As the group trekked through the dense forest on their way to Abridge, a sudden, chilling howl echoed

through the trees.

Darumu froze, her chi flaring instinctively. “That’s no ordinary beast.”

Selvi raised her bow, her sharp eyes scanning the shadows. “It’s coming from all sides,” she muttered,

notching an arrow.

Kira tightened his grip on his sword. The air around him felt heavy, oppressive, like something unnatural was

drawing near.

Mira stepped closer, her staff glowing faintly. “Everyone, stay close. This forest is cursed. The Dark God’s

influence lingers here.”

Without warning, monstrous shapes burst from the underbrush. Shadow Wolves—vicious creatures with

glowing red eyes and bodies made of writhing darkness—charged toward them.

The group sprang into action. Selvi fired arrows with deadly precision, each one striking true, while Darumu

engaged the beasts in close combat, her chi-infused strikes breaking through their shadowy forms. Mira

provided support, casting protective barriers and healing spells.

But the wolves kept coming, their numbers seemingly endless.

As the battle raged on, one of the larger wolves—a massive alpha with tendrils of darkness swirling around

its body—charged directly at Selvi. She loosed an arrow, but the creature was too fast. It leaped at her,

claws outstretched.

Selvi’s eyes widened, her breath catching as she realized she wouldn’t be able to dodge in time.

“SELVI!” Kira shouted, his body moving before he could think.

In an instant, Kira’s new ability awakened. Time seemed to slow as he raised his sword, channeling both his

magic and physical strength into a single, powerful strike. The blade glowed with a brilliant blue light, and

with a shout, he unleashed Arcane Cleave, a devastating wave of energy that tore through the alpha wolf

and the surrounding creatures in one fell swoop.

The force of the attack left a glowing scar in the earth, and the remaining wolves scattered, howling in fear.

Selvi looked up, stunned, as Kira extended a hand to her. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice full of concern.

For a moment, Selvi couldn’t speak. Her heart raced—not just from the danger, but from the sight of Kira

standing there, his glowing sword in hand, looking every bit the hero.

“I…” she stammered, her cheeks flushing. “You saved me. I… Thank you.”

Kira smiled awkwardly. “It’s no big deal. I wasn’t going to let you get hurt.”

Selvi’s blush deepened. “No big deal? Kira, that was amazing!” She threw her arms around him in a tight

hug, catching him off guard. “You’re my hero!”

Darumu watched the scene unfold, her fists clenching at her sides. She couldn’t deny the surge of relief she

felt when Kira had saved Selvi, but the sight of the archer clinging to him made her blood boil.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

“Show-off,” Darumu muttered under her breath, turning away before anyone could see the storm of

emotions on her face.

Mira, standing nearby, placed a gentle hand on Darumu’s shoulder. “You’re upset.”

Darumu huffed. “Of course not. Why would I care if she throws herself at him like that?”

Mira smiled faintly. “Because you care about him more than you’re willing to admit.”

Darumu didn’t respond, but the slight reddening of her cheeks spoke volumes.

That evening, as the group set up camp, Selvi was unusually quiet. She sat beside Kira, fidgeting with one of

her arrows.

“Kira,” she began, her voice softer than usual.

“Yeah?” he replied, glancing at her.

Selvi hesitated, then took a deep breath. “I meant what I said earlier. You’re my hero. I’ve never met anyone

like you before—someone who’s brave, kind, and… amazing.”

Kira scratched the back of his neck, looking embarrassed. “I don’t know about amazing. I’m just trying to do

my best.”

Selvi leaned closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper. “You don’t have to be modest. I see you, Kira. And

I… I think I’m falling for you.”

Kira froze, his eyes widening. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything, Darumu

walked over, her expression stormy.

“Hey, lovebirds,” Darumu said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “We’ve got a long day tomorrow. Don’t stay

up too late whispering sweet nothings.”

Selvi glared at her. “Jealous much?”

Darumu crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. “Of you? Not likely.”

The tension between the two women was palpable, and Kira couldn’t help but feel like he was caught in the

middle of something he didn’t fully understand. Later that night, as Kira sat alone by the fire, Mira approached him, her expression calm but thoughtful.

“You’ve got quite the effect on people, don’t you?” she said, sitting beside him.

Kira sighed. “I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.”

Mira chuckled softly. “It’s not your fault. You’re kind, Kira. That’s a rare quality in this world. People are

drawn to it.”

He looked at her, surprised. “Do you think so?”

“I know so,” Mira said, her cheeks tinged with the faintest blush. “And for what it’s worth, I think Selvi and

Darumu see something in you that’s worth fighting for.”

Kira smiled, grateful for her words. “What about you? What do you see in me?”

Mira’s blush deepened, and she looked away. “Maybe… maybe you’ll find out someday.”

The next morning, the group set off for Abridge with a renewed sense of purpose—and a growing web of

emotions.

Darumu kept her distance, her jealousy simmering beneath the surface. Selvi, on the other hand, stuck

close to Kira, her flirtatious nature making her feelings clear. And Mira, ever the mediator, stayed quietly

supportive, her own feelings carefully hidden.

As the town of Abridge appeared on the horizon, Kira couldn’t help but wonder what challenges—and what

complications—awaited them there.