They left the town of Greenhaven as heroes. The people cheered for them as they walked out of the gates. The feeling was nice. They had not just fought monsters. They had helped real people. It made their small party feel more like a team.
"That was fun," Ren said as they walked down the road. "Making bullies look stupid is one of my favorite hobbies."
"You were amazing, Ren," Elara said. Her eyes were full of wonder. "You were not afraid of that powerful guild at all."
"Why should I be?" Ren asked with a shrug. "They are just rich bullies. Power is not just about money or having many men. Real power is being able to do the right thing."
Lyra smiled. She was proud of him. She had seen him grow so much since they first met. He was still playful, but he had a good heart. She noticed a small tear in his cloak from the "fight" in Greenhaven. That night, when they made camp, she took out a small sewing kit.
While Ren was talking with Elara about the stars, Lyra quietly fixed the tear in his cloak. It was a small thing. When Ren put his cloak back on, he noticed it.
"You fixed my cloak," he said, surprised.
"A knight takes care of her party's gear," Lyra said, trying to sound formal. But her cheeks were a little pink.
"Thank you, Lyra," Ren said. His smile was soft and real. "It's nice to have someone who looks out for me."
The journey continued. As they traveled north, the world began to change. The open fields and small forests were replaced by a giant, ancient forest. The trees were so tall that their tops touched the clouds. The air became warm and humid. The light that came through the leaves was a soft, magical green. Brightly colored birds sang strange songs from the high branches.
Elara's mood became happier and brighter with each day. She felt the magic of her home getting closer.
"We are close to the borders of the Silverwood," she said. She pointed to a tree with silver bark. "These are the Sentinel Trees. They watch over the forest." She showed them plants with leaves that glowed in the dark and small, furry animals with six legs that chattered from the trees.
The forest was beautiful, but it was also dangerous. One afternoon, the path was blocked by a strange creature. It looked like it was made from twisted branches and dark, thorny vines. It was the size of a bear. In the middle of its body, a piece of dark, corrupted crystal pulsed with a red light. It was a Corrupted Guardian, a protector of the forest that had been twisted by dark magic.
The creature let out a low growl made of creaking wood and rustling leaves.
Lyra immediately raised her A-Rank shield. "I'll handle this!"
Ren put his hand on his sword. "Or I could just end this quickly."
But Elara stepped forward. Her face was calm and serious. "No," she said, her voice soft but strong. "This creature is a child of the forest. It is not evil. It is in pain. Please, let me handle this."
Ren and Lyra looked at each other, then nodded. They stepped back, ready to help if she needed it.
Elara stood before the giant, angry creature. She was not afraid. She held out her new staff, the one Ren had given her. The crystal tear on its top began to glow with a gentle, silver light. She was going to face the monster alone, using her own kind of power.