Ula Town was unlike any other place the Rising Heroes had seen before. Built on the edge of the desert and close to the border, it stood as a stubborn sign of human determination. The harsh sun made life difficult, and water was more precious than gold. Most houses were made from clay and stone, with flat roofs that could endure the heat during the day and hold warmth during the freezing desert nights. People dressed in long, light-colored robes, covering their bodies to protect themselves from the sun and sand.
The town's main speciality was its water wells, which were carefully guarded and shared among everyone. Alongside that, Ula Town was known for its spices and herbs, collected from the few green patches and traded across borders. Despite the hardship of living here, the people had their own traditions. They celebrated small festivals at night under the stars, when the desert cooled down, dancing around fires and sharing stories of travelers. Ula was not just a place to live—it was a place of survival, community, and resilience. Living here was tough, but it gave the people a sense of pride, as if every day they survived made them stronger.
It was here, on the outskirts of Ula Town, that the Rising Heroes finally followed the stranger who had helped them in battle.
The man had jumped in at the last moment, saving Lila from the serpent beast with nothing but a crowbar. He fought with casual confidence, moving as if the fight was more of a game than a deadly clash. When the last serpent had been defeated, he had simply said with a grin, "Heya. I am Rok."
Now, as they walked with him, the dust from the desert rose with each step. The town came closer, its walls standing proudly against the endless sand. Rok moved ahead with a relaxed stride, his crowbar slung casually over his shoulder, not looking the least bit tired despite the fight.
"Once again," Rok repeated with a cheerful tone, glancing back at the group, "I am Rok. You all must not be from here. Let me take you back to the town. Introductions can wait until we're in a better place."
The Rising Heroes exchanged glances. They had been through countless dangers already, but meeting someone like Rok, who had stepped in without hesitation, gave them a small sense of relief. They followed him without question.
When they reached Ula Town, Rok led them through the narrow streets until they stopped in front of a workshop. Its wooden doors looked worn, but the sound of hammering and the faint smell of metal and oil showed it was still alive with work. Rok whistled sharply, and soon a few people came outside, curious about the visitors.
"Rok," one of them asked, "who are they?"
Rok grinned and pointed his thumb at the Rising Heroes. "They are an adventurer group from outside. Strong ones, too. Let me introduce you all to them first."
The first to step forward was a young woman. She had a warm smile, her simple presence giving the feeling that she was just an ordinary girl. "This is Rosa," Rok said, gesturing toward her.
Rosa greeted them politely, her soft eyes carrying kindness. She seemed approachable, someone anyone could trust immediately. Yet, even in her gentle demeanor, there was a hidden sharpness, a strength waiting to be shown. Rok added with a grin, "She carries a pair of hook swords. Don't be fooled by her simple look. When battle comes, Rosa fights like fire—fierce and merciless."
Next was a quiet young man with striking blue hair and glasses. He stood slightly behind the others, his hands gently resting on the rod at his side. Rok introduced him. "This is Elric. He may not talk much, but he's one of the calmest people you'll ever meet."
Elric gave a shy nod, his voice soft when he said hello. His presence was peaceful, carrying no arrogance. Rok explained further, " You won't hear him talk much, but when he does, his words carry weight."
Then came the largest of the group, a big, round-bodied young man whose size was matched only by the softness in his eyes. "And this," Rok said proudly, "is Roland."
Roland gave a friendly wave. His body looked imposing, but his smile was warm and kind. Rok continued, "Roland could have been a warrior with his strength, but instead he chose the path of a healer and support mage. His nature magic and healing spells make him the backbone of our group. He's always ready to protect, to heal, and to help. His heart is bigger than his size."
Finally, Rok stepped forward himself, his green eyes shining with life. "And I am Rok, leader of the Wind Chasers. I don't need much of an introduction, do I?" He chuckled lightly. "I believe in living free, enjoying every moment, and never giving up. That's who I am."
The Rising Heroes introduced themselves in turn—Lila with her sword and her command over fire and water, Drakar the Dragonkind with his wings and war axe, Adrian with his glowing sword, Doran with his mighty hammer, and Sera the mage who carried the strength of nature itself.
Once introductions were done, the talk naturally shifted to the reason both groups were here. The atmosphere became serious.
"The beasts are getting worse," Rosa said, her gentle face now holding worry. "It used to be rare to see serpent beasts come so close to the town, but now they attack more often."
Roland added with a nod, "People are afraid. We do our best to protect them, but the number keeps growing."
Doran crossed his arms. "We've seen it ourselves. It's not just the smaller ones. The big ones are moving in too."
Elric spoke softly, but his words were clear. "If this continues, the town will not hold for long."
The Rising Heroes shared a look, each of them understanding the weight of his words. They had faced many challenges before, but the sight of so many beasts gathering in the desert was troubling.
Rok, however, kept his confident smile. "That's why we keep fighting. We, the Wind Chasers, do our best to protect Ula. And now that you're here, I believe things will get easier. We may not stop all the beasts at once, but together we can push them back."
Lila stepped forward, her tone firm. "Then let's do our best. You protect this town, and we will help. We can't stand by and watch while people suffer."
Drakar nodded in agreement, his wings twitching slightly as if ready for flight. "Let's do this then."
Sera smiled, her voice gentle but certain. "The desert is harsh, but we can take it. We will fight with you."
Rok looked at each of them and laughed lightly. "Good! That's what I like to hear. Welcome to Ula Town, Rising Heroes. For now, let's rest, share food, and prepare. Tomorrow, the fight continues."
The two groups stood together, not as strangers anymore, but as allies bound by the same goal, to fight the rising tide of beasts and protect the desert town that had become a beacon of survival.