A week had passed since the chaotic events that marked their return to the capital. Lyo, despite the severity of his injuries, had fully recovered. His body had regained its strength, and his magic, slowly but surely, was coming back to full force. Rael, meanwhile, stuck to his usual routine, always vigilant, yet a quiet worry for his companions never left his mind.
Since their arrival, there had been no sign of Selena or Blanek. Neither at the guild, nor in the streets of the capital, nor in the districts where they usually lingered. Their absence left a hollow in their thoughts, and Rael and Lyo often found themselves spinning through guesses—"maybe Ryo sent them on a special mission" or "something must have happened". Yet no certainty came. Their worry had transformed into a dull tension, a suffocating expectation that trailed them everywhere.
But an adventurer's life didn't pause for speculation. Lyo, whose patience had limits, finally broke the silence as they walked through the busy streets of the capital:
— Rael, our mental energy is running low. We can't just sit around. We need a mission—something to do—or we'll go in circles here, he said, his tone urgent yet calm.
Rael nodded, his dark eyes steady but determined.
— Yes. It's time. Let's see what the guild has for us. We're not used to standing still.
The duo made their way to the main guild hall, an imposing stone building crowned with large stained-glass windows. Morning breezes rustled the banners hanging on the facade, each representing the ranks and specialties of the guild's adventurers. The sun's first rays glinted off the courtyard's cobblestones, where groups of adventurers gathered to discuss new missions or swap stories of past battles.
As soon as they stepped inside, Rael and Lyo drew attention. The adventurers in the hall had heard of their recent feats. Surviving a mission where they had faced members of the Black Veils—and returning almost unscathed—was no small matter. Eyes turned toward them, some curious, others admiring, and a few whispered among themselves.
— The redhead who accompanied you—where is she? asked one adventurer, approaching with a mix of curiosity and respect.
Lyo didn't even glance up. He fixed the man with a sharp stare, and for a moment, a near-cold silence settled. With a crisp motion, he pulled a mission slip from the board, scanned it quickly, and laid it on the receptionist's counter. Not a word escaped him. The young man stepped back, realizing he wouldn't get any answers soon. Rael stayed silent at his side. Together, they moved toward the exit, leaving behind the whispers and curious gazes of anyone daring to question them.
Outside, in the guild's vast courtyard, they stopped to examine the mission slip. The courtyard was wide, lined with smaller buildings housing adventurers and their companions. Clear fountains offered a refreshing coolness, and the hubbub of life was constant: apprentice mages, armored warriors, and scouts moving through the space, talking about rewards or recent dangers.
Rael and Lyo sat on a stone bench and studied the slip carefully. The mission was unusual for them. There were no dangerous monsters, notorious criminals, or life-or-death situations. Instead, it was a protection assignment. An elderly woman, Dame Mirabel, required guards for a set period. She lived in an isolated house at the city's edge, in an area known for minor bandits and a few wandering creatures at night.
— Dame Mirabel… murmured Rael, savoring the name aloud. She must be important if the guild entrusted us with this, he said, furrowing his brows.
— Yes, replied Lyo, his tone serious, reflecting a warrior's mindset even for a calm-looking task. It may not seem dangerous, but protection is delicate work. One wrong move, and it could go wrong fast.
Rael nodded. Lyo was always the one to spot tactical details first. He scanned the slip: the house was on the city outskirts, surrounded by woods yet accessible. There were notes on the property's size and precautions to take.
— Let's go. We don't have time to waste. Even if it's not a combat mission, we need to stay alert, said Rael, determined.
— Exactly, replied Lyo, checking his gear. Even an old lady can prove trickier than expected.
They left the courtyard, walking through the bustling streets of the capital. Merchants offered fruits, vegetables, potions, and weapons of all kinds. Children played between the stalls, and townsfolk greeted the young adventurers, already aware of their feats. Every step reminded Rael and Lyo of their role: protecting those who couldn't protect themselves, while staying cautious themselves.
The road to Dame Mirabel's house was lined with tall trees stretching to the forest's edge. Birds sang, and the wind rustled the leaves, yet Rael and Lyo knew calm could be deceptive. Years of experience had taught them that nature's silence often precedes danger.
— Do you feel that? murmured Lyo, narrowing his eyes.
Rael shook his head.
— Nothing… at least not yet. Stay sharp. Bandits, even a few, can strike from nowhere.
They continued, side by side, eyes scanning. The air was fresh, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers. The paved path was bordered by small bushes, perfect for hiding an ambusher.
As they walked, Rael and Lyo discussed protection tactics.
— I think we should establish a perimeter around her house as soon as we arrive, said Rael. If anyone approaches, we need to detect it immediately.
— Yes. I'll watch the high ground, added Lyo. From above, we'll have better visibility and can anticipate intrusions.
Rael nodded, satisfied with his companion's strategic approach. They talked rotations, handling potential attacks, and silent communication methods. Even a simple mission required precision.
Soon, Dame Mirabel's house appeared. An old building, with a small garden and high stone walls, its grand wooden door carved with intricate designs. Velvet curtains adorned the windows, and tiny decorative gargoyles crowned the roofs. The house exuded tranquility, but Rael and Lyo were not deceived: calm could shift in an instant.
— There's our objective, murmured Rael, a mix of respect and vigilance in his voice.
— Good. Let's get into position, said Lyo. I'll cover the main entrance and surrounding points. You check the perimeter to make sure no threats approach.
They paused briefly, studying the house's layout and the surroundings: dense trees, rocks forming natural cover, and a small bridge over a creek—all potential observation points or vulnerabilities.
— Even a simple mission can turn complicated if we're careless, said Rael softly.
— Exactly, replied Lyo. Without a sound, they began moving tactically, each step precise, each glance scanning.
The sun dipped toward the horizon, painting the sky in warm orange hues. Every shadow, every rustle of leaves, could signal either an indication or a threat. They reached the main door. The large wooden gate was closed, and no movement could be seen behind the curtains.
Rael turned to Lyo.
— Ready?
Lyo nodded.
— Always.
With perfect synchronization, they advanced to ring the doorbell, prepared to greet their "client" and begin their protection mission. The apparent calm of the old house was only an illusion, and Rael and Lyo knew their vigilance could never waver, not even for a moment.
Their adventure had only just begun. In the silent courtyard of the old house, the weight of responsibility rested on their shoulders: protect the defenseless, and prove, once again, that despite their youth, they were worthy of the adventurer's title.