Garrick, Lysera, Mirelya, and Ren remained in fighting stances as they faced old Goro.
Ren swallowed hard.
“I never even got into a fight back in school… and now I’m standing here. Am I even holding this stance correctly?”
The silence lasted only an instant.
Then—
Goro vanished before everyone’s eyes.
Nothing remained except the blur of his figure slicing through the air.
An instant later, he was already standing in front of Garrick.
Without the slightest hesitation, he slashed his dagger straight toward the warrior’s face.
Garrick reacted at the very last second.
He threw himself sideways and rolled across the ground, barely avoiding the strike.
Still on one knee, he reached up and touched his cheek.
When he pulled his hand away, a thin trail of blood stained his fingertips.
“Damn… It still got me.”
At that exact moment, Mirelya raised her staff.
“Incinerate!”
A blazing circle of fire erupted beneath Goro’s feet.
The old man merely smiled.
“I won’t fall for the same trick twice.”
Lysera’s eyes widened.
“Mirelya! Move!”
Still concentrating on her spell, Mirelya looked confused.
“What? Move fr—”
Before she could finish—
Lysera threw herself at her.
Using her own body, she shoved the mage aside, knocking both of them out of the path of a small rock that had come crashing down from above.
The two hit the ground together as the rock slammed into the spot where Mirelya had been standing.
“What was that?!” Mirelya asked, completely bewildered.
“Lysera!!”
Ren shouted.
When Mirelya turned toward the assassin…
The color drained from her face.
A dagger had pierced straight through Lysera’s abdomen.
The mage’s eyes went wide.
“W-What…?”
Ren stared at the scene in shock.
Then realization struck him.
“Before you cast the fire circle…”
His voice trembled.
“He threw the dagger into the air… and used that falling rock to distract us.”
“It came down right at you.”
Mirelya stood frozen.
“But… he can manipulate wind magic too?”
Standing beside Garrick, Goro wore a look of utter contempt.
“You people are weak.”
Garrick planted one hand on the ground and struggled back to his feet.
His body swayed unsteadily.
Gripping his sword tightly, he glared at Goro.
“I…”
He struggled to breathe.
“I’m going to kill you…”
Suddenly—
His vision blurred.
His legs gave out beneath him.
“W-What’s happening…?”
His sword slipped from his hand.
He collapsed onto his knees.
Goro watched calmly.
“Oh…”
He smiled.
“I forgot to mention.”
He casually spun one of his daggers between his fingers.
“My blades are coated with a poison produced in my kingdom.”
His grin widened.
“One tiny cut is all it takes for it to enter your bloodstream.”
Garrick looked down at his own hands.
They were trembling uncontrollably.
“P-Poison…?”
Even so…
He clenched his teeth.
Bracing himself against the ground, he forced his body upright.
His legs shook violently.
Even then, he charged toward Goro.
Or at least…
He tried to.
After only a few steps—
He stumbled over a stone.
And crashed heavily onto the ground.
Goro let out a quiet laugh.
“Fighting that poison is pointless.”
He looked down at Garrick with open disdain.
“And you only suffered a scratch.”
He paused briefly.
“I’d give you four days at most.”
Then he shifted his gaze toward Lysera.
“As for that assassin…”
A cruel smile spread across his face.
“She won’t even last a day.”
“Heh.”
Ren immediately rushed to Lysera’s side.
She groaned in pain, struggling to breathe.
In desperation, he grabbed the dagger, ready to pull it free.
But Lysera caught his wrist.
“N-No!”
She gritted her teeth.
“Don’t pull it…”
She gasped painfully.
“I’ll lose too much blood…”
“Argh…”
Ren’s hands began to shake.
He looked at Lysera.
Then at Garrick lying several meters away.
His voice came out as little more than a whisper.
“W-What do I do…?”
Mirelya managed to get back to her feet.
Though she was breathing heavily, she pointed her staff toward Goro.
“Ren!”
Her voice was firm.
“I’ll cover you!”
“Go!”
Ren took a deep breath.
He swallowed hard.
Then nodded.
“I’ll help you, Lysera.”
He gave her a reassuring smile.
“Don’t worry.”
Without wasting another second, he charged straight toward Goro.
He raised his right fist…
…and threw everything he had into a single punch.
Goro sidestepped effortlessly.
Ren’s fist slammed directly into the tree behind him.
BOOOOOOM!!
A deafening explosion echoed throughout the forest.
The trunk burst apart.
Chunks of wood and dirt flew in every direction.
A cloud of dust swallowed the battlefield.
Everyone instinctively covered their faces.
Even through the dust, Goro chuckled.
“Hehe…”
He glanced at the shattered remains of the tree.
“If you put just a little more strength into that punch…”
His grin widened.
“…you’d completely reshape the landscape.”
The dust slowly began to settle.
Ren stepped back, retreating until he stood beside Garrick.
His chest rose and fell with every breath.
His eyes never left Goro.
The old man remained perfectly calm.
Then he smiled.
“You truly are an interesting Hero.”
“You possess no magic.”
He paused.
His eyes slowly scanned Ren from head to toe.
“And yet your physical strength surpasses that of ordinary Heroes.”
In the distance, Mirelya struggled to remain standing.
Her robes had been torn in several places during the fight.
Even so, she lifted her staff.
“Don’t listen to him, Ren!”
Before Goro could react, she aimed the tip of her staff at him.
“Aqua—”
POW!
The spell never had the chance to finish.
In a movement so fast it was nearly impossible to follow, Goro appeared directly in front of her.
His fist drove violently into her stomach.
“Ugh…!”
All the air was forced from her lungs.
Mirelya’s eyes shot open.
She collapsed to her knees, clutching her abdomen.
“T-Too fast…”
she thought desperately as she struggled to breathe.
“Mirelyaaa!!”
Ren immediately rushed toward her.
He raised his fist.
He was about to strike—
But…
His mind froze.
For a single instant…
Images flashed before his eyes.
The dragon collapsing.
The enormous boulder shattering into pieces.
Trees being ripped apart by the force of his punches.
His arm stopped in midair.
Slowly…
He lowered his fist.
Looking Goro straight in the eyes, he spoke.
“What do you want?”
His voice was heavy with tension.
“Why are you trying to kill us?”
Goro raised an eyebrow.
Then smiled.
“I don’t need you dead, Hero.”
His gaze shifted briefly toward the others.
“But your friends…”
Ren remained silent.
His fists stayed clenched.
His eyes never left the old man.
Goro slowly began walking, almost like a teacher giving a lecture.
“There are two kinds of Heroes.”
He raised one finger.
“Those who are reborn with extraordinary magical power.”
Then he raised a second finger.
Ren finished the sentence for him.
“…And those with overwhelming strength.”
His expression hardened.
“But what do you actually want?”
“And what is this poison?”
A satisfied smile spread across Goro’s face.
“Excellent.”
“But one thing at a time.”
“As for Heroes…”
He nodded slightly.
“So you already know the two types.”
“But you’re neither.”
His eyes narrowed.
“You weren’t reincarnated.”
“You were transported.”
He continued walking at an unhurried pace.
“Strange…”
Then he stopped directly in front of Ren.
His expression turned completely serious.
“But there’s something you still don’t know.”
“Not even Heroes blessed with overwhelming strength…”
He paused.
“…can defeat a dragon alone.”
Ren said nothing.
His face remained unreadable.
Just then…
He heard Garrick groan behind him.
“Ren…”
The warrior struggled to breathe.
“Argh…”
A moment later, Lysera spoke as well.
She clutched the dagger still embedded in her abdomen.
Her face had turned completely pale.
“It hurts…”
She gasped for air.
“Ren…”
Their eyes met.
“Run…”
“Aargh…”
Goro folded his arms.
“Your friends don’t have much time left.”
He smiled coldly.
“If they’re really your friends at all.”
Ren took a slow breath.
His gaze hardened.
“What are you talking about?”
Goro didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, he slipped a hand inside his coat.
He pulled out a small glass vial.
Without saying a word…
He tossed it toward Lysera.
The vial landed in the grass and rolled a short distance.
“That assassin…”
He pointed at her.
“…only has a few hours left.”
His smile vanished.
“There’s your antidote.”
“Single use.”
Ren’s eyes darted toward the tiny vial.
Then back to Goro.
His voice was filled with confusion.
“What…?”
Goro shifted his attention to Garrick.
“His wound was shallow.”
“But it was enough.”
His tone remained calm.
“The poison will kill him within four days.”
Garrick clenched his teeth.
“T-This…”
He struggled to breathe.
“This is insane…”
Ren took a step forward.
His patience had finally run out.
“What the hell do you want?!”
Goro smiled once more.
“The Kingdom of Drakthar lies about two days from here by horseback.”
His voice remained calm.
“That’s where this antidote is produced.”
He paused briefly.
Then he looked Ren straight in the eyes.
His expression became serious.
“And…”
“…it’ll save me the trouble of dragging you there myself.”
A faint smile crossed his lips.
“Wouldn’t you agree that’s the better option?”
Ren stood motionless.
Goro continued.
“You’re a unique case.”
“A Hero with no magic…”
His eyes carefully studied Ren from head to toe.
“…yet blessed with extraordinary strength.”
Ren clenched his fists.
He swallowed hard.
Finally, he spoke in a low voice.
“If you want to kill me…”
He drew a deep breath.
“…then kill me.”
His gaze never wavered.
“But cure them.”
Garrick’s eyes widened.
“Ren…”
Lysera slowly lifted her head as well.
Surprise was written plainly across her face.
Goro remained silent for several moments.
Then, with the same calm demeanor, he replied,
“If I truly wanted your life…”
A faint smile appeared.
“…I would’ve taken it already.”
He sheathed one of his daggers.
“I could knock you unconscious…”
“…and carry you to Drakthar myself.”
He took several slow steps backward.
“Or…”
“…you can walk there of your own free will.”
His gaze swept across the entire group.
“I believe you’ve already made your decision.” The source of this chapter is g.com.
He paused.
Then looked toward Mirelya.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
“Until next time.”
His eyes returned to Ren.
“I’ll be waiting for you in Drakthar.”
The next instant—
His body vanished.
As though he had never been there at all.
Only a faint breeze remained, passing quietly through the clearing.
Ren gritted his teeth.
His fists trembled with rage.
“You coward!!”
His shout echoed through the forest.
No answer came.
Mirelya slowly managed to stand once again.
She was still breathing heavily.
Both of her palms faced forward.
The glowing fire runes engraved upon them slowly began to fade.
She let out a frustrated sigh.
“This time…”
She looked toward the place where Goro had disappeared.
“I was really going to burn him alive.”
She slowly lowered her hands.
“But I think he realized it.”
Ren took a deep breath.
Then his eyes fell upon the small vial lying in the grass.
His expression tightened.
“There’s only one antidote…”
He looked at the others.
“What do we do?”
Silence settled over the group.
Garrick was the first to answer.
Even while kneeling, his body shaking from the poison, his voice remained steady.
“Give it to Lysera.”
Everyone turned toward him.
Lysera blinked in surprise.
“G-Garrick…?”
The warrior took a slow breath before continuing.
“Lysera took that hit…”
He glanced briefly at Mirelya.
“…because she protected you.”
He paused.
“So it’s only fair that she gets the antidote.”
Mirelya remained silent for several seconds.
Then a small smile appeared on her face.
“Garrick…”
She gently shook her head.
“You really surprise me sometimes.”
Lysera lowered her gaze.
Her voice came out weakly.
“I-I thought…”
She struggled to breathe.
“…that you hated me.”
Garrick let out a long sigh.
“I hate your class.”
He looked directly at her.
Then quietly looked away.
“But…”
“…you seem different.”
Ren frowned.
“But what about you?”
He discreetly pointed at the cut on Garrick’s face.
“You’ve been poisoned too.”
A faint smile appeared on Garrick’s lips.
“Thanks to you…”
He looked toward the bag containing the dragon scales.
“…we have those dragon scales.”
“They’re worth a considerable amount of gold.”
He inhaled deeply.
“We’ll sell them.”
“Hire a carriage.”
“And reach Drakthar much faster.”
His eyes remained unwavering.
“I’ll get cured there.”
Mirelya still looked uncertain.
“But…”
She frowned.
“Do you really trust that old man?”
She looked toward the place where Goro had disappeared.
“He seems incredibly deceitful.”
Garrick remained silent for several moments.
Then answered calmly.
“If he truly wanted us dead…”
He looked at everyone.
“…he would’ve killed us already.”
He took a deep breath.
“He gave Ren a choice.”
Then he turned toward Lysera.
“And in a way…”
“…he gave the rest of us one as well.”
He paused.
“I think it’s worth taking the risk.”
Ren slowly nodded.
“…Alright.”
“Alright.”
Without wasting another second, Ren knelt beside Lysera.
Carefully, he wrapped his hand around the hilt of the dagger.
He looked into her eyes.
“This is going to hurt.”
Lysera simply closed her eyes.
Then, with one swift motion, Ren pulled the blade free.
“AAAAAAARGH!!”
Lysera’s scream echoed throughout the forest.
Almost immediately, Mirelya brought the tip of her staff close to the wound.
A gentle light enveloped Lysera’s abdomen.
While the healing spell worked…
Ren tore strips from his own clothes.
With careful hands, he wrapped them around her wound, improvising a bandage to slow the bleeding.
Once he finished…
He picked up the small vial.
Gently supporting Lysera’s head, he gave her a reassuring smile.
“Open your mouth, Lysera.”
She obeyed.
Ren slowly poured the antidote into her mouth.
After she swallowed the last drop…
Mirelya raised her staff once again.
“Now lie down for a little while.”
A faint smile crossed her face.
“I’ll finish treating the wound.”
“Even if it’s only a minor healing spell.”
While Mirelya continued healing Lysera…
Ren stood up and walked over to Garrick.
He stopped beside him.
“Garrick…”
The warrior slowly raised his head.
Despite the poison coursing through his body, he forced himself to sit up straighter.
“I can still walk.”
He took a deep breath.
One hand rose to his forehead.
“My vision’s just a little blurry.”
A short while later…
Lysera managed to stand.
One hand remained pressed against her abdomen.
Mirelya supported her as they slowly walked over.
Ren approached them.
“Can you walk alright, Lysera?”
She inhaled deeply.
The pain was still obvious on her face.
“A little…”
She paused.
“Argh…”
Mirelya looked at her with quiet curiosity.
There was something she still couldn’t understand.
“Can I ask you something?”
Lysera gave a small nod.
“Of course.”
Mirelya lowered her voice.
“Why did you take that hit for me?”
Lysera remained silent for several seconds.
Then she lowered her eyes.
“I…”
She frowned slightly.
“I don’t know.”
She drew a slow breath.
“My body…”
She looked down at her own hands.
“…just moved on its own.”
Mirelya stayed silent for a moment.
Then a gentle smile appeared on her face.
“I see…”
She gave a small bow of her head.
“Thank you.”
Lysera smiled shyly.
“You don’t have to thank me.”
As they talked…
Mirelya’s eyes fell upon the dagger Goro had left behind.
She walked over to it.
Kneeling down, she carefully examined the blade.
“Do you think we should take this with us?”
Lysera glanced at the weapon before answering naturally.
“If you want.”
She shrugged lightly.
“You could always sell it.”
“It looks like a very high-quality weapon.”
Mirelya nodded.
She carefully placed the dagger inside her bag.
Then returned to the others.
Garrick took a deep breath.
Resting one hand on his sword, he spoke.
Despite his weakened condition…
His voice remained firm.
“Alright.”
He looked around at everyone.
“First, we’re reporting everything that happened to the Guild.”
His expression hardened.
“And we’re going to find out how a mission like this ever ended up on that request board.”
After a brief pause, he continued.
“Then…”
“We head for Drakthar.”
He raised four fingers.
“I’ve got four days.”
He drew another slow breath.
“A single horse should be enough.”
Ren and Mirelya spoke almost simultaneously.
“What?!”
Garrick raised an eyebrow.
“What?”
He looked at both of them.
“I need to get there as fast as possible.”
Mirelya folded her arms.
“Don’t even think about going alone.”
Ren immediately agreed.
“Yeah.”
He smiled.
“We’re coming with you.”
Lysera remained silent.
She quietly tightened the hand that wasn’t holding her wound.
Her eyes lowered for a few moments.
Garrick shook his head.
“Have you all lost your minds?”
He looked directly at Mirelya.
“Mirelya…”
“You still have to save your… family in the Demon Kingdom.”
She answered without the slightest hesitation.
“I know.”
A gentle smile crossed her face.
“We’ll stop by Drakthar first.”
“Then we’ll continue our journey.”
She looked at Garrick.
“And just like you said…”
She pointed toward the backpack containing the dragon scales.
“Those dragon scales are worth a fortune.”
Ren stepped forward as well.
“I’m not leaving you behind, Garrick.”
He stopped mid-sentence.
As though he was about to say something else.
“Especially after I…”
He cut himself off.
Awkwardly scratching the back of his neck, he smiled sheepishly.
“Ah…”
“Just let us come with you, alright?”
Garrick frowned slightly.
“Especially after I…?”
“What was he going to say?”
Before he could ask…
Lysera spoke up.
“If you’ll allow me…”
Everyone turned toward her.
The assassin took a slow breath.
“I’d like to come with you too.”
Ren froze.
His fist remained clenched.
He stared straight at Goro without saying a word.
The old man slowly began pacing, as if he were giving a lecture.
“There are two kinds of Heroes.”
He raised one finger.
“Those who reincarnate with immense magical power.”
Then he raised a second.
“…And those whose strength surpasses human limits.”
Ren finished the sentence before he could.
“…The Heroes of Strength.”
His expression hardened.
“But what do you want from me?”
“And what kind of poison is this?”
A satisfied smile spread across Goro’s face.
“Excellent.”
“But one thing at a time.”
He continued walking at an unhurried pace.
“As for Heroes…”
He looked directly into Ren’s eyes.
“You already know about those two types.”
“But you…”
He narrowed his eyes.
“…weren’t reincarnated.”
“You were transported.”
His smile faded slightly.
“How… unusual.”
For a brief moment, silence settled over the battlefield.
Then Goro continued.
“But there’s still one thing you don’t know.”
He stopped only a few steps away from Ren.
His expression turned completely serious.
“Not even Heroes of Strength…”
He paused.
“…can defeat a dragon alone.”
Ren didn’t react.
His face remained completely expressionless.
Behind him, Garrick groaned in pain.
“Ren…”
The warrior struggled to breathe.
“Argh…”
A second later, Lysera’s weak voice followed.
She still clutched the dagger lodged in her abdomen.
Her face had turned deathly pale.
“It hurts…”
She gasped for air.
“Ren…”
Their eyes met.
“…Run.”
“Aaagh…”
Goro folded his arms.
“Your friends don’t have much time left.”
A faint smile crossed his face.
“If they truly are your friends.”
Ren slowly drew a deep breath.
His gaze became colder.
“What are you talking about?”
Goro didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, he slipped one hand inside his coat.
Moments later, he pulled out a small glass vial.
Without saying a word…
He tossed it toward Lysera.
Goro pointed at her.
“That Assassin…”
“…only has a few hours left.”
His smile disappeared.
“That’s an antidote.”
“For one person.”
Ren’s eyes darted to the tiny bottle.
Then back to Goro.
His expression was filled with confusion.
“…What?”
Goro shifted his attention toward Garrick.
“The cut he received was shallow.”
“But it was enough.”
His voice remained perfectly calm.
“The poison will kill him within four days.”
Garrick clenched his teeth.
“T-This…”
He struggled to breathe.
“…This is insane…”
Ren finally lost his patience.
He stepped forward.
“What the hell do you want?!”
Goro smiled again.
“The Kingdom of Drakthar lies two days from here on horseback.”
His tone remained calm and composed.
“That’s where this antidote is made.”
He paused.
Then stared directly into Ren’s eyes.
His expression grew completely serious.
“And besides…”
“…it saves me the trouble of dragging you there myself.”
“A much better arrangement, wouldn’t you agree?”
Ren stood perfectly still.
Goro continued.
“You’re a unique case.”
“A Hero without magic…”
His eyes slowly scanned Ren from head to toe.
“…yet possessing extraordinary strength.”
Ren clenched his fists.
He swallowed hard.
Finally, he spoke in a quiet voice.
“If you want to kill me…”
He took a deep breath.
“…then do it.”
His eyes never wavered.
“But save them.”
Garrick’s eyes widened.
“Ren…”
Lysera slowly lifted her head as well.
Surprise filled her expression.
For several long seconds…
Goro said nothing.
Then he answered with the same calm tone.
“If I truly wanted your life…”
A faint smile appeared on his face.
“…I would’ve already taken it.”
He sheathed one of his daggers.
“I could knock you unconscious…”
“…and carry you all the way to Drakthar.”
He took a few slow steps backward.
“Or…”
“You can walk there on your own.”
“…to obtain the antidote for the warrior.”
His gaze swept across the entire group.
“I believe you’ve already made your decision.”
He then looked toward Mirelya.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
“Until next time.”
Finally, he looked back at Ren.
“I’ll be waiting for all of you…”
“…in Drakthar.”
The next instant…
His body vanished.
As though he had never been there at all.
Only a gentle breeze remained, sweeping across the clearing.
Ren gritted his teeth.
His fists trembled with rage.
“You coward!!”
His shout echoed throughout the forest.
But no answer came.
Garrick remained silent for several long seconds.
Then, at last, he answered calmly.
“If he truly wanted us dead…”
His gaze swept across the group.
“…he would’ve killed us already.”
He took a slow breath.
“He gave Ren a choice.”
His eyes shifted toward Lysera.
“And, in a way…”
“…he gave the rest of us one as well.”
After a brief pause, he continued,
“I think it’s worth taking the risk.”
Ren lowered his eyes for a moment.
Then he nodded.
“…Alright.”
Without wasting another second, he knelt beside Lysera.
His hand carefully wrapped around the hilt of the dagger lodged in her abdomen.
He looked into her eyes.
“This is going to hurt.”
Lysera simply closed her eyes and gave a faint nod.
Ren tightened his grip.
Then, in one swift motion—
He pulled the blade free.
“AAAAAAARGH!!”
Lysera’s scream echoed throughout the forest.
Almost immediately, Mirelya stepped closer.
She raised her staff over the wound.
A gentle golden light began surrounding Lysera’s abdomen.
As the healing spell slowly eased the bleeding…
Ren tore two long strips from his own clothes.
With careful hands, he wrapped them around Lysera’s waist, creating a firm bandage to keep the wound compressed.
Once he finished…
He picked up the small glass vial.
Supporting Lysera’s head with one hand, he smiled reassuringly.
“Open your mouth, Lysera.”
She obeyed without protest.
Ren slowly poured the antidote into her mouth.
After she swallowed every last drop…
Mirelya lifted her staff once again.
“Now lie down for a little while.”
She offered a gentle smile.
“I’ll finish treating the wound.”
“Even if it’s only basic healing magic.”
While Mirelya continued tending to Lysera’s injury…
Ren stood up and walked over to Garrick.
He stopped beside the warrior.
“Garrick…”
Garrick slowly raised his head.
Even weakened, he forced himself to sit up straighter.
“I can still walk.”
He exhaled quietly.
He rubbed one hand across his forehead.
“My vision’s just… a little blurry.”
A few minutes later…
Lysera managed to stand.
One hand remained pressed firmly against her bandaged abdomen.
Mirelya supported her as they walked over.
Ren looked at her with concern.
“Can you walk alright, Lysera?”
She took a careful breath.
Pain was still written across her face.
“A little…”
She paused.
“…Argh.”
Mirelya looked at her curiously.
There was still one question lingering in her mind.
“Can I ask you something?”
Lysera nodded.
“Sure.”
Mirelya lowered her voice.
“Why did you take that attack for me?”
Lysera remained silent.
Her gaze slowly dropped toward the ground.
“I…”
She frowned slightly.
“I don’t know.”
After a quiet breath, she continued,
“My body…”
She looked at her own hands.
“…just moved on its own.”
Mirelya stared at her for several seconds.
Then a warm smile appeared on her face.
“I see…”
She gave a small bow of her head.
“Thank you.”
Lysera smiled shyly.
“You don’t have to thank me.”
As they spoke…
Mirelya noticed the dagger Goro had left behind.
She walked over to it.
Kneeling, she carefully examined its blade.
“Should we take this with us?”
Lysera glanced toward the weapon.
Then answered naturally,
“If you want…”
She shrugged.
“You can sell it.”
“It looks like it’s excellent quality.”
Mirelya nodded.
She carefully placed the dagger inside her bag before returning to the others.
Garrick took a slow breath.
Resting one hand on the hilt of his sword, he looked at everyone.
“Alright.”
“First, we’re reporting everything to the Guild.”
His expression hardened.
“And finding out how a mission like this ended up on the quest board in the first place.”
After a brief pause, he continued,
“Then…”
“We head to Drakthar.”
He raised four fingers.
“I have four days.”
He looked at the group.
“A single horse should be enough.”
Almost simultaneously…
Ren and Mirelya exclaimed,
“What?!”
Garrick raised an eyebrow.
“What?”
“I have to get there as fast as possible.”
Garrick raised an eyebrow.
“What?”
“I have to get there as fast as possible.”
Mirelya crossed her arms.
“Don’t even think about going alone.”
Ren immediately nodded in agreement.
“Yeah.”
He smiled.
“We’re coming with you.”
Lysera remained silent.
Her free hand tightened into a small fist.
For a few moments, she simply lowered her gaze.
Garrick shook his head.
“Have you all lost your minds?”
He looked directly at Mirelya.
“Mirelya…”
“You still have to save your… family in the Demon Kingdom.”
She answered without the slightest hesitation.
“I know.”
A faint smile appeared on her face.
“We’ll stop by Drakthar first.”
“Then we’ll continue our journey.”
She looked at Garrick.
“And besides…”
She pointed toward the backpack carrying the dragon scales.
“Like you said…”
“Those dragon scales should sell for quite a fortune.”
Ren stepped forward as well.
“I’m not leaving you behind, Garrick.”
He paused for a brief moment.
As if he were about to confess something.
“Especially after I…”
He suddenly stopped himself.
Awkwardly scratching the back of his neck, he gave an embarrassed smile.
“Ah…”
“Just… let us come with you, okay?”
Garrick frowned slightly.
“Especially after I…?”
He repeated Ren’s unfinished sentence in his mind.
What was he about to say?
Before Garrick could ask…
Lysera quietly spoke up.
“If you’ll allow me…”
Everyone turned toward her.
The assassin took a slow breath.
“I’d like to come with you as well.”
Mirelya blinked in surprise.
“Lysera?”
She smiled warmly.
“But you’re almost fully recovered.”
“And you’ve already taken the antidote.”
Lysera gave a small nod.
“I know.”
She winced slightly as another wave of pain ran through her body.
“…Ah.”
Her eyes drifted toward the place where Goro had disappeared.
“That man…”
Her expression gradually hardened.
“He wielded a spear…”
“…two daggers…”
“…and moved faster than anyone I’ve ever seen.”
Silence settled over the group.
After taking another slow breath, she continued.
“…That…”
Her fists clenched tightly.
“…was humiliating.”
She slowly raised her head.
“I want revenge.”
Her expression softened once more.
Looking at each of them in turn, she smiled faintly.
“And…”
“…you were the first people who ever treated me with kindness.”
No one spoke.
The four simply looked at her.
For the first time since they’d met…
Lysera looked almost shy.
Almost embarrassed for admitting how she truly felt.
Several long seconds passed.
Then Garrick let out a heavy sigh.
A small smile finally appeared on his face.
“…Alright.”
He looked at everyone.
“Then we’ll all go together.”
Ren grinned.
“Sounds good!”
Mirelya nodded enthusiastically.
“Yes.”
Lysera also nodded.
“…Thank you.”
Without wasting any more time…
The four of them began making their way back along the forest road.
Silence accompanied them once again.
Only the sound of their footsteps echoed through the woods.
Far away…
At the top of a towering rocky peak…
A lone figure stood silently beneath a long cloak.
Watching them.
Its face remained completely hidden beneath the hood.
Only its eyes could be seen.
Brilliant emerald-green eyes.
They pulsed faintly…
As they followed every movement Ren and the others made.
The mysterious figure never uttered a single word.
It simply remained there…
Completely motionless…
Watching the four adventurers disappear among the trees…
As they returned toward the city.