The crackling fire cast flickering shadows on the cave walls, providing a brief respite from the dangers lurking outside. Satoshi leaned back against the rocky surface, his sword resting within arm's reach. Rosalie, still shaken from their earlier battle, sat across from him, lost in thought.
"So, what were you doing out here in the forest?" Satoshi finally asked, breaking the silence. He looked at her with mild curiosity. "These monsters are at least level five, and earlier you said you were only a G-ranked adventurer."
Rosalie sighed, her fingers curling around the edge of her cloak. "I wasn't out here alone," she admitted. "I was with a party—three other adventurers who were more experienced than me. They were teaching me the basics: simple spells, survival tactics, and how to work as a team. We spent most of the day slaying giant bats without much trouble, thanks to my wind magic keeping them at bay. I felt… useful. Like I was finally learning how to handle myself out here."
She paused, her gaze distant as if reliving the moment. "We were heading back to the Kingdom of Light when we stumbled upon something horrifying. A party of two was under attack—being ripped apart by that… thing." Her voice wavered as she recalled the scene. "It wasn't like the other bats we had fought. It was different. Stronger. Smarter. It attacked with purpose, not just instinct. I thought—we have to help them! But… the others didn't move. They looked away, pretending they didn't see it."
Satoshi's expression darkened. "Cowards."
Rosalie nodded, gripping her arms. "I was scared too. Every part of me wanted to turn and run. But when I saw the sheer terror in the eyes of those two adventurers, I knew I couldn't. Even if I wasn't strong enough, even if I didn't stand a chance… I had to do something."
She clenched her fists. "So I stepped forward. With what little experience I had, I used my magic to push the bat back—buying them just a few precious seconds. And it worked. They got away. But the monster… it turned on me instead. My magic wasn't strong enough to hurt it. I could only delay the inevitable. I was on my knees, completely drained, staring into those blood-red eyes, knowing I was about to die." She let out a small, bitter laugh. "Then you showed up."
Satoshi crossed his arms, nodding. "It takes courage to risk your life for others. You did great."
Rosalie smiled faintly. "And the adventurers I saved…?"
"They're safe," Satoshi confirmed. "Recovering. In fact, they were the ones who told me you were out here."
Relief flooded her face. "I see… I'm glad they made it."
Satoshi stood, stretching slightly. "You should get some sleep. We're leaving as soon as dawn breaks."
Rosalie hesitated. "What about you?"
"I'll keep watch. In case any smaller creatures find their way in."
She frowned. "And why should I blindly trust a stranger I just met to watch my back? You could leave me alone at any moment."
Satoshi smirked slightly. "You need sleep more than I do. You're a mage. Mana is your power source, and without rest, you won't recover it. After that attack you unleashed earlier, I'm guessing you're all out. If something happens while I'm asleep, you won't be able to do a thing."
Rosalie opened her mouth to argue, but the logic was sound. He was right. But still…
Satoshi's expression softened just a bit. "Of course, it's hard to trust me after what happened with your friends. I get it. But now's not the time to dwell on that. Get some rest."
Rosalie lowered her gaze before nodding. "Alright."
She lay down, exhaustion finally catching up to her. The warmth of the fire and the steady sound of Satoshi sharpening his blade lulled her into a deep sleep.
—
Sunlight filtered through small cracks in the cave walls, spilling onto Rosalie's face. She groaned, covering her eyes with her hands. Slowly, she sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"Satoshi?"
Silence.
She looked around, her heart hammering. Did he leave me behind?
Panic surged through her, and she scrambled out of the cave—only to stop short at the sight of Satoshi kneeling among the grass, gathering herbs.
He glanced up. "Oh, you're awake. You ready to head out?"
Rosalie exhaled, relief washing over her. "Head out to where, exactly?"
"I'm heading to the Kingdom of Light. I can make big money off these monster parts there."
Rosalie perked up. "I'm heading there too. I need to check in with my family."
Satoshi shoved the last of the herbs into his bag. "Then I guess we're traveling together."
They set off, leaving the forest behind as the towering walls of the Kingdom of Light came into view.
The grand city stretched toward the sky, its white stone buildings gleaming in the sunlight.
Satoshi whistled. "Didn't expect it to be this huge."
Rosalie smiled. "Let's go get your monster remains cashed in."
They made their way through the bustling streets to the exchange office. A teller greeted them with a polite smile. "Good morning! What items do you have for us today, adventurer?"
Satoshi placed the items on the counter.
The teller gasped. "No way! Evolved crimson fangs… crimson pearls… crimson claws… and a pair of crimson wings? These are incredibly rare! The evolved bat is almost never spotted, let alone slain."
She quickly tallied the value. "Your total comes to six hundred thousand Gelts."
Rosalie's jaw dropped. "That much? For a low-class boss monster?"
Satoshi accepted the money without hesitation. "Thanks."
As he turned to leave, the teller frowned. "Before you go… what's your rank?"
Satoshi paused. "I'm not registered yet."
The teller stared. "Wait… so you're telling me you're an unregistered adventurer? You don't have the Goddess of Light's blessing, and you still managed to defeat a giant evolved bat?"
Rosalie stiffened. Unregistered? She stared at Satoshi in shock. That means… he was only using his raw, human abilities that entire time? No magic enhancements, no divine blessings? I thought he was at least level seven!
Satoshi shrugged. "Sounds about right."
The teller's hands trembled as she set down her papers. "Wait here. I need to inform the head office about this."
As she hurried away, Satoshi turned to Rosalie and whispered, "Let's go."
Rosalie blinked. "Why?"
"I don't like drawing unnecessary attention."
She hesitated but nodded, slipping out the door with him before anyone could stop them.
The heavy clatter of chains echoed through the dimly lit chamber as the girl stumbled forward, her wrists raw from the iron cuffs that bound them. Dust and filth coated the stone floor beneath her bare feet, but she barely noticed. Her body ached, her spirit worn thin from the endless torment.
A rough hand seized her arm, yanking her forward.
"Move it, you worthless rat!" the slave owner barked.
Before she could brace herself, pain exploded across her face. His hand struck her cheek with a force that sent her reeling, her head snapping to the side. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth.
A second man, taller and leaner, let out an exasperated sigh.
"Be careful," he warned. "She's our merchandise. If she's bruised, she won't sell. No one wants damaged goods."
The first man scoffed, rubbing his knuckles as if he regretted wasting the effort.
"Tch. You're right… my mistake."
The girl barely heard them. Their words blurred together, meaningless noise against the void of despair that had taken root inside her. She lifted her head, her eyes dull, staring into nothing.
Her voice was barely a whisper, hoarse from days of pleading.
"I can't do this anymore… Someone, please… just end it."
Her words fell into the silence, unnoticed. The chains rattled again as she was forced to keep moving.