After an hour of traveling, they decided to rest and check on Toru’s leg. After chatting with Toru, Kana found out that the forest she came from was one of the most dangerous because there were powerful dragons and other mythical beings.

“So, you live in the forest? Did you see anything scary?” Toru asked.

Kana replied, “Yes, most of the things I saw or fought were. I have fought werewolves, huge rhinos, and a drake before,” Kana said with pride.

After checking his leg and seeing the wound had stopped bleeding, Kana and Toru continued walking toward the village.

“Yeah, drakes are strong, but they are slow. You wait for them to let their guard down, then strike them in the eyes since their scales are hard to pierce through,” Kana replied remembering the time she had slain her first drake. It truly was a challenge.

As they were talking, they ended up at the village faster than they thought. “So, this is Ruseon. It looks busy,” Kana remarked. The village was well-maintained and even had guards at the front gate in metal armor.

“Yeah, my grandpa is the greatest blacksmith,” Toru told her proudly.

"Best blacksmith, huh? Wonder what he is doing in a small village like this?" Kana thought confused; she decided to ask Toru why. ‘

“If he is the best, why does he not live in the capital? Wouldn't it be better working for the emperor?”

.

“Well, this is grandpa’s hometown where he first met grandma. After her death, he wanted to stay here to keep his memories of her alive,” Toru replied sadly.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“Sorry, kid. I didn’t want to make you sad," Kana replied. She didn't want the kid being down because of questions.

“No, it is not a problem. It was a long time ago," Toru remarked clearly with a small smile.

“Well, let's get going. Standing in front of this gate is pretty awkward,” Kana told Toru, and they start moving among the villagers.

As they neared a building, a guard yelled, “Toru! Where were you? Do you know how worried your grandfather was?” The guard looked angry, and from his red face, he seemed tired with red eyes, must have been up all night.

“Sorry, Jokou. I was stupid,” Toru said to the guard.

“Yeah, you were stupid sneaking out of the village and into the forest like that? What were you thinking? We were getting ready to check the forest right now!” the guard yelled, attracting a lot of attention to them.

“What is going on, Jok?” asked a tall man in a metal-plated armor.

“Captain, it is nothing. I must take Torus back home,” Jokou replied since the kid was the son of his good friend. He wanted to make sure he went home instead of disappearing again.

“Of course, but don’t expect to get paid for the time you are gone,” the captain replied.

“Thank you, Captain,” he remarked stiffly.

“Let's go, Toru. Your grandfather is going to skin you alive," he replied, then he noticed Kana. “Who are you? I have never seen you around here before.”

“I’m Kana, an adventurer who wants to see the world,” Kana said confidently.

“You look to be about fourteen. Where are your parents' kid?”

“I’m not a child; I am twenty-five. I only look young,” Kana said, feeling frustrated. "Making myself younger was a bad idea," Kana thought to herself.

“Huh, you're not lying to me, are you?” he retorts intensely studying her face.

“It is true. I look young, but I am twenty-five. Why won't you people ever believe me?” Kana said a little depressed

“Well, I believe you, for now, so what are you doing around Toru?” he asked.

Before she could say anything, Toru beat her to it. “I was in the forest when this huge wolf came at me. Kana saved me by killing the wolf like it was nothing!”

“Thank you, Kana, for saving this brat! If he was hurt, the old blacksmith would be devastated,” he said to Kana sincerely.

“It was no problem. He was lucky I came when I did, or he would have been dinner,” Kana replied jokingly.

“Yeah, it was a good thing. I think he would have given it indigestion,” Jokou said playing along.

“Hey guys, could you not say this in front of me?” Toru asked, feeling insulted.

“Kukuku, HaHaha!” Both Kana and Jokou burst out laughing at him.

“Guys!”

“Alright let's go to Toru’s house before he starts crying,” Kana said and they started walking in that direction. While both were still amused, Toru followed behind still sulking.