The One Who Watches

The forest was alive with distant birdsong and rustling leaves. Morning sunlight filtered through the canopy, glinting off the bloodied tusks of a Stonehide Boar lying motionless on the forest floor. Its thick gray hide steamed faintly, scorched in places from Lira's magic. Arriel stood over it, panting, sword still drawn.

"That one was tougher," he said, wiping sweat from his brow.

"You were too eager again," Lira replied, kneeling to check her mana level. "But your timing's improving."

Kael stepped forward, spear in hand. "You two should rest before we head back. No use burning yourselves out."

They settled near a small stream. Arriel pulled a strip of dried meat from his pouch, biting into it without much appetite. His bracelet was hidden beneath a cloth wrap, but he could feel it—Level 14 now. Each fight brought him closer to something… but also further from the boy who once watched soldiers from behind a haystack.

Lira sat beside him, legs folded, watching the flowing water. Kael crouched on a nearby rock, listening to the wind.

Then came the sound of hooves.

It began softly, like distant thunder, and grew louder. The three leapt to their feet, alert. From the woods rode a squad of armored soldiers in blue-trimmed silver — the official uniform of the Kingdom of Mirdia's military. Leading them, a tall blonde man on a black stallion.

Beside him padded a beast—a monstrous hound, the size of a small horse. Its fur shimmered unnaturally, runes glowing faintly on its sleek hide. It stared at them with eyes too intelligent for a beast.

The man's golden hair flowed in waves, his cape fluttering as he reined his mount to a stop. His presence radiated control, cold and unreadable. His blue eyes as cold as steel.

"I am Valtheas. High Commander of the Mirdia Army. You two—will come with me," while pointing at Arriel and Lira.

Arriel's hand instinctively touched the hilt of his sword. Lira stood still, but her fingers twitched slightly near her staff. Kael stepped protectively between them, his eyes sharp.

Valtheas raised his arm. His status bracelet gleamed with the number '50', clear and undeniable.

"There's no use hiding it. I tracked you from the corpse of a rogue Hero. His mana signature lingered, and so did yours. There's only one explanation."

Arriel's heart pounded. He took a step forward. "We didn't want to kill him. He attacked us—he was trying to steal our levels."

Valtheas looked from Arriel to Lira with clinical interest.

"I need you. An emergency mission requires Heroes who are capable. You'll come with me to the capital, where details will be given. This is not a request."

"Come willingly," he added, "or I'll charge you with murder and obstruction of the kingdom's justice."

Valtheas gestured, and a soldier brought forward two spare horses. Lira mounted silently. Arriel followed.

Valtheas turn his head and look at Kael.

"You may go. You are not the mission's concern."

Kael's fists clenched. "And if I say no?"

Valtheas tilted his head. "Then you'll be interfering with the kingdom's interests. You know the consequences."

Arriel looked at Kael, pain tightening his jaw. "It's okay," he said softly. "We'll be fine."

Kael didn't answer at first. Then he stepped back, his expression unreadable. "I'll be waiting," he said finally.

As they disappeared into the trees, the monstrous hound turned its head and stared at Kael for a long moment—then vanished into the underbrush with its master.

Kael remained alone in the forest clearing, silent, watching the path long after they had gone.