Dawn broke over the forest, casting soft light across the trees. Hide stirred from his sleep—and immediately froze.
Someone was beside him.
A girl.
He quietly sat up and reached for a blanket, gently covering her. Without making a sound, he left the camp and disappeared into the forest.
Sometime later, Hide returned with two fresh fish and began cooking over the fire. His eyes drifted to the girl, still asleep. He didn't want to wake her, not yet.
The smell must have done the trick. She blinked awake, locking eyes with him.
Her face turned red instantly.
"You must be hungry," Hide said, handing her one of the cooked fish.
She took it, but didn't seem too thrilled. Hide noticed her hesitation. Without a word, he stepped over, took the fish back, and transformed it into cooked meat with a touch of his power.
This time, she ate without hesitation.
"Sorry I intruded," she said after finishing. "I was cold, hungry, and saw your campfire. You were asleep, and I didn't want to disturb you. I… also ate a little from your bag."
"It's fine," Hide replied with a smile. "As long as you're feeling better."
"I'm Charlotte," she said. "Thank you for your kindness."
Hide introduced himself—his real name.
As they spoke, Bashoman stirred. The large, fluffy beast yawned and padded over.
"Whoa! Is that your pet? He's so fluffy!" Charlotte said with wide eyes.
Hide blinked. She could see Bashoman?
"He's not my pet," Hide said, feeding the beast. "He belongs to my master. She sent him to watch over me."
Charlotte laughed. "Your master's a woman, and she sends a giant fluffball to check on you?"
Hide sighed. "She may be strange, but she taught me how to survive."
Charlotte smiled. Then she pointed at him. "You forgot to cover your left eye."
Hide touched his face—too late.
She had seen it.
"The God's Eye… right?" she asked.
Hide nodded slightly and shared a glimpse of his story.
She listened quietly, then offered hers in return. Her father had been one of the top adventurers—until he died in a raid. Her mother too. Now, she traveled for her own reasons—part revenge, part purpose.
"Don't tell anyone about my eye," Hide said seriously. "There are people who'd do anything to get it."
"I won't. But… can I call you Cyrus?"
He nodded.
"One more thing," she said with a smile. "Join my guild."
Hide blinked. "You have a guild?"
"It's just me right now. But I want to build something better. Not just another power-hungry group."
Hide thought for a moment, then nodded. "I've got no guild. Why not."
"Welcome to the guild, Cyrus-kun!" she beamed.
"The name's… Dragonfly," she added proudly.
Odd name—but it didn't bother him.
As they packed up, Charlotte walked alongside him.
"We're guildmates now. We should travel together."
Cyrus smiled. Just like that, he had a companion.
Their next destination: Valen.
Before reaching the gates, a group of mercenaries stopped them.
"Have you seen a man wearing a red bandanna?" one asked.
They shook their heads.
"He's a murderer. Ten victims. Even kids," the mercenary said grimly.
The two nodded and continued on.
"Cyrus," Charlotte whispered, "isn't it strange they told us that? Wouldn't they keep that info to themselves?"
"They didn't have to warn us," Cyrus said. "But if something happened because they didn't… they'd carry that guilt."
"I see…"
The road to Valen stretched ahead—and their journey together had only just begun.