Shikra and Valentino are inside the library, spending almost two days on research about the cores in their body.573Please respect copyright.PENANAlxtNLn2SUE
“I think I know how we can test it!” Shikra said excitedly, “It won’t hurt, right?” she asked.573Please respect copyright.PENANAB9m8xLyl2h
“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.573Please respect copyright.PENANALcFCK40fFg
“Okay... but if we succeed, I will owe you one. One big one,” Shikra grinned mischievously at Valentino.573Please respect copyright.PENANAxP0xy2EybG
So the two tested what is inscribed on the book they have collected.573Please respect copyright.PENANABJ5gDtHVLN
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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.573Please respect copyright.PENANAysHepaUS1U
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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.573Please respect copyright.PENANA2Ub80biLQo
Shikra suggested that they should go there.573Please respect copyright.PENANA4X0lWgnaC2
When they arrived in the town, both were surprised to see there are so many people here.573Please respect copyright.PENANAh6DZejXYFk
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.573Please respect copyright.PENANAwoc2YrKQfh
“What are we going to do first?” Shikra asked Valentino as they walked around.573Please respect copyright.PENANAY65o5IIFgQ
“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.573Please respect copyright.PENANAb63Xee8Kfc
"Aren't you a little excited to dance with me, Mr. Valentino Sarimiento?" she teased.573Please respect copyright.PENANAJNTl34Qfgy
The conductor started tapping his baton, signaling the start of the dance.573Please respect copyright.PENANAq1R9eew0Px
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.573Please respect copyright.PENANAO974ZaIty2
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.573Please respect copyright.PENANAlnXeV0WVx9
"You're excellent, Mr. Valentino!" Shikra exclaimed.573Please respect copyright.PENANAQ1NuDgcYWx
"Thanks," he said shyly. "Are you enjoying the festival?"573Please respect copyright.PENANAjSyLIMbXhd
Shikra nodded energetically. She pointed towards a stall where people are still handing out sweets.573Please respect copyright.PENANAsK2wMU2CM2
“Do you want some? I bought some yesterday.” Shikra said as she took the candy from the vendor.573Please respect copyright.PENANAl9tyROFCxo
Valentino looked at the treats.573Please respect copyright.PENANAJrihGSSzKV
"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.573Please respect copyright.PENANAHDBMGwxEih
"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."573Please respect copyright.PENANAIVY0VPOmZl
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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.573Please respect copyright.PENANAuf19hE1oQC
"It's not as good as mine, but this is fine," he says quietly, and Shikra giggles.573Please respect copyright.PENANAbPo3xkWQmT
They walk around the town and enjoy the festival.573Please respect copyright.PENANALT6DBPfyBL