Kald stood outside, going through his usual sword exercises.
The night prior, just before falling asleep, he'd thought back to what everyone said on the boat. Because of that… he got his first good sleep since accepting the quest.
He swung again, then stopped when he realized a tree was looming behind him. Without missing a beat, he turned and slashed at it. His blade carved into the trunk, causing the whole tree to tremble—and a thick branch to fall from above and bonk him right on the head.
"GAH!" he shouted, rubbing the sore spot.
From behind him, he heard Dalan's voice.
"Haha! What are you doing? Ready to go?"
Kald turned to see Dalan, already dressed in full armor. He nodded.
Together, they made their way back to the mayor's house. But to Kald's surprise, the entire party wasn't the only group waiting. Dozens of villagers—possibly the entire town—had gathered at the edge of the village. Some were old, others young, and many carried signs or held hands as they stood in quiet anticipation.
A wide grin spread across Kald's face as he regrouped with the others.
"There you are," Erina said, smiling.
Kald looked to the crowd. They were scared—visibly so. Some had tears in their eyes. Others trembled. But nonetheless, there they stood… cheering.
"You got this!"
"Take down the demon!"
"We love you!"
"Save the island!"
Their voices all blended into a chaotic, beautiful chorus—an complete contrast to the eerie silence from the day before.
Kald stepped forward, drawing his sword and raising it high into the air. Force surged through the blade, causing it to glow a vibrant blue.
"I, Kald the hero swear to you all…" he shouted.
"Here he goes again," Lea muttered, smirking.
Dalan and Erina both shared the same smile.
"We will defeat the demon—and liberate this island!!!"
A roar of cheers erupted from the townspeople.
Kald turned, his white cape flapping in the wind.
"QUICK FANG… OUT!!!"
The crowd answered with one final cheer—so loud it felt as if even those on the mainland could hear it. All signs of fear were gone. The villagers stood tall now, hope lit in their eyes.
"…I guess that saying isn't as stupid as I thought," Lea admitted with a small sigh.
Erina nodded, her eyes still fixed on Kald. A massive smile spread across her face as she stepped after him.
"This way," said Dan, even he seemed more pumped, his voice steadier than before—filled with determination.
Behind them, the mayor gave a slow, respectful bow.
"May you all stay safe."
And with that they headed out…
The quest had officially begun.
(And thus, Quick Fang's adventure continues!)