The village lay quietly under the soft glow of the early evening. Smoke spiraled lazily from the chimneys, carrying the rich scents of roasted meats, baked breads, and sweet fruits. The trees surrounding the village swayed gently in the wind, their leaves whispering like voices of the past.
Suho, Kaito, and Aria walked through the village's main path, cobblestones warm beneath their feet. The distant cries of children and laughter of villagers filled the air, a serene contrast to the treacherous journey they had undertaken moments ago.
Aria's small paws moved quickly as she guided the two men. Her golden eyes sparkled with familiarity and excitement.
"This… this is my village," she whispered, voice trembling with a mix of relief and awe.
Suho's crimson eyes softened as he observed the village. The thatched rooftops, the carefully arranged wooden fences, and the small gardens painted a simple yet welcoming scene. He stepped closer to Aria, resting a hand gently on her shoulder.
"It's… not bad," he said softly."You have a nice home here, Aria."
Aria blushed, but her attention was suddenly drawn to a movement at the far end of the village square. A man and a woman came running toward her, their expressions a mixture of panic and relief.
Aria's ears twitched, and her tail stiffened. Without a word, she darted forward, leaping into the arms of the approaching couple. They held her tightly, their relief palpable in the way they squeezed her.
Kaito leaned closer to Suho, whispering with a hint of excitement.
"Maybe… those are her parents?"
Suho's crimson eyes followed the reunion, a quiet smile forming on his lips.
"Yes… that seems likely," he said softly, his voice almost lost in the hum of the evening.
The man stepped back slightly, adjusting his stance to face Suho and Kaito. His dark hair was streaked with silver, and his golden eyes mirrored Aria's, sharp yet filled with warmth.
"I am Kael Luneveil," he said, his voice deep and steady."Father to Aria. I cannot thank you enough for bringing my daughter back safely."
Aria looked up at Suho, her eyes glistening with tears, and smiled through her emotions.
"It's… it's okay, Father," she whispered softly.
Kael's gaze then shifted to Kaito and Suho. His tone remained calm but firm.
"You two… you must stay the night. Come, eat, rest. A journey such as yours deserves hospitality."
Kaito shook his head quickly, glancing at Suho.
"We… it's fine, sir. We need to leave. There's… other matters waiting for us."
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly, a trace of disappointment crossing his otherwise composed expression.
"That is unfortunate… very well, then. Perhaps another time, you will visit again."
Aria's ears twitched anxiously as she watched Suho's subtle nod, understanding that they might soon depart. Her tail drooped slightly as a pang of sadness washed over her.
"Wait!" she cried suddenly, sprinting toward Suho.
Without hesitation, she leapt into Suho's arms, holding him tightly, as though trying to imprint this moment into her memory.
"Please… come see me again if you have the time," she whispered, voice trembling.
Suho's crimson eyes softened. He gently cupped her small face in his hands, leaning down to press a soft kiss against her forehead.
"Yes… I will come," he said warmly."We'll play and have fun, because you're my beautiful little sister."
Aria's face turned deep crimson, tears spilling freely down her cheeks, a mixture of embarrassment and joy washing over her. She buried her face into Suho's chest, her golden eyes squeezed shut, trembling from emotion.
Kael watched the scene unfold, his chest tightening with emotion. Even with the sternness and strength of a warrior etched into his features, he could not hide the tender warmth swelling within him.
"So… this is the one who protected my daughter," he whispered to himself, almost in awe.
Kaito, standing nearby, scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. His usual smirk was replaced by a mixture of embarrassment and admiration.
"Hmph… Suho really knows how to do it," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head.
Suho carefully set Aria down, her small hands still clutching his coat, reluctant to let go.
"You'll be safe here, Aria," he whispered."And we will come again… I promise. But now… you must rest."
Aria sniffled, her tail flicking slightly, but she nodded obediently, slowly releasing him.
Kael stepped closer, addressing both Suho and Kaito formally.
"I cannot fully repay you for your deeds today. Know that my family's home is always open to you. You have my gratitude."
Suho inclined his head slightly.
"It was our duty… to protect the innocent. That is all."
Kaito finally smirked, his arms crossed, his usual bravado returning.
"Yeah, yeah… don't get too sentimental, Suho."
Kael's gaze softened toward Aria once more, watching her regain composure and warmth in her home. The bond between her and Suho was evident, not just as protector and child, but as family, a connection forged by trust, courage, and care.
"Take care of her," Kael said quietly to Suho, a rare note of vulnerability in his voice."She is my daughter… and I trust you have her best interests at heart."
Suho's crimson eyes met Kael's gaze steadily.
"I promise," he said sincerely.
Aria peeked at Suho shyly, a soft smile forming despite her lingering tears.
"Big brother…" she whispered, voice tender.
Kaito, sensing the emotional weight, stepped back slightly, muttering under his breath with a faint blush.
"This… is ridiculous. Suho… you're impossible."
Suho chuckled softly, a mix of pride and warmth shining in his crimson eyes.
"Hahaha… perhaps. But some things are worth being impossible for."
Aria's tail swished gently, the small motions betraying her relief and happiness. She turned toward Kael and whispered softly.
"Father… he's really kind… and strong."
Kael nodded slowly, a proud smile forming on his lips.
"I can see that, Aria. Take care of yourself, and remember this… strength and kindness are what make a true guardian."
The evening air grew cooler as the last rays of sunlight disappeared behind the distant hills. Lanterns flickered along the streets, casting soft golden glows across the village. Villagers continued their routines, some pausing to glance at the newcomers, curious yet respectful.
Suho, Kaito, and Aria walked through the village square, passing by familiar buildings and familiar scents. Suho's crimson eyes took in every detail, memorizing the village's layout — pathways, fences, wells, and gardens. His protective instincts never waned, even in a moment of peace.
"Tomorrow," Suho whispered softly to himself,"we will return… I will visit her, and make sure she grows safely, happily."
Aria tugged gently on his sleeve, her golden eyes shining.
"Big brother… will you really come again?"
Suho bent down slightly, a warm smile on his lips.
"Of course… I will always come. You are my sister, after all."
Aria's ears twitched in joy, a quiet laugh escaping her lips amidst her tears. Kaito, watching from behind, shook his head with a grin, muttering:
"Unbelievable… he's actually good with kids. Hmph…"
Kael Luneveil watched silently, his chest swelling with emotion. To see his daughter embraced so tenderly by Suho, to witness the bond of family, protector, and trust, was a rare gift. In that moment, he allowed himself to feel that quiet relief — that the world was not so cruel after all.
The night deepened, the stars twinkling gently above the village. A soft breeze whispered through the trees, carrying with it the scents of home, comfort, and new beginnings.
And in the center of it all, Suho stood tall, Kaito at his side, and Aria close to him — a trio bound by friendship, protection, and the unspoken promise of returning home, no matter the distance or danger.
The Royal Capital gleamed under the bright morning sun, its towering walls casting long shadows over the cobblestone streets. Merchants' stalls bustled with activity, carts clattered along the roads, and people of all shapes, sizes, and races moved through the city with purpose. Suho, Kaito, and Aria navigated through the crowded streets, the sounds of chatter, laughter, and the occasional clanging of metal filling the air.
As they approached the massive city gates once more, the two guards, who had seen them vanish in a flash just the previous evening, now stared with wide eyes.
"You… you disappeared so quickly yesterday," one of the guards said, his tone a mixture of awe and suspicion."You two must be very strong."
Suho's crimson eyes met the guard's gaze calmly.
"Yes… thank you for noticing," he said politely, though there was a slight smirk at the corners of his mouth.
Kaito, slightly puffed from walking quickly through the streets, added proudly,
"Yes… because I am a Level 5 Mage."
Suho blinked at Kaito, raising a crimson brow.
"Huh?"
The guard nearly stumbled back, his jaw dropping.
"Level 5 Mage?! Impossible!" he shouted, eyes wide in disbelief.
Kaito quickly pressed a hand over the guard's mouth.
"Shh… don't leak that information. It's dangerous if the wrong people find out," Kaito whispered sharply, his eyes darting around.
The guard, still wide-eyed, blinked rapidly, nodding in fear.
"Y-yes… of course," he stammered.
The second guard stepped forward, his expression a mixture of awe and curiosity.
"My name is Abel, and this is Kuro," he said, introducing themselves formally."Very well, you may enter the Royal Capital. But… be careful of your strength, travelers."
Suho inclined his head respectfully.
"Thank you," he murmured.
Once inside the gates, Suho leaned toward Kaito, his crimson eyes glinting with amusement.
"Good thing you only said Level 5. If you had said Level 8, we'd probably have attracted attention from the entire city."
Kaito smirked, shrugging casually.
"Don't worry… I won't exaggerate. Just enough to make them cautious."
Suho nodded, turning his gaze toward the bustling city. The streets were lined with shops, stalls selling everything from exotic fruits to finely crafted weapons, and fountains adorned with intricate statues. The smell of fresh bread, roasted meat, and perfumed oils mingled in the air.
"Now," Suho whispered,"we need a place to stay for the night. I have… one gold coin."
Kaito's eyes widened in surprise.
"One gold coin?! Where did you even get that?"
Suho's crimson eyes glimmered with a hint of pride.
"I found it on the path while heading to the Royal Capital."
Kaito shook his head, chuckling.
"Well… at least we won't have to sleep on the ground tonight. That's something."
As they continued walking through the streets, a large wooden sign caught their attention: "Royal Inn", gilded with gold leaf, the letters ornate and elegant. Suho and Kaito exchanged wide-eyed glances.
"Royal Inn…?" Kaito muttered."This place… is… huge."
They stepped inside, the interior more luxurious than anything they had ever seen. Polished marble floors reflected the warm light of chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings. Plush carpets lined the hallways, and richly adorned tapestries depicting battles, forests, and ancient magic covered the walls.
Suho leaned toward Kaito, whispering in awe.
"Do you think… one gold coin will be enough?"
Kaito shrugged helplessly, his black hair falling into his eyes.
"How would I know? We've lived in the forest for years. This… this is a completely different world."
At that moment, a young attendant in a crisp uniform approached them. His smile was polite but professional.
"Welcome to the Royal Inn," he said cheerfully."How may I assist you today?"
Suho took a deep breath, feeling slightly nervous.
"Um… how many days can we stay with… one gold coin?" he asked carefully.
The attendant raised a brow, surprised but accommodating.
"One gold coin? Well… that should cover at least three nights, for newcomers such as yourselves."
Suho's crimson eyes glimmered with relief.
"Perfect. We'll take it."
The attendant nodded, retrieving a set of keys from a polished wooden counter.
"Very well. Room number 14, on the second floor. Please enjoy your stay."
Suho took the key, bowing respectfully.
"Thank you very much."
Kaito followed him, muttering quietly under his breath.
"Three days… with one gold coin… unbelievable. I still can't believe we're staying here."
They climbed the stairs, Aria trotting happily beside them. The corridor was wide and luxurious, lined with tapestries depicting dragons, warriors, and landscapes that seemed almost alive. The air smelled faintly of polished wood and lavender, comforting yet foreign.
Arriving at room 14, Suho inserted the key and pushed the door open. The interior was breathtaking — a large room with two beds, a sitting area, a small table, and a window overlooking the bustling streets. A soft rug covered the floor, and a faint golden glow from wall sconces filled the room with warmth.
Suho turned to Kaito, whispering in disbelief.
"Do you think… one gold coin really covers this?"
Kaito shook his head, his expression a mixture of awe and confusion.
"I don't know, idiot… we just have to pretend we know what we're doing. After all… we've never lived in luxury before."
"Yes… it's a nice place. We can rest here for a while."
Kaito flopped onto the other bed, letting out a groan.
"Luxury… this is ridiculous. Three years in the forest and this… wow… I'm never leaving the forest again."
Suho chuckled softly, shaking his head.
"Hahaha… careful, Kaito. If you keep talking like that, we might never survive in this city."
Suho's crimson eyes softened, a warm smile spreading across his face.
"It's nothing… really. You're safe now, that's all that matters."
Kaito, still staring at the lavish room, muttered,
"Seriously… one gold coin… I feel like we just got lucky or something. This place… it's way too fancy."
Suho glanced at him, his smile gentle but teasing.
"Lucky? Perhaps. Or maybe… the world just wants us to enjoy it a little before the real adventure begins."
The Royal Inn, with its gilded halls, warm beds, and welcoming glow, would be the first chapter of their life in the city — a chapter filled with laughter, intrigue, and the faint hint of challenges lurking just beyond the walls.
The night had settled over the Royal Capital like a velvet cloak, the city's golden lights flickering across the cobblestones and reflecting in the still waters of the fountains. Suho and Kaito sat in their small corner of Room 14 at the Royal Inn, the quiet hum of the city below their window a gentle reminder that life never truly stopped here. Aria was safe in her village for the night, leaving the two young men to plot and strategize in private.
Suho leaned back against the plush headboard of the bed, crimson eyes glinting with thought. His white hair fell lightly over his forehead, catching the soft lamplight from the bedside sconce. The silence stretched for a moment before he finally spoke, voice low but determined.
"Kaito… we only have three days here. That's it. If we don't act quickly, we won't make the most of our time in the city."
Kaito, reclining lazily on the adjacent bed with arms crossed, tilted his head, curious. His black hair fell slightly over his amber eyes, which glimmered with intrigue and amusement.
"So… what exactly are we supposed to do with three days? You don't plan on begging for gold, do you?"
Suho shook his head, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Of course not. We will earn it the proper way. We'll become adventurers. Take quests, complete missions, gather coins."
Kaito's eyes lit up, a mischievous grin forming.
"Adventure? Now that sounds interesting! I haven't gone hunting in… what… weeks? Months?"
Suho raised a crimson brow, his smirk growing slightly sharper.
"Weeks? Months? You just hunted three days ago. Don't act like you're starving for action, Kaito."
Kaito rolled his eyes, leaning back into the pillow.
"Yeah, yeah… I'm just saying, it's boring staying in one place. I need excitement. The forest isn't enough anymore."
Suho nodded slowly, his expression turning serious as he folded his arms.
"Exactly. That's why we need to gather coins first. Without them, we can't even rent this room for longer than a few nights."
Kaito's eyes widened slightly, tilting his head with disbelief.
"Longer than a few nights? How long are you planning to stay here?"
Suho's crimson eyes met Kaito's, unwavering.
"One month. At least. That's our minimum. If we're going to live comfortably, we need a steady supply of coins. And for that, we have to work."
Kaito's jaw nearly dropped.
"A whole month? What exactly are we going to do in a month? Hunt monsters every day? How much gold can one hunt even give?"
Suho leaned forward, eyes glinting with strategy.
"That's why we'll take quests. Adventurers' quests, bounty hunts, and special missions. The Royal Capital has a board where all available quests are listed. Some pay more, some less, but all add up. Our goal isn't just temporary comfort — we need to save up enough to buy a house. Our own place, Kaito. Somewhere we can stay without relying on gold coins for every night."
Kaito's eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and admiration.
"A house… huh? That's actually a solid idea. No more worrying about inns, no more sleeping on strange floors… I like it."
Suho nodded, a small, satisfied smile forming.
"Exactly. And think about it — once we have a house, we can plan long-term strategies, train without interruption, and live more freely. No one will bother us, and we can continue improving our skills."
Kaito leaned forward, elbows on his knees, his grin growing wider.
"That… actually sounds fun. We get to adventure, hunt monsters, complete quests, and maybe even cause a little trouble along the way."
Suho's crimson eyes glinted with humor as he raised a finger.
"Careful, Kaito. We're adventurers, not reckless troublemakers. We need plan, precision, and efficiency. Each coin counts. Each day matters."
Kaito rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress his grin.
"Fine, fine. But don't expect me to follow some boring plan for the sake of coin. I like excitement."
Suho chuckled softly, shaking his head.
"You say that, but I know you'll follow the plan when it matters. Just… don't do anything that attracts unnecessary attention. Remember, we're still new to the city. We can't let anyone realize just how strong we really are."
Kaito smirked, leaning back once more.
"Strong, huh? You mean like Level 10 strong? Or Level 8, like me?"
Suho's crimson eyes glimmered, his tone quiet but firm.
"Exactly. Let's keep our true levels a secret. People here aren't ready to deal with beings like us. One wrong move and the city could see us as threats."
The room fell silent for a moment as both men contemplated the weight of their powers. Outside, the Royal Capital thrived, oblivious to the two young adventurers planning their next moves. The distant sound of horse hooves and the occasional shout of street vendors reminded them of the bustling life waiting beyond their window.
Kaito stretched lazily, a mischievous glint in his amber eyes.
"So… Suho, what's the first step? Do we just go to the adventurer board and pick a quest, or is there more to it?"
Suho nodded slowly.
"Yes, the board is our starting point. But we need to evaluate each quest carefully — rewards, risks, and the time it will take. Efficiency is key. We can't waste a single coin, nor a single day. If we're clever, we can gather enough to stay here comfortably for a month… maybe even save for that house sooner than expected."
Kaito's grin widened.
"Efficiency, huh? Sounds like you've been thinking about this for a while."
Suho's crimson eyes softened, a faint smile on his lips.
"I have. We've lived freely in the forest for three years, but now… we're stepping into a new world. One that can reward us, but also challenge us. If we want to survive here comfortably, we need to adapt… and plan."
Kaito leaned back, letting out a low whistle.
"Alright… I'm in. Let's gather coins, complete quests, and become the strongest adventurers this city has ever seen. But… I get first pick if there's a quest with big monsters, okay?"
Suho chuckled, shaking his head.
"Fair enough. But remember, we divide rewards equally. Teamwork first, glory second. That's the rule."
Kaito nodded, a mock-serious expression on his face.
"Fine, fine… teamwork first. Glory… somewhere later."
The two young men fell silent, listening to the distant hum of the city at night. The moon hung low in the sky, casting silver streaks across the streets, illuminating the Royal Capital with a gentle glow. They could hear the occasional bark of a dog, the clatter of a cart wheel, and the soft rustling of leaves in the wind.
Suho leaned back, crimson eyes thoughtful.
"Tomorrow, we start early. The board opens at sunrise. We'll pick the most efficient quests, collect coins, and secure our stay. Then… we'll plan the next month."
Kaito nodded, his usual energy subdued by the seriousness of their plan.
"Got it… adventure, coins, house. Easy enough. Let's make this city ours for the next month."
A quiet chuckle escaped Suho's lips.
"Not ours… just temporary. But yes… we'll leave a mark, one way or another."
Outside, the Royal Capital slept peacefully under the night sky, unaware that two powerful adventurers had arrived. Their plans were simple, yet the potential impact of their presence was immense. Coins, quests, and houses were only the beginning. The city, with all its bustling streets, hidden secrets, and unsuspecting nobles, would soon witness the skill, wit, and cunning of Suho and Kaito.
The night continued, filled with quiet discussion, laughter, and strategic plotting. In this brief moment of calm, Suho and Kaito bonded as partners, comrades, and brothers-in-arms — ready to face whatever challenges the Royal Capital could throw at them.
"One month… let's make it count," Suho whispered, crimson eyes fixed on the city lights below.
Kaito smirked, rolling onto his side.
"Count? Hah… leave it to me. We'll make every coin, every day, and every quest unforgettable."
And with that, the two adventurers rested, their minds already racing with the plans, quests, and adventures that awaited them in the Royal Capital.