The sun's rays gently filtered through the inn's window, slowly illuminating the room where Aria and Logan were resting.
Logan carefully moved away from Aria's comforting embrace, a soft warmth that had stirred in him precious memories: Father Cristian's tender hugs, his sister's affectionate gentleness, and the reassuring love of his parents.
"Feeling better?" Aria asked softly, concern in her voice.
"Yes, thank you," Logan replied with a slight smile.
He rose from the bed, leaving Aria seated, dressed in the nightgown he had carefully crafted from silver wolf pelts. He then retrieved their battle-worn clothes now in tatters after their recent fight and began mending them carefully at the table.
Aria watched him silently from the bed before finally breaking the quiet:
"A question has been on my mind for some time. Why did you come to me, among all the slaves present that day?"
Logan hesitated for a moment before replying with a faint smile: "To be honest, you reminded me of a friend who had fur the same color as yours."
"Really? Was he also a beastman like me?" she asked with curiosity and excitement.
"No," Logan answered with a soft laugh. "He was a little cat named Shiro."
"A cat? What's that? I know about catfolk, but not what you're talking about," she replied, slightly confused.
"Ah, I see, you don't have those in this world," Logan realized.
"This world?" Aria repeated, puzzled.
Logan smiled gently, realizing it was time to share his story with her: "That's right, you don't know much about me. Well, while I fix these clothes, I'll explain. To put it simply, I'm not from this world, Aria. I was summoned here."
Aria immediately leapt out of bed, hurrying over to Logan, her eyes wide with wonder.
"You're a hero summoned from another world?!" she exclaimed in fascination.
"Exactly. The kingdom of Sigma summoned me a few months ago."
"For what purpose exactly?" she asked, captivated.
"To fight against the spread of dungeons and strengthen their military power," Logan explained.
"So you weren't summoned alone… But why didn't you stay at the castle?" she asked, intrigued.
Logan recounted in detail his arrival in this world, from the moment of his summoning to his swift banishment from the castle.
"They cast you aside when they realized they couldn't manipulate you… But why was your status altered?" she asked, perplexed.
"I have no idea for now," Logan replied thoughtfully.
"Even so, I think it worked out for you. You quickly discovered their true intentions and were able to leave. Still, I'm a little worried about your best friend you told me about," Aria added with a hint of anxiety.
"You're right, but Maïli is strong and smart. It's only a matter of time before we meet again," Logan assured her with conviction.
"That means you'll also see those who turned against you," she said softly.
"Yes, and I'm looking forward to seeing one person in particular," Logan replied with determination.
Aria slowly returned to the bed, thoughtful and dreamy, trying to picture the world Logan came from.
"I'd really like you to tell me more about your world, your life there, and what your sister looked like," she murmured curiously.
"Another day, I promise. I've finished repairing our clothes, and we still have a lot to do today," Logan said, handing her the freshly mended outfit.
Aria took her clothes and quickly left the room to take her bath. Logan followed calmly, discreetly watching the entrance to prevent any intrusion. When she was done, she returned to the room so Logan could take his own shower.
After finishing his shower, Logan came back and saw Aria already dressed, patiently waiting. He stood there silently for a moment, observing her intently, thinking to himself:
"She's filled out nicely now and no longer looks anything like the starving, exhausted young woman I found that day. Her body has blossomed beautifully, her white fur now radiant, and her complexion brims with health."
"Something wrong?" Aria asked, noticing his lingering gaze.
"No, nothing at all. You're simply very beautiful," Logan replied with a warm smile.
"Thank you," she murmured, blushing slightly, a bit embarrassed.
Indeed, Aria had regained her full splendor. Her body had developed harmoniously, revealing a balanced figure, delicate curves and chest, an immaculate coat, and ice-gray eyes as captivating as her element.
After this brief exchange, they quickly left the inn to enjoy the calm morning in the city, walking side by side while chatting quietly.
"I still don't understand why I've never heard about summoned heroes, even during my captivity," Aria said, frowning.
"They must be undergoing secret training before being officially introduced to the public," Logan explained.
"Only to become new weapons against the dungeons and probably oppressors of other races as well," Aria added with a touch of bitterness.
"Exactly. And given the growing threat of the dungeons, the other kingdoms are probably following the same strategy," Logan observed.
"As if the human kingdoms weren't already powerful enough," Aria sighed.
Logan pondered briefly: "That means there must be many other summoned heroes, whom I may have to face sooner or later."
Then he asked:
"Aria, are there any beastfolk theories about the origin of the dungeons?" he inquired curiously.
"Not really. Like humans, we believe the Demon King cast a curse as he died, to punish humanity."
"Yet these dungeons affect all races, not just humans. It would be strange for the Demon King to willingly endanger every people," Logan remarked pensively.
"Yes, that's true. There are still many mysteries and things lost or erased over the course of history, according to what my teacher used to say," Aria said seriously.
"Erased…?" Logan murmured, troubled. "It seems someone is trying to hide something crucial from this world," he added gravely.
"But what exactly?" Aria wondered, sharing his puzzlement.
Their conversation continued as they reached the underground market, where Logan immediately noticed a few men wearing the distinctive colors of the Church — proof that his recent actions had drawn attention.
Finally, Logan spotted the person he was looking for. Macron, accompanied by several men, waved at him enthusiastically:
"Logan, there you are at last!"
"You sent your men because you thought I wouldn't pay you," Logan said in a calm but cold voice.
"No, no, I was simply worried about you," Macron tried to justify himself awkwardly.
"Stop taking me for a fool. All you cared about was your money," Logan retorted sharply, tossing him a pouch filled with gold coins.
Macron checked the contents, satisfied: "Everything's in order. It was a pleasure doing business with you," he said, preparing to leave.
"I didn't say our business was over," Logan called out, halting Macron mid-step.
Macron turned back, intrigued, a smile playing on his lips: "I see our relationship isn't about to end here. What else can I do for you?"
"You're also a dealer in information, aren't you?"
"Any good merchant should be. What information are you looking for?" Macron replied attentively.
Logan locked eyes with Macron and spoke firmly: "I want everything you know about a man named Vengus."
With that, Logan revealed his intention to hunt down the man responsible for destroying Aria's village. Meanwhile, in the kingdom of Sigma, the fateful moment was drawing near the moment when the summoned heroes would finally be revealed to the public.
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