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...
As the group settled in for the night, the forest seemed to close in around them, its thick canopy casting long shadows across the path ahead. They had a quick breakfast with elfen rations, a food shaped like a pale-colored dry rice cake that could fill an adult with just three bites, given by Alaric.
Arlen watched Lyra for a moment before speaking up. "You know, Lyra, I've been wondering... why did you decide to join this mission? What's in it for you?"
Lyra glanced up, her eyes cool and guarded. "Why do you ask?"
Arlen hesitated, unsure of how to phrase his question. "I just... I'm curious. You don't strike me as someone who follows orders blindly. You're here for a reason, and I'd like to understand it."
Lyra's gaze shifted to Enryu, who was watching the exchange silently. She sighed, putting down her weapon. "I'm here because I believe in the mission. I believe in stopping the spread of forbidden magic and protecting the innocent. And... I believe in Enryu. He's someone worth following, someone who's proven time and again that he'll do whatever it takes to do what's right."
Arlen nodded slowly, processing her words. "I get it. I guess we all have our reasons for being here."
Before the conversation could continue, Enryu spoke up, his tone firm. "Enough talk. We need to keep moving. We're getting closer to our goal, and we can't afford any distractions."
As they continued their journey, the atmosphere grew tense once more. The forest around them seemed darker, the shadows deeper and more ominous, even though it was still early in the morning. The path ahead was narrow and winding, forcing them to move in single file.
Suddenly, Enryu held up a hand, signaling for them to stop. "We're not alone," he whispered, his eyes scanning the trees.
From the shadows, a figure emerged, clad in dark, hooded robes that obscured their features. The figure moved with a fluid grace, their footsteps barely making a sound on the forest floor.
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Enryu's eyes narrowed as he recognized the figure. "I know you," he said, his voice cold. "You're one of the ex-noble rebels, aren't you?"
The figure chuckled softly, pulling back their hood to reveal a face that was both familiar and unsettling. "Ah, you know me, even though I never remember a single lowly adventurer like you in my entire life."
Enryu's grip tightened on his katana. "What are you doing here?"
The figure's smile was enigmatic, their eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "I could ask you the same thing. But I think we both know why we're here. Forbidden magic has a way of drawing in those who are curious, those who seek power... or those who wish to prevent its misuse."
Arlen and Lyra exchanged wary glances, their hands on their weapons, ready for anything.
"What do you know about the forbidden magic?" Enryu demanded, his voice tense.
