Their footsteps traced the narrow path flanked by towering trees.
Arzael walked at the front, his gaze fixed straight ahead, piercing through the winding trail between the trunks.
Behind him, Seraphina followed with footsteps so light they made almost no sound.
Her movements were calm, as if she were nothing more than a shadow clinging to Arzael's back, always keeping the exact same distance.
Perched on Seraphina's shoulder was a white rabbit, lounging comfortably, half-lying down, in fact.
Her long ears twitched toward every sound in the surroundings, while her round eyes sparkled with unfiltered curiosity.
That was Puff, a creature who had somehow become part of their little party.
"Hey, by the way, I still don't know your name, pretty girl," Puff said, tilting her head in a cheerful tone.
Her voice was light, like a child asking an innocent question.
"Seraphina," the girl replied curtly, her tone flat, as if stating a fact not worth repeating.
"Seraphina~" Puff sang the name back, her mouth curling into a wide smile.
"Nice! Fits your face, like… hmm… white snow with a bit of red in the eyes. Like… a strawberry cake in winter."
Seraphina kept her gaze forward, showing no reaction at all.
Puff then turned toward Arzael's back. "But this is weird… you two look so alike. Pale skin, white hair, red eyes. Are you… siblings?"
Arzael only gave her a sidelong glance without turning his head. "No."
Seraphina gave a slight shake of her head. "No."
"Huh? Really? You look like twins." Puff let out a small laugh, but her curious stare only sharpened. "Then… how come you're traveling together like this? The vibe is like you've known each other forever."
Seraphina's voice stayed flat as she answered, but her words carried weight. "I was born with the title 'curse of the gods.' My mother burned to death when I was born. My father abandoned me at an orphanage. When I was a child… I accidentally touched another kid. He caught fire. After that, I was sold to the black market. People saw me as a curse that must never be touched."
Puff was silent for a few seconds, her ears twitching. "And then?"
"That's where… Arzael bought me," Seraphina continued, still in that calm tone. "Only he didn't burn when touched me."
"Ohh…" Puff glanced between the two of them, then grinned widely. "So you're a perfect match!"
At that, Seraphina's steps faltered for just a fraction of a second, brief, but noticeable if one was paying attention. Her blinking was slightly delayed before she resumed walking.
Arzael didn't respond, though the corner of his lips almost formed a faint, mocking smile.
Unaware that she had just dropped a small 'social bomb,' Puff happily went on, "Then it's Arzael's turn to talk! I wanna know the backstory of this other white-haired guy."
There was no answer, only the sound of boots on damp earth.
Puff flicked her ears. "Come on, tell me a little. I'm the mascot of your journey, you know. I need to know the main characters' stories."
Finally, Arzael spoke, his voice low and firm. "Son of Emperor Alzareth. Exiled."
Puff waited, eyes widening. "And?"
"That's it."
Seraphina turned slightly, as if to confirm she hadn't misheard. "You… are the emperor's son?"
Arzael gave a small nod. "It doesn't matter."
Puff let out a sound like a disappointed moviegoer at a bad ending. "Tch, stingy with details. Fine, change of topic."
She patted Seraphina's shoulder with her tiny paw. "Then tell me about this world. I think… I've got amnesia. I don't understand anything."
Without turning her head, Seraphina spoke. "This continent is called Illumina. There are three major powers: The Alzareth Empire, human emperor, oppresses other races. The Eterna Kingdom, more balanced, the place we came from earlier. The Valiant Alliance, led by elves, fighting against discrimination." She paused briefly before continuing, "There's also the Hero Association, neutral. In four months, there will be the hero exam in neutral territory, the prophecy said seven heroes will face the Great Gate, a portal that will unleash a demon invasion."
Puff whistled. "Whoa… heavy stuff. So you two are taking that exam?"
"Yes," Arzael replied simply.
"Wow… exciting!" Puff beamed. "Then I'm joining too, official mascot of your team."
There was no verbal reply, but Seraphina didn't take her off her shoulder. That was answer enough.
They kept walking until twilight seeped through the forest canopy. The sky above turned crimson, and the faint songs of night insects began to stir. Arzael stopped in a small clearing.
He started a campfire, while Seraphina sat nearby with Puff still on her shoulder.
"Oh right, Seraphina, why don't I burn when I touch you?" Puff asked.
"Seems like you're a curse too," Seraphina answered calmly.
"Ehhh???... well, fine," Puff said with a resigned sigh.
The small fire crackled, casting a warm glow over their faces.
Arzael stared into the flames for a long time, his eyes narrowing as though seeing something beyond them, the hero exam, his vengeance against the gods, the demon gate, and the shadows of an unfinished past.
That night, three white silhouettes sat in silence, two humans and one mysterious rabbit. Their journey had only just begun.
After a simple dinner, hard bread softened over the fire, a bit of dried meat, and water drawn from a nearby stream, they decided to rest.
The sound of the fire crackling blended with the whisper of the night wind weaving through the leaves.
Seraphina slept leaning against a tree trunk, arms crossed over her chest, her face serene in the dim light.
Puff curled up in her lap, her ears twitching now and then.
Arzael remained seated upright, staring at the fire until the flames began to wane.
His eyes never fully closed, his mind was turning. He thought of the new abilities that had recently appeared. Infernal Exchange and Inventory.
Slowly, he stood. His movement was nearly soundless, only the faint crunch of soil beneath his boots.
He glanced at Seraphina, making sure she was truly asleep.
"I have to leave you for a while," he murmured softly, almost to himself.
His hand rose slightly, summoning the system's interface.
[Skill Activated: Gatewalk Lv1]
The air before him rippled, like disturbed water. Black cracks appeared, crawling outward and widening into a rift glowing deep crimson.
From within, faint whispers echoed, not clear, yet sending a chill deep into the bones.
Arzael's body was swallowed by the darkness, and the rift sealed shut behind him without a trace.
Outside, the forest remained quiet. Seraphina and Puff still slept, unaware that Arzael had left that night.
"I must become stronger."