In the daytime, a serene forest buzzed with life. A boar, frantic and terrified, sprinted through the dense underbrush, its hooves pounding against the earth. Something was pursuing it—something relentless.

  Behind it, a girl cloaked in a dark green robe wove through the forest with unwavering determination. She moved effortlessly, leaping over fallen logs and ducking under low-hanging branches, her focus unshakable as she pursued the desperate creature.

  The boar, sensing its end, pushed itself harder, its breaths coming in ragged gasps. Suddenly, an arrow sliced through the air with a sharp whistle, striking the boar squarely in the forehead. The beast collapsed instantly, its lifeless body skidding to a halt on the forest floor.

  The girl chasing the boar stopped just short of it, her breathing steady despite the intense chase. Before she could react further, another figure emerged from above.

  A second girl, clad in a similar dark green robe, dropped gracefully from the branches of a nearby tree, landing with practiced ease. She smiled warmly and extended her hand to the first girl, who wordlessly accepted it. Then, like a wisp of smoke, the first girl dissolved into a fine dust, vanishing completely.

  The remaining girl turned her attention to the fallen boar. With a calm expression, she knelt beside the creature and placed a gentle hand on its head. "I’m sorry it had to be this way," she murmured, her voice soft and reverent.

  With practiced precision, she removed the arrow lodged in the boar’s skull and examined the kill. Without hesitation, she hoisted the heavy carcass onto her shoulder, her movements fluid and effortless despite the weight.

  Then, with a sudden burst of speed, she darted away from the scene, her form a blur as she disappeared into the depths of the forest.

  A few minutes after disappearing into the forest, the girl arrived at a secluded spot nestled within the greenery. A small fire crackled steadily, casting warm, dancing shadows on the surrounding trees. Above the fire, skewered pieces of boar meat sizzled on a stick, their juices dripping onto the flames and producing an enticing aroma.

  Nearby, the boar's stripped skin was pinned to a tree, drying in the soft breeze. Scattered bones lay beneath it, a testament to the methodical work that had already been done.

  The girl knelt beside the fire, a wooden board resting on her thighs. Her hands moved with care and precision, slicing the meat into even portions. The gentle crackle of the fire and the rhythmic sound of her blade created a peaceful, almost meditative atmosphere.

  Once she had finished cutting, she set the board down carefully beside her. Standing up, she stretched her arms overhead, her body arching slightly as she let out a contented sigh. "Hah... another fresh day and fresh air," she murmured, her voice tinged with satisfaction.

  She closed her eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply, savoring the crisp scent of the forest mingled with the savory aroma of cooking meat. A soft smile spread across her face as she exhaled slowly.

  Relaxed, she lowered herself back down, leaning against a sturdy tree trunk. Her gaze fell on the fire, its flames dancing hypnotically as they worked to cook the meal. She watched quietly, the calm ambiance of the forest wrapping around her like a warm blanket.

  As she closed her eyes, basking in the tranquility surrounding her, a sudden thud broke her peace. A scroll materialized out of nowhere, dropping directly onto her head. Startled, she silently picked it up, her once-relaxed expression now replaced with mild annoyance.

  Unrolling the scroll, she read its contents aloud in a low, unimpressed voice:

  "From Marv, let's just say we're gathering at the castle where a meeting will take place. A serious DISCUSSION will be discussed there, so I hope you don't miss it. Also, disobeying this order will lead to a tragic end."

  Finishing the message, she rolled her eyes and muttered in irritation, "Tragic end, he says, as if he doesn’t already know I can’t disobey orders." annoyed by what she just read.

  With a sigh, she stood up, her gaze shifting to the half-cooked meat over the fire. Disappointment flickered across her face as she muttered under her breath, "Guess this meal won't get the time it deserves."

  Turning toward her tent, she approached the massive backpack lying inside. Carefully, she began packing her belongings, organizing them with practiced efficiency. Once everything was secured inside, she dismantled the tent, folded it neatly, and strapped it onto her pack.

  With her gear prepared, she returned to the fire and saw the meat had cooled. Letting out a resigned sigh, she grabbed the pieces barehanded, nibbling on them one by one as she began walking toward the direction of her summons.

  Each bite, though tasty, seemed to carry the weight of her begrudging compliance as she trudged forward into the unknown.

  ...

  Inside the city of Eldermor, where a massive tree loomed over half the city, its sprawling leaves casting a dim shade that blocked the sunlight, a lively bar bustled with noise and activity. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter, clinking mugs, and the occasional crash of chairs.

  In the center of it all stood a towering man clad in heavy green armor, a giant shield strapped to his back. His muscular frame and boisterous demeanor made him the undeniable life of the party. Beside him, a mix of humans, elves, and even a towering giant brawled and laughed together, their roughhousing more celebratory than combative.

  The man raised a mug from the table beside him, his face flushed with joy as he shouted above the clamor, "MATES, ALL DRINKS ARE ON ME! KEEP DRINKING AND HAVE FUN, YOU SMALL-HEADED DRONKOS!"

  A thunderous cheer erupted in response. "YAH!!" the patrons shouted in unison, raising their mugs high before downing their drinks with enthusiasm. The bar erupted into an even louder celebration, with jokes flying, mugs smashing, and revelers stumbling into one another in drunken merriment.

  Amid the chaos, the man beamed with pride, his laughter booming as he reveled in the joy of the moment. But suddenly, a scroll materialized above him, dropping unceremoniously onto his head.

  The man blinked in confusion, his hand instinctively reaching up to grab the parchment. "Huh, me don't see that coming," he muttered, his deep voice laced with curiosity.

  He glanced upward at the ceiling, as if expecting to see the source of the mysterious scroll. Then, his gaze returned to the parchment in his hand. Again, he looked up, then back at the scroll, repeating the motion several times in puzzled wonder before shaking his head in resignation.

  "Alright, alright, let's see what ya got," he muttered, tearing the seal and unrolling the scroll. As his eyes scanned the message, they widened in surprise, the drunken haze on his face briefly replaced by a flash of seriousness.

  He screamed out, his voice booming across the bar, "I AM THE WANKER ALL ALONG!" The sudden outburst silenced the room, all eyes turning to him as he panicked and dashed to the bartender.

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  From his side, he pulled out a magical sack, flipping it upside down with urgency. In an instant, an avalanche of gold coins poured out, burying the bartender under the shimmering pile. The bartender, now only partially visible, simply smiled and remained silent as the coins continued to rain down.

  When the flow finally ceased, leaving the bartender entirely covered, the man shouted hurriedly, "TAKE IT ALL! GIVE THEM AS MUCH DRINK AS THEY WANT! I HAVE TO GO!"

  The bartender, muffled under the gold but calm, asked, "What's with the rush?"

  Without missing a beat, the man responded in a frantic tone, "HAVE NO TIME!" He turned and bolted toward the door, smashing it into splinters with his massive frame as he exited.

  Before disappearing, he yelled back into the bar, "HAVE FUN IN THERE, AY! THERE WAS A CALL...EHH, I NEED TO ANSWER! RIGHT I NEED TO ANSWER IT" staring at the chaos who still ongoing inside it.

  The patrons erupted into cheers, raising their mugs once more and roaring, "YAH!!!" before diving back into their revelry, unbothered by the sudden chaos.

  Meanwhile, outside, the man—Gargan—ran through the streets in a panic, his massive frame shaking the ground with each hurried step. In his haste, the scroll slipped from his grasp, fluttering to the ground.

  As it settled in the dust, the message on it was clearly visible:

  "Hey Gargan, you better hurry back to the castle. There is an emergency, you gigantic idiot."

  The discarded scroll lay there as Gargan's booming footsteps echoed, growing fainter as he barreled toward the city gates in a hurry.

  ...

  In the middle of the vast ocean, under a sky filled with scattered clouds, a man gripped the wheel of a massive ship. His attire, while proper, bore a pirate's ruggedness, and his black hair blew slightly in the ocean breeze. In his hand was a scroll, the source of the struggle evident in his voice as he muttered, "I never wanted... any of this..." His face, however, betrayed no emotion, remaining stoic despite the turmoil inside him.

  From the stairs leading below deck, a figure emerged—a girl with striking features. Blue dragon-like horns adorned her head, and her tail, covered in a similar blue dragon skin, swayed gently as she walked. Her skin carried faint traces of scales, giving her a mystical appearance without overwhelming her natural beauty. She approached her husband with concern, noticing the weight of his struggle as he stared at the scroll.

  "What is it, my love?" she asked gently, her curiosity evident as she tried to peek at the scroll.

  The man quickly rolled it up and tucked it away, his voice heavy with disappointment. "I’m sorry, my love. It’s... a call I need to answer," he said, lowering his gaze.

  The girl’s expression softened, worry filling her eyes. She stepped closer, wrapping her arms around him in a comforting embrace from behind. With a calm smile and closed eyes, she whispered, "It’s okay, Rogy. You can answer the call if it’s important."

  Rog remained silent, the conflict in his heart reflected in his eyes. The girl released her embrace and moved to stand in front of him, her smile unwavering. Standing confidently in front of the ship’s wheel, she declared loudly, "Besides, me and the crew can take care of the ship while you’re gone!"

  Turning to face the deck, she raised her voice even more, shouting with excitement, "ISN’T THAT RIGHT, EVERYONE?!"

  Her words echoed across the ship, rallying the crew—a mix of various species—who responded in unison with cheers and raised hands, their enthusiasm palpable.

  As Rog watched the scene, his grip tightened on the scroll, his face still clouded with doubt. The girl turned back to him, her cheerful demeanor undeterred.

  Rog sighed deeply, gathering his thoughts before addressing the crew with a firm and commanding tone. "Listen up, everyone! I have a meeting to attend. While I’m gone, I want her,"—he gestured to the ship—"to remain clean and... " he paused for a moment silently thinking about something for short time, he continue with low and silently unease " safe. " bowing his head for a moment before then raising up to see his crew.

  He sigh for a moment, scanning the faces of his loyal crew before continuing with conviction. "Got it?".

  "AYE, CAPTAIN!" the crew roared back in agreement, their trust in their captain and each other evident.

  Rog adjusted the wheel, setting the ship on its new course. Just then, a harpy girl descended gracefully from above, landing softly on the deck. With a curious expression, she hurried over to Rog.

  "What’s wrong?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, unaware of the gravity of the situation weighing on her captain.

  "Nothing special," Rog replied calmly, his tone masking the internal struggle.

  The harpy, still confused, perched herself on the ship’s railing, her legs swinging gently as she observed him in silence.

  Rog closed his eyes for a moment, thoughts swirling in his mind. This is unexpected... I didn’t even think it would come to this, he thought. Opening his eyes with a deep sigh, he resigned himself to the situation. I have no choice, he admitted internally, I wish we sailed to more safer place in the future.

  With resolve, he turned his attention forward, ready to set out on his journey, leaving the rest in the capable hands of his crew as they sailed into the unknown.

  ...

  Under the shadow of a dense forest, a scream echoed from within a dark cave. Moments later, a lone goblin burst out, its face twisted in terror as it sprinted to escape whatever horror lay within. Its desperate attempt at freedom was abruptly cut short when a red, gleaming spear shot from the cave with incredible speed, impaling the goblin’s head. The sheer force of the throw sent the creature flying deep into the forest, leaving a trail of dust and broken branches in its wake.

  From the cave’s dark entrance, a figure emerged—a man clad in blood-streaked armor, still revealing his dark armor color. His helm obscured his face, but the red cloth draped over the top added to his fearsome appearance. In one hand, he held a massive, blood-soaked bag, dragging it with ease despite its size. In the other, he clutched a crumpled scroll, his grip so tight it crinkled further under the pressure.

  With an air of simmering anger, the man stopped at the edge of the forest. He cast the scroll to the ground with disgust, his movements sharp and deliberate. His hand glowed with a crimson light as he summoned another spear, its surface pulsating with magical energy. Without hesitation, he hurled it with immense force at the scroll, the impact sending a fiery shockwave that scorched the earth around it.

  Not sparing a second glance at the obliterated scroll, the man adjusted his grip on the bloodied bag and began to walk away. His heavy footsteps left an eerie silence in their wake, broken only by the faint dragging sound of the bag trailing behind him. Without hesitation or remorse, he disappeared into the depths of the forest, leaving behind a scene of carnage and a lingering sense of dread.

  In the quiet outskirts of a small village, the knight stood alone amidst rows of graves, each marked by simple wooden crosses planted firmly in the soil. The weight of the recent tragedy hung heavy in the air as he gazed down at the freshly dug earth, his blood-streaked armor reflecting the fading light of the day.

  From behind, an elderly man approached, his steps slow but steady. The elder came to stand beside the knight, his weathered face somber as he looked over the graves. “I want to say thank you for everything you’ve done here,” the old man said, his voice soft but filled with gratitude.

  The knight remained silent, his head lowered in quiet contemplation.

  “If it weren’t for you,” the elder continued, “this village wouldn’t exist anymore. You’ve given us a chance to rebuild.”

  The knight finally spoke, his voice subdued and laced with regret. “If I’d known about this sooner… if I’d acted faster… the men, the women, the children—they wouldn’t have been sacrificed to whatever those goblins worshipped.” His fists clenched tightly at his sides. “If I’d been just a little faster, they wouldn’t have to lie here beneath this ground. They could still be alive, laughing, living.”

  The elder placed a reassuring hand on the knight’s armored shoulder, his expression one of understanding. “We can’t rewind time or undo what’s been done. All we can do now is hope that they’ve found peace. And because of you, we can honor their memory by carrying on.”

  The knight fell silent, letting the old man’s words sink in. Slowly, the anger in his posture softened, replaced by a deep, aching calm. Inside his helmet, his red eyes closed as tears trickled silently down his cheeks. When he opened them again, there was resolve.

  “You’re right,” he said quietly. “That’s all we can do.”

  After a moment, the knight turned to the elder, his voice steady but tinged with sorrow. “I’m sorry that I can’t stay here any longer.” He shifted his gaze forward, his path clear in his mind. “There’s a call I need to answer.”

  Without waiting for a response, the knight began to walk away, his footsteps heavy but purposeful. The elder watched him go, a mix of gratitude and sorrow in his eyes, before turning back toward the graves. He bowed his head in silent prayer, the faint echo of the knight’s retreating steps fading into the stillness