The caravan was smaller than Akari expected.
Two covered wagons, six horses, and a handful of nervous merchants. No hired guards beyond her.
One of the merchants eyed Akari's slim frame uncertainly.
"…You're the only escort?"
Akari bowed politely. "Yes. I'll keep you safe."
The merchant exchanged looks with the others, then nodded.
"Well… we trust the guild."
Akari took her place at the front of the caravan, walking rather than riding. Her senses stayed open and aware.
Elen's words echoed in her mind.
Judgment matters as much as strength.
They hadn't gone far when Akari felt it.
Movement.
She raised her hand.
"Stop the wagons," she said calmly.
The drivers froze.
From the tree line came the rustle of boots and hushed voices.
Bandits.
Akari stepped forward into the open road.
"Come out," she said clearly. "I know you're there."
Silence.
Then laughter.
Five men emerged, armed, wary, eyes flicking to her swords.
"She's alone," one muttered.
Akari didn't draw her blades.
"I don't want to fight," she said. "Leave now."
One bandit scoffed. "And if we don't?"
Akari inhaled.
Mana reinforced her stance.
Divine power stayed quiet, contained.
She met his gaze.
"Then you will."
Two rushed her.
Akari moved.
She drew Emberveil only, using the flat of the blade.
She struck wrists, knees, and pressure points.
Thud.Thud.
Both fell, groaning, weapons skidding away.
The others froze.
Akari stopped.
She did not pursue.
"Go," she said.
One hesitated.
Then all three turned and ran.
The forest fell silent again.
Akari sheathed her sword.
The merchants stared.
"…You didn't even hurt them badly," one whispered.
Akari turned back toward the caravan.
"They didn't need to be hurt," she replied. "You're safe."
The rest of the journey passed without incident.
At the drop-off point, the lead merchant bowed deeply.
"You protected us without risking the cargo or our lives."
Akari returned the bow.
"That was my job."
As she watched the wagons depart, Akari felt something shift inside her.
Confidence.
She headed back toward the capital, the sun high overhead.
She had taken her first step.
And she had done it the right way.