Chapter 3 :New Friends?

It was already daytime. After leaving the inn, Kael continued walking. Apart from a few people on the streets and some thugs lurking in the alleys, there was hardly anyone around. The market stalls were empty. Kael glanced around briefly and sighed. Nearby, there was an adventurers' guild, a rare sight at this hour. He headed toward it and stepped inside.

The interior was as silent as a deserted graveyard. He walked forward with determined steps. Yet, there was no one inside.

Kael asked in a cold voice,

"Is anyone here?"

…

After a brief silence, a woman's voice responded.

"I'm coming right away!"

Soon, a maid descended the stairs.

"My apologies, sir. Ever since the city fell, no one has been coming here. I didn't feel the need to check either."

Kael replied indifferently,

"It doesn't matter."

The maid slightly bowed her head and continued,

"How may I assist you? A place to stay, provisions—"

Kael took out a pouch of coins from his pocket and handed it to the woman.

"Here."

The maid took the pouch and nodded.

"Very well, as you wish. The second floor, room number six is available. Here's the key. We wish you a good day!"

Kael simply replied, "Thanks," and started climbing the stairs.

---

It had been a few hours since Kael entered his room. He continued watching the fallen city through the window. The sight reminded him of his childhood memories and the nightmares he had endured. He sighed deeply and lay down on the bed. He tried to sleep, but it didn't last long. Soon, there was a knock on the door—three times.

A calm female voice spoke,

"Excuse me, may I come in?"

Kael touched the hilt of his sword and replied evenly,

"Come in."

The door slowly opened. A young girl entered, her face filled with both fear and hope. Her golden hair cascaded over her shoulders. To her left stood another figure—a knight with equally golden hair.

The woman asked in a slightly trembling voice,

"Can you help us?"

Kael introduced himself,

"Hello, I'm Kael. I'm listening."

The woman took a deep breath, as if shaking off her earlier fear. Then she introduced herself,

"I'm Beatrice. And this is my knight, Ywain. Pleased to meet you, Kael."

Kael gave a slight nod and asked,

"How can I help you?"

Beatrice took another deep breath before explaining,

"Ever since Aetwa fell, the Karnaks have been roaming freely. There's a cave in the forest near the city. Inside, there's a Karnak nest. Could you help us eliminate it? Don't worry about the payment—we'll pay you any amount you ask for."

Kael pondered for a moment and looked out the window. Then, in a quiet tone, he spoke,

"This city was once one of the most beautiful in the Midgard Kingdom. But after its fall, it became no different from a graveyard. In memory of the city, I'll help you. Besides, I have nothing else to do anyway."

Beatrice smiled excitedly and exclaimed,

"Thank you, sir! We'll be at the central statue by noon tomorrow. See you then!"

With that, she closed the door and left. Kael, meanwhile, tried to prepare for the next day by getting some rest. However, his sleep was once again plagued by the same visions—Aetwa's downfall, the helplessness… He tossed and turned in his bed. Eventually, unable to endure it any longer, he woke up.

His face was covered in sweat. He looked terrified. Staring out of the open window, he saw that the new day had already begun.

Kael leapt out of bed, grabbed his sword, dressed, and left the inn. He began walking toward the city center. Today, there were more people on the streets. The kingdom's support camps had been set up. Despite everything, seeing children playing in the streets made him smile involuntarily.

Security forces and knights had increased in number, a sign of how dire the situation truly was. Before long, he arrived at the grand statue.

Suddenly, he felt a warm hand touch the back of his neck. He quickly turned around. Standing before him was Beatrice, with Ywain beside her.

Beatrice greeted him cheerfully,

"Yo, Kael! How are you?"

Kael gave a slight nod and replied,

"I'm fine today, at least for now."

Ywain spoke in a serious tone,

"We should set out soon. If night falls, the Karnaks—and other monsters—will start appearing."

With that, he opened the door of the carriage behind him. Kael and Beatrice got in while Ywain took the reins.

After a two-hour journey, they arrived at the location of the cave. Ywain dismounted from the horses and opened the carriage door. Beatrice stepped out first, followed by Kael.

Beatrice, filled with excitement, said,

"Then, let's go!"

She was happy. But Ywain's expression was different. As if he already knew what was coming…

Before them stood a dark, seemingly endless cave.