The Hero now far from the weeping Kingdom with only a few gold at hand and a map in tow, then slowly made his way towards the Demon King's castle.

Maybe by now, a solemn ceremony was being held as countless lanterns were released in the melancholic sky.

Rustle rustle

Out of nowhere constant rustles were heard as the Hero soon began to feel a presence coming closer.

"Hello"

Appearing out of the bushes a tall yet seemingly ordinary traveler carrying a large backpack greeted.

His maroon hair fluttered amongst the forest winds, yet his eyes remained shut as one begins to wonder how exactly does he navigate the area without seeing?

"Woah wth?! Dude you scared me, I thought a monster suddenly appeared"

"Ah, are you the Hero??"

Now wary, the Hero slightly flinched and with a smile hidden with caution surveyed the maroon haired traveler.

"What if I am..?"

"Oh good, allow me to introduce myself. I am a 'guide' that was sent by the kingdom.

"...guide?? But aren't guides supposed to be elders or something..? That's what I was told."

"Ah, yes that is how it was supposed to be but.... Well, due to certain circumstances I was then chosen to be the guide....If I were to be honest I do look suspicious"

'So you're self-aware....'

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"I have something to prove my identity...wait a second its here somewhere"

Thud

With a loud thud the visually heavy luggage was set on the forest's soil.

The Guide then browsed through his big backpack and soon found the thing he was looking for.

"Would this be enough?"

Showing a crest plated in gold, the Guide could only wait for the Hero's verdict.

But much to his disappointment the Hero replied in a confused manner.

"Uh I don't know if they told you but regarding my origins, I am not familiar with those thingies or those crests or whatever"

"...Wait you're right! Ah... What do I do now..."

Belatedly realizing the Hero's circumstances the Guide then slumped into a small depression as mushrooms seemed to grow on his head due to the gloominess that he dispensed.

Taken aback by the sudden gloominess, the Hero racked his brains to think of something as he unconsciously suggested an option.

"Well uh for starters maybe you could show your skills in order for me to assess if you really are a guide"

"Ohh!! Why didn't I think of that, um let me see..." As if enlightened, the Guide once again stood up filled with energy.

"Yeah, go on I'm listening"

"I could lead you to the next village... Tell you about various monsters' weakness and uh.... I can cook..? I can even translate or teach you our written language!"

"Uh hmm, I see.. wait! Can you repeat that again??"

"I can even translate or teach you our written language?"

"Before that!"

"I can cook...?"

"Yes! That! You can cook?? Really?? How good???" The Hero, now too close for comfort, was literally underneath the 'Guide's' nose.

"...Personal space please..."

"Ah right, sorry" The Hero said apologetically as he backed away from the Guide.

"Thank you, but is it really alright for you? As a Hero, aren't you supposed to be wary of things as sensitive as food... I may poison it..."

"Nah, I may look like this but I am immune to various types of poisons Haha!"

"That’s... Besides the point but..."

Growl-

"Ah my bad I haven't eaten anything after I left the castle."

Clearly concerned, the Guide could only sigh in defeat. "Haa... I'll set up something to eat then... Please wait here at the campfire."

Out of nowhere a camp was easily made as the Hero was made to sit down near the campfire.

"...Oh...Oks!" Baffled, the Hero replied a beat late.

Soon a delicious smell wafted but the scent seemed to only be contained near the area of the camp

Even the campfire's smoke never reached beyond the towering trees.

'Is this another form of magic?' The Hero thought silently as he observed the Guide.