Raizen and Aeris walked through the forest as night slowly began to fall.
Raizen raised one hand and, with a small gesture, created a sphere of magical light that floated in front of them, illuminating the path. Another appeared behind them, pushing away the darkness that was starting to surround them.
The forest was far too quiet.
As they moved forward, they began to notice something strange scattered across the ground: broken weapons, torn backpacks, and small valuable objects left along the path.
Raizen: Do you see that?
Aeris carefully observed the ground.
Aeris: Yes… there was a battle here.
She crouched down to examine a broken sword.
Aeris: And it wasn't a small one.
They walked a few more steps before Aeris suddenly stopped.
On the ground lay a bloody arm, still holding a crumpled piece of paper.
Aeris carefully took it and unfolded it.
The ink was slightly smeared, but the words were still readable.
The note said:
"My love… I can't wait to see you again.The smile you give me stays with me even while I continue living as an adventurer.
Please take care of our children. If you are reading this letter, it means I am still alive somewhere.
I love you, my princess, just like the first day I met you.
Say goodbye properly to the messenger eagle. It always does me the favor of delivering my letters to you.
Sincerely,Cynder."
Aeris slowly lowered the letter.
She looked around.
Then she saw it.
A mutilated body was embedded against the trunk of a tree. The bark was carved with deep claw marks, and the ground around it showed signs of a brutal struggle.
Marks left by humanoid beasts.
Raizen studied the scene carefully.
Raizen: I see…
He crouched beside the scattered weapons.
Raizen: This wasn't just a fight between adventurers and beasts.
Raizen slowly stood up.
Raizen: It seems the adventurers also fought each other… to the death.
Aeris tightened her grip on the letter.
Aeris: We need to report this to the village.
Raizen: Wait… take that letter. It looks like he was carrying it.
Raizen looked at the paper in her hands.
Raizen: We should at least find out who his wife is, right?
Aeris nodded.
Aeris: Alright. I'll keep it with me.
Hours later, they arrived at the village.
It was already midnight, and most houses remained silent under the dim light of torches.
However, something caught Raizen's attention.
Near the entrance of the village stood two humanoid beasts, their clothes stained with fresh blood.
Raizen frowned.
Raizen: Aeris… go inform the village.
Aeris looked at him with concern.
Raizen: I'll handle this.
Aeris hesitated for a moment, but eventually nodded.
Aeris: Alright. Be careful.
Without wasting time, Aeris quickly headed toward the center of the village, where the adventurers' guild and local leaders usually gathered at night.
Meanwhile, Raizen slowly walked toward the two humanoid creatures.
He approached cautiously.
Raizen: Hey… blood at this hour?
The two of them looked at him with disdain.
Raizen: Did a group of monsters attack the forest?
One of the humanoid beasts, clearly the leader, let out a mocking laugh.
Humanoid Beast Leader: That's none of your business… is it, rookie?
Raizen remained calm.
Raizen: Yes, it is.
Raizen stepped closer.
Raizen: I want a report about what happened.
The leader narrowed his eyes.
Humanoid Beast Leader: I said it's none of your business.
The atmosphere became tense.
Humanoid Beast Leader: Are you deaf… or are you looking for trouble?
Raizen began to prepare himself.
But at that moment…
Several footsteps approached.
Aeris appeared alongside the guild masters and several village leaders.
She pointed directly at the two humanoid beasts.
Aeris: Their clothes are stained with the same blood we saw in the forest.
The guild leaders looked carefully.
Raizen took a deep breath and raised his hand.
Raizen: My magic may not be very powerful… and I may only be a rookie.
He focused energy into his palm.
A magical light began forming in the air.
Raizen: But I do have a useful ability.
The light expanded, forming a magical projection in front of everyone.
Raizen: I can show what my eyes have seen… for a short period of time.
Images of the forest began appearing in the air, showing the aftermath of the battle.
After seeing the images projected by Raizen's magic, the village leaders quickly made a decision.
The two humanoid beasts were immediately expelled from the village, accused of participating in the massacre that had occurred in the forest.
Although many questions remained unanswered, the conflict was settled for the moment.
That same night, to calm the villagers, a large bonfire was lit in the center of the square.
Children ran around the fire while some adults shared stories of past adventures. Slowly, laughter and warmth returned to the village.
Raizen and Aeris sat together with the others.
For a moment, everything seemed peaceful.
The night passed with conversation, the warmth of the fire, and the distant sounds of the forest.
The next morning, as the sun began rising over the village, both of them prepared for a new day.
Aeris picked up her bow while Raizen adjusted his mage cloak.
Together, they walked toward the adventurers' guild.
In the village, there was a ranking system that organized the adventurers who served the kingdom.
The ranks began at Class C, the lowest level, and went up to Class S, the highest.
Across the entire country, there were only ten Class S adventurers.
They were living legends, responsible for fighting monsters of world-level threat, creatures capable of destroying kingdoms or even conquering the world on their own.
Raizen and Aeris were still very far from that level.
As they entered the guild, they looked at the mission board.
Among the various requests, one caught their attention.
It was a simple mission.
Exterminate a group of evil goblins that had been seen roaming the nearby forest.
Raizen looked at Aeris.
Aeris answered with a confident smile.
It seemed like the beginning of another adventure.