The road to Greystone Village was quiet, stretching across rolling hills and patches of enchanted forest. Haruto adjusted his cloak nervously, trying to look confident.
(Confidence… fully activated… totally in control… okay, maybe slightly terrified…)
Kiera trotted beside him, tail flicking. "So, Hero, we're supposed to find a missing caravan. I hope you won't trip over anything this time."
Haruto flinched. "I… I won't! Heroic composure fully engaged!"
(Engaged… yeah… that's what I call survival… maybe…)
Lyria walked slightly behind, her eyes scanning the road. "Hero, this mission may be labeled minor, but a caravan in trouble is a serious matter. Keep alert."
Haruto gulped. Minor mission… but what if luck runs out…?
---
As they walked, Kiera brushed lightly against him while adjusting her grip on her blade. "Careful, human. Don't get distracted. Or do… it's kind of… amusing."
Haruto stumbled, face burning. "I-I'm fine! Totally fine!"
Lyria handed him a water flask, their fingers brushing for a brief second. "Here, Aurelian. You'll need your strength when we reach the caravan."
(Two girls noticing me at the same time… my heart… cannot compute…)
---
Monster Encounter – New Threats
The trail led them through a narrow forest path. Suddenly, a swarm of Crimson Hornlings leapt from the shadows, tiny sparks flaring from their spiraled red horns. Their high-pitched screeches echoed through the trees.
From the darkness, Gloom Sprites appeared, tiny shadowy figures that flitted around the adventurers' vision, dimming the sunlight and making it hard to see.
Haruto froze. Not wolves… slightly worse… definitely worse…
Kiera drew her blade. "Looks like our Hero finally gets a proper challenge!"
Haruto gulped. Meta knowledge says flank from the right, aim for weak points… but I can barely hit one without tripping!
The first Hornling lunged. Haruto swung wildly, missing completely. By sheer accident, he stumbled into another, knocking it over. Sparks flew, and somehow, two fell unconscious.
Kiera raised an eyebrow, a flicker of admiration in her gaze. "Not bad… Hero. That was… almost intentional."
Haruto's face burned. Almost intentional…? She thinks I planned that?!
Lyria fired precise bolts of lightning at the remaining sprites, dissipating them with a flash. "Hero, focus! Your instincts are strong, but you need calm and control!"
(Calm… my internal panicking doesn't count as calm, right?)
---
Finding the Caravan
After clearing the monsters, the group found the caravan in disarray, overturned carts and frightened merchants scattering. A few bandits lingered, taking what valuables they could carry.
Haruto's stomach twisted. Okay… this is serious… luck alone won't save them.
Kiera charged, striking down a bandit with precise agility. "Stay close, Hero! Protect the innocent!"
Haruto attempted a dramatic anime-style pose, shouting a heroic line. He tripped into a crate, knocking over a barrel that accidentally pinned another bandit. Somehow, chaos worked in his favor.
Lyria floated gracefully, casting protective spells on the merchants and paralyzing a bandit for capture. "Hero, coordinate with us. Your improvisation works when you think ahead."
Haruto nodded, still flustered. Think ahead… right… I can do this… I think… maybe…
---
While redirecting frightened merchants, Haruto and Kiera accidentally brushed against each other again while swinging swords. Haruto's heart raced.
"Careful, Hero," Kiera said with a teasing grin. "I might start expecting you to survive without tripping entirely next time."
Haruto stammered, cheeks red. "I-I'll try! Totally… try!"
Lyria gave him a reassuring smile. "Even amidst the chaos, your decisions helped save them. I'm proud of you, Haruto."
(Two girls… both proud of me… and I'm still clumsy… somehow, I survived…)
---
The bandits captured and the caravan safe, the merchants cheered, grateful for their protection. Haruto sank to his knees, exhausted but relieved.
Kiera placed a hand lightly on his shoulder. "You did well today, Hero. Just… don't get used to being this lucky."
Haruto's heart skipped. Hand on shoulder… and she's serious… wow…
Lyria's soft smile warmed him. "Your chaotic methods have purpose. You're growing into the hero I believe you can be."
From the shadows beyond the trees, a dark cloaked figure watched silently. Not a note, not a gesture—just observing. Its presence radiated danger, unblinking and undisturbed.
Haruto, oblivious, tripped over a loose stone while helping a merchant up. Kiera laughed softly, Lyria shook her head affectionately, and the path ahead seemed both dangerous and… exhilarating.