In the grand hall of the Adventurers' Guild in Lumeria City, the atmosphere was rather calm when the large wooden doors suddenly swung open.
Three figures entered, their outfits so extravagant that every gaze in the hall was drawn to them. Golden-embroidered cloaks, blazing red scarves, and upon their chests, the emblem of the Lumerian Church — the temple devoted to Arvess, the god of light and judgment. They carried themselves with an air of authority, as if the entire hall ought to bow before their presence.
The guild manager, a bearded middle-aged man named Dargus, rushed forward the moment he saw them, his voice trembling with urgency:
"Your Eminences, why… why have you come here in person? Welcome, welcome!"
The three exchanged glances, lips curling into faint smirks, before one of them spoke.
A tall, slender man with dagger-sharp eyes introduced himself:
"I am Cardinal Marcell. These are Cardinal Theon and Cardinal Ravia. We are here to meet a boy… apparently the only one who survived the incident at the border village."
Dargus froze in hesitation, sweat beading his brow. He bowed his head, voice quivering:
"You… you must mean the boy? Yes, he is currently being treated here at our guild. But…"
Before he could finish, the three cardinals took turns interrogating him, their tone sharp and merciless, as if questioning a criminal.
"Were there any other survivors in the village?" Marcell demanded.
"Do you know what kind of monster attacked the boy?" Ravia frowned.
"And why was he the only one left alive?" Theon added, his voice soft, yet dripping with suspicion.
Dargus broke into a cold sweat, stammering: "I… I truly do not know… everything happened too suddenly…"
Before he could explain further, a young voice rang out from behind:
"Stop bombarding him with questions like that!"
Renar had awakened. His face was still pale, but his eyes burned with fire. He stepped into the center of the hall. All three cardinals turned toward him, contempt flashing in their eyes.
"Oh, so this is the witness? A peasant boy receiving such special treatment?" Ravia sneered.
"Perhaps you were the one who caused it all, pretending to be a victim," Theon added, his sweet tone as sharp as a blade.
Marcell folded his arms, voice laced with disdain: "Indeed. A lowly child like you does not deserve to harbor such dangerous power."
Renar clenched his fists, shouting in fury:
"You… who do you think you are to speak of me like that?
My parents gave their lives to protect me! What right do you have to judge me?!"
The hall trembled with his outburst. Adventurers around whispered among themselves, but none dared intervene. The three cardinals scowled, displeased that a mere village boy had dared raise his voice at them.
Just as the air grew tense, the guild doors burst open once more.
A man entered — tall and broad-shouldered, clad in light black-silver armor, messy hair falling across his face, a mocking smile tugging at his lips. On his cloak's shoulder gleamed the emblem of twin fangs — the mark of his notorious title:
"Fangtooth" Kael, one of the top 20 adventurers across the continent.
Kael strode forward, locking eyes with the cardinals, and spoke in a deep, mocking tone:
"Oh, I thought it might be someone impressive. Turns out it's just three crows dressed in peacock feathers, still parading themselves as cardinals even after being disgraced."
Marcell's face darkened. "You… how dare you…"
Kael cut him off, voice sharp:
"You came here seeking truth, or just to bully a child who's lost his parents? What a shameful display for those who claim to serve the holy!"
The entire guild fell silent. Kael stepped closer, eyes flashing with provocation.
"I'm curious… why would three who have already been stripped of their rank wander into a small city like Lumeria? Seeking redemption, or stirring up trouble again?"
His words sliced deep into their pride. Everyone knew the three had once committed grave mistakes, punished by being demoted to ordinary priests. Yet they still flaunted gaudy robes and styled themselves as high cardinals.
Unable to endure the humiliation, Theon hissed through clenched teeth:
"You… dare to challenge the Church?"
Kael sneered: "If it bothers you, I'm always ready… three against one, if you wish."
A tense silence followed. Then Marcell drew a deep breath, forcing himself calm. He turned his gaze upon Renar, speaking with icy menace:
"Boy… remember this. The Lord sees all, and judgment shall come to those who conceal the truth."
The words were polite, but their meaning was no less than a threat.
The three cardinals turned and left, leaving behind a heavy, suffocating silence. Renar trembled, but his eyes shifted toward Kael.
The top-ranked adventurer met his gaze, smiling faintly:
"Don't waste your thoughts on them. I can see the flame in your eyes. That flame deserves to be protected, not trampled on."
Renar nodded lightly, a weight lifting from his heart.
Kael placed a firm hand on his shoulder, voice resolute:
"From now on, I'll be here. I'll watch over you — and protect you."
Renar raised his head, a new spark of trust shining in his eyes. Behind them, sunlight streamed through the window, as though marking the beginning of the boy's destined path.