Chapter 8: A Stranger’s Arrival

The morning after his spar with Eren, Daisuke felt both physically drained and mentally alert. His muscles ached, but there was an undeniable sense of accomplishment that filled him. Despite the exhaustion, he couldn't shake the feeling that something important was coming—something that would push him even further.

As the sun climbed higher, bathing the clearing in warm golden light, Daisuke packed his things and began the usual morning routine. Eren was sharpening his sword again, his posture calm and deliberate, as if there was nothing else in the world but the task at hand.

"Eren," Daisuke called, his voice steady. "What comes next?"

Eren looked up, his eyes thoughtful for a moment. "Next, we leave this place. We need to find more experienced fighters and gather information about the threats in this region."

"Are we heading into town?" Daisuke asked, his curiosity piqued. He had heard stories of towns beyond the forest, places where adventurers gathered, and rumors of dangerous beasts prowling the borders. It was hard to imagine that such places were real after weeks in the quiet wilderness.

Eren nodded. "That's the plan. You need more than just training to survive out here. You'll need to know who you can trust and who to avoid. The world is full of opportunists—those who will seek to use your power for their own gain."

As Eren packed his own belongings, Daisuke couldn't help but feel a rising sense of anticipation. It had been just the two of them for so long, and now, they would be stepping into the wider world—one full of unknowns.

However, before they could finish packing, a rustle in the trees caught their attention. Both Daisuke and Eren froze, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons. The wind shifted, and a figure stepped into view, a tall, cloaked individual with a hood that shadowed most of their features.

"Eren," the figure's voice rang out, smooth and calm. "I didn't expect to find you here."

Eren's posture immediately stiffened. He lowered his sword but did not relax. "I could say the same to you, Liora," he said, his tone neutral but edged with wariness. "What brings you to this part of the forest?"

The figure lowered their hood, revealing the face of a woman with sharp features, silver hair, and piercing violet eyes. Her gaze lingered on Daisuke for a moment, but she didn't seem particularly interested in him.

"I'm here on business," Liora replied, her voice carrying a quiet authority. "A situation has arisen that I need your help with. And it seems your young friend could be of use as well."

Daisuke felt a chill run down his spine. The way she spoke, like she already knew him, unsettled him. He hadn't said a word to this woman, yet she already called him a "young friend."

Eren looked unimpressed but slightly curious. "Business? What sort of business?"

Liora smirked, her eyes flashing. "A threat's been growing in the region. A group of mercenaries, a new faction, and they're looking to expand their territory. They've been raiding villages and killing anyone who stands in their way."

Daisuke felt his stomach tighten at the mention of mercenaries. He had only just encountered a group of them recently, and the idea of dealing with another faction like that made him uneasy.

"And what does that have to do with us?" Eren asked, crossing his arms.

Liora's gaze shifted to Daisuke again, and he felt the weight of her eyes on him. "Your friend has… a certain ability. One that could be quite useful in dealing with them. You see, the mercenaries are not just simple thugs—they're being led by someone with abilities not unlike your young protege here."

Daisuke frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Liora's smile was sharp. "Don't play coy. I can feel the power within you. I'm guessing you've noticed it by now. The system inside you. The one that makes you stronger."

Daisuke's heart skipped a beat. He had never told anyone about his system. How did she know?

Eren's expression darkened. "That's none of your business."

Liora ignored his warning, stepping forward with a fluid grace. "Actually, it is. If the mercenaries find out about him, things will get very ugly. And I doubt either of you are prepared for that."

Daisuke could see the tension between the two, an unspoken history lying beneath their words. Eren clearly didn't trust Liora, but she had information that might be valuable.

"Why should we trust you?" Daisuke finally spoke, trying to control his rising frustration. "You've just appeared out of nowhere and started talking about mercenaries and systems like you know everything."

Liora's violet eyes softened slightly, though the smile never left her lips. "I don't expect you to trust me immediately. I'm not asking for your trust. I'm offering you a chance to stop something dangerous before it spreads. You want to grow stronger, don't you? You want to learn how to use that system inside you. Well, here's an opportunity for you to do that. But if you don't act soon, you'll be too late."

Eren stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "And what's in this for you, Liora?"

Liora's smile remained. "Survival. I have my own reasons for wanting to stop this group, and I think you'll find them... interesting."

Daisuke exchanged a glance with Eren. They had little choice. The mention of the mercenaries—another group with powers similar to his own—was enough to set alarm bells ringing in his mind.

"You'll need more than just your system to deal with them," Liora continued, her voice turning serious. "These aren't ordinary mercenaries. They have a leader who knows how to manipulate powers, much like you do. And if they find out about your abilities, they won't hesitate to use you for their own gain."

Daisuke nodded slowly. "So, what's the plan?"

Liora's smile turned into something more like a smirk. "I'll explain on the way. We don't have time to waste."