Two days had passed since Airi was treated by Zen at the Dwarven residence.
Her wounds had improved—not fully healed, but enough for her to stand, walk, and breathe without sharp pain.
Zen stood by the door of the treatment room, arms crossed, a satisfied look on his face.
"You've recovered faster than I expected," he said.
"If you feel capable, go. Your friends must be worried about you."
Airi lowered her head respectfully.
"Thank you for everything, Master Zen."
"Hmph. Don't push yourself too hard again," Zen replied as he turned away.
With slow steps and steady breathing, Airi left Zen's house. The cool mountain breeze brushed against her face, calming her slightly. Though her body was still weak, a strong determination shone in her eyes.
---
The Journey Home
As she entered the human village, Airi held her shoulder, still aching whenever she moved it.
She took a deep breath and stood in front of Arou's house.
I hope they're not too worried…
Knock… knock…
The door opened slowly.
Nora appeared.
At first, she opened it like usual.
But the moment she saw who was standing at the doorway…
her eyes widened, her lips trembling.
"…Airi…?"
Airi gave a faint smile.
But when she saw Nora's teary eyes, her chest tightened.
Without a word, Nora rushed forward and hugged her.
Airi flinched.
"Ah… it hurts…"
Nora immediately loosened her grip.
"Eh!? Sorry! I… I didn't know you were still hurt!"
Airi shook her head gently.
"It's okay… I came back too suddenly."
Nora took a breath, then hugged her again—this time very gently, avoiding her wounds.
Tears streamed down Nora's face.
"Airi… you made all of us worry…"
Airi closed her eyes, her voice soft.
"I'm sorry… and thank you… for waiting for me."
Nora wiped her tears and smiled faintly.
"Let me heal the rest of your wounds."
Airi nodded.
A gentle light flowed from Nora's hands, wrapping around Airi's body like warm water.
The pain in her chest slowly faded, and the weight on her shoulders grew lighter.
Arou and Emi appeared behind them, while Nova hurried over.
For the first time since that battle, Airi truly felt like she had come home.
---
Airi sat down slowly in the center of Arou's house.
Nora had finished healing her remaining injuries, and the tense atmosphere that had filled the house for the past two days finally began to ease.
One by one, her companions gathered:
Emi, with a relieved expression.
Arou, unable to hide the worry in his eyes.
Feeth, leaning casually against the wall.
Nova, quiet but clearly anxious.
Shion and Rei stepped forward as well.
The room felt warm—but filled with questions.
Emi approached first.
"Airi, thank goodness you're back… we were really worried."
Airi gave a weak smile.
"I'm sorry for making you worry…"
Feeth lifted his chin.
"Yeah, you nearly drove us crazy looking for you."
Nova glared at him.
"If you can't speak nicely, just stay quiet."
Feeth raised his hands. "Alright, alright."
Arou then stepped forward.
"What matters is… you came back safely."
Airi lowered her gaze slightly, warmth filling her chest.
---
Emi Brings Up an Important Topic
Emi clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention.
"Now, there's something important we need to discuss."
Everyone looked at her.
Her tone turned serious.
"Airi's position as an Assassin… has temporarily been replaced by Feeth. At the time, we had to act quickly because Airi disappeared."
Feeth let out a small whistle.
"I was just filling the gap, not stealing anything."
Emi ignored him.
"So… we need to decide something important:
Do we create a new class for Airi?
Or does Airi want to take a different class now?"
Silence fell over the room.
Arou looked at Airi seriously.
Nova waited anxiously.
Shion crossed his arms, Rei leaned on his spear—both curious about her answer.
Nora gently held Airi's hand.
"Whatever you choose… we're on your side."
Airi swallowed.
The words echoed in her mind.
A new class?
Stay Assassin?
Or something completely different?
She slowly clenched her hand.
She looked at each of them—the people who still wanted her back.
She took a deep breath…
---
Emi glanced at the list of available classes on the table.
"Alright… since the Assassin position is taken by Feeth, we need to choose a new class for you, Airi. There are many options: Saber, Samurai, Attacker, Shadow…"
Before she could continue, Feeth raised his hand while leaning back.
"Shadow? Doesn't fit. She's too… pretty for a dark class like that."
Nova shot him a glare. "Hey, were you just flirting?!"
"W-what!? No! I'm just being honest!" Feeth panicked.
Airi blushed slightly, though her expression remained calm.
"…I'm still not sure either. Everything sounds good. Attacker? Or…"
"Wait," Arou interrupted.
Everyone turned to him.
He stepped forward, his gaze focused on Airi.
"The class that suits you… shouldn't be one that simply increases power," he said quietly. "It should strengthen what you're already good at."
Airi blinked. "What I'm good at?"
Arou nodded.
"Your speed. Your light movements. Your focus even when injured. And your ability to stay unnoticed… even in front of enemies."
Nova nodded slightly.
"That's true. Even I have trouble sensing your movements during training."
Emi crossed her arms. "Hmm… so what are you suggesting…?"
Arou took a slow breath.
"Ninja."
The room fell silent.
Arou continued,
"The Ninja class suits your abilities. Fast, silent, flexible. And you've already proven you can fight even without a sword."
Even Feeth, who usually talked a lot, went quiet.
"…Yeah… now that I think about it… that fits perfectly."
Airi lowered her gaze, thinking.
Then she slowly looked up, her eyes softly shining.
"…Ninja, huh?"
Arou nodded.
A small smile appeared on Airi's face.
"…Alright. Then Ninja might be the right choice."
---
Emi closed the class registration book after Airi made her decision.
Everyone stood in a circle. The atmosphere felt like an official meeting… but still chaotic in their own way.
Arou crossed his arms and looked at everyone.
"Then let's make it clear. I'll take the role of Fighter."
Shion nodded casually while spinning an arrow.
"I'm obviously the Marksman."
Rei stood upright like a soldier.
"And I remain the Guardian."
Nova raised her hand.
"Still a Mage."
Nora smiled warmly from behind.
"I'm Support."
Feeth pointed at himself confidently.
"Clearly, I'm the Assassin."
All eyes turned to Airi.
She placed a hand on her chest, slightly nervous but smiling firmly.
"And I… am a Ninja."
Arou nodded in satisfaction.
Then he pointed at Emi.
"And you, Emi, are the Captain."
Silence.
Emi blinked several times.
"Y-yeah… WAIT, WHAT!? Since when am I the Captain!?"
Feeth held back laughter.
Nova turned away to avoid bursting out laughing.
Arou replied flatly,
"You're the most mature among us."
Emi pointed at herself dramatically.
"Mature!? In what way!? I'm still young! Young!!"
Rei, ever honest, added,
"But you're the most responsible."
Emi froze for a second.
"…Okay, that's true."
Finally, she sighed and covered her face with one hand.
"Good grief… fine. I'm the Captain. But if you cause trouble, I won't help."
Feeth gave a thumbs-up. "Yes, Captaaain~"
Emi kicked a chair toward him.
"DON'T CALL ME CAPTAIN LIKE THAT!"
The room erupted in laughter.
Arou let out a long breath and looked at everyone.
"Alright… starting today, we begin our first official mission. Remember, teamwork is the key."
Shion lifted his bow.
"No one escapes my range."
Rei raised his shield.
"I will protect you all."
Nova focused her magic.
"I'll support from afar."
Nora smiled warmly.
"I'll back you up with everything I have."
Feeth smirked.
"The Assassin is ready to eliminate targets."
Emi clapped her hands, still slightly annoyed at her title.
"I'm the Captain, so you all follow my rules!"
Airi stood beside them, gripping her weapon, her eyes fixed forward.
"As a Ninja… I'll move swiftly and won't let you down."
Arou glanced at her.
"Good. Let's prove what we can do."
All members nodded in unison, determination radiating from their faces.
Their first step into a new adventure began as they walked out of the guild, onto a path filled with challenges, danger, and the chance to grow stronger.
Above them, birds flew low, as if welcoming their journey.
The new party's adventure had officially begun.