Three days later. Iron Rock City had regained its usual bustle. The markets were open once more, the streets were filled with the cries of vendors, and the people lived their lives as they always had. The terrifying battle from a few days ago seemed to have been slowly forgotten by the city.
Only the Demon Hunter Guild remembered what had happened that night.
In the early morning, as the first rays of sunlight touched the guild hall, Lin Ye had already packed his bags. He didn't have much—a simple shortsword, some dry rations, and a cloak. Most importantly, he carried the Demon Hunter emblem Reg had given him.
Lin Ye stood in the center of the hall, looking around the familiar space. From the moment he first stepped foot inside, his destiny had changed.
Irene stood behind the counter. Seeing Lin Ye with his pack, she couldn't help but offer a small smile. "So, you've really decided to go?"
Lin Ye nodded. "Yes."
Irene sighed. "You've only just become an official Demon Hunter. Many people spend their whole lives trying to get to where you are."
Lin Ye smiled. "The world is vast. I can't stay in one city forever."
Irene didn't argue. She remained silent for a moment before reaching under the counter to pull out a scroll. "Take this."
Lin Ye blinked. "What is it?"
"A simple map," Irene said. "I've marked several Demon Hunter outposts on it. If you run into trouble, you can go to them."
Lin Ye took the scroll. "Thank you."
Just then, the guild doors pushed open and Reg walked in. He glanced at Lin Ye's gear. "Ready?"
Lin Ye nodded. Reg walked up to him and pulled a silver emblem from his pocket. It was an official Demon Hunter badge, engraved with the image of a silver wolf. Reg handed it to him.
"Carry this."
Lin Ye was surprised. "Isn't this property of the Guild?"
Reg replied flatly, "It's yours now. No matter where you go, you are a Demon Hunter."
Lin Ye was silent for a second before solemnly accepting the badge. "Thank you."
Reg said nothing more, merely nodding. Lin Ye took one last look at the hall, then turned and headed for the city gates.
The gates of Iron Rock City were towering, the stone walls covered in creeping vines. Many caravans were streaming in and out as guards inspected their goods. Ahead lay a long road stretching all the way to the horizon.
Lin Ye stood outside the city walls and took a deep breath. The air smelled of grass and earth—it was the scent of freedom.
Just then, footsteps sounded behind him. "You move quite fast."
Lin Ye turned around. Su Li was standing by the gate, carrying a simple pack of her own. Her long silver hair fluttered gently in the wind.
Lin Ye was stunned. "What are you...?"
Su Li walked up to him. "Leaving the city," she answered simply.
Lin Ye couldn't help but laugh. "I know you're leaving the city. I mean... where are you going?"
Su Li looked at him. She was silent for two seconds before saying, "With you."
It took Lin Ye a moment to process. "With me?"
Su Li nodded. "Didn't you say you wanted to see the world?" Her tone was calm. "I want to see it too."
Lin Ye stared at her. After a few seconds, he broke into a grin. "It's going to be a very long walk."
Su Li shrugged. "I'm not afraid of getting tired."
Lin Ye thought for a moment. "What about travel expenses?"
Su Li looked at him. "You'll treat me to honey bread."
Lin Ye blinked. "That's it?"
Su Li nodded. "That's it."
The two locked eyes for a second, then laughed at the same time.
A breeze blew in from the plains, carrying the warmth of the sun. Lin Ye and Su Li stepped onto the long road together. They walked slowly, like ordinary travelers.
Su Li suddenly glanced at the ground. "Lin Ye."
"Hmm?"
"Your shadow."
Lin Ye looked down. The sunlight stretched his shadow long across the ground. It followed quietly at his feet, showing no signs of anything unusual.
"What about it?"
Su Li smiled. "Nothing," she said softly. "I just think... it doesn't look like a monster anymore."
Lin Ye was silent for a while, then replied gently, "Maybe it never was."
The sky ahead was vast and open, with clouds moving slowly across the blue. The road extended into the unknown. The shadows of the two companions fell side-by-side on the earth.
The world was big, and their story had only just begun.