[12] First day as an adventurer!

###

That night, a massive fire engulfed one of the elite districts in the capital city of Apex, sending shockwaves through the entire society.

News of the incident spread rapidly, and by morning, the city's newspapers were filled with the latest reports as officials continued their investigation at the scene.

Amidst the swarm of officers working tirelessly, a tall woman with long, wavy red hair stood with her arms folded, eyes sharp as she examined the smoldering ruins before her.

She turned as one of the officers approached.

"What's the report?" she asked in a serious tone.

The officer let out a sigh before answering.

"It's difficult to find clear evidence. But considering this villa belonged to a known criminal we've been investigating for a long time… this whole incident is highly suspicious."

The woman narrowed her eyes. "Was the body found?"

The officer shook his head. "No trace of any remains."

"Of course," she muttered, crossing her arms. "A fire that big would've burned everything to ash."

Another officer standing nearby sighed.

"Speaking of which… how did the higher-ups react?"

"Hah, the usual," the red-haired woman clicked her tongue. "They dumped everything on us."

"Hmm, I see…" The officer nodded slowly, processing the information. "By the way, we have witness reports regarding this incident. They all claim they were attacked by someone wearing a deer mask."

The officer in front of her frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Yeah," the man continued seriously. "This is the same incident that happened in a village two weeks ago. A masked figure slaughtered all the men in that village."

The woman let out a long sigh, her expression showing clear frustration.

"Haa… So that psycho is here now?"

The officer shrugged. "We can't confirm if it's the same person yet. But one thing's for sure—his target was another criminal."

"I just hope he doesn't cause a scene during the festival in two months."

"Yeah, me too…."

###

Elsewhere.

I, Corrin Snyder, along with my newly freed little sister, now lived in a two-story house in a middle-class residential area.

The rent was a little expensive, given that we were in the capital city, but this place was the best option for us both.

Right now, we were organizing our belongings in our new home.

Well—more like I was arranging everything while my little sister watched impatiently.

"Kaaak, I can help you, you know!" Eveline chirped enthusiastically.

I glanced at her before shaking my head.

"Not now, Eveline. You just got out of that mess. At least let your big brother handle this first."

"Muu!" Eveline pouted, her cheeks puffing up like a sulking child.

I nearly laughed—her reaction was adorable.

After about two hours, we finally finished setting up.

It was faster than expected, thanks to my well-trained physique from years of constant training.

Eveline scanned the room, her eyes suddenly widening in shock.

"Kak, you bought a lot of expensive stuff!" she exclaimed.

I shrugged casually.

"Yeah, I spent about 50 gold coins on furniture and the house rental."

"WHAT?!" Eveline nearly screamed. "Kak, we need to save money! That amount could've been invested in a business!"

I chuckled, giving her a teasing smile.

"Hahaha… And what kind of business can a kid like you run?"

"Hmph! You're underestimating me!" Eveline huffed, crossing her arms in protest.

"Yeah, yeah…" I waved her off lazily, just to annoy her further.

But before she could retaliate, I added—

"Oh, and by the way, I registered as an adventurer."

"WHAT?!"

Eveline's eyes widened in horror.

As expected.

Before I could explain, she sprang up from the couch, and in an instant—

She tackled me.

I barely had time to react before her small arms wrapped tightly around me, clutching me as if I would disappear.

"No! Don't do something reckless, Kak!"

Her voice shook, and I could feel her grip tightening.

"Don't… I don't want to lose you again!"

I fell silent.

The room was quiet, only the sound of her uneven breathing filling the air.

I could feel her body trembling against mine, as if she was desperately trying to hold something back.

Guilt gnawed at my chest.

I knew why she was acting like this.

I knew why she was so afraid.

I let out a slow breath and placed my hand on her head, gently stroking her hair.

"Haa… Eveline, listen to me," I spoke softly, trying to calm her down.

"We can't keep running from our fears. We need to face them—to understand them."

She didn't answer—only tightened her embrace.

I continued in a gentler voice.

"I know you're scared that something will happen to me. But Eveline… you understand, don't you?"

"This world isn't a place where we can survive by hiding."

"We've lost too much already… but because of that, I can't just sit back and let our lives be directionless."

Eveline bit her lip. Then, in a soft whisper, she muttered—

"But… I don't want to be alone again, Kak…"

Something twisted in my chest.

I closed my eyes for a moment before looking at her again.

"I promise," I said firmly.

"I won't leave you."

"I will come back."

"I won't let you be alone again."

"But for that, I need you to trust me."

Eveline didn't answer right away.

But after a while, she slowly nodded, even though her eyes were still filled with uncertainty.

I smiled.

"Good. Then… trust me, okay?"

She only bit her lip and lowered her gaze, her grip on my clothes still clinging tightly.

I knew this wasn't a real answer.

I knew she was still afraid.

But at the very least, for now, she was trying to accept it.

And that was enough.

For now.

"Oh, and I'll also enroll you in a public school," I said, watching her reaction. "I heard they teach basic subjects and have a decent library for students. It's mainly for commoners, but… it's still a good opportunity, right?"

"Mm..." She nodded softly, clenching her tiny fists.