Limon's sharp gaze scanned the surroundings, his instincts on high alert. The young lady behind him, though visibly agitated, obeyed his command and took a cautious step back. Her earlier defiance faded, replaced by a tinge of apprehension.
"What's going on?" she asked softly, her voice betraying a mixture of fear and curiosity.
Limon didn't respond immediately. He raised a hand, signaling her to remain silent. His ears strained to catch even the faintest sound amidst the rustling leaves and the distant crashing waves.
And then, he heard it—a low, guttural growl, coming from the dense underbrush to their right.
A pair of glowing red eyes emerged from the shadows, followed by the massive, sinewy form of a desert predator. It was a Sandfang Beast, a creature notorious in the Taklamakan region for its speed and ferocity. Its sandy-brown fur blended seamlessly with the surrounding terrain, making it a master of ambushes.
"Stay calm," Limon said, his voice steady. "Don't run, and don't make any sudden moves."
The young lady clutched her gray scarf tightly, her pink hair peeking out as she peeked over Limon's shoulder. Her earlier bravado had completely vanished, replaced by wide-eyed fear.
Limon slowly reached for the hilt of his sword, his movements deliberate. The beast crouched low, its muscles coiled like springs, ready to pounce.
With a sudden burst of movement, the Sandfang Beast lunged. Limon reacted instantly, drawing his blade and stepping to the side in one fluid motion. His sword gleamed under the sunlight as he struck, the edge slicing across the creature's flank.
The beast howled in pain but quickly pivoted, its claws swiping toward Limon. He dodged expertly, his years of training evident in his precise footwork.
"Limon!" the young lady called out, her voice trembling.
"Stay back!" he barked, his focus unwavering.
The Sandfang Beast circled him, its movements cautious now that it had felt the sting of Limon's blade. It snarled, baring its sharp teeth, but its eyes darted toward the young lady.
Limon noticed the shift in its focus. "It's after her," he muttered under his breath.
With a sudden burst of energy, the beast leaped toward the young lady. Limon cursed and sprinted forward, placing himself between her and the predator. He raised his sword just in time, the blade clashing against the creature's claws with a metallic screech.
Using the momentum, Limon pushed the beast back and followed up with a swift counterattack. His sword pierced the creature's side, this time driving deep. The Sandfang Beast let out a final, anguished roar before collapsing to the ground, lifeless.
Limon stood over the beast, panting slightly. He wiped the sweat from his brow and turned to the young lady, who was staring at him in awe.
"Are you hurt?" he asked, his tone softer now.
She shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "No… I'm fine."
"Good. Let's not stay here any longer. There could be more of them nearby."
The young lady hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright."
This time, she didn't protest when Limon reached out to guide her. They began their trek back toward the sandy fishing ground, the atmosphere tense but significantly quieter now that the immediate danger had passed.
As they walked, the young lady glanced at Limon, her earlier irritation replaced by curiosity. "Why did you take this mission? You don't even know me."
Limon shrugged, his expression unreadable. "An adventurer's job isn't always about knowing the people we help. Sometimes, it's just about doing the right thing."
She frowned, seemingly unsatisfied with his answer, but she didn't press further.
When they finally arrived back at the wooden house, Laradoa rushed out to greet them. His face lit up with relief the moment he saw the young lady.
"Thank the gods! You're safe!" he exclaimed, nearly tripping over his own feet as he approached.
The young lady crossed her arms, her expression haughty once more. "I wasn't in any danger. Your adventurer here is just overreacting."
Laradoa ignored her remark and turned to Limon. "Thank you, truly. I don't know how to repay you."
"No need for thanks," Limon replied, sheathing his sword. "Just make sure she stays safe from now on."
Laradoa nodded fervently. "I will, I promise."
The young lady shot Limon a glance, her eyes betraying a flicker of gratitude before she turned away with a huff.
As Limon mounted the Dudu bird and prepared to leave, Laradoa approached him once more.
"Adventurer," he said, his tone serious. "If you're ever in need of assistance, don't hesitate to seek me out. You've earned my trust and my respect."
Limon offered a small smile and a nod before spurring the bird forward.
As he rode off into the distance, he couldn't help but wonder about the young lady's true identity. Whoever she was, it was clear she carried more weight than her delicate frame suggested.
But for now, that was a mystery for another day.