"Cheers!" The roar of warriors echoed through the tavern, a chorus of deep voices as mugs of beer were raised high in celebration.
The air was thick with the smell of roasted meat and the chatter of merry warriors, their laughter filling the space, bouncing off the walls of the dimly lit tavern. The atmosphere was heavy with triumph. The warriors had just returned from a victorious battle, their wounds already starting to heal, their spirits high.
"I can't believe Hazeki," one of the warriors said, slapping his knee with amusement. "He literally plunged the demon with his shield! HAHAHAHA."
The crowd erupted in laughter and applause, their voices rising above the clinking of mugs.
"Hahaha, that's my son!" A proud voice rang out from the corner of the tavern. The general, a tall man with graying hair and a broad chest, beamed as he clapped his son on the back, drawing the attention of everyone around.
The young man, Hazeki, a tall figure with brown hair and hazel eyes, flushed slightly under the attention. He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to downplay the praise. "Stop it, father, Hahaha!" he chuckled, though his embarrassment was clear.
But the general only laughed louder, slapping his son on the shoulder again. "Don't stop me, son! You should be proud of what you did! HAHAHA." His laughter boomed, and more warriors joined in, raising their mugs in a toast to Hazeki's strength and skill.
Hazeki let out a nervous laugh, but before he could protest further, a chubby warrior approached him with a grin on his face, holding out a mug of beer.
"Here you go, Haze," the warrior said, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "Drink up."
"Thanks, Moga!" Hazeki said, accepting the drink with a grateful smile.
Moga took a seat next to him, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied sigh. "So, how did you manage to plunge that demon?" Moga asked, his voice full of curiosity, a playful glint in his eyes.
Hazeki took a swig of the beer, the cool liquid soothing his throat. He set the mug down, looking into the distance as his mind drifted back to the moment. His expression softened, and for a brief second, his prideful grin faded. "Moga, I have no idea how I did that," he confessed. "I just felt... pressured, I guess. Everything happened so fast. One minute I was just trying to defend myself, and the next..." He trailed off, recalling the intense rush of adrenaline.
His hands tightened around the mug, as if remembering the heat of the moment, the demon's gnarled face twisted in fury before him. Hazeki had acted instinctively, driven by something primal, something he couldn't explain.
"But you did it, Hazeki," Moga said with a knowing smile, clapping him on the back. "That's what matters."
Hazeki forced a smile, but his thoughts lingered on the battle, wondering if he'd truly been as in control as he thought. For now, though, the celebration continued around him. The warriors laughed, drank, and reveled in the success of their victory, unaware of the thoughts swirling in Hazeki's mind.
"Hazeki! Finish it!" the general bellowed, his voice cutting through the chaos.
Hazeki stood frozen, his sword trembling in his hand as he stared at the demon before him. Fear gripped his chest, tightening around his heart.
"F-Father..." Hazeki stammered, his knees buckling under the weight of the moment. The demon's malicious eyes locked onto him, and the sound of its growling filled his ears.
"I have to do this," Hazeki whispered to himself, his voice breaking as he wiped away the tears threatening to spill down his face. "If I don't, we're all gonna die."
The words barely registered in his mind before he charged, his sword raised high. The demon screeched, lunging at him with wild fury. With all his strength, Hazeki thrust the blade into the creature's heart, his scream echoing in the air.
"AAAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHH!" The demon's roar was silenced by the force of his strike. It crumpled to the ground with a sickening thud, its lifeless body collapsing in a heap.
For a moment, all was still.
"You were really cool back there!" Moga's voice broke the silence, and Hazeki felt a strong pair of arms engulf him in a tight hug.
"M-Moga, s-stop it... I can't breathe!" Hazeki gasped, his face turning red as Moga's grip tightened in excitement.
"Oops, my bad! Hahaha," Moga laughed, letting go of Hazeki, who staggered backward, struggling to catch his breath.
The door of the tavern suddenly slammed open with a loud bang, and a group of warriors barged inside. They were carrying someone—someone struggling wildly, yelling and thrashing against their captors.
"AHH! Let go of me!" The voice was familiar, frantic, and filled with fear. Kiera, her clothes torn and dirty, was thrown into the tavern, crashing to the ground with a thud.
Levin, the tall warrior with blonde hair and sharp green eyes, stood in the doorway, his hand still gripping Kiera's arm.
"Levin, what's the meaning of this?" the general demanded, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the scene.
"I found her causing trouble at the center of town, sir," Levin explained, his voice steady. "She was strangling people for no reason."
The general's brows furrowed in confusion. "And what kind of trouble is that?"
"She keeps attacking anyone who gets too close," Levin replied, his tone tense. "She looks... unhinged."
The general turned his gaze to Kiera, who was still on the ground, her eyes wide with panic. Her breaths were shallow, chest heaving as she glared at the warriors around her.
"Well, young lady," the general said, his voice softening slightly, "why have you caused such trouble?"
Kiera didn't answer, her trembling form silent but filled with distrust. She cast her gaze around the room, her eyes darting to every figure in the tavern, but when they landed on Hazeki, something in her shifted.
"Father," Hazeki said quietly, stepping forward, his concern evident. "I think the young lady is scared. She's shaking like she saw something traumatic."
The general looked down at Kiera, his expression thoughtful. "Traumatic, huh? Let her rest. She seems pressured."
"Yes, sir." Levin nodded and moved to the side, pulling Kiera gently to her feet.
Moga, his usual cheerfulness dampened by the somber mood, looked at Kiera with concern. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked, his voice hesitant as he stepped closer.
Kiera glanced at him, her eyes narrowing in disdain. She sneered under her breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "Tch... Filthy creatures..."
"What?! Did she just—?" Moga's voice rose in shock. "She called me filthy?!"
"Stop it, Moga," Hazeki interjected firmly, moving to Moga's side. "She's in bad condition."
"Ha, as if you care about her," Levin muttered under his breath, crossing his arms.
Ignoring Levin, Hazeki approached Kiera, holding out a bottle of water. He watched as she recoiled, her gaze wild and filled with distrust.
Without warning, Kiera shoved the water away, sending the bottle crashing to the floor. "You demons can't fool me!" she shouted, her voice rising with panic and fury. Before Hazeki could react, she turned and bolted for the door.
"W-Wait!" Hazeki called out, sprinting after her, followed by Moga and Levin. They found her standing outside the tavern, her eyes wide with shock, staring at the building with a strange intensity.
"N-Namuh?" Kiera whispered, her voice barely audible, and then she collapsed to her knees. "Uncle... I made it..." she murmured to herself, her body sagging with exhaustion.
Before any of them could reach her, Kiera's eyes fluttered shut, and her body fell forward, hitting the ground with a dull thud.
"H-Hey!" Hazeki rushed over to her, kneeling beside her prone form. He shook her gently, his hands hovering over her trembling body.
"Is she okay?" Moga asked anxiously, kneeling down as well. "What happened to her?"
Hazeki checked for signs of life, relief washing over him when he found her breathing, though shallow and ragged. "She's alive," he muttered, though his voice was filled with worry. "But what happened to her? Who is she?"
"She's not from here," Levin said, his voice low and serious. "I don't know who she is, but she's dangerous. We have to keep an eye on her."
Hazeki nodded, his mind racing. "But she's been through something. Something... traumatic."
As they gathered around her, the storm inside Kiera's mind raged on, a whirlwind of memories, pain, and confusion. Whatever she had been through, it was far from over.
"Hey... Hey, wake up."
A voice echoed in the haze of Kiera's mind, pulling her from the depths of unconsciousness. Slowly, she opened her eyes, blinking against the dim light. A face hovered above her—young, concerned, and unfamiliar.
"Huh?" she mumbled groggily, her body stiff as she pushed herself upright.
"Are you alright?" the boy asked, his dark eyes scanning her face.
Kiera rubbed her temples, still dazed. "Yeah... I think so." She looked around, her breath hitching as she took in her surroundings. "Is this really the Namuh Tavern?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The boy hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Uh, yeah. Are you looking for this place?"
Tears welled up in Kiera's eyes before she could stop them. Weeks—she had been searching for weeks. "I... I finally made it," she choked out, covering her mouth as silent sobs wracked her shoulders.
Just then, the heavy wooden door creaked open, and a tall, imposing figure stepped inside. The air in the room shifted, the presence of authority undeniable.
"How is she?" The deep, commanding voice belonged to the general.
"She's fine, Father," the boy answered, standing up as the general approached. "She's been looking for this tavern."
The general studied Kiera with sharp, calculating eyes. "What's your name, young lady?"
Kiera swallowed hard, her throat tight. "K-Kiera..."
The general's gaze darkened. "Are you a human?"
The question struck her like a bolt of lightning. Her heart pounded in her chest. Why was he asking that? Should she lie?
"Uh... y-yes?" she answered hesitantly.
A sharp intake of breath came from beside her. Kiera turned her head to see the boy—Hazeki, if she remembered correctly—staring at her in shock.
"Father," Hazeki murmured, his expression unreadable. "She's... a human too."
The general straightened, his expression unreadable. "Call Tamaia," he ordered one of the warriors standing by the door. "Hurry."
Kiera's confusion deepened as she glanced around at the warriors, their reactions varying from surprise to quiet understanding. Before she could say anything, a warm hand landed gently on her shoulder. She flinched slightly, looking up to see Hazeki offering her a reassuring smile.
"You're going to be alright," he said, his voice steady. "We're humans too."
Kiera's eyes widened. Humans? Here?
Hazeki stood up. "Wait for Tamaia. She'll explain everything to you." With that, he turned and left the room, leaving Kiera alone with her racing thoughts.
Meanwhile, in another part of the Namuh Tavern...
"So, Levin, how did your fight go?" a woman purred, sliding onto the bench beside him.
"Yeah! I heard you were incredible!" another chimed in, clinging to his arm with dreamy eyes.
Levin barely spared them a glance. "Thanks," he muttered, standing up and walking away, leaving the two women squealing behind him.
"He's so cool!" they gushed.
"Must be nice," Moga sighed, watching Levin with exaggerated despair. "All the girls swoon over you, while I get nothing."
Levin scoffed. "I hate girls like that."
Before Moga could respond, his gaze shifted toward the other side of the tavern. "Oh! She's awake."
Levin followed his line of sight, his sharp green eyes settling on Kiera. His expression was unreadable as he studied her.
"Kiera, I'm glad you're okay," Hazeki said, stepping forward.
"She encountered a demon a few weeks ago," a girl with curly red hair explained. "That's why she's so shaken up."
"Thanks, Tamaia," Hazeki said with a grateful nod.
Moga leaned in slightly, his gaze fixated on Kiera. "Whoa… is it just me, or is she really beautiful?"
A brief silence followed.
"Yeah…" Levin murmured, almost too quietly.
Moga's head snapped toward him. "Wait… Did you just say 'yeah'?" he asked, eyes widening in disbelief.
Realizing his slip, Levin's face turned slightly red. Without another word, he abruptly turned on his heel and strode out of the tavern.
"Hey, Haze!" Moga approached Hazeki and Kiera, still looking flustered.
"Oh! Moga," Hazeki said with a grin. "This is Kiera."
Kiera offered her hand with a polite smile. "Nice to meet you, Moga."
Moga hesitated before taking her hand. "N-Nice to meet you too, K-Kiera," he stammered, his cheeks burning.
"Where's Levin?" Tamaia asked, glancing around.
"Oh, he went outside," Moga replied, still dazed by Kiera's presence.
"Alright!" Tamaia didn't hesitate, rushing after Levin.
Hazeki chuckled, shaking his head. "She still likes him, even though he's dumped her so many times."
At that moment, the General stepped forward, his towering presence instantly commanding attention. He turned to Kiera.
"Kiera, can I speak with you for a moment?"
Kiera straightened, her heart pounding. "Y-Yes, sir."
...
"LEVIN!" Tamaia called out, chasing after him.
Levin exhaled sharply, not bothering to turn around. "Shut up," he muttered.
Undeterred, Tamaia quickened her pace, falling in step beside him. "Come on, Levin. I'm just here as a friend. You seem… bothered."
"Yeah? Then stop bothering me," he shot back, his tone cold as he walked ahead, leaving her behind.
Tamaia clenched her fists, watching him go. "Tch. I'm gonna win your heart someday!" she declared.
Without missing a beat, Levin lifted a hand in a dismissive wave. "Not gonna happen," he said over his shoulder before disappearing into the night.
"Haze, do you think the demon Kiera encountered was huge?" Moga asked, glancing at Hazeki.
"I don't know," Hazeki admitted. "She was too scared to give details. This is her first time in this world, after all. Besides, we still don't know the whole story."
Moga sighed. "Poor Kiera. She must have been in complete shock."
"Yeah, but she doesn't have to worry anymore," Hazeki said with determination. "I'll protect her—and everyone else."
A voice chimed in from behind him. "Who's protecting who?"
Hazeki turned around and broke into a grin. "Amanda!" Without hesitation, he threw his arms around her.
"Woah, kid—stop! HAHAHA!" Amanda laughed, patting his back.
"Haze, give her a break. Amanda just got back from work. Let her rest," Moga scolded playfully.
"Sorry, sorry, I just missed her!" Hazeki grinned sheepishly.
Amanda smirked. "So, what's all the commotion? I heard we have a new human around."
"Yeah," Moga nodded, his cheeks reddening slightly. "Her name's Kiera."
Amanda's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh really? That's nice! Maybe our little Haze will finally get himself a girlfriend."
"N-No! She's not my type!" Hazeki sputtered.
"Oh? Really now?" Amanda teased, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah!" Hazeki huffed. "I already have my eyes on someone else."
Amanda chuckled. "Alright, alright. No need to get all flustered." She glanced around. "Where's Levin?"
"He went outside," Moga replied.
"Probably with Tamaia," Hazeki added.
Amanda smirked. "My little bro sure is popular with the ladies."
"So, you think that's the reason you're here?" the general asked, his gaze steady on Kiera.
"Yes, sir," Kiera nodded. "An old man told me that I would stay in this world until I could bring peace to it."
The general's expression darkened. "That's exactly what happened to my grandfather. He claimed he was sent here for the same purpose—to bring peace. And the uncle you spoke of… I knew him. Pedro. He was a trader, always moving between towns, making deals here and there."
Kiera's hands trembled as she clutched them together. "Then how could such a good person die so easily?"
The general sighed. "You were deceived by a demon."
Kiera's breath hitched. "What?"
"That demon you encountered—it was an Illudere. They don't kill directly, but they manipulate the mind, creating illusions so real you'd swear they were truth," the general explained.
Kiera's eyes widened in realization. "That's why I heard my mother's voice… So, I was with a demon the whole time?"
The general nodded. "Pedro died inside that forest. But what I don't understand is how. Illudere demons only deceive; they can't actually take a life."
A horrifying thought crawled into Kiera's mind. Her stomach churned. "Don't tell me…" she whispered, and before she could hold it back, she turned and ran from the room.
She barely made it outside before she collapsed onto her knees, dry heaving as tears streamed down her face.
"It can't be…" Kiera sobbed, her mind desperately piecing together fragments of memory.
Then, it hit her.
The sword.
The struggle.
The moment she had thrust the blade forward.
"I—I killed him," Kiera gasped, her chest rising and falling in short, panicked breaths. "I killed Uncle Pedro."
She clutched her head, her entire body shaking. "I was tricked… I'm a murderer…"
Unbeknownst to her, Levin had been standing nearby, watching. His expression was unreadable as he listened, his fists clenching at his sides. Just as he was about to step forward, Hazeki appeared.
"Kiera," Hazeki's voice was gentle as he knelt beside her. "It's okay. It wasn't your fault. It was the demon's."
Kiera shook her head, tears still running down her cheeks. "I know, but I just can't let this go. I want to kill that demon!" She stood abruptly, her eyes burning with a fiery determination.
Hazeki took a step back, momentarily stunned by the intensity in her gaze. But then, he smiled softly, reaching out a reassuring hand. "You don't have to do this alone. We're here for you, all of us. You're not alone, Kiera."
Her breathing steadied as she looked at Hazeki, his words grounding her. Slowly, she nodded. "A-Alright… Thank you, Hazeki."
Together, they made their way back to the tavern.
Meanwhile, Levin remained in the shadows, watching them leave. His eyes lingered on Kiera, his mind lost in the echoes of his past.
"I know those eyes…"
A memory surfaced—
"Stay back, kid!" a woman with jet-black hair stood in front of an eight-year-old Levin, shielding him from the approaching demons.
"Go! Run!" she shouted, wielding her blade with fierce determination.
Levin exhaled sharply, snapping back to the present.
"Kiera…" he murmured, his grip tightening.