Kael's attention shifted to a commotion nearby. A crowd had surrounded someone, beating them mercilessly—and no one seemed to intervene.
Kael (frowning): "Why is everyone attacking them? I can't just stand here…"
He stepped forward and unleashed a fire-imbued punch, blowing the attackers back.
Kael: "Hey! Are you okay?"
??? (catching their breath): "Yeah…"
The crowd hissed in anger.
People: "Tch… bastard! What was that for?"
Kael: "Why were you beating her?"
People: "She knows the location of a rare beast on the island. We can capture it and sell it for money."
Kael looked at the person he had just saved.
Kael: "Hey! Why don't you just let me—"
Lyra (interrupting, glaring): "I'm not a man. Name's Lyra. That beast isn't like the others—it's innocent."
Kael: "Oh… alright! You're right."
He squared his shoulders and shouted:
Kael: "If anyone wants that beast, they'll have to go through me first!"
Lyra (exasperated): "Why would you do that, idiot?"
Kael: "I have sympathy for the weak."
Lyra: "I don't need your help. I'm fine on my own."
Kael: "Oh, sure… I'll make my way inside then."
Lyra paused, eyes narrowing.
Lyra: "Hey… you're a traveler, right?"
Kael (grinning): "Traveler!? Nope. I'm a pirate!"
Lyra (shocked): "What!?"
Kael: "Yeah!"
She locked her gaze on him, unimpressed.
Lyra: "Scary."
Kael (defensive, waving his hands): "I'm not scaryyy at all!"
Lyra's expression shifted to annoyance, but she gave a small nod.
Lyra: "Fine… just for a little. Follow me."
Kael: "Okay!"