Night had fallen over the southern outskirts of Leymora City. Their small tent stood firm, shielded by a wall of earth conjured by Alice's magic. A campfire still flickered gently in front of the tent, casting warmth that slowly pushed back the strange mix of desert and forest chill.
Dinner had been cleaned up. Ravyn was fast asleep inside the tent, her soft snores resembling that of a kitten. Alice remained awake, sitting cross-legged in front of the fire, Fael beside her—the slave boy who had always carried himself with quiet politeness.
As usual, Zeo sat perched on a thick tree branch nearby. The moonlight outlined his silhouette faintly, like a shadow among shadows. Silent, yet alert.
Alice sighed. Her eyes looked distant, burdened by something heavy.
"Do you think... quitting adventuring was a mistake?" she murmured.
Fael looked startled. "I... I don't know what to say, Miss Alice." He lowered his gaze, then added honestly, "But maybe... just do whatever gives you peace."
Alice nodded faintly. She kept her eyes on the fire, though her thoughts were far away.
From above, Zeo's voice drifted down—casual, but meaningful.
"There's no shame in stopping... and no shame in continuing either," he said. "In the end... happiness is a personal responsibility."
Alice slowly looked up at Zeo's silhouette. A faint smile touched her lips, but her gaze soon returned to the fire.
"I always dreamed of being an adventurer, ever since I was a child..." she whispered. "The first time I created a tiny golem, I cried tears of joy. The world felt so full of wonder. I started my journey, completed missions with ease, switched parties, met new people... it was all so exciting. I was growing fast. I thought... I could achieve anything. Beat anyone. Conquer anything."
She hugged her knees closer.
"But what happened in the Forbidden Forest... when the people I called friends left me behind. When I felt death staring me in the face and all I could do was surrender... it still haunts me. It made everything I'd done feel meaningless in the face of real death. I don't even know what I truly want anymore."
Zeo watched her from above. He was about to speak when a sound echoed from afar—footsteps, low growls, and snapping branches.
Zeo stood immediately on the branch.
"Alice. Fael. Get ready."
Alice and Fael rose at once. Fael quickly extinguished the fire, letting darkness envelop them.
Zeo activated his Dimensional Eye. Data flickered across his vision.
"Goblins, and... " he muttered.
Fael closed his eyes for a second, using his detection skill.
"Three goblins... twelve o'clock. Two more... two o'clock."
Zeo raised an eyebrow. "You missed one."
Fael blinked. "Huh?"
"Hobgoblin. Ten o'clock."
Just as a loud growl erupted from that direction, Zeo had already leapt from the branch like an arrow.
Alice nodded and raised her hand. Magic sigils lit up, and three miniature golems formed rapidly from the surrounding earth.
Three goblins charged forward—but were immediately met by Alice's golems, which struck fast. Cracking bones and raspy screams echoed in the dark.
Meanwhile, Fael dashed into the fray, short blades dancing in his hands. Though he had seemed clumsy before, this time his movements were sharp and calculated. He parried an incoming goblin attack, then cleanly slashed one down.
In the distance, a small explosion sounded. Zeo kicked the massive hobgoblin in the head, landed gracefully, then drove his hand straight through its chest, crushing its heart. No noise. Just death.
The skirmish was over.
"Sleeping outside city walls always comes with surprises," Zeo said, flicking blood from his arm.
"I guess we'll need to take turns keeping watch tonight," he added.
Alice and Fael both nodded. Tired, but knowing they couldn't afford to let their guard down.
Now and then, they glanced toward the tent, where Ravyn was still sleeping peacefully—rolling over like a spoiled child.
They sighed.
"This kid..."
---
The Next Morning
The morning sun began to peek over the eastern horizon. The air was still chilly, dew clinging to the leaves. The area around their tent looked like the aftermath of a small battle.
Zeo sat atop a pile of goblin and hobgoblin corpses, along with a few horned beasts that had approached during the early hours. His eyes were clear, showing no signs of fatigue.
Alice had just fallen asleep inside the tent. Fael, who had been on watch, now dozed off outside, leaning against a tree.
And Ravyn—had just woken up. She emerged from the tent, yawning and rubbing her eyes.
"Huaaahm... Huh?"
Her eyes widened as she saw the goblin and hobgoblin bodies scattered everywhere.
"Ah—Master Zeo. W-what happened?!"
Zeo glanced at her, chewing on a piece of bread. "Good morning, Ravyn. About time you woke up."
Ravyn laughed nervously, sweating. "I guess... I really messed up, huh...?"
Zeo only smiled. But that smile... was a little terrifying.
---
Far off in the western horizon of Leymora, silhouettes moved swiftly across the dusty plains. A procession on horseback, gleaming in polished silver armor, rode in tight formation. In the center, large ornate carriages rolled forward—elegant, adorned with royal insignias.
Among the many emblems sewn into banners and armor, one stood out above all: a golden lion roaring atop a silver shield—the crest of the Romania Empire.
Inside one of the luxurious carriages sat a striking young man with a regal bearing. Golden hair, piercing blue eyes, and a charming smile that made the two beautiful women beside him blush and lean against his shoulders.
This man was Prince Elion Val Romanes.
Across from him sat an older man in flowing blue-and-white robes, embroidered with gold along the edges—Paul Ustarus, one of the kingdom's senior spiritual advisors, his holy aura heavy enough to weigh down the sinful.
"Prince Elion," Paul said gravely, "if you succeed in securing Leymora's support... your claim to the throne will be unquestionable. Even the royal council won't be able to oppose you."
Elion leaned his head back against the plush cushion, gently stroking the hair of the woman beside him.
"You've said that a dozen times already, Paul. Relax." He smiled faintly. "Whatever you're hoping for... I'll make it happen."
"Haha, forgive me, Your Highness. I'm simply... excited."
Elion said nothing more. He turned his gaze toward the window, where the silhouette of the city was now visible in the distance.
"Leymora, huh..." he murmured. "I wonder if that girl's still entertaining enough."
---
Meanwhile, back in the bustling heart of Leymora, the approaching midday brought vibrant crowds of merchants, street performers, and the echo of public announcements.
Zeo and his group were making their way toward the Adventurers' Guild, having just stocked up on supplies. Ravyn walked cheerfully beside them, munching on meatballs with a childlike grin on her face.
Alice, on the other hand, stared quietly at her Adventurer ID card. Her lips were sealed, eyes distant.
Zeo glanced at her. "So... what's your decision? Are you still quitting the adventurer life?"
Alice didn't respond right away. She tightened her grip on the card.
"I'm not sure, Sir Zeo... The closer we get to the guild... the more uncertain I feel."
Just then, a loud voice rang out from further down the street. A sharply dressed man stood atop a large carriage, holding a scroll and flanked by soldiers in formal armor.
He raised his hand and began to read aloud:
"Attention, citizens of Leymora.
Prepare to welcome the arrival of Prince Elion Val Romanes of the Romania Empire.
The welcoming procession will begin tomorrow at noon, entering from the western gate and proceeding to the estate of Marquess Levy."
Signed:
Marquess Levy,
Governor of Leymora City.
Alice's eyes widened.
"He's... coming tomorrow..." she whispered.
Zeo looked at her.
"You know the prince?"
"Ah, no. I just... don't want to see him. I think I'll delay canceling my adventurer status. Let's leave for my village tonight."
"So you want to move our departure forward?"
Alice nodded quickly.
"All right," Zeo said.
Alice lowered her gaze. "Thank you, Sir Zeo. I'll explain everything during the trip."
Zeo studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. We'll prepare this afternoon. Let's gather everything we need for a few days' travel."
Ravyn, sipping a sweet drink, chimed in cheerfully, "Yay, back on the road again! I can't wait to see your village, Alice!"
Fael was jotting notes in his small book. "I'll plan the fastest route. We'll leave through the eastern gate and cut south—away from the royal roads."
Zeo smirked. "Good. Get everything ready."
Alice clutched her Adventurer ID one last time, stared at it briefly, then tucked it back into her bag.
---