Dawn broke over the forest, pale gold light slipping between the trees.
Hide stirred in his bedroll—
—and froze.
Someone was lying beside him.
A girl.
She was curled near the dying embers of the campfire, breathing softly, as if she had simply claimed the warmth in the night. For a moment, Hide just watched her, making sure she wasn't a threat.
She wasn't.
Carefully, he reached for a spare blanket and draped it over her shoulders. Without a sound, he rose to his feet and disappeared into the forest.
Some time later, Hide returned with two freshly caught fish. He knelt by the fire, rekindled it, and began cooking.
His eyes drifted toward the girl.
Still asleep.
He decided not to wake her.
The scent of cooked fish filled the air.
Her nose twitched.
Moments later, her eyes fluttered open—and immediately locked onto his.
Her face turned bright red.
"You must be hungry," Hide said calmly, holding out one of the fish.
She accepted it… but hesitated.
Hide noticed.
Without a word, he stepped closer, gently took the fish back, and with a faint pulse of his power, reshaped it—its texture and scent shifting into seasoned roasted meat.
He handed it back.
This time, she ate without hesitation.
After finishing, she bowed her head slightly.
"Sorry I intruded. I was cold and hungry. I saw your campfire… You were asleep, and I didn't want to disturb you. I… also ate a little from your bag."
"It's fine," Hide replied with a small smile. "As long as you're feeling better."
She looked relieved.
"I'm Charlotte. Thank you for your kindness."
Hide hesitated—then gave his real name.
"Hide."
As they continued speaking, a large, fluffy shape stirred nearby.
Bashoman yawned loudly and padded over, tail swaying lazily.
Charlotte's eyes widened.
"Whoa! Is that your pet? He's so fluffy!"
Hide blinked.
She could see Bashoman?
"He's not my pet," Hide corrected, casually feeding the beast. "He belongs to my master. She sent him to watch over me."
Charlotte laughed. "Your master is a woman… and she sends a giant fluffball to check on you?"
Hide sighed faintly. "She may be strange, but she taught me how to survive."
Bashoman gave an unimpressed snort.
Charlotte suddenly pointed at him.
"You forgot to cover your left eye."
Hide's hand shot up instinctively.
Too late.
She had seen it.
"The God's Eye… right?"
There was no fear in her voice—only curiosity.
Hide studied her for a moment before giving a small nod. He offered her a brief version of his story. Not everything… but enough.
She listened quietly.
When he finished, she spoke softly.
"My father was one of the top adventurers. He died during a raid. My mother too. After that… I started traveling."
"For revenge?" Hide asked.
"For purpose," she replied. "Maybe both."
Silence lingered between them.
"Don't tell anyone about my eye," Hide said seriously. "There are people who would do anything to get it."
"I won't," Charlotte promised. Then she smiled playfully. "But can I call you Cyrus?"
Hide nodded.
"One more thing," she said suddenly. "Join my guild."
He blinked. "You have a guild?"
"It's just me right now," she admitted proudly. "But I want to build something better. Not some power-hungry group chasing status."
Hide considered it.
He didn't have a guild.
He didn't really have a place.
"…Sure," he said at last. "Why not."
Charlotte beamed.
"Welcome to the guild, Cyrus-kun!"
"And the name is…" She placed her hands on her hips dramatically. "Dragonfly."
Hide paused.
"…That's an interesting name."
"It symbolizes agility and freedom!" she defended.
He gave a small smile. It didn't bother him.
As they packed up camp, Charlotte naturally fell into step beside him.
"We're guildmates now. We should travel together."
Cyrus glanced at her.
Just like that… he had a companion.
Their next destination: Valen.
Before reaching the city gates, a group of armored mercenaries blocked their path.
"Have you seen a man wearing a red bandanna?" one of them asked.
Cyrus and Charlotte shook their heads.
"He's a murderer," the mercenary continued grimly. "Ten victims. Even children."
Charlotte's expression stiffened.
They nodded and walked past.
After a few moments, Charlotte lowered her voice.
"Cyrus… isn't it strange they told us that? Wouldn't they keep that information to themselves?"
Cyrus looked ahead at the road.
"They didn't have to warn us. But if something happened because they didn't… they'd carry that guilt."
Charlotte nodded slowly.
"I see…"
The road to Valen stretched far into the horizon.
Two travelers.
One new guild.
And a journey that had only just begun.