The sun is high over a bustling town square, filled with the murmur of townsfolk, merchants peddling goods, and children playing in the streets. Raion Gilbert, a young wanderer with an easy confidence, walks in, carrying a rough travel sack slung over one shoulder.
Raion: (muttering to himself) "Another day, another place. Let's hope this one has a challenge worth sticking around for."
He makes his way to a market stall selling fresh fruits and basic supplies. The vendor, a gray-haired man with a crooked smile, sizes Raion up.
Vendor: "Not often we see new faces here. Passing through, are you?"
Raion: (smiling) "Something like that. You wouldn't happen to know of anyone here… particularly strong, would you?"
The vendor chuckles, eyeing Raion with a hint of caution.
Vendor: "Strong, you say? I'd keep that curiosity in check. There've been… disturbances lately. They say the ruffians around here are stealing and killing people at night."
Raion: (taking a bite of an apple he just purchased) "Disturbances, huh? Sounds like my kind of town."
Raion makes his way to the nearby tavern, the sounds of raucous laughter and the clinking of mugs welcoming him as he steps inside. The atmosphere is thick with smoke and the smell of roasted meat. He finds a seat at the bar, catching the eye of the bartender.
Bartender: "What'll it be, traveler?"
Raion: "Something strong. I could use a little warmth."
As he waits, Raion overhears a group of rough-looking patrons discussing recent events in the town.
Ruffian 1: "Did you hear about the murders taking places in town? Makes you wonder what's around these parts."
Ruffian 2: "Ha! Probably just fake news. Nothing to worry about."
Raion: (leaning in) "Sounds like you lot are just waiting for trouble to come to you."
The ruffians turn to him, their expressions shifting from surprise to amusement.
Ruffian 1: "What's this? A brave wanderer? You think you can handle whatever's coming?"
Raion: (grinning) "Handle? I'd say I'm more interested in watching how it all unfolds. But I doubt it'll be anything I can't handle."
The ruffians share a laugh, but their amusement fades as they size him up.
Ruffian 3: "A puny little guy like you couldn't possibly be strong at all."
before he could even react, all of the ruffians were taken out.
Raion: "Guess that should tell you all, you want."
After finishing his drink, Raion stands, brushing off his clothes. He glances around the tavern one last time, noting the less-than-inviting atmosphere.
Raion: (to himself) This town is a joke.
He exits the tavern, the sun now setting on the horizon, casting long shadows across the square. As he walks away, he has no intention of sticking around.
Raion: (muttering as he heads down the road) "Time to find somewhere to stay for the night."
His path led him to the outskirts of the town, where the landscape shifted from cobbled streets to open fields. The scent of fresh earth and the faint chirp of crickets filled the air.
In the distance, Raion spotted a figure working in the fields, silhouetted against the fiery sky. The young man—lean, focused, and clad in simple farm clothes—was moving methodically through the rows, his head down as he worked. Raion's curiosity got the better of him, and he approached.
Haruto glanced up as the stranger neared, resting his hoe against the ground. The sight of the blonde-haired traveler, with his confident stride and easy grin, immediately put Haruto on guard. He straightened, wiping his hands on his pants.
Raion: (raising a hand in greeting) "Evening. You live around here?"
Haruto: (nodding cautiously) "I do. What brings you all the way out here?"
Raion: (grinning) "Just passing through. I'm traveling, and I was wondering if there's an inn nearby where I can rest for the night."
Haruto paused, studying the man before him. There was something about Raion that felt out of place here—his casual confidence, the way he carried himself. It wasn't threatening, but it was unusual.
Haruto: (gesturing back toward the town) "There's nothing out here but one near the square. You probably passed it on your way out here."
Raion glanced over his shoulder in the direction Haruto had pointed, then looked back with a smirk.
Raion: "Figured as much. I'll head back that way, then, thanks."
Haruto looked at as he walked away. "What a strange fella."
As the sky darkened and the first stars began to twinkle, Haruto's mind raced, not just from the physical exhaustion of the day, but from the deeper, more profound questions that continued to simmer beneath the surface. The stranger, Raion, had come and gone, but Haruto couldn't shake the feeling that his encounter wasn't just a fleeting moment. He couldn't help but wonder if his path was about to cross with someone—or something—that would force him to confront not just his abilities, but the very essence of who he was becoming.
It wasn't just his training that needed refining; it was his understanding of himself, of the strange energy he had only just begun to control. And as much as Kaito's constant teasing and the farm chores helped keep him grounded, Haruto knew that his journey was taking him further from the peaceful life he'd once envisioned.
That night, as he sat by the stream, the realization settled in. There was more waiting for him than just the simple, quiet life of a farmer. The flickering glow of mana in his hands seemed like a small, fragile thread—but one that might lead him into the unknown.