"Ah... definitely planning to escape..."

Miruku huddled inside the carriage, the door closed tightly, even though the vehicle had come to a halt. She had no intention of stepping out, no matter how much time passed. Her heart pounded in her chest, and every second spent inside that enclosed space felt like an eternity. A wave of regret washed over her—why had she ever climbed into this carriage in the first place?

But deep down, she knew. There was another reason, one that ran deeper than her current panic.

She remembered the moment she was chosen as a Hero. After the news reached her parents, they had both been proud beyond words. Her father, usually so reserved, had looked her in the eyes and said, "Let's go, Miruku. You’re a natural-born assassin. Slaying monsters is a sacred duty for all humans. With your skills, you’ll surely be the one to kill the Demon Lord."

Her mother had echoed his confidence, beaming with pride. "Yes, Miruku. You’ve already surpassed your brother and sister in skill. Out of all our children, you are the brightest star. Go, and you will make our family proud."

At that moment, standing in the warmth of her parents' approval, she'd felt invincible. "That’s right! I am strong! How could I ever say no?" she had thought.

But now, in the quiet of the carriage, her confidence had evaporated. She was Miruku Sinsa, the second child of an assassin family, but outside of her home, no one knew her. She was just another face, another name. When she left her family... who was she?

"Knock, knock."

“Y!!”

The sound rattled her nerves, and she nearly jumped out of her skin. Someone was knocking on the door.

A sudden flood of anxiety rushed in. Get out of the carriage? Or run away? The questions spiraled in her mind. Go? How do I respond? I’m not strong enough to stand alongside other Heroes... What if they're all powerful, and I’m just... me?

Miruku slumped back down, her courage faltering again.

Then her eyes drifted to her black dress, a fine garment she’d chosen so carefully for this exact moment. Her maid had spent hours making sure she looked perfect, and she’d even practiced introductions, aiming to make a good first impression.

"Ah...!"

That's right! She had prepared for this moment, at least enough to meet the others for the first time. Her heart might be full of doubts, but the least she could do was face them.

Even if she planned to leave the squad, she still had to talk to them first. There was no escaping that.

Taking a deep breath, she finally resolved to move. First, get out. Then, explain that I want to leave.

Miruku exhaled sharply, stood up, and straightened her dress. She picked up her shoulder bag from the floor and checked herself in the small mirror mounted on the carriage wall. Her hair, still perfect. Her dress, spotless. Thankfully, the plush carpets of the high-end carriage had kept her outfit clean despite her hiding.

Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

With one final breath, she pressed a hand to her chest to calm her racing heart. **This is it.**

Gathering every ounce of courage, she opened the door. Sunlight poured in, momentarily blinding her as she stepped out of the carriage.

Anyi and Ariana had been waiting for some time when the black, gothic-style dress emerged from the carriage. A girl with delicate, doll-like features descended, her long lashes casting faint shadows on her pale skin, while her clear, determined eyes held a hint of curiosity.

Though she was beautiful in her own right, Miruku couldn’t compare to Ariana's ethereal grace. Her gaze shifted nervously as she met the two figures waiting for her.

Wha... What?!

Her thoughts spun wildly. What is that above them? The sight of them both overwhelmed her senses—Ariana, radiant and bathed in divine light, while Anyi's dark, indifferent aura felt oppressive, like a shadow of death lingering at his side.

Miruku’s confidence crumbled. She had thought today was her best look, but standing before them, her aura was utterly crushed. Come back! Come back!! Her mind screamed for her to retreat. This was a mistake. She couldn’t stand here anymore!

Just as her thoughts spiraled into panic, Ariana stepped forward, her movement as graceful as the morning light that seemed to follow her.

"Good friend," Ariana greeted with a serene smile, her voice gentle. "I am Aldrich Theocracy's Holy Maiden, Holy Hero Ariana Aldrich. You must be the Thorn Hero, Miruku Sinsa."

Miruku froze, eyes darting left and right, unsure of how to respond. "Ah... Ah, yes," she stammered, barely managing to nod.

Ariana’s smile was warm and genuine, a small comfort in the overwhelming situation. Maybe... maybe the Heroes aren't so terrifying after all...

Then Anyi stepped forward. "Sword Hero, Anyi Carl," he introduced himself, his calm expression as cold and unreadable as stone.

Miruku’s heart seized. What... what is this feeling? She felt her body tremble. Does he hate me?

She could feel the disdain. No, it's worse—he's completely indifferent! He doesn't think I belong here.

I was wrong! Guilt flooding her thoughts. I don't belong in the Hero squad! I should’ve known... I should’ve run while I had the chance. Just now, I thought maybe they weren't so scary, but I was wrong. So wrong! I’ll just disappear...

Anyi noticed the panic in her eyes, and for a moment, he felt a flicker of concern. Did I scare her? His sister had often told him his stoic demeanor could be intimidating, and now he saw the truth of her words. His face, impassive and unchanging like a slab of rock, rarely conveyed his thoughts. He needed to fix this.

"Aren't you planning on introducing yourself?" Anyi added, his tone neutral, trying to shift her attention away from her spiraling thoughts.

For Miruku, his question hit like a bolt of lightning. Self-introduction! Right! I haven’t said anything since I got off the carriage! Her eyes widened in realization. Of course he thinks I’m useless. I haven’t even introduced myself yet! No wonder I’m hated!

'I am Miruku Sinsa, fifteen years old, from Brana City's assassin family, daughter of the Sinsa family. From today onwards, I join the Hero squad. Please... give me lots of advice.'

In Miruku's mind, the introduction flowed smoothly, polished and confident. Yes, that's right! It's simple. Just introduce yourself. Very simple...

But as she stood before Ariana and Anyi, her words stumbled, her thoughts faltered.

"I... I am Miruku... Sinsa... Uh."

Uh...

Uh...

It had failed.

Anyi gave her a silent nod, likely assuming she wasn't much of a talker. Meanwhile, Ariana stepped forward, her radiant warmth cutting through the tension. She took Miruku’s small, cold hand and smiled gently.

"Since you’re here, we’ll be companions in the same squad from now on. I’ll call you Miruku, and you can just call me Ariana."

Miruku’s mind raced, trying to focus on the friendly tone while Ariana turned to Anyi.

"Sword Hero, can we address you by your name too?" she asked playfully.

"Arbitrarily," Anyi replied in a faint voice, barely acknowledging the conversation.

"Okay, Anyi!" Ariana chirped.

Anyi raised an eyebrow. "I'm older than you. Don’t you think it’s odd?"

"Then should I call you Anyi big brother?" Ariana teased.

"Still, the original is better," Anyi grumbled.

"Okay, Anyi."

Miruku, lost in her own panic, was silently screaming in her head. 'Good, good, good, don't look at me. Just keep talking to each other, ignore me. Everything’s fine...'