image [https://i.imgur.com/ZYssC1r.jpeg]

“Mom, is this book’s history real?” I asked, holding the worn tome tightly in my lap.

She paused, brushing through my hair. “Why? Did you like it?”

I nodded. “It’s not about magic, but the story was so good. I just wish it didn’t have such a sad ending.”

“Some believe it’s true,” she said softly. “Others prefer to think it’s just a tale.”

“Why would anyone deny it?”

She sighed, her hands working carefully through the tangles. “The elf hero did something extraordinary—he tamed the Genesis Geolord, a beast of global scale power, something even our current greatest mages can’t replicate. But in the end, he was defeated by the demon lord. For some, it’s too painful to admit that even at our best, we couldn’t overcome our greatest foe.”

I flinched as the comb caught again. “Ouch! Mom!”

“Sorry,” she laughed, tugging gently. “You’ve let your hair get so wild. Maybe I should just cut it all off.”

“No way!” I hugged the book to my chest.

She smirked. “No promises. But you need to take better care of it.”

“Where can I find more stories like this, Mom?” I asked, excitement bubbling up again.

Her expression softened. “Most books like that are in the capital.” A blush crept onto her cheeks.

“What's wrong mom?”

“Just… remembering when I met your father. Back in my adventuring days, we were unstoppable. Those were good times.”

“ Cool!, I want to be like that hero someday—having adventures sounds amazing.”

Mom’s hands stilled for a moment. Then she smiled wistfully. “Oh, Cantheris. You’re still so young. One day, you might think differently.”

But I didn’t.

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image [https://i.imgur.com/jsdxwMn.jpeg]

When the time came to leave, I stood by the door, fidgeting with my new robes.

“Why do I have to wear this?” I groaned, tugging at the soft fabric.

Mom smirked. “With those colors and your sweet face, everyone will think you’re a healer. It’ll be easier to find a party.”

I rolled my eyes but said nothing.

“ I know, I know. You are not a healer, for that case I bought you a gift for the road.”

I unwrapped it carefully—a beginner’s spellbook.

“This might help you find your role path.”

“Put it inside in your purse with your other books,” she added.

I froze. “You knew about that?”

The teasing smile of hers is telling me that mothers know everything without even speaking.

“ It's just a book of science and magic,It's not like it's another genre!”

“Aha so the magic book is called blue knight?”

“Mom! ” She must have found it in my room, and now she knows I like stories of heroes fighting against evil.

“So you are going tell me what is the other book of yours, The one that I saw you always hiding it since forever”

I wasn't sure what to tell her, it is so embarrassing to reveal such a childish object but I guess since I will not see her for a long time I could.

“It's my diary, I will take it with me to write my adventures and create a book.”

She pulled me into a tight hug. “You’ve grown into such a wonderful young woman. My little girl, ready to take on the world.”

“Mom, I’m 123 years old,” I muttered, embarrassed.

She smiled, tears glistening in her eyes. “Go, Cantheris. Write your own story. I will always be here if you need me”

With her words echoing in my heart, I stepped into the world, ready to create a legend of my own.

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A week had passed since I left the village, and I had finally joined a party. It seemed my mother’s clothing worked. Elves like me were known for our skills in healing, so I told them that the guild had given me the class of Defender. They laughed since that class was known for protection and support in fights by reducing damage—or, as the guild said, receiving the damage. However, based on the book my mom had given me, I had learned ways to cast spells of defensive tactics.

That night was about celebration after finally finding a party. The other members were so excited that they decided to throw a meeting at six PM.

“Should I put on makeup?” I muttered, staring at the small, cracked mirror in my room. My new teammates were so pretty—I wanted to look my best too.

“What about earrings?” I asked myself, holding up a simple pair. Sliding them on, I felt my heart calm just a bit. I glanced at my reflection and smiled softly.

“I like these,” I whispered, touching the earrings lightly. “How I wish they were gold…” I sighed. But no matter.

“Tonight, I’ll be an adventurer!”

I grabbed my clothes and stepped outside, still marveling at the capital. It had been two days since I arrived, but everything still felt so… overwhelming. The streets buzzed with life—merchants calling out their wares, laughter spilling from taverns, and children weaving through the crowds.

“This city feels so alive,” I murmured. My hometown had been so different—quiet and serene, just like most elf villages. But here? Everything was loud and full of energy.

Still, loud didn’t mean bad. The shopkeepers were kind, and the people I had met so far were polite.

“Wow,” I breathed, taking it all in.

Distracted, I accidentally bumped shoulders with someone.

“Watch where you’re going, punk,” the man snarled, his voice sharp and menacing.

“I’m sorry,” I stammered, stepping back quickly.

“Hey, it’s an elf,” another man said, stepping in. His grin was unsettling, his eyes lingering on me.

“She’s so pretty.”

I could only feel disgusted by how the man licked his lips, making my skin crawl.

“I need to move… Sorry,” I muttered, slipping between them as quickly as I could.

Even as I put distance between us, I could feel their eyes following me, their gazes heavy and unkind. I gripped my cloak tightly and quickened my pace, focusing on the lights ahead.

This was supposed to be a night of celebration. I just had to make it to the party. Everything would be fine once I was with my team.

In the lively hum of the tavern, I spotted Colt and the rest of the team gathered around a table near the corner.

“Hey, Cantheris! Over here!” Colt waved enthusiastically, his voice carrying over the clinking of mugs and the chatter of adventurers.

Colt was our leader. Colt’s determination and the way he talked about the future made me feel secure in choosing his party. He was the one who had come to the guild with the others to recruit me, and it seemed I fit what they were looking for. And now… here I was.

“Hello,” I greeted softly, sliding into the seat they had saved for me.

Two other women sit at the table—one is another elf, her sharp green eyes scanning the room as she sips her drink, and the other is a warrior clad in lightweight armor, her muscular frame exuding confidence.

I can’t help but notice something. Why is everyone besides Colt a woman? A slight pinch forms in my head as a thought crosses my mind. Is Colt a womanizer?

I sigh quietly, shaking the idea away. I’m here to be an adventurer, not Colt’s latest conquest. It doesn’t matter if he’s a womanizer. I joined this party for the adventures, not romance.

Colt leans forward suddenly, signaling for us to do the same. “Girls, listen up,” he whispers conspiratorially, his tone making it clear he’s about to share something big.

“I’ve heard about a cave,” he begins, glancing around to ensure no one else is eavesdropping. “There’s something hidden inside… the Sword of Geology.”

My ears perk up immediately, and I notice the same gleam of interest in the other girls’ eyes.

“How do you know it’s real?” I ask, trying to temper my rising enthusiasm.

Colt grins confidently. “Trustworthy sources. Believe me, this sword is the real deal. They say it grants the power of teleportation.”

Teleportation. The very word feels like magic on my tongue.

The possibilities are endless, though much depends on the sword’s restrictions. Knowing its connection to geology, it might allow for large-scale movement across the world, opening opportunities for exploration and escape like never before.

“Good, then what are we waiting for? Let’s go now!” I exclaimed, eager to begin the adventure.

“Rookie mistake!” Colt said with a smirk, wagging a finger at me.

“Don’t call her a rookie when you’re just as green as she is,” the other elf chimed in, pulling at Colt’s cheeks with a teasing grin.

“Ow, ow! Okay, fine, I get it!” Colt whined, rubbing his cheeks as the elf let go.

“We’ll go tomorrow, girls. No need to rush,” Colt reassured us.

The rest of the evening passed in lighthearted fun. We drank orange juice, ate sandwiches from the tavern’s kitchen, and even danced a little to the music. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I belonged. But the fun was short-lived.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

The two men from earlier walked into the tavern, and the moment I saw them, my stomach twisted into knots. I instinctively stepped behind Colt, his broad shoulders and tense muscles giving me a sense of safety.

“What’s wrong?” Colt asked, his face turning serious as he glanced at me.

“Those guys… they bothered me earlier,” I said quietly, my voice shaking. “And now they’re staring at me again.”

Colt’s expression darkened. “Nobody bothers my woman!”

“What? You are not my blue knight!!” I protested, feeling my face heat up.

“You know what I mean,” he muttered, his cheeks tinged with red. But he didn’t stop to explain further, stepping forward to confront the men.

From where I stood, I could see the tension in Colt’s stance as he approached them. The men, however, seemed surprisingly calm at first. Their conversation was quiet, too far for me to hear clearly, but Colt’s body language spoke volumes.

Then, out of nowhere, Colt threw a punch, landing it squarely on one of the men’s jaws. Chaos erupted instantly. The men retaliated, and the rest of our party jumped in to support Colt. Tables overturned, chairs flew, and fists met faces in a flurry of movement. By the end of it, the two men were left bruised and beaten on the tavern floor.

“I hope you’ve learned your lesson,” Colt said, brushing off his hands as he loomed over them.

One of the men coughed, glaring up at Colt. “You’ve made a serious mistake, buddy. You don’t know who you’re dealing with.”

“Like I care,” Colt replied, his voice calm and steady.

“Ah, but you will,” the man sneered. “We’re part of one of the most dangerous groups in the kingdom—the Snakes of the Edges.”

The air in the tavern seemed to freeze. Conversations died, mugs were left halfway to lips, and all eyes turned toward the confrontation. Despite the weight of the man’s words, Colt didn’t flinch. He stood tall, his presence unwavering.

“I said, like I care. Didn’t you hear me?” Colt’s voice cut through the silence, cold and unyielding.

The men exchanged uneasy glances before muttering curses under their breath. They began crawling away, their bravado crumbling as they left the tavern.

The bartender, a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a weary expression, sighed heavily before speaking. “The Snakes… you guys are in serious trouble.”

“What?!” I exclaimed, disbelief coloring my voice.

“What are these Snakes?” Colt asked, his tone curious but not alarmed.

“There are three global bandit groups that operate across all the kingdoms. These groups consist of countless bandits who swear loyalty to their leaders. The Snakes of the Edges, the Climbers, and the Treasurers’ Gravediggers. Each has smaller factions scattered across the lands. The Snakes, in particular, are in their weakest state right now, nearly wiped out thanks to the efforts of heroes Bale and Zakarias. They might be weaker, but they still have numbers.”

“Ah, I see,” Colt said, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Thanks for the warning, but don’t worry. They won’t scare us or dare step foot in here again.”

The bartender shook his head grimly, his unease evident. “That’s the thing, Mr. Adventurer…”

A chill ran down my spine at the bartender’s words, and I noticed Colt’s posture stiffen slightly.

“They’re called the Snakes of the Edges because they operate on the fringes of the capital. They wait for their prey where the roads grow thin and the land turns wild. They know where to strike and when to leave no witnesses.”

For the first time, I saw a flicker of surprise in Colt’s eyes. But fear? No, there was none. He was a proud man, sure of himself, yet his pride wasn’t empty arrogance. Beneath it lay a core of steadfast values, unshaken by the threat looming over us.

After the night came to a close, we were supposed to leave the tavern, the other two members left to their side of the capital, while I stayed with colt.

The hours passed too quickly. The shops were closing, and the once-bustling streets were now shadowed in darkness. I clutched my arms tighter around myself, glancing nervously at every corner.

“I feel scared, Colt,” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the faint rustle of the wind. “What if… some of those snakes show up?”

“Don’t worry,” Colt said with a reassuring smile. “I’ll walk you home. No one’s going to mess with my party.”

“Thanks,” I replied, feeling a small wave of relief.

The city felt different at night. The vibrant energy that had captivated me just hours ago was replaced by an eerie stillness. The faint clatter of closing shop shutters and the echo of our footsteps were the only sounds.

Then, out of nowhere, a sharp metallic sound cut through the air.

Colt jerked forward, a metal wire coiling tightly around his legs. “What the—” he stumbled, and before he could recover, another figure stepped out of the shadows and slammed a boot onto Colt’s head, driving it hard into the ground.

“Colt!” I cried out, panic gripping my chest.

The man spat on Colt with disgust. “Think you’re so tough, huh?” His voice was venomous, dripping with malice.

Colt struggled, trying to push himself up, but the wire cut deeper into his legs, pinning him down.

I turned to run, but a sharp pain exploded in my leg. A knife grazed my side, and I stumbled, falling hard onto the ground. They were trying to dominate me, but that only fueled me.

“You... get off me, pervert,” I tried to make a sharp voice, but a punch in the gut turned my fury into fear.

The man loomed over me, laughing darkly. “Elves fetch a high price on the black market,” he sneered, his companions joining in with cruel laughter.

The world became a blur as they stuffed a sponge into my mouth, muffling my cries, and pulled a rough sack over my head. My breathing grew shallow as the realization sank in—I was being taken.

I could hear voices, but nobody wanted to play the hero part. I bet they were watching, feeling sorry for me, but not helping. I wanted Colt to help me, but he was done for.

What broke my spirit was the gritty texture of sand beneath my feet. We were outside the capital. Outside the rules. Out of anyone’s reach.

“Time for some fun, boys,” one of them said with a sickening laugh.

“Wait—did you hear that?” another voice interrupted.

“Probably just a knight,” the first said dismissively. “We’re past the edges. They won’t bother.”

“No… this is different,” the second voice insisted.

My heart pounded in my chest. Was I imagining it? Was someone actually coming? Or was my mind playing tricks, clinging to a desperate, impossible hope?

Then, through the haze of fear, I heard it—a voice, sharp and unyielding.

“Don’t you think ganging up on someone is a coward’s move?”

I didn’t really understand what was happening, but the fight between them was brief, abrupt. In the chaos, I suddenly saw the night illuminated by flashes of light. My heart raced, panic seizing me. Without thinking, my legs moved on their own—I ran. They were still fighting, it seemed. The noise of clashing steel echoed behind me, but I couldn’t stay there.

It was a cowardly move, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to help with all this fear in my mind.

“Help!” I screamed through the streets. I needed someone to help the man who saved me.

As I rushed through the streets of the capital, I collided with someone.

“Cantheris!”

It was Colt. Relief washed over his face, and he pulled me into a tight hug.

“You’re fine… I was looking for you. I thought I’d lost you.”

“No, I—” I stammered, breathless. “Somebody’s fighting out there. We should help them!”

His expression shifted, tightening into something cold and calculating.

“No, Cantheris. If they really are the Snakes, we don’t want to become targets ourselves. Let’s not meddle with them.”

“But what about that person?” I protested, the image of the lone figure fighting flashing through my mind.

“Better them than us,” he said bluntly.

His words stung. Anger welled up in me. This was the Colt I admired? The one I thought had the heart of a hero? What a disappointment. He wasn’t the selfless leader I’d believed him to be.

Sensing my disapproval, he tried to placate me, his tone shifting to one of persuasion. “Don’t worry, Cantheris. Once we get the sword, we’ll be powerful enough that no one would dare attack us.”

I hesitated. His plan made sense, but it felt selfish. Still, I nodded reluctantly. Survival first, after all.

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image [https://i.imgur.com/O137Fmk.jpeg]

The next day, we had agreed to meet outside the city gates. I had warned Colt about the Snakes—they could be lurking nearby, waiting with their depraved, evil intentions. That thought made me pause. Since my mother had dressed me in clothes that looked like those of a healer, I realized the Snakes would likely see me as weak and pure. I decided it was time to buy new clothes—something that would reflect a more liberated and independent persona.

“Colt is selfish,” I muttered under my breath, glancing around nervously. “Doing the meeting here… was he crazy?”

The wind rustled through the trees, and my unease grew. Then, out of nowhere, someone stepped into view.

“Hey, are you lost or something?”

That voice—it was familiar. But familiar didn’t mean safe.

I forced myself to stay calm, masking my wariness. “No, I’m just getting—”

Before I could finish, the stranger placed a finger on my lips.

“Shhh. Don’t be so shy,” he said, his tone carrying an irritating confidence. “You know, I’m an adventurer myself.”

What was with this macho-man act? And, more importantly… what was that smell?

I stepped back slightly, giving him a once-over. From his worn boots to his broad shoulders, he didn’t look like he was part of the Snakes, but appearances could be deceiving. He seemed… weird. And weird didn’t mean good.

I steeled myself, deciding to act tough. I couldn’t afford to seem like an easy target—not to this guy, not to anyone.

“You smell bad,” I said, the words cutting through the tension.

The insult landed; his smirk faltered. Good. I might not have had a sword, but my sharp tongue was weapon enough for now. Honestly, I was doing him a favor—if my team found him here, they’d likely vent their frustrations on him. He didn’t need that, and I didn’t need the drama.

For now, I just wanted him gone.

His nonsensical rambling made me think he wasn’t just weird—he was outright crazy. And then, he said it.

“B: 80, W: 58, H: 83.”

At first, I blinked, confused. Was that a code? Wait—no. Realization dawned on me like a thunderbolt. Those were my measurements. My bust, waist, and hips… from this year.

How did he know? This little pervert.

My thoughts spiraled. Could he measure me with his lustful eyes? Or—heavens forbid—did he have a skill of x-ray vision? My cheeks reddened as my inner angel boiled with fury.

“You’re a pervert!” I shouted, no longer able to contain my outrage. The silence was over, no more elf in danger.

The commotion drew my team, and they arrived just in time to witness the scene. To my surprise—and mild horror—they seemed to enjoy themselves a little too much at the poor guy’s expense.

“This dirty pervert tried to talk to me!” I exclaimed, pushing the narrative further. It didn’t matter if he was good or bad, I wouldn’t let anyone think that they could do whatever they wanted with me.

The pervert tried to run, but the elf next to me conjured a fireball with a smirk, launching it at his feet. He stumbled back, his face paling in fear.

For a moment, I felt a pang of pity. Maybe this was too much, I thought, but my pride wouldn’t let me intervene immediately. Still, I decided to hear him out. My team insisted on staying, clearly amused, ready to judge him like a council of executioners.

As he spoke, I began to piece things together. He was a miner—or so he claimed. But miners… were they all this weird?

He continued explaining, and something about his voice gnawed at me, tugging at the edge of my memory. The tone, the cadence—it was familiar, but I couldn’t place it at first. Then, like a puzzle slotting into place, it clicked.

Don’t you think ganging up on someone is a coward’s move?

That line from yesterday… It was the same voice.

Wait, what? I had been expecting someone more… cool. Brave, confident, the kind of guy who would stride into a fight like a hero. Instead, I was staring at this—a weird, awkward miner who smelled like dirt. Maybe they just shared the same voice?

Before I could think too deeply about it, the girls burst into laughter, mocking his name when he introduced himself: Daryn.

I didn’t laugh. For some reason, my mind kept circling back to his voice, the weight of it in my ears. It didn’t add up, and that unsettled me more than his perverted nonsense ever could.

No, Daryn wasn’t the one who saved me yesterday. That man—the one who saved me—must have been brave. Someone with a soft but commanding voice, confident in every word he spoke. Two meters tall, with long arms and flowing hair, exuding an aura of power. A diamond-badge adventurer, the kind of hero you read about in stories.

Not… this.

I didn’t think Colt would meddle much with Daryn, but of course I was wrong. He started a fight again. His pride must have taken a hit after the beating he got last time, and now he was trying to claw it back.

I felt sorry for Daryn. Colt might not have been much of an adventurer, but at least he was one. A miner was just that—a miner. What did they do, really? Chip away at rocks, clean walls, and haul debris. They weren’t fighters. They didn’t know battle.

But before I could even finish the thought, the air shifted. Colt lunged, and in a blur of movement, he was on the ground. Daryn barely moved—it wasn’t a fight; it was a lesson.

I blinked, stunned. Daryn’s speed, his precision… it wasn’t the flailing of someone defending themselves. His movements were sharp, calculated—like someone who knew how to fight.

My stomach churned with doubt. Please don’t tell me he’s the one who saved me yesterday.

I glanced at him, just once, before we left to find the sword. A final look, for my own peace of mind. But then he looked back, his eyes meeting mine.

The weight of his gaze made my chest tighten. I should say something, maybe thank him for yesterday.

No, it can’t be him, I told myself. The one who saved me was brave, strong, someone extraordinary. Not this weird miner.

Yet, as I turned away, doubt lingered. A nagging voice in my head whispered that maybe—just maybe—it really was him.