In a world where shadows hide ancient secrets and forbidden powers, Enryu-a mysterious A-Class adventurer-navigates the perilous balance between light and darkness. Under the guise of a solitary swordsman, Enryu carries the weight of a hidden identi...
The morning after the battle dawned, bringing with it a stark contrast to the celebrations of victory from the night before. The air was heavy with sorrow, and the once jubilant city now wore a shroud of mourning. Somber faces gathered around the cemetery field, where the fallen fighters of the defense war were to be laid to rest. People lined up in white clothes, each holding flowers to honor the departed. The cemetery had been meticulously prepared, fresh, fragrant blooms adorning the graves, their scent mixing with the morning dew.
A gentle hush fell over the crowd as a city noble, Sir Leonhart Valen, stepped up to the podium. His attire was simple, reflecting the somber mood of the day, yet there was an undeniable nobility in his stance. Even though this continent had been under the rule of the 13 Guild Alliance for years, the role of the nobles remained crucial, their families having served for generations on the Council of Lords, one of the two legislative chambers of the territory's government.
Sir Leonhart, a knight who had fought bravely at the front lines, began the ceremony with a deep, resonant voice that carried across the field. "Today, we gather not just to mourn, but to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who laid down their lives for this city. They fought with valor, and their spirit remains with us, urging us to stand strong, to protect what they have safeguarded with their lives."
His words were measured, each one resonating with the gravity of the moment. The crowd listened in silence, their heads bowed, many with tears in their eyes. Leonhart continued, his gaze sweeping over the gathered people. "Let their sacrifice not be in vain. Let it be a reminder of our duty to each other, to our city, and to our land. We will rebuild, we will recover, and we will stand together, stronger than ever."
Enryu stood on the sidelines, his face hidden in the shadows of his hood. His eyes scanned the mourners, seeing the grief etched into their faces—the families, colleagues, and lovers who had lost someone dear. His heart ached, and his mind wandered, filled with thoughts of what more he could have done to prevent this pain. He was pulled from his reverie by the approach of Alaric, the Head of the Adventurer's Bureau Branch.
Alaric, a stout man with a kind face and eyes that had seen many battles, nodded to Enryu. "I wanted to thank you, Enryu, for your role in this investigation and for bringing the Magic Tower to our aid. Without you, we might not have withstood this attack."
Enryu gave a slight nod, his expression serious. "I only wish I could have done more."
Alaric's gaze softened with understanding. "You've done plenty. When do you plan to continue your journey?"
"Tomorrow," Enryu replied. "I'll be stopping by the Adventurer's Bureau before I leave."
"Good," Alaric said, patting Enryu's shoulder. "I'd like to see you before you go." With that, Alaric returned to join the ceremony, leaving Enryu alone with his thoughts once more.
Afternoon at the Tavern
The afternoon sun brought a different energy to the city. The somber morning gave way to a bustling marketplace, where people returned from evacuation, eager to resume their daily lives. The market was alive with the sounds of trade, laughter, and the clattering of carts. Nearby, others worked diligently to restore the city's defenses, their efforts a testament to the resilience of the city's spirit.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Enryu sat at a corner table in the tavern of the Adventurer's Bureau, nursing a cup of black coffee. The rich aroma wafted up, blending with the sounds of the lively tavern around him. As he sipped his drink, he reanalyzed the results of Nocturne's investigation, replaying the details in his mind.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sudden arrival of Nocturne, accompanied by a young wizard. The boy looked barely in his early 20s, with an eager expression and a respectful stance toward Nocturne.
Nocturne greeted Enryu with a casual nod, slipping into the seat opposite him. "Enryu, this is Arlen Veyra, one of my direct students. Despite his youth, he's exceptionally talented and will be joining you in this investigation."
Arlen bowed slightly, his eyes bright with respect. "It's an honor to meet you, sir."
Enryu studied the boy, noting the quiet confidence and the way he carried himself. "We'll see how well you handle yourself," he replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Nocturne handed Enryu a small magic scroll. As Enryu opened it, the scroll burst into flames, disintegrating into ash as a new magic system began to integrate with his own abilities. "As promised, this will allow us to communicate without detection. I've already set everything in place."
Enryu nodded his thanks, tucking the ashes away. "I appreciate it, Nocturne. When do you leave for the Magic Council?"
"Soon," Nocturne replied. "But before I go, I wanted to ensure everything was set." Nocturne's voice became softer as he communicated telepathically through the new system, "Take care, teacher. I will be watching from afar."
Enryu gave a slight nod, acknowledging the unspoken farewell. "Safe travels."
Nocturne stood, bowing slightly before leaving the tavern, leaving Enryu and Arlen alone. Arlen shifted nervously, glancing at Enryu. "When are we departing? Are we waiting for someone else?"
Enryu took a sip of his coffee, glancing at Arlen over the rim of his cup. "Yes, we're waiting for one more. She should be here soon."
As if on cue, a figure entered the tavern—a young woman with long black hair and sharp violet eyes. She moved with a purposeful grace, her adventurer's garb neatly concealing her battle maid uniform. Enryu's eyes met hers, and she gave a slight bow before approaching.
"Sorry for the delay," she said, her voice formal, though her eyes betrayed a hint of discomfort. "Malaketh has already returned to the Guild. He left a letter for you." She handed Enryu a sealed envelope.
Enryu took the letter, breaking the seal and reading the contents. A small, almost imperceptible smile crossed his face as he read Malaketh's words.
"This is Lyra," Enryu said, introducing her to Arlen. "She'll be joining us on this journey."
Lyra gave a respectful nod, her eyes flickering with uncertainty as she adjusted to her informal role. Enryu sent her a telepathic message, reminding her to maintain her cover and act naturally.
The three of them exchanged introductions and discussed their plans. Lyra apologized again for her delay, explaining that she had been preparing supplies for the journey. They agreed to meet at the Adventurer's Bureau the next morning to depart.
As the afternoon wore on, the three companions settled into their roles, the weight of their task ahead looming over them. For now, they would rest and prepare for the journey that awaited them—a journey fraught with danger, mystery, and the unknown.
