Sarah's POV
I glided through the sky, leaving the Barrens Land behind as I completed my task. Everyone who once knew the truth—that Lucas was the real Hero—was already gone. That idiot Arthur, meanwhile, had paraded around the battlefield like a storybook knight, shining in silvery armor, wings spread wide. He fought like a hero, but forgot one simple thing: he never told anyone his name.
Fortunately for him, people didn't seem to care. They were already singing about the angelic knight in gold and silver light. His image as a "Hero" would spread whether he wanted it or not.
Unlike Arthur, I didn't stand out. He looked like a holy knight. I, cloaked in black, looked like an assassin. Maybe that was what I truly was.
Adjusting the black feathered wings at my back, I landed in the forest just south of Riverstead, a newly built town near the Barrens. The settlement had been raised to shelter villagers who survived the kidnappings months ago—those almost sacrificed to create the Vampire King.
In the town square stood a statue, not of Arthur alone, but of Arthur, Alice, Adam, Jenny, and Alex together. At the base were carved the words:
The heroes who saved the people of this town.
I studied the stone faces, expression unreadable. To the wider world, Arthur might already be a legend. But here, to these people, their heroes were the ones who had stood with them, fought for them, and bled for them. And that was enough.
The next morning, I went to Riverstead's adventurers' guild to register. Evelyn had given me permission the night before. She said she might occasionally call on me, but otherwise I was free to act as I pleased.
I kept my strength hidden, letting them assume I was only at stage two cultivation. Alongside adventuring, I registered with the mercenary group Evelyn had founded. Escort missions sounded dull, but efficient. Mercenaries didn't work in fixed groups; you met at the appointed place, completed the mission, and then were given rest days before the next one.
A clever system. I didn't need rest. But that didn't mean I couldn't use it.
My first mission was to escort a caravan owned by Lina's father. He was returning after delivering a shipment of firearms to the guild. The job went smoothly, as expected.
I was already thinking about how to spend my "rest"—Riverstead had a new pastry shop that had been drawing attention. I had planned to visit it, to try something sweet for once. But before I could return, Arthur's voice pressed into my mind.
"Sarah. A missing persons case. North from my location. I need you to help search for clues."
I held my tone flat, though irritation prickled beneath the surface.
"On my way."
I knew Arthur wouldn't ask unless it was urgent. That was enough reason. Still, the thought of warm pastries and a quiet morning slipped away, leaving only the cold duty of flight as I turned north.