Haerak is bruised and battered, struggling to pull himself up as the bandits sneer and circle him like vultures.

His face was bloodied, his breath shallow and rasping as he pushed against the ground, a trembling hand clawing at the dirt.

He whispered under his breath, barely audible.

"Monsters."

But one of the bandits caught the word, his face twisting with cruel amusement.

"Oh? We're monsters now, are we?"

He sneered, crouching down next to Haerak and grabbing a fistful of his hair.

With a mocking chuckle, he wrenched Haerak's head back, forcing him to look up, his face mere inches from his own.

"You hear that, boys? He thinks we're the monsters."

Haerak's teeth clenched, his gaze unwavering despite his exhaustion.

The bandit's grin faded, his face hardening as he slammed Haerak's head against the rough bark of a nearby tree.

Pain shot through Haerak's body as his skull met wood, but he held back a cry, his resolve unwavering. Blood trickled down from a fresh gash above his eyebrow, his vision blurring as he fought to hold on.

Another bandit mocked as he walked over and planted a boot squarely in the middle of Haerak's back, forcing him face-first into the dirt.

"Look at you, all broken up but still trying to act tough."

The stomp was hard, merciless, pressing him further into the unforgiving ground, as if he was nothing more than an insect beneath their heels.

Haerak's ribs groaned under the weight, a choked sound escaping him.

One of them taunted as he ground his boot deeper into Haerak's back, watching with sick delight as Haerak struggled to even lift his head.

"Let's see you call us monsters now."

Haerak's lips moved, the words faint but fierce.

"You...won't...break me."

"Still got some fight in you, eh?"

Another bandit said with a dark chuckle, grabbing him by the collar and slamming him down again, twisting his arm back until it felt like it would snap.

And through it all, Haerak's mind circled back to one thought, one hope.

Aina... Run as fast as you can. Run far from here... and don't look back.

The third bandit sauntered over to where his companions were tormenting Haerak, holding up the scattered contents of Haerak's bag in one hand, his expression twisting in disappointment.

He grumbled, kicking the bag aside as if it were garbage.

"Man, we only got this useless stuff in here."

A threadbare blanket, a few worn-out tools, and a battered kitchen knife spilled onto the ground.

"Useless?" the first bandit sneered, looking down at Haerak with a sadistic gleam in his eye.

"Maybe. But at least we're having some fun with this old man."

He grabbed Haerak by the collar, forcing his head up so that he could see the bag's contents lying in the dirt.

Haerak's eyes flicked over the items, lingering on the little trinket he had set aside for Aina, now lying amidst the dirt and broken leaves.

He tried to reach for it, his fingers trembling as they stretched out, but one of the bandits noticed and stomped down on his hand, grinding his knuckles into the rocks and soil.

"Trying to grab something, old man?" the bandit laughed, pressing harder.

"Tell me, what's so special about this little bauble here?"

He lifted the trinket, twirling it between his fingers mockingly, his tone dripping with disdain.

Haerak clenched his teeth, his voice barely a growl.

"It's... not for you."

But his resistance only seemed to amuse them.

The bandit holding the trinket smirked, tossing it to one of the others as if it were a game.

"Aw, look at him trying to protect it. Like it matters."

The third bandit pocketed the trinket carelessly, looking down at Haerak with cold eyes.

"The only thing that matters is that you're here, at our mercy. And if you're so protective of that little keepsake, maybe we should keep it as a trophy."

Haerak's heart clenched, desperation and fury mingling with his exhaustion.

He tried to rise, to claw back what was his, but another blow sent him sprawling, pain shooting through his ribs.

All he could do was lie there.

Helpless, as the world faded in and out around him.

Through the haze of pain, his thoughts were solely on Aina, the only flicker of warmth left in his battered heart.

A shadow shifted overhead, barely noticeable until it plunged downward with lethal intent.

Qarek descended silently.

Landing with a swift, controlled impact directly on top of one of the bandits, crushing him to the ground in a blur of movement.

The bandit didn't even have time to scream before his body stilled, lifeless, under Qarek's weight.

The two remaining bandits stumbled back in shock, their faces going pale as they registered Qarek's sudden presence. Without giving them a second to react, Qarek straightened, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth, his posture loose, almost relaxed.

He taunted, his eyes gleaming with a fierce confidence.

"Bandits, huh?"

One of the bandits, his face twisted in rage and panic, lunged forward, thrusting his sword in Qarek's direction, followed quickly by another series of desperate, slashing swings.

But Qarek sidestepped the first thrust effortlessly, his body moving with a calculated ease, each swing slicing through empty air as he dodged and weaved.

The bandit's frustration grew, each swing more reckless than the last.

After the fifth wild strike missed its mark, Qarek finally moved, stepping in close to his attacker.

With a brutal force, he drove his fist forward, connecting squarely with the bandit's chest in an almost casual motion. The impact echoed through the trees as the bandit's body lifted off the ground, hurtling backward until he crashed against a nearby tree trunk.

The force of the blow leaving him slumped, breathless, and motionless.

The last bandit's face twisted in terror as he realized he was alone. He staggered back, clutching his sword with trembling hands.

But Qarek advanced slowly, his gaze focused, unwavering.

"Come on! Too slow! Ha ha ha!"

The bandit took a shaky step forward, and in a swift motion, Qarek lunged in, pivoting with incredible speed.

His foot connected with the bandit's knee in a harsh, calculated kick, buckling it and forcing him to his knees with a gasp of pain.

"Arghh!"

Before the bandit could even cry out, Qarek slipped behind him, grabbing his jaw in a vice-like grip.

With one powerful twist, he forced the bandit's head back, silencing him with a brutal snap, leaving the man's body limp in his grasp.

Qarek released him, letting the bandit crumple to the ground.

The clearing grew silent, the chaos of the fight dissipating into the eerie calm of the forest.

Qarek dusted off his hands, his sharp gaze scanning the trees for any other hidden threats, before his eyes landed on Haerak, who was struggling to rise, his face etched with a mix of pain and relief.

He asked, his voice steady, yet edged with a warmth that softened his fierce demeanor.

"Need a hand?"

Haerak, his body still trembling from the brutal assault, looked up at the stranger who had dispatched the bandits so effortlessly.

Blood trickled down his face as he squinted.

Haerak managed, his voice wavering as he pulled himself upright, leaning heavily against the tree.

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Then, glancing over his shoulder, Qarek raised his voice a bit.

"Aina, come here! It's safe. Your father's alright."

At his words, a small figure emerged from behind the trees, hesitant at first, then breaking into a sprint as she recognized the beaten figure of her father.

She ran across the blood-speckled ground, her small feet stumbling slightly on the rough forest floor as she neared them.

"Daddy!"

She cried, her voice choked with tears as she reached him, throwing her arms around him as he winced in pain, but his arms instinctively wrapped around her, holding her close.

Haerak whispered.

"Aina..."

He stroked her hair, his hand trembling slightly.

"I'm... I'm here, sweetheart. I'm here."

Aina pulled back just enough to look at him, her eyes wide and brimming with tears as they took in his bruised face, the blood and dirt smeared across his skin.

She whimpered, touching his cheek softly.

"Daddy...they hurt you...so much..."

Haerak's eyes filled as he forced a smile, trying to reassure her.

"Shh... it's alright now, Aina,"

He said, his voice cracking slightly.

"I promised I'd be with you, didn't I? Just a few scratches...nothing to worry about..."

But Aina shook her head, her small fists clinging to his shirt.

"No, Daddy! You... you look... you look..."

Haerak pulled her close again, her head resting against his chest as he gently rubbed her back.

He whispered, his words heavy with guilt and pain.

"I'm sorry, Aina. I tried... I tried to keep you safe."

He pressed his cheek to her hair, his own tears slipping quietly down his face as he held her, feeling her small body tremble with each sob.

Qarek, who had watched the reunion in silence, looked down, his gaze softened.

After a moment, he cleared his throat.

"I'll make sure no one hurts either of you again."

Aina's sobs slowed, her hand still clutching Haerak's shirt as she looked up at Qarek, her tear-streaked face full of both fear and gratitude.

Haerak held her tightly, casting a cautious glance at Qarek before giving a small, grateful nod.

"Thank you," he whispered, his voice breaking.

"You... you saved us."

Qarek simply nodded, his gaze steady.

"That's what we're here for."

He replied quietly, then crouched down to look Aina in the eyes.

"You did well, Aina. You were very brave for your father."

Aina sniffled, giving a tiny nod as her eyes lingered on her father, still wide with worry.

Haerak's gaze softened, the tension in his shoulders loosening just a little.

He looked at Aina, who was still nestled close, her small fingers gripping his shirt like it was her lifeline.

Haerak cleared his throat, his voice low.

"You said 'we.' Are there more of you nearby?"

Qarek gave a small nod.

"Aye, I'm part of a band. The Renaissance Band."

Haerak's face blanched, and he instinctively pulled Aina a little closer.

His eyes widened in recognition.

He muttered, almost to himself.

"Renaissance..."

Rumors about the Renaissance Band were rampant, especially for those living under the rule of the seven kingdoms.

While some saw them as heroes who rebelled against tyranny—

Others feared their brutal methods, believing them to be just as dangerous as the rulers they opposed.

Qarek caught the wary look and raised a hand, trying to ease Haerak's tension.

"Easy, now."

He said in a gentle tone.

"We're not out here looking for villagers. My problem's with the kingdoms, not with people just trying to get by."

He glanced meaningfully at Aina, then back at Haerak.

"I didn't come here to harm anyone who isn't wearing a king's sigil."

Haerak's breath slowed, and he swallowed hard.

Though the relief didn't erase the fear entirely, he gave a small nod.

"So... you're not here because of us?"

Qarek shook his head.

"Not in the slightest. In fact, we're here because people like you and your daughter deserve a life without having to fear every shadow on the road."

He glanced around, then lowered his voice.

"The kingdoms have taken too much from people like you. It's high time someone made them answer for that."

Haerak's grip on Aina relaxed just a bit as he took in Qarek's words.

Though he still looked wary, there was a glimmer of gratitude beneath his exhaustion.

Suddenly, the gentle rustle of bushes stirred the air nearby.

Haerak and Aina's faces tightened with alarm.

They instinctively pressed closer together, until Qarek raised a reassuring hand, a knowing smirk crossing his face.

"Here they are. My master and my friend."

Slowly, two figures emerged from the trees—one tall and stoic, the other shorter, bustling forward with an eager gleam in his eye.

The first man, with sharp, observing eyes, nodded silently.

His presence was quiet yet commanding, like a sentinel.

The second, however, practically leaped forward, his face lit with an enthusiasm that clashed almost humorously with the deadly aura of his companions.

Qarek motioned to each of them.

"Meet master Gargeal and Andhur."

Andhur shot a wide grin at Qarek.

"Ahh, 'friend,' eh? You'll have me blushing."

He turned to Haerak, peering at him with interest.

"A pleasure, a real pleasure. And what a fine little girl here, too. Quite the brave escape artist, I hear?"

Aina clutched Haerak's arm, a shy frown on her face, while Haerak gave a cautious nod.

"Thank you for helping us."

Gargeal, the taller of the two, merely nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze lingering protectively on Qarek.

Andhur, however, was already jabbering on.

"Qarek, you know, it's a rare thing for me to say I'm impressed, but really, we could've made it a bit more challenging for you, right?"

Andhur ribbed, laughing.

"Would've saved me the trouble of sneaking around these thorn bushes. Think I've lost half a sock and most of my patience in these woods."

Gargeal stepped forward, his expression serious but his voice calm.

"We are here to ensure your safety. The kingdoms do not take kindly to those who seek peace."

Andhur nodded vigorously.

"Exactly! We aim to disrupt that cycle. But master, what do you think? Did we arrive just in time, or what?"

Gargeal raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by Andhur's exuberance.

"Focus, Andhur. We're not here for pleasantries. We need to be vigilant."

Andhur rolled his eyes but quickly adjusted, his tone shifting.

"Ahh, of course, master. Always vigilant. But really, you, old man, it's admirable how you handled the situation. I've seen grown men fall apart when faced with bandits."

Haerak's eyes narrowed slightly, but he kept his voice steady.

"I just did what I had to for my daughter."

Qarek stepped in, his demeanor shifting to something more serious as he addressed Haerak.

"You showed great courage back there. Many would have frozen in fear."

Andhur nodded in agreement.

"Your instincts to protect Aina were commendable. It takes a strong man to put his child's safety above his own."

Aina peeked out from behind Haerak's leg, her gaze darting between the men.

"Are you all really heroes?"

Andhur knelt down to her level, his expression softening.

"We strive to be, little one. But heroes come in many forms. Sometimes, they're found in the most unlikely places, like your father here."

Haerak felt a swell of emotion but maintained his composure.

"I'm no hero. I'm just trying to keep her safe in this cruel world."

Qarek smiled slightly, a knowing look in his eyes.

"That's what makes you heroic. Your determination to protect Aina makes you stronger than many who bear swords."

Andhur chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

"If only we had more fathers like you in the world! Maybe we wouldn't need to be out here fighting the corrupt kingdoms!"

Gargeal shot Andhur a sidelong glance, but there was a hint of amusement in his expression.

"Let's keep the focus on the task at hand. We still need to ensure these two are safe before we discuss our next steps."

Andhur straightened, nodding seriously.

"Right, right! Safety first. My apologies, Master."

Haerak's brow furrowed as he took in the two men who had just appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

A mix of confusion and curiosity crossed his face.

"By the way, why did you all just show up like that? Were you... observing us the whole time?"

Andhur's eyes sparkled with excitement as he jumped in.

"Oh, oh! You bet we were! Ha ha ha ha! We've been keeping an eye on you since you entered the woods. It's not every day we see a father and daughter in such a precarious situation! You should have seen it. My heart was racing the whole time!"

Haerak shot Andhur a wary glance.

"So, you just watched while those bandits attacked us? How is that any better?"

Gargeal stepped forward, his demeanor serious and steady.

"We weren't simply watching. We were assessing the threat before intervening. It's crucial for us to understand the dynamics of a situation before we engage."

Andhur nodded vigorously, trying to add to Gargeal's point.

"Exactly! Exactly! Exactly! We had to ensure that stepping in wouldn't put you both in more danger. Plus, with bandits like those, you never know how many might be lurking around. It was a risk we had to weigh."

Haerak crossed his arms, still feeling a mix of gratitude and frustration.

"So, you thought it was wise to let me take the risk while you sat in the trees?"

Andhur shook his head, the smile fading slightly.

"No, no, no, no! It's not like that. We would've jumped in sooner if it looked like you were in real trouble. We just had to be smart about it. Bandits can be unpredictable."

Gargeal's eyes narrowed slightly, his tone firm but calm.

"We protect ourselves as much as we protect others. In the chaos of an ambush, a single misstep could lead to more harm than good. We had to wait for the right moment."

Haerak relaxed a fraction, his gaze flicking between the two.

"I suppose I understand that. But it doesn't change how vulnerable I felt back there."

Andhur raised his hands in a placating gesture.

"We're here now, though! And that's what matters. You and Aina are safe."

He turned to Aina, who was still clutching her father's shirt tightly, looking up at the trio with wide eyes.

"See? We're the good guys!"

Aina nodded slowly, her innocence shining through her earlier fear.

"Will you protect us?"

Gargeal softened slightly at her question.

"That is our promise. We will ensure no one threatens you again."

Haerak sighed, feeling the weight of his exhaustion mixed with a flicker of hope.

"Thank you for stepping in when you did. It's just... hard to trust after everything we've been through."

Haerak adjusted his grip on Aina's hand, eyeing the three men curiously.

"So... what happens now? Where are you all headed?"

Gargeal's expression softened, his tone thoughtful.

"For now, we're waiting for Zach, the captain of our band. He's the one who leads us in everything we do."

The mention of Zach seemed to ignite something in Andhur, who leaned in excitedly, eager to elaborate.

"Oh, and what a leader he is! He's got this whole... vision, you know? It's not just about fighting the kingdoms or causing some rebellion for the sake of chaos—no, no, no! It's far more profound than that. Captain has a plan to remake the whole order of things! He's got ideas that would—"

Qarek rubbed his temples, sighing loudly.

"Andhur... please... do you ever take a break from talking?"

Andhur turned to him, looking scandalized.

"Talking? I'm not just talking, Qarek! I'm enlightening! Sharing wisdom, inspiration! We have a duty to explain things properly to new people, so they understand the grand vision!"

Qarek rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath.

"Right, because if there's one thing they need after fighting for their life, it's a lecture on philosophy."

But Andhur either didn't hear or simply ignored him.

He launched into an even more animated monologue.

"You see, Captain's dream isn't just for some temporary fix. He's a master planner, thinking years, no, decades ahead! He's rethinking society itself. A complete overhaul, a new order where people like you and Aina will live in peace and prosperity! No more oppression, no more kingdoms hoarding power and wealth, no more—"

Qarek couldn't help himself and finally cut in with a loud groan.

"For the love of everything, Andhur, breathe! You sound like you're running away from a crocodile."

Andhur waved a dismissive hand at Qarek, his face flushed with excitement.

"Oh, you wouldn't understand, Qarek! You see everything in terms of fights and battles, but this, this is bigger than just a fight! This is about changing lives. Isn't that right, Master?"

Gargeal nodded with a faint smile, though he looked like he might prefer a little more quiet himself.

"Hmm."

Andhur looked a bit sheepish for a second, then perked up again, apparently undeterred.

"Oh, of course! But if he has any questions, I'm here for the answers! I mean, who else is going to tell him about the intricacies of—"

Qarek, unable to bear another moment of Andhur's enthusiastic rambling, took a step forward, raising a hand like he might physically stop him.

"Andhur, you've said enough! Captain will be here soon, and I think the poor guy," he said, gesturing toward Haerak.

"He could use a moment to digest all that."

Andhur clucked his tongue, folding his arms in exaggerated annoyance.

"Fine, fine, Qarek! But you're going to regret it when Haerak here starts asking you for the details and you come crawling back to me for help!"

Qarek raised an eyebrow, deadpan. "I think I'd rather chew rocks."

Andhur sniffed, looking theatrically offended.

"Mock all you want, but knowledge is power, my friend. Don't come crying to me when you need the finer points of Captain's philosophy explained."

Qarek snorted, crossing his arms.

"Trust me, Andhur, I think I'll manage without the 'finer points.'"

Aina giggled softly at their exchange, and even Haerak couldn't hide a slight smile.

The lighthearted bickering seemed to bring a strange comfort, grounding the strange situation they'd found themselves in.

Gargeal, watching the scene unfold, shook his head slightly, though there was a faint, approving smile on his lips.

"All right, settle down, both of you," he said, looking from Andhur to Qarek.

"Let's not confuse them more than necessary."

Andhur grinned and gave Qarek a playful elbow jab.

"See? The master thinks I'm right."

Qarek rolled his eyes, smirking.

"Only in your dreams, Andhur."

Haerak chuckled softly, finally relaxing a bit.

"Well, I guess if all of you trust this... Zach..."

"... then maybe he's someone worth meeting."