Haruto, sitting under a nearby tree, watched as the sky was painted with the first rosy and golden hues of dawn while Kizuna fluttered over his shoulder.
The sounds of the forest—the whisper of leaves, the distant song of a bird—created a tranquil atmosphere that made it hard to leave.
—Do we really have to leave so early? —Melodía asked, glancing at Yuna with a faint smile.
—It's necessary —Yuna replied as she finished packing her belongings into her magical bag—. This journey is important to unlock the true potential of my sword.
—Fine, but promise me we'll also visit the beaches and the clothing shops. I want to explore everything the Confederation of Durkheim has to offer.
—Yes, yes, Melodía. We'll go shopping, visit the beaches, and see the sea. It'll be my first time outside Mythara, so I want to take the chance to explore its cities properly.
—Then it's a promise between elves —Melodía said, smiling enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with excitement for the upcoming adventure.
—A new journey, kizu! Do you think it will be exciting? —Kizuna asked with excitement, fluttering around.
Haruto gave a faint smile as he turned his gaze to Yuna, who calmly organized her belongings. He knew this was just the beginning of their adventure, but for the first time since his arrival, he felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.
—I don't know, Kizuna, but I'm sure we'll have fun. With those two, trouble is guaranteed, I can assure you.
—On the other hand, I'm curious about the dwarves' territory, but most of all, I'm intrigued to meet "Thalindra." For now, I guess I can only imagine her.
At that moment, Yuna's father approached Haruto with a firm step, interrupting their conversation. His expression was as serious as ever, but there was a faint air of respect in his gaze.
—Sorry to interrupt, Haruto, but I wanted to give you something before you leave —Kazeharu said in his usual serious tone as he reached into the sleeve of his robe and solemnly pulled out a piece of paper, handing it to Haruto.
Haruto took it with curiosity, but as he unfolded it, he was completely dumbfounded.
"Fool who reads this" was written on the paper in bold strokes of a brush.
—Huh? What is this? —Haruto asked, unsure whether to laugh or feel insulted.
—My apologies, that wasn't the one —Kazeharu replied, his expression completely impassive as he snatched the paper from Haruto's hands. He pulled out another one of the same size and handed it over.
Haruto opened it cautiously, but this time a chill ran down his spine.
"If you do anything to my daughter or her friend, you know what will happen to you."
The implicit threat was as clear as day. Haruto swallowed hard as a comical terror washed over him.
—This is… a joke, right? —he asked with a nervous laugh, trying to avoid meeting Kazeharu's gaze.
—Of course not —Kazeharu replied with a faint smile that barely softened his serious expression—. It's just a friendly warning.
Before Haruto could respond, Kazeharu reached into his sleeve again and pulled out a carefully rolled scroll.
—Actually, I wanted to give you this —he said, extending it toward Haruto.
Haruto took the scroll with curiosity, noting the intricate designs on the paper.
—It's a teleportation scroll —Kazeharu explained calmly—. It will bring you back to the village in case of an emergency. It has our exact coordinates inscribed.
Kazeharu paused briefly, ensuring Haruto understood the importance of what he held.
—These are very expensive and hard to come by, so don't lose it or use it recklessly. I trust you'll use it responsibly.
—Understood —Haruto replied, bowing his head slightly in respect as he carefully tucked the scroll away.
—Safe travels. Take care of my daughter and her friend, alright? I'm counting on you, Haruto —Kazeharu said, his firm tone softened by a glimmer of genuine respect before he turned to greet Yuna and Melodía.
—Yes, sir! —Haruto replied immediately, standing upright and giving a salute that seemed straight out of an anime.
—Trouble definitely follows you, kizu! —Kizuna exclaimed, fluttering around him with her usual energy.
At that moment, Simo approached with smooth movements, almost as if he were gliding.
—Are you coming with us too? —I asked, curious—. Now that you're better, you could go anywhere you wanted.
Simo looked at me with his piercing eyes and nodded slowly. His determination was clear; he had decided to follow us. Without realizing it, he had already become one of the group.
All of this still felt like a madness.
Just a few days ago, my life was a monotonous routine in my apartment, lit only by the cold glow of my computer screen. Now, surrounded by new friends, I feel like I've finally found a purpose.
Yuna became my guide and first friend, showing me what it means to trust others again.
I learned to use magic, survived a dungeon, and we defeated the final boss.
I met Melodía, a girl who strives every day to improve herself, even if her pride keeps her from showing it openly.
I was also lucky to meet two exceptional beings like Kizuna and Olivia, who helped me gain my abilities, like "Musashi Mode," something I never would have imagined possible.
And now, Simo, that little crow who at first seemed like a mystery, is a loyal companion I hope to have by my side for a long time.
I defeated that arrogant Hayate, but while I'm not afraid to face new challenges, there's something that deeply unsettles me… Hans Versalles.
That man… His mere presence exudes danger. I remember his cold gaze, as if analyzing every movement to find the quickest way to end me. I'm sure he's someone far beyond my current level, perhaps even an "S-rank" assassin.
But no matter how much the future intimidates me, I now know I'm not alone. Together, we'll face these new challenges.
Yuna and Melodía approached me with enthusiasm, extending their hands to me.
—Come on, Haruto! The Confederation of Dwarves in Durkheim awaits us —Yuna said, her excitement instantly contagious.
—Yes, and we'll see if we can buy you some new clothes while we're at it. You look so disheveled, and with those clothes… you look even worse. Not that I want to buy you clothes, of course, but you can't accompany these two beauties dressed like that —added Melodía, crossing her arms with her typical tsundere tone.
—Whatever you say! Durkheim Confederation, here we come! —I replied with a mix of excitement and nervousness, raising my hand in a triumphant gesture.
—Let's go for those adventures, kizu!
With our belongings ready, the horizon stretched out before us, bathed in the warm golden tones of the rising sun. Mythara, with its sakuras swaying gently to the rhythm of the morning breeze, seemed to bid us farewell with the promise that it would always be our home.
We took our first step toward the Confederation of Durkheim, while the crisp morning air reminded us that this magical, secret-filled forest would be waiting for us upon our return.
END OF VOLUME 1
Final Note
Life is an adventure. Sometimes, the past leaves us with scars, and the people we trust most let us down. But that doesn't mean we should lose our kindness or stop believing in others.
Haruto learned that the past doesn't define who we are. Like him, you can lift your gaze, take a step forward, and open yourself to the possibilities the future holds for you.
Every day is a new page, and your story is waiting to be written. Live your own adventure, discover new horizons, and remember, you are not alone on this journey.
Thank you for joining Haruto and his friends on this first journey filled with challenges, magic, and growth. I hope you enjoyed exploring Mythara and sharing moments of friendship and adventure with this unique group.
But this is just the beginning. New lands, unexpected challenges, and unforgettable characters await beyond the horizon. See you in the next volume. May your own adventure never cease to amaze you!
Tachibana Dante