Four days had passed.
Four days of walking unfamiliar paths, crossing shallow streams, and sleeping under open skies.
Alhen adjusted the strap on his shoulder as he climbed the hill, his steps steady but slower than before.
"…Almost there," he muttered.
His supplies were running low.
"Water… half left. Food… maybe one more day."
At the top—
He stopped.
Below him lay a quiet settlement surrounded by greenery.
"…Orel Village."
A small smile appeared.
"I made it."
As Alhen entered the village, he kept his movements calm, observing everything.
A man carrying a basket noticed him and slowed his steps.
"You're not from around here, are you?"
Alhen shook his head.
"No. I've been traveling."
The man studied him briefly.
"Name's Daren," he said. "And you?"
"…Alhen."
"Alone?" Daren asked.
"…Yeah."
Daren let out a short laugh.
"You've got courage, Alhen. Not many your age walk alone out here."
Alhen gave a small smile.
"I'm just looking for supplies."
Daren nodded and pointed ahead.
"Go straight. You'll find Mira's shop near the well."
"Thank you, Daren."
Alhen followed the path and soon reached a small wooden shop.
He stepped inside.
Ding.
A bell rang softly.
Behind the counter stood an older woman.
She looked up and smiled.
"Well now… a traveler."
Alhen nodded.
"Yes, ma'am. I'd like to buy some supplies."
The woman chuckled.
"No need to be so formal. Name's Mira."
"…Alhen."
"Well then, Alhen," Mira said warmly, "what do you need?"
"Food for a few days, water… and bandages."
"Good choices," Mira replied.
As she gathered the items, she glanced at him.
"First journey?"
Alhen hesitated.
"…Yes."
Mira smiled knowingly.
"I thought so."
Alhen blinked.
"Is it that obvious?"
"You still have that look," she said. "Curious… like the world hasn't tested you yet."
Alhen looked down slightly.
"…Is that a bad thing?"
Mira shook her head.
"No. It means your story is just starting."
After paying, Alhen stepped outside.
As he walked past the well—
He noticed a small crowd gathering.
Voices filled with worry.
"What's happening?" someone said.
"…Not again," another voice replied.
Alhen moved closer.
At the center stood a young girl, around his age, arms crossed with a frustrated expression.
Her short hair swayed as she spoke sharply—
"I told you, we can't just wait!"
An older man sighed.
"Calm down, Lira. It's too dangerous."
Lira clenched her fists.
"Then what? We just let it keep happening?!"
Alhen watched quietly.
"…What's going on?" he asked Daren, who had reappeared nearby.
Daren frowned.
"Trouble near the outskirts. Something's been stealing supplies at night."
"…Bandits?" Alhen asked.
Daren shook his head.
"…We're not sure."
Lira turned suddenly, noticing Alhen.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"And who are you?"
"…Alhen. Just a traveler."
She studied him.
"…Then stay out of this."
Alhen didn't respond immediately.
Instead—
"I might be able to help."
Silence fell for a moment.
Daren raised a brow.
Mira, standing in the distance, watched quietly.
Lira crossed her arms.
"You just got here."
Alhen nodded.
"Yeah."
"…And you still want to get involved?"
Alhen's gaze was calm.
"I didn't come all this way to stand around."
A small pause.
Then—
Lira smirked slightly.
"…You're either brave… or stupid."
Alhen gave a faint smile.
"…Maybe both."
The wind passed through the village.
And just like that—
Alhen's journey took its first turn.