I don't know how I've survived a lot of different battles in my years as a hero but I'm still here so that's all that matters for now. It's time to continue the search for the hero Mai knows of.
Wherever they are is a mystery to me but I have a bit of trust in Mai for the time being since she could've killed me at any time if she was my enemy.
"I'm just lucky sometimes Mai. Are you ready to get going?" Haru asks after standing up.
"Yeah. If you think you're capable of moving then I'm ready. I'll lead the way." Mai responds with a bit of concern in her voice.
She doesn't owe me anything but yet she cares about my well being, we've barely been traveling together that long. Sigh.
The two of them left the camp with the supplies they needed and continued north. Getting closer and closer to the kingdom of Shadow Moore.
Haru didn't really make conversation with Mai for a few days as he was still focused on everything that happened recently.
Demon death squad, demon army, and a demon general all after me within a span of a few days from each other. Are they really coming back this soon or are they hunting the heroes down this time.
Going after us is entirely different tactic and I wouldn't be surprised if it's something they'd try to do.
(It's been about a week since Haru and Mai continued on their travels. Lena and her group have also been working on quests for the king of Shadow Moore.)
Only another day or so away from the kingdom, Mai and Haru weren't going to be stopping there but it was going to be an interesting place to pace by.
"You just going to be silent the whole time we travel?" Mai speaks up with a bit of an annoyed tone in her voice.
"Just got a lot on my mind right now. That's all." Haru responds while walking besides her.
The Kingdom of Shadow Moore is close and I'm not sure I want to get seen by anyone there. Most people there are quick to judge people, especially in the darkest of lights.
It's got an amazing guild and king running the kingdom there though so at least it has that going for it.
"Well we can talk since we're traveling together. We've also fought side by side with one another too." Mai mentions.
Haru decided to give in to keep her from being annoying by making small talk with her for a few hours. Talking about what could be next for her, for him, and just why they didn't ended up meeting again.
(The Town of Lilly's) Hours later.
A town full of beautiful flowers surrounding it, not something you'd expect to be close to the kingdom of Shadow Moore. It was filled with lots of happy people who were grateful to be alive in their town.
People were all over the streets, talking and selling their goods to one another. Something that was rare for Haru to see since he had been in Zianna for quite some time.
"Welcome travelers! Plenty of good shops and the deadly lilac inn down there is great for drinks and rest." An older woman with a big smile on her face says as she stands before them.
This is definitely not my typical place to be in and honestly it's kind of weird to be here right now. I dealt with it somewhat with that town that I stayed at before but this place is full of happiness.
Maybe heroes really just make them feel safe which is good but it just strikes me the wrong way.
"Thank you ma'am. We'll be sure to check everything out." Mai responds with a smile back towards the woman.
Oddly enough the woman didn't make any comments about Mai's horn or anything about her being a demon. I forget what the views are like around here but I know most aren't okay with demons period.
Especially now with the potential of a second war against them, I'm sure the reputation is just getting worse.
Haru and Mai continued to travel throughout the town until they reached the Deadly Lilac inn. Upon entering the inn they were met with dozens of parties that had been inside drinking and discussing quests.
The walls filled with paintings of the heroes of Shadow Moore, the king himself, and of course the quest board.
A particular party stood out to Haru though, one that he could recognize someone but didn't want to say a word.
In the far right corner of the room was a group of three. One wearing silver paladin armor with hints of gold within the pauldrons, the second wearing silver armor covered in black garbs with his face concealed, and the final being a girl with short white hair, wearing light knight like armor.
"There's a table over here that we can sit at." Mai says while dragging Haru over.
I- I swear I know who that is but it's just slipping past me right now. She looks so familiar and yet I can't place my finger on it at all.
"Thanks for finding us a spot to sit. Sorry I just lost myself in thoughts for a moment there." Haru speaks with a bit of confusion in his voice.
Lena wouldn't be here though, she's probably off doing stuff with her group of heroes. I know she was originally in shadow Moore a long time ago but things change and I doubt she'd be there ten years without going anywhere.
"Don't worry about it Haru. Just get something to eat and maybe drink. We're only a few days out." Mai mentions while taking a look at a menu.
Maybe it's just because I haven't seen Lena in so long that I had hope for a minute there. I know she's probably okay but I can't help thinking it'd be nice to see her again.
"What can I get you guys?" A woman asks with a smile on her face.