Ugh.

My shoulder hurts like I was sleeping in a wrong position, and something soft cradles my head. This isn't the cold, hard floor I remember.

Cracking open an eye, I'm met with the blurry form of a hand supporting me. Below, a sea of gray stretches out – a bed? Hold on, this wasn't the scene I fell asleep to. Panic jolts me awake, and I try to move my leaden limbs. Every muscle screams in protest, a testament to yesterday's relentless training.

"Did you sleep well, General Rai?" Aveline inquires while doing her best not to yawn.

"I never asked you to carry me into the bed," I mumble, shaking my head and attempting to sit up.

"Well, someone's haveing a reaally bad dream, groaning like a banshee in their sleep," she counters with a smirk.

I wince. "Whatever... Still, I appreciate it."

Aveline snorts. "What was that? You sound like a mouse thanking a cat for letting it live."

This girl. Seriously.

Taking a deep breath, I offer a mock bow. "Thank you for taking care of me, Aveline."

A satisfied smirk spreads across her face along with her hands placed on her waist. "Hmm, hmm! That's more like it."

...

We devour breakfast at the bustling tavern, the decision to tackle a quest at the Guildhouse already solidified. Soon enough, the imposing structure of the wooden door of the Guildhouse comes into view.

"Welcome to the Guildhouse!" booms a friendly voice as we enter.

I offer a quick wave to the receptionist, my gaze already scanning the quest board. Several options jump out at me. The "Magical Creature Hunt" quest, initially a measly C-rank, now boasts a daunting S-rank. Another S-ranked quest titled "Backup Needed" catches my eye.

"About that..." I trail off, leaning closer to the receptionist.

As if sensing my interest, she waves a hand dismissively. "Ah, this one?"

"Tell me about it," I reply, intrigued.

"It's an urgent request straight from the Capital," she explains. "We're facing a manpower shortage due to these new monsters popping up everywhere. So, the capital issues a backup request for the southern city of Matyr."

"I see..." I scratch my head thoughtfully. "Can I take this quest?"

A knowing smile spreads across the receptionist's face. "General Raiken, is it? We've been notified that you're eligible for this quest, provided you have your Huskarl accompanying you."

What a coincidence.

"Then I accept," I declare, a decisive glint in my eyes.

The receptionist nods efficiently and starts scribbling on a parchment. Just then, a tall figure casts a shadow over me as it approaches from behind.

...

"Are you serious?" a concerned voice cuts through the air.

I glance back to find Rodger, his expression etched with worry. "Dad..."

He lets out a sigh, shaking his head. "Please, I can never get used to being called that."

Aveline quirks her head in my direction. "Hey General... Is he your... like... real father?"

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"He was my father-in-law," I explain.

"Hold on a second, 'was'?" she asks, eyebrows raised.

"Long story short," I say, "he's the father of my girlfriend who does not belongs here anymore."

Rodger's eyes flicker with a hint of pain, before he quickly brush it off. "And who might you be...?"

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry for your loss," Aveline offers, her voice sincere. "My name is Aveline. I'm General Raiken's personal Huskarl."

"Rodger," he replies, extending a hand for a firm handshake.

"I've heard about the situation," Rodger says, placing a hand on my shoulder. "I'm truly sorry about what happened to Josh. No wonder you've been so noticably quiet lately."

"Likewise," I mutter, the weight of my loss settling on me once more. I can see the flicker of grief in his eyes – losing a daughter figure and a skilled student must have been a heavy blow.

"Anyway," he continues, shifting gears, "it seems you're taking on that S-ranked quest. Having an archer on your team would be wise for those flying creatures. It never hurts to be over-prepared, right?"

A jolt of realization hits me. The flying creatures! I almost forgot about them.

"Ehh... Sure, Dad!" I agree without a second thoughts. "Your help would be invaluable."

"I may not be as young or strong as Josh, but I'll do everything in my power to assist you."

"Having you by my side is more than enough," I assure him, a flicker of gratitude warming my chest. "Thank you, Dad."

Turning back to the receptionist, I request, "Can you add one more person to the list, please?"

She nods curtly and scribbles Rodger's name onto the parchment. Clearing her throat, she continues in a professional tone, "Ahem. Here's a brief overview of the quest. You'll be acting as a messenger to request for reinforcements for Matyr City in the south. This letter of request, signed by His Highness himself, serves as your official authorization." She presents a rolled-up document with a prominent red seal.

"There's no strict deadline for completion, but a swift resolution is highly desired. If you agree to the terms, please sign here."

I pick up the quill, my resolve solidifying with each stroke as I scrawl my signature onto the parchment. The receptionist lets out a soft chuckle before taking the document and storing it away.

"Perfect! And there's one more thing," the receptionist adds, reaching beneath the counter.

She emerges with a medium-sized pouch, dangling it in front of me. "This is your reward for completing the 'Magical Creature Hunt' quest a few days back."

I peek inside. Eight thousand and two hundred Cevel. Not a bad haul.

"Let's get moving," I declare, a sense of purpose fueling my steps.

Rodger, Aveline, and I nod in unison, exiting the bustling Guildhouse.

"We should stock up on provisions," Rodger suggests, unfolding a map. "Based on the parchment, Matyr City is a four-day journey south. There's a village called Kampungair by the river along the way."

He taps the map with a calloused finger. "Let's pack enough for three days. We can restock in Kampungair if needed."

"Sounds like a plan," I agree.

"I'll help gather supplies. You two wait by the front gate."

We acknowledge his suggestion with a nod, and Rodger heads towards the familiar bustle of the tavern.

Several minutes tick by before Rodger returns, a hefty pack slung over his shoulder. With a stride, we approach the front gate, ready to begin our journey.

"General Raiken!" booms a familiar guard that I seldom met at the front gate, saluting me with a hand over his chest. "Embarking on a quest, are we?"

I offer a firm nod. The guards exchange knowing glances.

"We'll create diversions outside the city walls," the guard explains. "Keep those creatures occupied while you prepare to leave. Don't worry about us. We can handle it. General Teal will be assisting in the defense."

"I appreciate the help," I reply, sincerity laced in my voice. "And sorry for the inconvenience."

"It's our duty, General," he assures me.

Following our brief exchange, three more guards join our group, forming a temporary escort. As we approach the gate, a chaotic scene unfolds before us – several guards locked in a fierce battle with reptilian beasts.

The guards in front charge headfirst into the fray, one of them waving us forward.

"Now's your chance!" he shouts, his voice strained with exertion.

Seizing the opportunity, Rodger, Aveline, and I dash forward, weaving through the chaos as the creatures are momentarily distracted by the valiant guards.

"Good luck, all of you!" The knight bellows, raising a hand in farewell.

#

End of Chapter 3