Joining the scouting team

Ethan did not look back and continued walking. He knew Lia wanted to follow him, but this time, he wanted to push himself more than he had ever done. He was weak and helpless before, but now he had something to lean back on.

The image of the bulky demon that had thrashed him around, not once but twice, still haunted him in the night sometimes. He wanted to face that thing again, and this time, he wanted to win.

Ethan walked down the busy streets with his bag slung over his shoulder, trying his best to look normal. As he reached the massive iron gates, two stern-faced guards stood vigil, their eyes sweeping the crowd. 

One of them barked, "Hold up, boy! Where do you think you're off to in such a hurry?" Ethan paused, forcing a polite smile despite the knot of anxiety tightening in his chest. "I—I'm just heading out," he replied, his voice steady but low. "I'll be careful, sir." The guards grunted in response, and after a brief moment, Ethan was allowed through.