The moon hung gently in the sky as the stars twinkled over the peaceful town of Veldenar. After everything that had happened—the intense battle, the title ceremony, and the cheers of the people—Renji decided it was finally time to unwind.
He walked alongside Elira and Celis through the lively evening market, glowing with lantern lights and laughter. The air was filled with the scent of grilled meat and sweet pastries. The stalls were decorated with bright fabrics and magical trinkets that shimmered under the moonlight.
"This is... actually kinda relaxing,"
Renji said, stretching his arms behind his head as he walked.
Elira giggled.
"Of course it is! You deserve a break, Mr. Hero."
"Please don't call me that,"
Renji muttered, blushing slightly.
Celis smirked.
"You blush too easily, Hero."
They stopped at a food stall, where the vendor handed them skewers of glowing blue meat.
"Is it supposed to glow?"
Renji raised an eyebrow.
"It's called Moon Beast Meat,"
Elira said.
"A delicacy! You scared?"
Renji took a bite.
"Hmm... not bad. Tastes like chicken—if chicken could cast spells."
The girls laughed, and the three sat on a bench nearby, watching street performers juggle small flame spirits. For a brief moment, it felt like everything was normal. Elira leaned gently on Renji's shoulder, and Celis gave a soft smile as she watched them, her eyes twinkling.
"I'm glad you're here with us,"
Elira whispered.
Renji looked at her, flustered but calm.
"Yeah... me too."
They started walking back to the castle, the path now quieter as the town settled down for the night.
But just as they passed a dim alleyway...
A cold gust blew past them.
Suddenly, a masked figure in a black coat rushed from the shadows at impossible speed—straight toward Celis.
"Celis, look out!"
Elira shouted, but the figure was too fast.
Before the attacker could reach them— CLANG!
Renji appeared between them in a flash, sword drawn, blocking the strike.
Sparks flew.
The masked figure stood in front of him, silent. Then, in a deep, calm voice, the stranger spoke:
"Ohhh... interesting. So, you're the one they call the Hero."