Tim stands awkwardly, trying to slice a rock with his daggers. A group of bullies laughs at his expense.

Bullies: “Hey, Tim! Are you trying to carve a masterpiece or just prove you’re the world’s worst swordsman?”

Kaelen enters, overhearing the taunts. He strides over, clearly annoyed.

Kaelen: “Hey! Why don’t you losers find a better hobby than bullying? Go away!”

The bullies back off, grumbling, while Tim looks up at Kaelen, grateful.

Tim: “Thanks, Kaelen! I was about to—”

Kaelen cuts him off, pulling out a slice of bread from his bag.

Kaelen: “Can you spread some jam on my bread? I can’t find my butterknife.”

Lyra, who has been watching the scene unfold, can’t help but shout.

Lyra: “SERIOUSLY, KAELEN? That was SOO lame! At least come up with some good ones if you're tryna be cool!”

Kaelen: “Oh, don’t worry. I don’t need the jams from there.”

Lyra rolls her eyes, crossing her arms.

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Lyra: “Oh yeah… this was the only thing remaining. Studying where you're not even interested just to look cool? Literally yapping throughout two chapters and now you’re proven to be a pervert! I don't know what the hell the author was on when he decided to make you the main character. Actually, what the hell is this story even about, and why are you guys even reading this shit?”

Kaelen: "Alright, get lost, little one. Maybe you’re lucky today. Now, Lyra, what the hell are you doing here? Don’t you have training classes?"

Lyra: "Postponed. So, I thought I’d swing by to see something entertaining… but, as usual, disappointment."

Kaelen: (smirking) "Oh, looking for excitement? If you want some real experience on the path to being a hero, I know a place where you’ll get plenty of action… and probably a few laughs, too."

Lyra: "Oh yeah? And where exactly is this place?"

Kaelen: "You’ll find out when we get there. But first—why’d you call me a pervert?"

Lyra: (mockingly) "The jam thing? You really think I don’t know what that was all about?"

Kaelen: (in a calm, matter-of-fact tone) "I mean… yeah, I saw you hiding your packet of jam in your bag last time we met, but how’s that perverted?"

Lyra: (awkwardly backtracking) "Oh… uh… nothing. Never mind. So, when are we heading to this so-called exciting place?"

Kaelen: "What about now? You’re free, right? Yeah, thought so. Let’s head to Orcha Caves."

They reach the entrance of the dark, ominous cave and step inside in silence.

Lyra: "It’s so dark in here."

Kaelen: "Yes, because it’s a cave, Karen."

Lyra: (eye roll) "Bro, what’s actually in here? Maybe give me a heads-up so I can, I don’t know, prepare."

Kaelen: "There’s a bunch of weird creatures guarding a gate that my friends and I have been trying to open for months. They even named the creatures… Can’t remember what, though."

Lyra: "I’m guessing they’re called ‘Kaelen’?"

Kaelen snickers, amused.

Lyra: "You don’t have to laugh at my lame jokes. It’s not like I’m letting you hit or anything."

Kaelen: "Nobody’s trying to hit you, girl. Wipe the jam off from there first."

Lyra: "WHAT!?"

Suddenly, a creature with gleaming red eyes crawls upside-down on the cave ceiling, drawn by the word ‘jam.’ It whispers, eerie and raspy.

Creature: "Jaaaaamsss… Haven’t heard that in a while."

In one quick motion, Kaelen throws his sword, pinning the creature to the cave wall. He leaps up, kicks the creature so hard that both it and the sword drop to the ground.

Kaelen: (looking around) "Just one? Where are the others?"

Lyra: "Uh, so… what’s that gate all about?"

Kaelen: "Oh, ignore it. It’s never gonna ope—"

Before he finishes, the gate creaks and slowly swings open.

Kaelen: (staring in disbelief) "What?! What’s in your hand, and how did you do that?"

The chapter ends here on a cliffhanger.