In the heart of the Husui Region, the snow-laden landscape stretched endlessly, its pristine white interrupted only by a towering barricade of wooden stakes.

A lone, hooded traveler trudged through the snow towards the wooden barrier, etching their very determination into the snow with each step.

As they approached, figures emerged atop the stakes, silhouetted against the snowy horizon.

Villagers, their faces obscured by their fur hoods, sheltering them from the harsh Husui winters. They peered down at the black haired traveler with wary curiosity.

Lifting a hand in greeting while using their other hand to pull down their hood, the traveler shouted through the biting cold. "Hello! I am Braveheart," he called out. "Otherwise known as Theron Blackborne! I've come to rid you of this man-killer bear that's been terrorizing your village!"

With exchanging glances, a hushed murmur coursed through the guards atop the fence.

Theron could tell he was being assessed. “I don't blame them. A random adventurer coming to say he's there to kill the creature haunting their nights? They must think I'm some fool.”

After a while, one of the villager guards, a woman with tanned skin and a keen gaze, stepped forward with her naginata, her voice echoing across the snow-covered expanse.

"Prove yourself, stranger! Show us that you're prepared to face such a monster!"

Without hesitation, Theron reached for his pack on his left hip, withdrawing an arsenal of tools: Rope, bandages, and vials of potent elixirs.

“That’s good and all, but do you even have weapons!?”

Knowing she'd say that, Theron simply turned around and pointed to his back, revealing more tools: A sturdy silver bow, a red sword that shimmered with a crimson hue, and a quiver filled with poison-tipped arrows.

The woman backed down and conversed further with her comrade. With exchanged nods, their eyes alight with newfound hope, they invited Theron within the safety of Husui Village.

-

At the center of the village, a wiry villager, breathless from sprinting through the snow-covered roads, burst into the chief's hut. "Chief Harkon, there's someone you need to meet!"

Chief Harkon, a small and stoic figure with weathered features that spoke of years spent navigating the harsh Husui landscape, sat at a ground level table in the center of the hut.

Looking up from his daily prayer, Harkon saw Drin, a meek-looking young man with dusty brown hair, and a taller individual behind him.

As the pair entered, the silhouetted figure revealed themselves to be Theron Blackborne. His mere presence filled the room with an air of confidence and purpose.

Chief Harkon observed Theron with a keen eye, a soft-toned man with black hair and ignited blue eyes. His seasoned adventurer's outfit revealed volumes about his experience and preparedness.

Not only clad in attire suited for the harsh Husui winters, his clothing was a blend of practical black adventurer clothes, adorned with subtle details denoting his expertise.

Reinforced leather patches protected vulnerable areas, hinting at countless battles fought and survived. A waist belt with numerous pockets to carry small items. The weapons he carried on his back emitting faint waves of arcane magic.

All of it spoke of a true warrior to Harkon.

"Chief Harkon," Theron spoke, his voice carrying the weight of his experience, "I've come to assist your village."

Harkon nodded, acknowledging the newcomer. "I see. Theron, please, have a seat… Drin, could you leave us alone for a bit?"

“Yessir!” Drin complied, making his exit.

As Drin hurried out, the chief turned his gaze back to Theron, his expression a blend of scrutiny and consideration.

Sitting down at the low table across from Harkon, Theron himself couldn't help but look around and fathom the beauty of the hut he found himself in.

The interior of Chief Harkon's hut was a sanctuary of warmth amidst the unforgiving chill of Husui. Supported by sturdy wooden beams intricately carved with ancient symbols and motifs, every surface just exudes tradition.

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A central hearth behind Harkon crackled and roared, casting a comforting glow that bathed the room in a warm light.

The walls were lined with animal hides, various artifacts, a mix of ceremonial masks, ancestral weapons, and intricate carvings paying homage to the spirits revered by the villagers.

All of it echoed the deep history and connection between the people of Husui and the land they called home.

“My, you got a nice place ‘round here, Chief.”

“Indeed…” Harkon replied, his brow furrowing in thought. “Mind if I cut to the chase?”

“By all means, please do.”

“Can you truly face this beast that has brought our best within the village to their graves?"

Theron met the chief's gaze with unwavering determination. "Your skepticism is valid. I heard not only many adventurers before me tried, but also a battalion of knights from the June Kingdom. They all fell victim to the beast… But, I've faced creatures far deadlier than this bear, Chief Harkon. I give you my word, I’ll rid your village of this ongoing nightmare."

Chief Harkon gauged Theron for a moment longer before nodding in acceptance. "Very well, Theron Blackborne. You have our support. The safety of Husui rests on your shoulders. May Vahla be with you."

“Understood, thank you Chief. I will not fail.”

As Theron stood up, respectfully bowed to Chief Harkon, and turned to leave the hut, he found himself immediately engulfed by a whirlwind of bustling villagers, each vying for his attention.

"Tell us about your wildest adventure!" exclaimed a wide-eyed young boy, his enthusiasm palpable.

"Hey, adventurer! I don’t see a shield on you! I have the finest ones here!" A merchant interjected, thrusting an array of shields towards Theron.

“Oy! You lot! Treat our guest with respect, you hear!” Chief Harkon's voice boomed from inside his hut, getting louder as he exited to confront the mob.

Theron though managed a reassuring smile amidst the commotion. "Ah, Chief Harkon, it's quite alright! I'm sort of used to this.”

Kneeling down to match the height of the curious boy, he put a hand on his shoulder. “Tell me kid, what's your name?”

“My name is Hijun!” The boy ecstatically exclaimed.

“Ah, Hijun. You asked for my wildest adventure yet, right? I think I have just the one in mind…”

Theron proceeded to share a quick tale of a fierce encounter with a Chimera Beast in the Buon Region, calming Hijun's excitement while intriguing the villagers around him.

Now turning to the merchant, Theron glimpsed at his selection just to be polite. “So this is your selection of shields? I don't have one myself at the moment. Mainly because I left my last one at the previous regional checkpoint on the way here, haha!”

“Indeed indeed! Please, if you're going to fight that creature, you're gonna need one, no?”

Looking at all the intrinsically designed shields made of different materials, Theron thought to himself, “Oh boy, these shields don't look good at all. Many of them have dents, scratches, or obvious signs of weak craftsmanship…”

“Say, pal, how much is this one?” Theron said, picking up a wooden shield lined with animal leather and a metal rim.

“300 Junes!”

“Yep, a scam. I could get this practically for free back in Kirull Valley… But, can't back down now I guess…”

Reluctantly paying the merchant to not look rude, Theron set off for the snow wasteland with his new shield, waving to the unanimous cheers of the villagers.

Now at the front gate, he was stopped again by the two guards he first met.

“Halt, Braveheart.”

“Eh? Did I do something wrong?”

“No, but do you even know where you're going?

“…Huh, I guess I don't, haha…” Theron sheepishly rubbed the back of his head at his embarrassing realization.

The two guards on the other hand face palmed, both thinking the same thing, “THIS is our hero?”

“Excuse me, traveler!” An ebony-toned young woman shouted behind the trio.

Making it to them, the woman panted and gasped as she rested on your knees. “Travel— I mean, Braveheart, please…”

“Woah, are you alright ma'am?” Theron kneeled to help support the woman. As he looked down though, something would catch his eye.

One of the guards pulled down her furhood, revealing an almost identical face to the woman. Same amethyst eyes, ebony-toned skin, and soft features. Only difference being the scar on her left cheek and her short, tomboyish hair compared to the woman's long, straight hair.

“Poula? You're supposed to be inside resting! What are yo—!?”

“I know, sister Iila, but I have a request…”

Theron's curiosity was piqued. “A request… for me?”

“Yes… Please Braveheart, this necklace I have,” Poula spoke with tears swelling in her eyes as she grasped at her snowflake necklace, “It's only a half of a whole… My husband had the other half when… When he…”

“I see…” Theron spoke with complete understanding of her situation. “…May I ask, Ms. Poula, how long?”

“It was four months ago… When the bear first attacked and the men were sent to fight it…”

“My apologies, Ms. Poula. I meant… Your pregnancy.”

Briefly shocked, Poula took a moment to cup the bump on her stomach.

“Five months…” She said, not being able to hold back the flood of tears anymore. “I–I… I never g–got to tell him!”

“Poula!” Iila rushed to her sister's aid, embracing her in an attempt to soothe her tears.

As Poula herself clung onto her older sister, crying her heart out, Theron could only stand up as a silent flame of fury lit in his eyes... Curiously enough, to the other guard's surprise, the very snow beneath Theron would start to boil and melt…