The Green Rose pub sat at the center of Greenwood Village. The scent of beer fermenting in oak barrels and the aroma of roasted meat hung in the air. The crackling of firewood in the hearth provided a soothing background melody.

  The interior was far more crowded than usual, filled with joy and excitement. Laughter and clinking glasses blended together, creating a festival-like atmosphere.

  Villagers gathered around long wooden tables, raising their cups and creating a boisterous mood. Candlelight cast warm shadows across their faces.

  At the center of it all sat Bow and Phu. Their faces were flushed with exhaustion and excitement. Small wounds from the battle with the creature still marked Bow's hands.

  "Bow and Phu have finally slain the creature!"

  Village elders approached one after another, vigorously patting their backs and tousling their hair in encouragement.

  "Truly remarkable lads."

  "That beast had us worried for months, nothing could be more satisfying than this!"

  "Heroes who protected our village, heroes indeed!"

  Bow and Phu couldn't hide their smiles despite their embarrassment. Phu's face had turned bright red, while Bow quietly savored the satisfaction.

  Unable to contain his excitement, Phu waved his hands as he spoke. "Hehe... you should have seen Bow when he took down the creature! Watching him spin in mid-air and hit it perfectly on the crown—truly something only Bow could do!"

  The crowd once again exclaimed "Ohhh!" at Phu's words.

  Bow awkwardly scratched his head.

  Just then, Lillis, the pub owner, raised a large mug of beer and announced with a bright smile, "Come now! A toast to our heroes of the day! And while the creature we caught today is being prepared, drink to your heart's content!"

  The villagers responded with thunderous cheers. Lillis filled everyone's cups to the brim from an enormous beer keg.

  Someone shouted loudly, "To the marksman Bow Dolehr and the brave Phu Smulidi! To their hopeful future!"

  "Cheers!"

  The cheerful sound of clinking glasses filled the entire pub.

  That night, Greenwood Village burned with the heat of joy and celebration. Laughter and songs spread into the night sky.

  At that moment, the pub door opened.

  Cold night air rushed in. All eyes turned toward the door. The candles flickered in the sudden chill.

  Lord Christopher's voice filled the pub. "Albert Christopher, Commander of the Guardian Corps of the Litrian Empire, commands in the name of Emperor Arthur William of the Litrian Empire."

  His firm voice cut through the air as a scroll slowly unfurled. The faint scent of parchment spread through the air.

  "I, Arthur William, Emperor of the Litrian Empire, command in the name of Helios, God of Light. The follower of dark magic, the 'Dominator,' who plunged the Litrian Empire into chaos, has appeared again. To permanently eliminate the villainous Dominator from the Litrian Empire, those with courage who wish to join the expedition to the fortress of hell, 'Hell Fortress,' step forward."

  In an instant, the murmuring in the pub disappeared, leaving only the rustling sound of the scroll. Hands holding cups froze in mid-air. The festive heat froze in an instant.

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  The Dominator—a name that sent chills down one's spine.

  When that name was mentioned, the room temperature seemed to suddenly drop. Some frowned with cups clutched in their hands, while others held their breath in tension.

  However, in one corner of the pub, in the dark shadows, only one pair of eyes shone brightly. Bow Dolehr. His eyes reflected a strange excitement. His heart began to beat rapidly.

  Dominator. Hearing that name, ominous rumors flashed through Bow's mind. News of a massacre in an outer village of the empire a month ago, tragedies occurring wherever the symbol of two overlapping crescent moons was engraved. He had heard rumors about the testimony given to the emperor by a boy named Ermin.

  His fingertips slowly tapped on the table. The rhythmic sound matched his heartbeat. A decision had already formed in his mind.

  'Hell Fortress...'

  An unfamiliar place, a vast world, and a battlefield yet unseen. He sensed it was time to leave this small Greenwood Village. The yearning for adventure grew in his chest.

  A subtle smile appeared on Bow's lips. His eyes were filled with determination. His hand unconsciously reached for the bow on his back.

  "Finally, the time has come."

  His voice was soft, but the resolve within it was strong.

  No sooner had he finished speaking than Phu's hand grabbed his shoulder. When Bow turned his head, Phu's face was pale.

  "You... you're thinking of volunteering?" Phu's voice trembled.

  Bow nodded. His heart beat rapidly, but his determination didn't waver.

  "It's too dangerous," Phu whispered. "They say people don't return from that place."

  Bow's gaze was resolute. "Tell me if there's a reason I should stay."

  Phu closed his mouth as if at a loss for words.

  ##############

  Bow met his mother's eyes. In those eyes illuminated by candlelight, worry and fear were abundant. The look made Bow's heart ache.

  "Bow, are you really thinking of volunteering?"

  His mother's voice trembled. The sound pained Bow's heart. Heavy silence descended upon the room.

  "Yes, Mother," Bow answered. His voice shook more than he expected. "I... want to see the world. I want to know what lies beyond this small village."

  Bow was speaking his true feelings, but at the same time, fear rose from a corner of his heart. His heart pounded at the thought of leaving his parents and heading toward unknown dangers. But he knew he couldn't miss this opportunity.

  "I... can't stay in the village forever. I might seem like a hero for catching one creature, but this is just the beginning. I want to find my place in the larger world."

  His mother sighed and shook her head. Her shoulders looked heavy.

  "But... if you have to face the Dominator, who knows what will happen to your life. Experiencing the outside world is good, but do you really need to participate in this expedition?"

  Bow was silent for a moment. In his heart, the yearning for adventure collided with his love for his parents.

  "That's exactly why I must go. Simply becoming a traveler and looking around the world isn't my way. For me, heading to 'Hell Fortress' is what I believe should be my first mission in the outside world."

  Bow spoke, looking alternately at his father and mother. Conviction was evident in his voice.

  His father gazed at his son with deep eyes. Complex emotions crossed his face.

  After a moment of silence, his father quietly spoke. "When you were born, hoping you would become a great archer like your grandfather, we named you 'Bow.' You've grown up admirably, exceeding our expectations, and we're proud of you."

  Bow listened to his father's words. His chest grew warm.

  "After your 18th birthday, I thought someday you would venture into the world. And when I heard the emperor's proclamation, I sensed it—Bow, that you would soon leave our side..."

  His father's voice trembled faintly.

  At that moment, he suddenly rose from his seat and headed to the basement. The sound of his footsteps on the wooden stairs echoed heavily.

  Shortly after, returning with heavy footsteps, his father held a bow and quiver in his hands. They bore traces of many years but still looked robust.

  "Bow, listen carefully. This bow and quiver were gifts from elves of Syladelphia who passed through our village 20 years ago, during the Dominator's rebellion."

  Bow's eyes widened. "From elves?"

  His father nodded quietly and continued. "At that time, elves briefly stayed in our village. As soon as they saw the 'Elder Tree' in the center of the village, they recognized that the tree contained magical energy. After discussions with the village chief, they received permission to use branches from the Elder Tree for weapon crafting."

  Bow swallowed. His hand unconsciously reached toward the bow. When his fingertips touched the surface of the bow, he felt a subtle thrill.

  "Father, is there really magic in this bow?"

  His father hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yes. But I don't know exactly what kind of magic. Your grandfather also said this bow had strong power and didn't use it carelessly."

  Bow slowly picked up the bow and traced it with his fingertips.

  'Hum'

  The bow trembled slightly, a strange resonance transmitted through his fingertips. Like meeting a long-lost friend. A tingling sensation spread throughout Bow's body.

  Bow held the bow gently. Determination settled in his eyes. Though his voice trembled, it contained strong will.

  "Father, Mother. I will become a true marksman who won't disgrace Grandfather's reputation. And after safely completing this expedition and returning..."

  But he couldn't finish his words.

  Bow just held the bow tightly and took a deep breath. Tears welled up in his eyes. His parents' warm gaze enveloped him.

  The next morning at dawn, Bow met Phu at the village entrance. Phu's face was pale as if he hadn't slept.

  "Are you really going?" Phu's voice trembled.

  Bow nodded. "I need to find my destiny."

  "Who will I go hunting with if you're gone?" Tears welled up in Phu's eyes.

  Bow smiled. "You can do well enough on your own now. Have you forgotten how brave you were during the creature hunt?"

  The two looked at each other silently for a moment. Bow took an arrow from his quiver and handed it to Phu.

  "Keep this until I return."

  Phu received the arrow with trembling hands. It was the blue arrow that had taken down the creature.

  "Make sure you come back," Phu said.

  Bow nodded with a smile. "I promise."

  The next morning.

  Bow firmly shouldered the magic-infused bow and quiver he had received from his father, borrowed a horse from the village, and set off toward the capital, Karanos. His figure gradually disappeared into the morning mist. The sound of hooves grew distant.

  The story that began in the small pub of Greenwood Village was now leading to the prelude of a great war. Destiny approached with Bow's footsteps.

  A new adventure awaited him.

  It was the first step of a grand journey that began in a small village.

  Thank you for reading this chapter! I hope you're enjoying Elina's journey.

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