Morning sunlight spilled through a half‑open window, casting warm stripes across the small bed where Lyune lay.
"…Soft," she murmured, fingers sinking slightly into the blanket. The sheets smelled faintly of flowers. A real bed. Not stone, not void, not the cold nothingness she had once called home — a bed.
She sat up slowly, blinking at the wooden ceiling. "Ah… right. Ryn and the others." They had insisted she stay in an inn after dinner, and before she could argue, they had already paid for her room. Mortals certainly had an odd way of showing kindness — unexpected yet strangely comforting.
"…I'll have to repay them," she whispered, brushing her hair behind her ear before standing.
After a quick wash and a quiet moment to marvel at the luxury of clean clothes and warm light, Lyune descended the stairs. The innkeeper greeted her with a cheerful "Good morning!" which she answered with a polite nod before stepping into the bustling streets.
The Guild Again
The Adventurer's Guild was lively even this early. Adventurers swapped rumors, scribes posted new missions, and the scent of hot bread mixed with the tang of metal and parchment. Lyune walked through the door, her boots tapping softly against the wooden floor.
"Ah! Good morning, Lyune‑san!" the receptionist called. "Back already? Looking for a quest today?"
Lyune approached the counter. "Yes. I'd like a recommendation."
"Hmm… Let's see what's suitable for a new F‑rank." The woman began flipping through a small stack of request papers. Before she could pick one out, a familiar voice sounded from behind.
"Hey, early bird," Ryn said cheerfully.
Lyune turned to see him and his team standing there — Mira, Lena, and Brok, all already geared up and ready for travel.
"You're up early," Mira said. "We were just about to leave."
"Leave?" Lyune asked.
"For a quest." Ryn grinned. "An escort mission to the next town — Luminious. Easy pay, steady pace. You in?"
Lyune considered it. Escorting meant time to see more of the world, to understand how humans lived between towns. A perfect chance to observe. She nodded. "Yes. I'll join you."
"Sweet." Ryn glanced to the receptionist. "Can you add her as a temporary member?"
"Of course." The receptionist smiled and wrote quickly on the form. "All done. You're officially part of Ryn's party for this mission."
Lyune bowed slightly. "Thank you."
Ryn waved off the formality. "Come on — we're heading out now."
The Road Begins
They left through the same gate where Lyune had first entered Lumindell. The guards recognized her immediately.
"Oh, it's you again!" one said with a grin. "Still harmless, I hope?"
"I think so," Lyune replied seriously, confusing him into an awkward laugh.
Ryn explained the mission briefly as they walked toward the carriage waiting outside the gates. "We're escorting a merchant named Tovan. Standard route to Luminious — couple days of travel, nothing too crazy. But wolves and bandits have been spotted along the road lately, so we'll stay alert."
Lyune nodded. "Understood."
They climbed aboard. The merchant, a portly man with kind eyes, greeted them and flicked the reins. The carriage began its steady roll down the dirt road, the sound of wheels mixing with birdsong.
Hours passed. Ryn and the others chatted quietly while Lyune sat silently, gazing out the window as fields and forests passed by. Eventually, boredom overcame her, and she climbed out onto the roof of the carriage.
The sunlight was gentle, the sky an endless pale blue. She lay down on the canvas, eyes half‑closed. It was calm, almost lulling her to sleep — until movement caught her attention. Three shapes darted between the trees ahead.
"…Wolves," she muttered.
She peeked down through the window. "Ryn. Ahead."
"Wolves, huh?" Ryn leaned out, following her gaze. "Looks like a small pack. Good call."
He signaled the merchant to halt the carriage. "Alright, team. Quick work — we'll clear them and keep moving."
Brok and Lena jumped down immediately. Mira began chanting softly as Ryn drew his sword. Within minutes, the normal wolves fell one by one. It went smoothly — almost too smoothly.
Then the shadows shifted. A deep growl rolled across the road. From the treeline, a massive striped form stepped out — heavy paws crushing the dirt. Its yellow eyes glowed with hunger.
"A High Tiger Wolf," Lena hissed. "Damn. This area shouldn't have one!"
"Gear up!" Ryn shouted. "We can handle it, but stay sharp — we're under‑equipped for this!"
The beast lunged. Mira stepped back too slow — the world blurred — and when she opened her eyes, a pale figure was standing in front of her.
Lyune.
One hand gripping the tiger wolf's skull as it snarled and snapped, claws scraping against the unseen force around her arm.
"Cute," she murmured.
"M‑Miss Lyune—!" Mira gasped.
Lyune tilted her head slightly, her crimson eyes calm. Then she released the creature, only to flick her fingers — a casual, almost playful gesture. The beast flew backward, tumbling through the air and crashing into the dirt. It rose, shook itself angrily, and charged again.
Lyune sighed. "Persistent."
She stepped aside, letting it pass, then flicked her wrist again. It skidded across the ground like a toy tossed aside. The others stood frozen, weapons half‑raised, unsure whether to intervene or simply watch.
After the third time, Lyune yawned. "Boring."
She raised one hand lazily. Light gathered around her fingertips, forming delicate white blades that shimmered in the daylight. With a small motion, she sent them forward.
They struck faster than sound — piercing through the tiger wolf in an instant. The body stiffened, then fell still, blood dark against the grass.
Silence hung in the air.
Lyune turned back to the group, her expression calm despite the crimson splatter on her face. "It won't bother us now."
Ryn swallowed. "…Yeah. Definitely not."
Mira stared wordlessly, somewhere between awe and fear. Brok let out a low whistle.
Lyune blinked slowly. "Did I overdo it?"
"No," Ryn said, shaking his head. "No, I think you did exactly enough."
She smiled faintly, unbothered, as if she hadn't just played with death itself. "Good. Then shall we continue?"
No one argued. As the carriage rolled onward, Ryn glanced back once at the fallen beast, then at the small silver‑haired girl sitting peacefully on the roof — sunlight glinting off her calm, otherworldly eyes.
He exhaled quietly. "What are you, Lyune…"