As Kald, Lea, and Dalan sat in a soggy pity circle outside, Erina strolled out of the inn—now dressed in a loose maroon blouse, hair tied back and expression unimpressed.
"Come on, guys," she said, hands on her hips. "Stop whining and go get your things. We're leaving."
The three, still damp, shot her a collective glare as they slowly stood up, grumbling under their breath.
"Stupid mage, sniping us with magic…" muttered Lea.
"Not even fair," Dalan added.
"You'll be single forever," Kald mumbled.
Erina rolled her eyes. "Says the guy who's dating me."
Then she blasted Kald with another burst of water magic.
"NOOO! I JUST GOT DRY!!!"
****
Eventually, Kald, Lea, and Dalan all gathered their belongings. Erina paid the innkeeper and returned their keys.
Outside, the group regrouped. Lea and Elina looked much the same as before, but Kald and Dalan were now dressed in full armor. Dalan's gear was especially bulky, and the massive sword and shield on his back didn't help his mobility.
He groaned. "Ugh, I hate wearing this all day. Lea, let's switch outfits."
Lea raised a brow. "You couldn't fit one arm in my shirt."
Kald laughed, and Erina cracked a smile.
"All right, let's head to the stables," Kald said, taking charge.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Quick Fang, out!" Kald cheered with a grin.
"Please stop saying our party name every time we leave somewhere," Lea begged.
"I have to agree," said Erina. "I nearly died of embarrassment when you yelled it in the restaurant last night."
Kald pouted, but Dalan patted him on the shoulder and gave him a reassuring thumbs up, Kald grinned.
Then, together, Kald and Dalan shouted in sync:"QUICK FANG OUT!!"
Lea and Erina stood off to the side, shaking their heads in disappointment.
They then made their way to the stables, each collecting their horses. Kald approached his with a warm smile. "Hey there, Coin. I missed you."
The silver horse snorted and licked his face affectionately.
Once everyone was mounted, they rode toward the road, Kald made his way up frontt before glancing back at his party. Lea and Erina shared a horse, as they were light and wore little armor while Dalan sat at the back atop the largest horse of the bunch, his gear weighing down the saddle.
Kald faced forward and grinned .
"Okay, guys—one more time… Quick Fang OUT!"
Lea and Erina sighed, but they then smiled.
With that, the party set off.
Their destination was a port town at the southern edge of Cara—the only place that offered boat rides to the Mako Island, where their next quest was at.
If all went well, they'd arrive before nightfall. Kald led the way, Coin's hooves echoing on the path. He glanced back at his party and smiled. But when his eyes landed on Elina, his smile faltered.
Ever since they defeated that dragon not too long ago, Kald had been promoted to Class 1. Now, he was finally eligible to take on Class 1 quests with his party—quests of the highest danger, this one was a demon portal mission no less.
He was nervous. Far more nervous than he'd ever admit to everyone else.
But then, Erina locked eyes with him—and smiled. A soft, genuine smile.
And just like that, his fear evaporated. Like water dousing a flame.
He smiled back, faced forward, and flicked the reins. Coin picked up speed.
Let's do this, he thought, a wide grin spreading across his face.
(And thus, Quick Fang's adventure continues!)