Bright light faded.
He blinked, disoriented. The world slowly came into focus — cold, wet stone streets slick with rain, the faint scent of freshly baked bread drifting from a nearby bakery, and the distant murmur of townsfolk going about their daily lives.
This was Lugnica — a town both familiar and strange to him.
But he wasn't the familiar teenager anyone expected to see. No — his body felt different. Taller, stronger, more grounded. His senses were sharper, as if awakening from a long, deep slumber, each sound, scent, and texture etched with vivid clarity.
[System Notice: User $#%%% has acquired 'Enkidu' form: Enhanced physicals, divine chains, and heightened spiritual perception.]
He flexed his fingers slowly, feeling a strange power humming beneath his skin — subtle yet undeniable. A low vibration pulsed from within, like the heartbeat of a sleeping giant now stirred awake.
"Hey! Are you alright?"
A soft voice pulled his attention. A young woman with long silver hair and large, concerned blue eyes stood before him.
Emilia.
He paused. Memories flickered at the edge of his mind — kindness, awkwardness, pain — but none felt truly his own. They were like echoes, faint and distant.
"I… I'm fine," he said, his voice calm yet edged with something unknown, a strange quiet confidence.
Emilia gently reached out and helped him to his feet, her touch light and reassuring. As she steadied him, a sudden realization settled in his chest.
This was Emilia — the young noblewoman at the center of this world's conflict, the reason countless fates had intertwined.
Emilia had been tirelessly searching for the thief who stole her insignia, a precious symbol of her candidacy for the throne. But instead, fate led her to something unexpected.
There, lying quietly in the middle of the town square, was a woman unlike any Emilia had seen — with striking green hair that shimmered even under the gloomy skies, her presence calm and ethereal despite the bustling crowd around her.
With her kind heart and unwavering resolve, Emilia approached without hesitation.
The woman's expression held no hostility, no malice toward Emilia or the people nearby. Instead, there was a peaceful aura that seemed to ripple outward, making Emilia's cautious heart soften.
"Thank you for helping me," the woman said softly, her voice carrying a quiet strength.
"No problem. It's the least I can do for someone in need," Emilia replied warmly, a gentle smile gracing her lips.
As the elf girl smiled kindly at the woman, the stranger's curiosity sparked.
"What's your name?"
"Oh! So rude of me! I'm Emilia, and this is Puck."
Suddenly, a small grey cat with sparkling eyes materialized at Emilia's side, his playful gaze scanning the newcomer.
"Hello, I'm Puck," the cat said with a mischievous grin.
"Ah, hello. I'm… I'm Enkidu," the woman answered quietly, her tone hesitant but honest.
"Enkidu, huh? What a unique name!" Emilia exclaimed, genuine curiosity lighting her face.
As they continued to talk, Enkidu listened carefully while Emilia explained her predicament — the loss of her insignia and the dangerous consequences it brought for her candidacy among the royal contenders.
Should I help her? Enkidu wondered quietly.
In the stories he'd heard, the person who helped Emilia had become a key figure in her journey, a steadfast ally and a reason she could stand tall against her foes.
As Enkidu considered this, a sudden thought struck him sharply, cutting through his hesitation.
I'm so foolish. Why wouldn't I help her? She helped me first. What kind of person would I be if I turned my back now?
"I'll help you!" Enkidu said with surprising conviction, the words firm and unwavering.
"Huh? No, no, I don't want to trouble you!" Emilia protested quickly, cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and worry.
"Nonsense. You've already helped me more than you know. It's the least I can do to return the favor."
"Lia, let him help. I've got a weird but good feeling about him," Puck said, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully as he assessed Enkidu.
"But…" Emilia began, doubt flickering across her face.
"Don't worry. What's the worst that can happen?" Enkidu said with a small, knowing smile — though deep down, he understood all too well the dangers waiting in the shadows, especially the bowel hunter that would soon appear.
"If you say so…" Emilia whispered softly, hope blooming faintly in her eyes.