The moment my grip on Aeola faltered, footsteps echoed from below. She slipped from my arms—yet before despair could take hold, a sudden gust of wind rose beneath her, carrying her downward. A blinding light flared from the cavern floor, forcing my eyes shut.
When my vision returned, a voice rang out: "Are you Natsuki of the Frost Guild?"
Confused, I hesitated. But remembering they had Aeola, I chose caution. "Yes," I answered. "Who are you?"
"Aizen," the voice replied. "Highest-ranked adventurer of our guild. There was a mix-up—this quest is actually S-ranked. I was sent with my party to save you."
Something about him unsettled me. My gut twisted, urging me to strike before danger unfolded. Yet for Aeola's sake, I feigned relief. "That's good news. I could use help—my arm won't move."
"No problem. I'll send Lexi."
A woman climbed up, her skin marked with leopard tattoos, her features sharp and feral. She sniffed the air, wrinkling her nose. "You look rough. Monster guts, sweat, dirt, blood—you reek."
I scowled. "Yeah, I smell appetizing. Thanks."
She grinned, hoisted me easily, and leapt down. We landed beside a knight clad in black armor that gleamed unnaturally in the cave's gloom.
"So, you're Aizen?" I asked.
The knight's ghoul-like voice rasped, "No."
Before I could question further, a short, weathered man stepped forward, extending his hand. "I'm Aizen. Pleasure to meet you, young man."
I shook his hand. He gestured to a woman with a staff. "This is Alya, our mage."
She raised her staff, and warmth spread through my injured arm as healing light enveloped me. I flexed my fingers, pain fading.
Aizen's gaze sharpened. "Tell me, boy—where are the monster corpses? I see none."
I couldn't admit the truth—that I had devoured them. So I lied. "I overdid it. My core awakened mid-battle, and I lost control. Torched them too much."
His eyes narrowed. "If you're lying, and it's something else, I'll kill you for breaking guild law."
I met his stare. "And why would I do that?"
Silence stretched—then Aizen laughed, clapping my back. "I like you. You've got spirit. Let's move."
We traveled together. Alya tended Aeola, asking softly, "Is she your girlfriend?"
Heat rose to my cheeks. "No. She's my sister."
She nodded, continuing her spellwork.
By the time we reached town, rain had begun to fall. At the guild, Alya finished healing Aeola. "She needs rest. Take her to a room. If anything happens, call us."
I thanked her, then carried Aeola inside. The guildmaster dismissed himself after scolding the receptionist, leaving her to apologize. She bowed deeply, offering compensation: a week in the guild's special inn room, food, treatment, and payment for the quest.
I accepted quickly, eager to settle Aeola somewhere safe.
At the inn, rain pattered against the windows. Aeola shivered as I laid her on the bed. Hesitating, I undressed her carefully, cleaned her with warm water, and hung her damp clothes to dry. Wrapped in blankets, she seemed calmer—until she murmured my name in her sleep.
"Don't go… please stay."
Her voice trembled, fragile. I sat beside her, holding her hand. "I'm not leaving."
But she clutched tighter, whispering, "I'll never let go of you again, Natsuki. I love you."
The words pierced me. I turned to her, but she had already drifted into peaceful sleep.
I lay beside her, her warmth pressed against my arm. My thoughts swirled—until the familiar, chilling voice of the entity bound to my ring whispered:
"We meet again."