Chapter 3: The First Step
Inside the Lyndor Forest
That morning, the cold air pierced through Kano's skin. After walking along the main road, he and Reina entered a dense forest on the outskirts of Lyndor. Giant trees with thick leaves towered overhead, casting deep shadows beneath. Signs of wildlife were evident—chirping birds and small animals scurrying about—but the air felt strange, heavy with tension.
"Where are we going?" Kano asked, following Reina as she walked briskly ahead.
Reina glanced back, offering a thin smile. "To our first mission. There's been a problem with monsters appearing near a neighboring village. We need to clear the path and make sure everything's safe."
Kano nodded, though his mind was still full of doubts. This world was so different from the one he knew. Everything felt more dangerous, more unpredictable. Even magic, which had once only existed in stories, now seemed like a very real force.
"Is magic something everyone can use here?" Kano asked, trying to understand this new world.
Reina answered without turning her head. "Not everyone. Only those with an affinity for magic, or those who learn it from guilds like Cressida. But there are also those born with innate magical abilities, like descendants of powerful sorcerers or those exposed to certain magical forces."
Kano paused to reflect. Could I be one of them? he wondered. His body, adorned with glowing runes, seemed to offer the first clue, but he wasn't sure what it meant just yet.
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Introduction to Cressida Guild
Kano and Reina soon arrived at an open area in the forest, where other adventurers had already gathered. Several men and women, dressed in combat gear, were either holding weapons or inspecting maps and potions. They all looked experienced, a stark contrast to the newer adventurers like Reina.
"Is everyone ready?" Reina asked, turning to one of the older adventurers, a woman with red hair tied in a ponytail.
"Yes, but we still need one more person," the woman replied, eyeing Kano. "Who's this?"
Reina nodded towards Kano. "This is Kano. He just joined. I thought we could use him for this mission."
The red-haired adventurer sized Kano up for a moment before shrugging. "Alright, we're short one, so he'll do."
Reina led Kano to a table where a large world map was spread out. "We're heading to the village of Selvia. A few days ago, farmers reported a large creature attacking their fields. We need to investigate and eliminate it."
Kano studied the map carefully. "How do we know what kind of creature we're dealing with?"
Reina pointed to a hilly area not far from the village. "There have been reports of attacks resembling a dragon, but we're not sure if it's a real dragon or a mutated creature."
Kano furrowed his brow. Dragons? Of course, he'd heard of dragons in legends, but did they really exist in this world? Could he truly face such a creature?
"Don't worry," Reina said, as if reading his thoughts. "We'll approach carefully. We're not beginners, and you seem like you can defend yourself."
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Investigating in Selvia
The journey to Selvia didn't take long, but the tension grew as they neared the village. The small wooden buildings scattered along the road were already damaged—roof shingles torn off, walls caved in, as if a powerful force had recently rampaged through.
Kano walked with Reina in front, while the other guild members followed cautiously, alert and ready. As soon as they entered the village, they heard a loud roar coming from the direction of the forest.
"Sounds like it's coming from there," said a short-haired adventurer, who appeared to be the leader of the group. "Let's check it out."
They moved swiftly into the forest, following a winding, shadowy path. Soon, they reached a clearing where a massive creature stood in the center. Its body resembled a dragon, but its wings were damaged and its body covered in dark, grayish scales. Its eyes glowed red, radiating a deadly aura.
"This is no ordinary dragon," Reina whispered, her voice barely audible in fear.
"This monster... it looks like it's been contaminated by dark magic," said the red-haired adventurer. "We have to defeat it before it destroys more."
Kano stepped forward, but Reina grabbed his arm. "Kano, be careful. Monsters like this... even veteran guild members could struggle."
But Kano's body seemed to have a mind of its own. Blue light appeared in his hands, and before he realized it, he directed the energy toward the creature. A sharp burst of energy shot out, striking the monster in its upper body and causing it to stagger backward.
"Stop!" Reina shouted, but it was too late.
The creature lunged forward with incredible speed, letting out a deafening roar that shook the forest. The other adventurers quickly readied their weapons, but they knew they had to be cautious.
"If that's how you're going to fight, we'll join in," the leader of the group said. "Follow us, and help us hold it off."
Kano could only nod. Inside him, there was a strange yet compelling sensation. His power might have come from a forgotten world, but perhaps this world—with all its oddities—was leading him toward something much greater.
And for some reason, he felt that this was just the beginning of something far bigger.
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End of Chapter 3
Narrative:
This world is slowly revealing itself to Kano. Each new step leads him deeper into battles and mysteries that seem larger than anything he could have imagined. However, the more he seeks answers about his body and powers, the deeper he becomes entangled in the darker forces of magic and fate. Where will his next step take him?