Chapter 1 Part 3

“Uhm, I'm bored now,” Iris whispers, staring out the window looking at the villagers and the midday sun. Business is slower than usual due to the recent monster attacks. Most of the warriors venture outside the village to make the trades and gather supplies, and the villagers are busy getting ready for the next trade. The young teen was looking forward to occupying herself until the afternoon. Now, she is just bored out of her mind.

Iris sighs, “I want to train.”

“Oh! Can I come too?”

“You can’t Rose! Iris is obviously going to Evergreen Forest again.”

Iris turns to see Ruby and Rose coming in through the backdoor to join her. Ruby and Rose are twins. They have the same beautiful red hair, but their eye color is completely different. Ruby is more pink while Rose is a deep red. Of course, even without the eye color, anyone can tell the difference just from their personalities. Being two years younger than Iris, Ruby and Rose couldn’t work at the restaurant yet. They were both adopted by the owner at the end of the war. Iris met them back then, and they instantly became friends.

Rose pouts at her sister complaining, “Come on, Ruby. Aren’t at least curious to know where Iris runs off to?”

“No. Even if I was, I would be killed. Only idiots would go into that forest without any means of protection. No offense.”

“None taken,” Iris drops down off the seat and looks at Rose with a mischievous look, “So Rose, do you really want to know where my hideout is?”

Rose gasps her red eyes widening. She nods rapidly, “Yes! Yes!”

“Do you really really want to know?”

“Yes! Yes! Yes!”

Iris looks straight into her eyes. “Well…...it’s a secret.”

Rose wears a shocked look, and her cheeks puff out. “Iris, you jerk!”

Iris laughs hysterically as Ruby sighs, putting her hand on her forehead at the scene just witnessed. A soft chuckle was heard, and the three turned to see Silver coming out of the backdoor with ingredients. Silver is a hawkmen from the Wind Clan. Like Ruby and Rose, he is also a refugee. The relationship between them is still unknown, but, when Silver needed work, Boss openly accepted him.

“I see you three are having fun.”

“Uncle Silver, Iris still won’t tell us where her hideout is,” Rose whined.

“Can’t you just let it go already?” Ruby rubs her temples. Rose pouts and glares at her sister.

“So, you’re not at least a bit curious where she goes at night?”

“Well, I-I never said that! But….”

“Hahaha! I think it’s best for your sake that some things stay a secret, girls.”

His heavy boots and loud, clear voice are heard even before Boss walks in.

“Boss!” The twins exclaim.

Boss was a war veteran and a close ally to the Gale Hero. Iris has heard rumors about Boss’ strength and willpower on the battlefield and his prowess with an axe. She didn’t believe until that one time she broke a plate, and Boss just so happened to carry an axe with him.

Now, he wants to live his life more peacefully, thus he opens this restaurant. Even though he is bald and in his forties, Boss looks very spirited. To keep his battle skills sharp, he even teaches the children and trains with the warriors in the village.

Silver gives the owner a drink, and Boss sits on a stool. “Even a skilled warrior will have a difficult time coming out of the Evergreen Forest unscathed. I’m still figuring out how this child does this.”

“What can I say? Pure natural talent~”

Boss chuckles and takes a drink, “You wish.”

Then, his expression becomes serious. “I’m serious, Iris. What you’re doing is completely reckless.”

Iris frowns at that familiar word. “Oh? Reckless, how?”

“Well for one thing you still haven’t awakened your element.”

Iris jolts and looks away dejectedly.

In Harmonia, all spirits have a hidden element inside them. When the element awakens inside the spirit, that spirit has the power to control his element. Unlike magic, the spirit can bend his element at his will. He can create earthquakes, summon tornadoes, dispel whirlpools, and more depending on the element. By awakening his inner element, the spirit also gains another power which is to dispel the darkness in another spirit’s heart. Thus, the term ‘purifier’ was created during the war.

“You should know this by now, but dark spirits are dangerous creatures. If you’re not careful, they’ll eat at your soul and devour your entire being.”

“Then what am I supposed to do?”

“You can start listening to Elder and-“

“Not happening.”

“Look, I don't know why your uncle is reluctant to teach you, but you have to have patience.” Boss gets up and puts a hand on Iris’ shoulder.

“Wait a few years and ask again. I’ll even vouch for you.” Boss smiles.

“Wait?” She clenches her knuckles at that word. Iris slaps Boss’ hand away and steps away from him. She glares at his; her brown eyes glow with anger.

“I have been waiting. I’ve been patient for so long. I only remember a few memories about my mom. How long are you guys going to pretend I’m clueless? I need answers, and, if neither the village nor my uncle will tell me, I have to do this myself.”

“Iris…”

Boss and Iris stare at each other intently as the others look at them unable to speak with the heavy atmosphere. The door at the front of the restaurant opens, and three men, dressed in light armor, walk in, laughing and joking with each other. Iris breaks eye contact, and her face turns disgusted the moment she recognizes one of the men.

“Hey, Boss. How’s this easy life been treating you?” The man with black hair and silver armor holding an axe greets nonchalantly.

“Bruce, I’m glad you aren’t too busy to see this old man. I may be a retired warrior, but my skills are as sharp as ever. If the village is in danger, I’ll be the first out on the battlefield. Speaking of danger, shouldn’t you be out patrolling about now?

“Hey, come on man, even warriors deserve a break once in a while. Besides, the captain isn’t here to tell us otherwise.”

“The captain would have wanted you three to continue patrolling. The sun is starting to set, and these monsters frequently roam at this time.”

“Relax. Even us warriors need a break sometimes. And, if monsters do appear, I won’t fail to protect my village unlike some people.”

Bruce turns to Iris. Coal grey eyes meet brown eyes in a deadly stare down.

“........Iris.”

“Bruce.”

Before the war, Greenville was famous for its healers. Thanks to the Gale Hero, more villagers gained the power to purify the monster of the Void. Thus, the Village Guard was created. When Boss stepped down for a life of peace, Bruce became the Vice Captain. Out of everyone in the village, Bruce is the second person, who’s most affected by the disappearance of the Gale Hero.

Breaking eye contact, Iris walks up to the counter and sits in one of the chairs, “Boss, can I have a glass of water?”

“Hey, don’t ignore me!”

Boss hands her the drink, and Iris takes a sip.

“So that’s how it’s going to be? Well, then…”

Bruce walks over and sits in the chair next to Iris. He puts an arm around Iris playfully, and says mockingly, “I see you’re working hard as ever. You know if you want a better job, I can hire you as my apprentice.”

“I think our definitions are slightly different.”

“I’m just giving you an option. I know how much you struggle to get the commander’s approval.”

Iris hides a twitch from that statement, but Bruce continues, “I’m just going to give you some friendly advice. Quit trying to become a warrior and find a new profession.”

Iris sigh irritably, “And why-?”

Bruce slams his fist on the table, but Iris does not flinch. “Do you honestly think you’re capable of handling this job? You know nothing about any of this!”

“Wow, you’re actually lecturing me? This is way different from our normal interactions.”

“I would just ignore it if I could. However, you have been involving yourself in the affairs of other villagers for too long and-.”

“How is helping a person in need hindering you? Or are you just afraid I might snatch your job right under your nose.”

Bruce says in a low and angry voice, “I’m warning you, Iris. You may be the commander’s niece, but you will never become a warrior as long as I’m here.”

Bruce gets up and walks straight to the door. Iris stands up and declares, “How about we fight for this?”

Everyone looks at Iris with bewildered looks as Iris continues, “You said that you can’t accept because you think I’m weak right right? Well, I think it’s time I prove my worth here!”

Bruce scoffs, “Never going to happen. I already know your strength.”

“You haven’t even seen me fight yet?! You can’t declare that without any evidence!”

Bruce walks back to Iris, and she smirks. Bruce’s voice gets low again, “Look, you and I are never going to battle, and I know the commander would disapprove of this as well. So, what are you going to do abou-?”

The young teen throws the glass of water right at Bruce’s face.

The room is filled with mixed emotions. The two warriors wear shocked and frightened faces. Boss knitted his eyebrows with frustration while Silver comforted him. Rose is laughing clutching her stomach. Ruby holds back laughter holding her sister’s shoulder for support. Bruce wipes the excess water off his face; then, he glares daggers at the girl.

Iris crosses her arms and wears a smug look which masks her nervousness. “Oh? For a warrior, you’re very uncoordinated. So, about that battle?”