The night was already far spent when the group finally emerged from the dense thickets of the Death Forest. The lingering adrenaline from the monster slaughter still tingled in the fingertips of Ronan and the other members of the Gold Wings party.
During the fifty-minute journey back, not a single member of the Gold Wings spoke. Their minds were in turmoil, struggling to process a logic that had just been shattered by these seemingly humble villagers.
Torchlights began to flicker in the distance, signaling that the gates of Noive Village were near. In front of the entrance, which was made of sturdy dark oak, a crowd had gathered, their faces etched with deep anxiety.
As soon as the group arrived, Keywiln Almon—who had led the battle earlier—was immediately greeted by the villagers. He handed over the limp Keyzier to his mother, Sarah, while Donovan's stretcher was rushed to the village healer. Once he ensured the situation was under control, Grandpa Keywiln walked toward Ronan, who still looked somewhat dazed at the gate.
Keywiln Almon looked at Ronan with a profound gaze. "Are you adventurers from the city?" he asked in a heavy yet calm voice.
Ronan cleared his throat, trying to regain the dignity that had recently crumbled. "That is correct, sir. We are from the city of Antrows. We are the Gold Wings party, and we accepted a mission to investigate the depths of the Death Forest."
Keywiln nodded respectfully. "I am the village head here. Thank you very much for saving those two boys. We do possess the ability to fight, but the forest is far too vast. Had you not been there in time, they might have perished at the hands of those goblins before our search signal reached them."
Rin, the healer, smiled slightly, though she still felt a sense of inferiority after witnessing the efficient healing capabilities of the villagers. "Think nothing of it, sir. It is our duty as adventurers to help those in need."
That night, Noive Village remained awake. However, for the Gold Wings, sleep did not come easily. Inside the village's small inn, they could only exchange glances, realizing that the "villagers" here possessed power that could easily destabilize the kingdom.
Sunlight slipped through the cracks of Keyzier's bedroom window, touching his messy ash-white hair. When his sea-blue eyes opened, the first thing that crossed his mind wasn't the wound on his head—now covered in bandages—but the image of Donovan lying bloodied on the ground.
"Novan!"
Without even washing his face, Keyzier leapt from his bed. He ignored the occasional dizziness and ran out of the house. He had only one goal in mind: the Harlan family home. On his way to Donovan's house, he encountered the Gold Wings party, who happened to be walking around the village.
"Um... excuse me, everyone!" Keyzier called out awkwardly, bringing them to a halt.
Rin turned around, and her face brightened upon seeing the young boy. "Oh, child! You're awake? How are you feeling?"
Keyzier bowed deeply, a gesture of sincere respect. "I didn't get the chance to thank you properly last night. Thank you so much for saving me and Novan! Without you, we might not have made it back."
"If I recall correctly, your name is Keyzier, right?" Ronan stepped forward, patting the boy's small shoulder. "Don't dwell on it, kid. It's simply our duty as adventurers to help those in need!"
"Yes, my name is Keyzier Almon, sir! It's a pleasure to meet you..." he said politely.
"My name is Rin, nice to meet you too, Keyzier..." the healer smiled sweetly, followed by the introductions of the other members: Oliver the assassin (scout), Chloe the mage, and Harold the protector.
"Yes, it's nice to meet you all. If you'll excuse me, I need to get to Novan's house right away!" Keyzier then left the Gold Wings group in a hurry.
After Keyzier's departure, the atmosphere among the party members returned to one of utter bewilderment. They observed the villagers' morning activities. There was a mother carrying a heavy basket with a stride so light it was as if the weight didn't exist, and a young man splitting wood with the precision of a master swordsman.
"This village is absolutely insane and abnormal!" Oliver whispered. "Everyone here is incredibly strong. It's not just about muscle; it's their technique... their magic... some can even mask their presence perfectly like a veteran assassin. Yet they only use it for hunting and kitchen chores."
"Exactly!" Chloe agreed. "Unlike us, who train day and night, risking our lives in various dungeons just to become great adventurers. They use 'S-Rank' power for nothing more than daily life."
"Are you all curious about this village, young ones?"
A voice they had become quite familiar with appeared suddenly from the side. The five adventurers jumped in shock, especially Oliver.
W-what is with this village head? I didn't feel his presence at all! Oliver screamed inwardly, completely stunned. Cold sweat dripped down his temples. As an assassin, failing to detect someone at such close range was both an insult and a threat.
Ronan, seeing Oliver's pale face, realized his comrade had failed to sense the old man. He tried to remain calm. "Yes, Master Keywiln. In truth, we are bewildered by this village. Every resident here is highly skilled in swordplay and magic, even at an illogical level."
Keywiln Almon chuckled softly, gazing at the distant wheat fields. "Ah... all of us here are required to have skills from a young age. Because we live on the edge of the Death Forest, we must be able to survive in this place. Strength is an absolute requirement just to keep breathing."
Rin remembered the incident in the forest and asked the question that had been bothering her. "Then why couldn't those two boys fight off the goblins in the forest? If everyone here is strong, were they not taught swordsmanship or magic?"
Keywiln sighed, his gaze softening. "They are only 9 years old. Children in this village only begin intensive training when they turn ten. Before that, they are forbidden from using magic or real swords so that their bodies can develop naturally first."
"Don't the villagers want to become adventurers or royal soldiers?" Chloe suddenly cut in. "With the abilities everyone here has, couldn't you promise a great change for the kingdom? You could become nobles or heroes!"
Instantly, the surroundings fell silent. The sound of the wind rustling through the leaves seemed to stop.
Keywiln's smile remained, but his eyes radiated an immeasurable depth—the gaze of someone who had seen far too much of the outside world.
"Strength, to you, might be a ladder to glory." Keywiln said quietly, his voice trembling slightly. "But to us, strength is merely a way to protect the peace we have now. The outside world is far too loud, young ones."