The grand doors of Silvervale Guild Hall swung open as Haruto stepped inside, dusting off leaves and dirt from his clothes. The bustle of adventurers, merchants, and guild officers filled the hall. Haruto tried to look composed and heroic, but his hair was messy, and his cloak still smelled faintly of forest moss.
(Composed… yes… totally… like a legendary hero… or maybe just a soggy, panicked teenager…)
Kiera sauntered beside him, tail flicking with mischief. "So, Hero, did the villagers gasp in awe when you tripped, rolled, and somehow survived the Silverpine Forest?"
Haruto's face flushed scarlet. "W-we survived, that's what matters! Totally… heroic!"
(Heroic… right. That's what my meta knowledge said… but did it actually happen like that?)
Lyria floated closer, silver hair glinting in the torchlight. "You truly were extraordinary, Aurelian. Even your… unconventional style inspires the guild."
Haruto blinked. Inspiring? I nearly face-planted a dozen times… how is this inspiring?!
---
The stout guild master approached, his voice booming across the hall. "Ah, the Chosen Hero returns! Your feats in Silverpine Forest are the talk of every adventurer in Silvervale! Wolves, rogue packs… and you survived against all odds!"
Haruto bowed awkwardly. "Uh… yes… hand… or sword… mostly…"
Whispers rippled through the crowd: "Did you see how he handled the mid-level boss?"
"The Chosen Hero really lives up to the legends!"
"Seventeen years old and already this skilled!"
Haruto's internal panic grew. They're talking about me… and I didn't plan any of it! Do I… look heroic… or ridiculous?
---
Lyria stepped forward, handing him a fresh cloak. "Here, Aurelian. You'll catch a chill after the forest trek."
Their fingers brushed. Haruto flinched, cheeks burning. Did she just…? No… stay calm… heroic… calm…
Kiera leaned close with a teasing smirk. "Careful, human! Don't let the hero get too distracted by cozy touches."
Haruto stumbled slightly. "I-I'm fine! Totally fine! Just… adjusting my cloak…"
Lyria's soft laugh made his ears burn. Kiera's teasing grin didn't help. Two girls… noticing me… in close proximity… my heart… cannot compute…
---
New Quest: Beyond Silverpine
The guild master clapped his hands. "Now, for your next task! A caravan traveling to Greystone Village has gone missing. Wolves or bandits might be involved. This is a minor mission, but the villagers depend on you, Chosen Hero."
Haruto puffed out his chest. "Of course! The Chosen Hero will protect the innocent… with skill, precision… and flair!"
Kiera raised an eyebrow. "Flair? You really love that word, don't you?"
Lyria tilted her head, smiling gently. "Even flair can have its place, Haruto. But remember, luck won't always save the day."
Haruto swallowed. She's… serious. This quest might not be another comedy of errors…
---
Trying to impress younger adventurers, Haruto struck a heroic pose. He spun dramatically, shouting a line he remembered from the anime, and ended up tripping into a pile of crates.
Kiera laughed until she almost toppled over. "You really are the Chosen Hero of accidents!"
Lyria's soft smile betrayed her amusement. "Even your unconventional methods can be inspiring, Haruto."
Haruto muttered under his breath: Unconventional… disaster magnet… same difference.
---
Outside the guild, a shadowed figure leaned against an alley wall, eyes glowing faintly red.
" Soon, he will become a problem to the Demon King cannot ignore."
Haruto, oblivious, tripped over a cobblestone while waving at a passerby. Kiera snickered. Lyria shook her head with quiet affection.
(Yep… heroic… and my life is officially insane…)