"Aki... my name..."
I said softly. As I looked around, everything seemed to be back to normal. The glowing flower still emitted its radiant light from before, casting a bright glow over the area.
Suddenly, an explosion rocked the surroundings, and I rushed outside to investigate. In the distance, a massive cloud of smoke billowed into the air.
I headed toward the source of the explosion and discovered a person with a hood on being attacked by the same giant bird that had targeted me previously.
Peeking out from behind the bushes, I couldn't help but be curious about what was happening. Then, out of nowhere, the person in the hood collapsed, completely out cold and vulnerable. The giant bird reared back, ready to strike at its vulnerable prey. I couldn't stand by and let it happen.
In that critical moment, my body moved on its own, rushing toward the bird just as it was about to strike. Surprisingly, I effortlessly pushed the bird back with tremendous force.
Confused and astonished, I questioned what had just occurred. My right arm had transformed, adorned with armor in black and red tones, which deflected the bird's attack.
My heart pounded with adrenaline as the monster prepared to strike again. This time, I effortlessly dodged its slow movements. With each passing moment, I realized that my body had acquired extraordinary speed and reflexes.
As the monster attempted another strike, I retaliated with a powerful blow from my armored arm. The battle intensified, and although I managed to deflect its attacks, the armor on my arm slowly faded away.
Knowing time was running out, I had to act quickly. With one final attack, I targeted the monster's eye, running toward it with determination. Taking advantage of its momentary distraction, I climbed behind the creature and plunged my dagger into its back.
The monster howled in pain as it slowly collapsed to the ground. As I withdrew my dagger, the armor dissipated, and I was reminded of the injured person I had encountered earlier. Hurriedly, I made my way to their side.
The person was bleeding slowly. I used my scarf to cover the wound and moved the person beside a nearby tree as the sky darkened. Realizing the need for warmth and comfort, I gathered wooden sticks and started a campfire.
As the sun set and darkness engulfed the area, silence prevailed. I glanced at my right hand, overwhelmed by thoughts racing through my mind. What had just happened? Why did I move instinctively to save this person? And most importantly, what was the significance of the armored arm?
Suddenly, the injured person woke up and exclaimed in surprise, mistaking me momentarily for a monster. Confused by their reaction, I asked what had happened. They quickly apologized, realized their mistake, and inquired about the monster's whereabouts.
I informed them that I had killed the monster, which left them stunned. They questioned how I had managed to defeat such a formidable creature.
Searching for words, I replied,
"It's a long story..."
The person noticed the dagger in my hand and made a connection. They understood how it played a role in the monster's defeat.
"Who are you?"
Curiosity arose within them as they asked.
"I-I'm not sure, but my name is Aki."
Uncertain of my true identity, I hesitated before answering.
"Aki? That's a cool name. I like it."
The person smiled and complimented
They then lowered their hood and introduced themselves as Siana, an explorer from the "Lightwoods". At that moment, her voice felt strangely familiar to me.
Unexpectedly, my stomach growled, and Siana chuckled, offering me a snack bar from her small belt bag. I gratefully accepted and devoured it quickly.
"So… Aki, where are you from?"
As I ate, Siana's curiosity was piqued as she asked me.
Her question triggered a wave of self-doubt within me, making me ponder why I was even here in the first place.
"I have no idea. I don't even know why I'm here or where I'm supposed to go..."
With a hint of confusion, I replied.
Siana, after contemplating for a moment,
"Hmm... Oh! How about visiting my hometown?"
"Your... hometown?"
Perplexed by her proposal, I asked.
"Yes! Since you have nowhere to go, so why not visit it? I can guide you through the city!"
Siana nodded enthusiastically and explained.
"Maybe I can find the answers I'm looking for..."
Deep within my mind, I held a glimmer of hope.
"Ehmm... sure."
Considering her suggestion, I mused.
"Awesome! We'll start our journey tomorrow. Good night!"
Excitedly, Siana exclaimed and fell asleep instantly.
"Oh... good night."
I replied softly, I contemplated the events of the night. It had been eventful and mysterious.
The following day, as we prepared to depart for her hometown, Siana asked me about the fight with the monster, wondering how I had managed to defeat it with just a dagger.
"It's nothing special."
I hesitated for a moment and replied.
"Ehhh~ Why?"
Playfully pouting, Siana questioned.
In my thoughts, I acknowledged that I couldn't reveal the truth just yet, considering it had only happened yesterday.
Attempting to change the subject, I asked Siana about the previous day's incident, inquiring how she had been attacked by the monster.
"Oh, it's nothing special."
With a mischievous smirk on her face, she responded.
As we continued our journey. Eventually, after a long walk, we reached Siana's hometown, a beautiful city adorned with trees.
"Welcome to 'LightWoods'! What do you think?"
Siana's face lit up with pride as she spoke.
"It's... unbelievable."
I breathed, my words barely escaping as I gazed in awe at the magnificent sight before me.