. Her moves are precise and graceful like always. They keep moving to the beat of the music. Gracefully responding to each other's movements and carefully guiding each other to the next step on the dance. They are like swans in a glistening lake.178Please respect copyright.PENANAzzClPU9CoL
They keep dancing until they reached the end of the song. Valentino let go of Shikra’s hands and smiled proudly at his work. He turned his head to look at her, only to find her smiling widely back at him.178Please respect copyright.PENANAEnybm2oCpd
"You're excellent, Mr. Valentino!" Shikra exclaimed.178Please respect copyright.PENANAsNQ61uhC2d
"Thanks," he said shyly. "Are you enjoying the festival?"178Please respect copyright.PENANAEXkMy0tHqD
Shikra nodded energetically. She pointed towards a stall where people are still handing out sweets.178Please respect copyright.PENANAErzKScbagZ
“Do you want some? I bought some yesterday.” Shikra said as she took the candy from the vendor.178Please respect copyright.PENANAfGYjkPaVc0
Valentino looked at the treats.178Please respect copyright.PENANAqr3DNKr4pk
"Can we stay for a bit longer in here, Shikra. I'm... enjoying the festival," he whispers at Shikra with a hint of stagger in his voice.178Please respect copyright.PENANACJEJxJKLVI
"Of course we can! Nobody's stopping us. And besides, best friends do things together, especially when they are enjoying the company," she said as she offered the treat in front of his face. "I will always be with you, no matter what happened."178Please respect copyright.PENANA66EZj3bIA7
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Valentino smiles at Shikra's words. He takes a chocolate covered strawberry from the vendor's hand and puts it into his mouth.178Please respect copyright.PENANAQXttDaYj5S
"It's not as good as mine, but this is fine," he says quietly, and Shikra giggles.178Please respect copyright.PENANARbvkPWQLr8
They walk around the town and enjoy the festival.178Please respect copyright.PENANAhH0LELHb0e