The first thing Yoshiya felt was the heaviness in his limbs. Every joint ached, his body sluggish, as if his very bones wanted nothing more than to sink into the cot beneath him and never rise again.
He opened his eyes slowly. The dim glow of lamplight painted the wooden beams above him. The faint scent of herbs, ointment, and smoke told him he was indoors, safe at last.
Turning his head, he found Omina on a cot beside him. Her chest rose and fell in shallow rhythm, her skin pale but peaceful. She looked younger, almost fragile, without the fire that usually burned in her eyes. Relief washed through him.
"You're both alive," came a voice.
Yoshiya blinked and saw an older woman—likely a local healer—seated near a table with jars and cloths. "Your wounds are mended, but don't mistake that for strength. Her body is worse than yours. That reckless technique drained her dry. She'll need days, maybe weeks, before she's whole again."
Yoshiya nodded quietly. His fists clenched, remembering how Omina collapsed after pushing herself too far. "Thank you. For treating us."
The healer gave a brief hum, as if that was thanks enough, then returned to mixing salves.
Before Yoshiya could let himself drift back into rest, the door creaked open. Boots echoed softly against the wooden floor. A tall man entered, his uniform neat, the silver insignia of the Adventurer's Guild glinting on his chest. His eyes were sharp, his steps unhurried—measured, as though he owned the space he walked in.
"Yoshiya Hazeru," the man said smoothly, his voice carrying both courtesy and weight. "I am Raven Blackwood, officer of the guild branch here in Reflynne. I was told you and your companion returned from the goblin fortress."
Something about him prickled against Yoshiya's instincts. His gaze was too calculating, his smile too polished. It wasn't hostility—at least not openly—but a sense that every word Yoshiya spoke would be filed away and used somehow.
"Yes," Yoshiya answered carefully, sitting up a little straighter.
Raven studied him for a long moment, then stepped closer, folding his hands behind his back. "Tell me, what did you find?"
Yoshiya felt the weight of those eyes. He thought of the map tucked away, still hidden in his belongings. He thought of Omina lying helpless beside him. No—this man was not someone he could trust.
"We encountered… more goblins than expected," Yoshiya said evenly. "A fortress. Dangerous, but we escaped. That's all."
Raven tilted his head slightly, as though expecting more. But when Yoshiya held his gaze without budging, the officer's smile returned, thinner this time.
"Very well. I shall report your survival to the guild. Rest, for now. You'll be called upon again soon."
With that, Raven Blackwood turned and left, his boots fading into silence.
Yoshiya released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. His gut told him Raven was not a man he should cross paths with lightly. No—better to save the full truth for someone he trusted. Lia. Whether in Orleaf or here in Reflynne, he would bring his findings only to her.
The day passed in a haze. By evening, townsfolk brought them food—a simple meal of bread, steaming stew, and water. The smell alone made Yoshiya's stomach ache with hunger.
Omina stirred at the scent, slowly pushing herself upright with trembling arms. Her eyes were half-lidded, exhaustion still clinging to her. "...Smells good," she whispered, her voice hoarse.
"Here." Yoshiya steadied her, placing the bowl in her hands. She tried to smile but ended up apologizing instead.
"I'm… sorry. I slowed you down. If I hadn't collapsed—"
"Enough," Yoshiya said, more gently than firmly. "You carried us through that fight. I just carried you the rest of the way. That's all."
For a moment, the fire flickered back into her eyes. She gave him a faint grin before focusing on the meal.
They ate quietly. The warmth of the stew settled their weary bodies, the simple act of eating together easing some of the heaviness from their hearts. For the first time in days, they felt human again—not just survivors running for their lives.
When the bowls were emptied and the lamplight dimmed, Omina slumped back onto her cot, already asleep, a small smile on her lips.
Yoshiya remained awake a little longer. He pulled the wand from his belongings, the one scavenged from the goblin fortress. As his fingers brushed its surface, a faint hum of power stirred, something deeper than its worn appearance suggested. He frowned, setting it aside for now.
His eyes shifted to the folded, smudged map. The ink lines marked paths, caverns, and hidden routes. Whatever secret the goblins had been guarding, it was bigger than what they had faced.
Yoshiya lay back on his cot, exhaustion pulling him under at last. The lamplight flickered, then faded. For the first time in what felt like forever, they slept safely within walls.
But the weight of what lay ahead lingered, heavy as ever.