Sunlight streamed gently through the windows as the house began to stir. The air was warm with the scent of bread toasting in the kitchen and the sound of birds chirping outside. It was a peaceful morning—almost too peaceful for a party of heroes who had spent their days chasing quests and fighting monsters.
Mirable stretched her arms above her head as she walked into the common room, her light orange hair tied neatly in a single braid down her back. She wore a loose white blouse tucked into simple tan shorts, casual but graceful. Lira was already seated at the table, buttering slices of toast. Arriel stirred a pot of tea, and Kell walked in yawning, rubbing his eyes.
They sat together, the table filled with simple breakfast foods. As they ate, Kell leaned forward with a grin.
"So, now that we're officially a four-person team… we need a name."
Arriel blinked. "A name?"
"For the party!" Kell said, animated. "Every strong adventuring party has a name. Makes us look cooler in the guild too."
Lira considered. "Something simple, maybe. We're not trying to be flashy."
"What about 'Stormblades'?" Kell suggested.
"No," Lira and Arriel said at the same time.
"How about something noble?" Arriel offered. "'Shield of the People'?"
"Too long," Kell frowned.
"What about…" Lira's eyes drifted toward the window. "Kind Heroes?"
Kell blinked. "It's plain."
"It's sincere," Lira replied. "That's what we are, right?"
There was a brief pause. Then Arriel smiled. "I like it."
Mirable had nearly snorted into her tea but kept her composure. She smiled brightly. "It's sweet."
Thus, the Kind Heroes were born.
---
Later that day, the four of them decided to reward themselves with a day off. Kell rented a hovercar, and they took off toward the capital city of Mirdi, the heart of the Kingdom.
Lira wore a sky-blue mini dress with a ribbon around her waist, looking delicate and elegant. Mirable, in contrast, dressed casually—a fitted white T-shirt and a knee-length charcoal skirt that swayed lightly as she walked. Arriel kept things simple with a forest-green shirt and loose pants, while Kell went the extra mile with a polished shirt, vest, and formal black trousers.
The capital was alive with people and magic tech. Floating displays advertised new mana potions, enchanted jewelry, and guided magic beast tours. The four friends wandered through the bustling shopping district, stopping at stores and stalls.
At a spell shop, Lira spent nearly half an hour leafing through rare grimoires.
Arriel found a stall selling miniature sword keychains and bought one that looked like his own.
Kell sampled snacks from nearly every vendor, sharing bites with the others.
Mirable bought a small silver hairpin with a sapphire set into it. "For good luck," she said with a wink.
By midday, they sat in a famous restaurant, indulging in roasted mana fish, bread baked with fire-element crystals, and sparkling berry wine. The group laughed, teased each other, and soaked in the rare joy of being ordinary for a day.
Their final stop was the Skywatch Tower, the tallest structure in the city. At the top, they marveled at the panoramic view of Mirdi.
As the sun dipped low, painting the sky in streaks of gold and pink, the group stood side by side. None of them said it aloud, but they knew this day would become a precious memory.
---
That night, the house was quiet again. The moonlight glowed softly through the open balcony doors.
Mirable sat alone outside, legs crossed, her braid resting over her shoulder. A warm cup of tea steamed in her hands. The night wind carried the scent of lavender from the garden.
Arriel stepped out quietly and joined her. He handed her another cup. "Tea?"
She accepted it with a grateful smile. "Thanks."
They sat in silence for a while, the stars glimmering above them.
Then, with a bright smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, Mirable asked:
"Arriel… if there was someone really, really evil… would you kill them?"
The question caught him off guard.
He turned his head slightly. "No. I don't think I would."
Mirable didn't move. "Even if that person killed your family?"
Arriel's hand tightened around his cup. He was quiet for a moment before answering.
"Why are you asking something like that?"
Mirable took a slow sip, then smiled again. "Just curious."
She stood up, her skirt swaying gently in the night breeze.
"Well, goodnight, Arriel."
"Goodnight, Mirable."
As she disappeared into the hallway, Arriel stayed behind, gazing into the distance. The moonlight danced across the rim of his cup. A strange heaviness lingered in the air, something he couldn't quite name.
He exhaled, finished the last sip of tea, and went inside.