Since he was a child, Niel never imagined he would be called a hero. The thought of people looking up to him, placing their hopes on his shoulders, and relying on him to save the world had never crossed his mind. He had always believed his life would revolve around the quiet simplicity of his village, where happiness was found in the warmth of the people he cared about. Playing freely without a care in the world felt like all he would ever need.
Niel didn't know what his parents looked like—he had no memories of them—but he had his sister, who was his everything. She was always there to care for him, a constant presence in his life. And when she faced troubles too big for her to handle alone, Tristan would step in. Tristan was like an older brother to Niel, someone strong, dependable, and kind. Niel admired him deeply, drawing comfort from the fact that Tristan was always there for them.
But then, everything changed. One day, men in shining armor, carrying swords at their waists and riding powerful horses, arrived in the village. Without warning, they took Tristan away. Niel didn't know who these men were or why they had come, but their actions shattered the fragile happiness he shared with his sister. Watching Tristan disappear over the horizon, taken by strangers, tore a piece of their lives apart. In that moment, Niel realized the world was far bigger—and far crueler—than the tiny village he called home.
He never aspired to be a hero. He didn't dream of fame or glory. But if the people he loved were in danger, he wanted to protect them. If someone was in trouble, he couldn't stand by and do nothing. For Niel, being a hero wasn't about the title—it was about ensuring that the fragile joy he once knew could be preserved for others.
"Because I am not a hero anymore."
"Pardon me?"
Esshal blinked, confused by Niel's words. "Not a hero anymore"? What could he possibly mean by that?
Niel let out a small sigh, his expression softening.
"I don't know why, but I've lost my power to summon monsters."
There was a fleeting sadness in his eyes as he admitted it. But almost immediately, he forced a smile, as if brushing away the weight of his own words, and began to explain.
"Because of that, the others decided to leave me here. They said it would be too dangerous for me to follow them without my powers. And, honestly, I agree with them. I know just how dangerous that place can be."
Niel's gaze shifted briefly to Villy, the small creature perched on his shoulder. The memory of the event where he had nearly lost his life flashed in his mind—a vivid reminder of his vulnerability.
"So, instead of sitting around idly without any purpose, I decided to become an adventurer."
He said it with a confident smile, his voice steady and resolute. Esshal couldn't help but notice the spark of determination in his eyes. It was as though Niel had found a new purpose, a clear path forward.
'If I can't use my summoning powers to help my dearest friends anymore, then maybe I can help others with the skills I've gained on this journey. Maybe, just maybe, I can lighten their burden, even if only a little.'
"Even though I've lost my powers as a summoner," Niel continued, his voice unwavering,
"I can still swing a sword, and I'm pretty confident in my abilities. And more importantly..."
He glanced at Villy, who was sitting proudly on his shoulder, exuding an aura of loyalty and strength.
"I have my trustworthy and strong companion by my side," he declared with conviction.
Esshal looked at the pair before him, observing the bond they shared. It was undeniable—he could see it in their eyes, in the way they carried themselves. Niel and Villy trusted each other completely. That kind of connection didn't happen overnight. It was forged through trials, hardships, and unwavering loyalty. It was clear to Esshal that these two had faced more than their fair share of challenges together.
And yet, Esshal couldn't shake his confusion. How was it possible for someone to lose their unique power? Such a phenomenon was unheard of. Normally, people awakened to their abilities, discovering latent talents within themselves. Losing them? That defied everything he knew.
Still, he chose not to voice his doubts. Instead, he closed his eyes for a moment, offering Niel a warm, understanding smile. "I see," he said, his voice steady and reassuring.
"It will be an honor for our guild to accept someone like you as a member."
With that, Esshal stood up from his chair, his movements deliberate and calm. He crossed the short distance between them and extended his hand to Niel.
There was no hesitation on Niel's part. He reached out and clasped Esshal's hand firmly. Their handshake carried a quiet sense of determination, a silent agreement between two men who understood the weight of perseverance.
"Welcome to the guild, Niel," Esshal said with sincerity, his voice filled with respect.
Niel nodded, a small but genuine smile playing on his lips.
"I'll do my best to live up to your trust."
"Before we can issue your guild card, we'll need to assess your strength first. It's standard procedure for all new members," Esshal explained, his tone calm but professional. "Do you mind?"
Niel shook his head. "I'm okay with that. Do I need to take the test now?"
Esshal let out a soft chuckle, glancing at the dim light filtering through the window. "Not necessarily. You can take the assessment whenever you're ready. But since it's still the middle of the night, I'd recommend waiting until morning, when the day is a little brighter. The arena will be better lit, and the staff will be more alert."
Niel nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense. So, what do I need to do?"
"I'll notify the staff about your arrival," Esshal continued, his tone reassuring. "Once you're ready, just head to the training grounds and let them know. They'll handle your rank assessment from there. It's nothing too complicated—just a few tasks to gauge your combat skills, endurance, and general abilities. For someone like you, I'm sure it'll be straightforward."
"Understood," Niel replied.
***
"What should we do next, Villy?" Niel asked, his voice soft in the stillness of the night.
"Pyuii?"
Villy tilted her tiny head in response, perched comfortably atop Niel's head. The two walked down the quiet cobblestone streets, the faint glow of lanterns casting long shadows around them. The adventurer's guild was now behind them, and they were headed toward the inn. Yet, with the night still young, Niel found himself unsure of how to pass the time.
"Hmm..." He gazed up at the crescent moon hanging high in the star-speckled sky. "I'd love to camp outside the city, but we don't have a tent or the gear for it."
He sighed wistfully, the idea of being under the open sky tempting him despite its impracticality.
"Pyuii!"
Villy suddenly fluttered into the air, hovering in front of Niel. She made an exaggerated gesture, miming the act of holding something and taking a big bite. To most people, it would look like the little creature was simply hungry. But Niel knew better. After all, he understood Villy better than anyone.
"The Limevol Fruit?" Niel guessed with a grin, his eyes lighting up. "That's what you want, right?"
Villy chirped in excitement, nodding enthusiastically.
"Alright," Niel said, stretching his arms over his head. "Let's make it a little adventure. We'll hunt a few monsters for their meat, and we'll ask the innkeeper where we can find Limevol Fruit. How's that sound?"
"Pyuii!"
Villy twirled in the air, her wings fluttering with excitement as she zipped back and forth in front of Niel. It was clear she was eager to begin.
After reaching the inn, Niel spotted Hal behind the counter, sitting with his arms crossed, just as he had been when they first arrived.
"We're back," Niel announced.
"Pyuii!" chirped Villy from her perch atop Niel's head.
Hal stared at them for a moment, his gaze lingering as if sizing them up. Finally, he gave a curt nod. "Welcome back."
Without hesitation, Niel walked straight up to the counter, Villy balanced on his head. Hal raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued by the boy's directness.
"Need something, kid?" Hal asked, his tone flat but curious.
"Do you know where we can find Limevol Fruit?"
"Pyuii!" Villy added enthusiastically, flapping her tiny wings.
Hal's expression shifted into one of mild annoyance. "Limevol? Forget it, kid. You wouldn't be able to find a single one nearby."
"What?!" Niel exclaimed, leaning forward on the counter. "There's no Limevol Fruit growing around here?"
Limevol was a common fruit, one that could grow in almost any season and was easy to find in most areas. Its tangy, salty flavor made it a popular choice for enhancing grilled meat. But the fruit had its downsides: it spoiled quickly after being picked, and the juice couldn't be preserved for later use. Worse, it only grew in the wild, meaning no one could cultivate it.
"It's not that it doesn't grow here," Hal explained in an uninterested tone. "People snatch up every last one if they find it near the city. If you want any, you'll have to go deep into the forest where fewer people bother looking."
"Oh, I see. Thanks for the information, sir." Niel gave a small bow. "Come on, Villy. Let's head upstairs."
Niel turned and started walking toward the stairs, leaving Hal to watch him with narrowed eyes. There was a subtle frown on the innkeeper's face, his curiosity piqued by what the boy might be planning.
Once upstairs, Niel walked toward his room and reached for the door handle. But when he tried to open it—
"It's locked...!!" he said in surprise.
"Pyuii!!" Villy chirped, suddenly tugging at his hair.
"Hey, what's wrong, Villy?" Niel asked, startled by her urgency.
"Pyuii, pyuii!" she chirped again, pointing one tiny finger at the room next door.
Niel blinked and finally realized his mistake. "Ah, sorry about that. I got a little excited and stopped at the wrong room."
"Pyuii..." Villy sighed, clearly exasperated.
Once inside the room, Niel wasted no time. He immediately began changing out of his casual clothes, pulling on a sleek black long-sleeve shirt and a pair of white long pants. These served as the base for his armor, ensuring comfort and flexibility beneath the protective layers.
Next, he reached for his custom-made armor set. First came the pristine white chest plate, which extended into a high collar for added neck protection and included elegantly designed shoulder guards. The material was a combination of refined cloth and lightweight alloys, offering both style and practicality.
He then slipped on his matching white gauntlets, securing them snugly on both arms. These weren't just for show—they were expertly crafted to enhance his grip and protect against both cuts and crushing force. After that, he fastened his knee guards, which blended seamlessly with his outfit, and finally stepped into his white adamantite boots. The boots were reinforced for durability and designed to withstand all kinds of terrain, from scorching deserts to frozen tundras.
This armor set was special, tailor-made for Niel to provide optimal mobility while still offering exceptional protection. Resistant to both extreme cold and intense heat, it had saved his life more than once during past adventures. Despite its elegant appearance, it was incredibly durable, built to endure the harshest conditions.
With his armor secured, Niel turned his attention to his weapon—a beautifully crafted sword resting inside a white sheath. The sheath was adorned with intricate engravings, and the platinum handle gleamed faintly under the light. It was a blade both practical and majestic.
He slid the sword into place on his right waist, its placement aligning perfectly with his white armor.
"Are you ready, Villy?" Niel asked as he strapped his sword securely to his waist.
"Pyuii!" Villy chirped, though she was currently rummaging through his bag, her small body practically disappearing into it.
"What are you looking for?" Niel tilted his head curiously.
Moments later, Villy popped out with a triumphant smile on her face, holding a shiny golden card that glinted in the dim light. The card bore the emblem of a legendary sword and was unmistakably special—it was a hero's party member ID card.
"Pyuii!" Villy exclaimed, holding it up like a trophy.
"Oh, yeah," Niel said with a sheepish laugh.
"My ID card. Good thinking, Villy. We'll definitely need it if we want to leave the city at this hour. You hold onto it, okay?"
"Pyuii!" Villy saluted him with an exaggerated gesture, as if promising to guard the card with her life.
After descending the stairs, they found Hal behind the counter, his expression shifting to one of mild disbelief as he noticed Niel fully armored and ready to go.
"You're really planning to head into the forest? And at this time of night?" Hal asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I can't decide if you're just foolish or completely ignorant."
"Don't worry, sir," Niel replied confidently, glancing at Villy, who was flying beside him with the golden card clutched tightly in her tiny hands.
"I've got her with me."
"Pyuii!" Villy added, nodding emphatically with a bright smile as if to reassure Hal.
Hal let out a long sigh, shaking his head.
"Well, it's not like I can stop you. Just… be careful out there."
"We will," Niel promised.
"We'll make sure to be back by morning."
"Yeah, yeah," Hal muttered, waving him off like he was already regretting his concern.
As Niel took a step toward the door, he suddenly stopped, a thought crossing his mind.
"What now, kid? Did you forget something?" Hal asked, his tone tinged with impatience.
"Actually... could I buy some ingredients for a Barbeque?" Niel asked, scratching the back of his head with an awkward smile.
Hal groaned, rubbing his temples.
"Sure. What do you even need?"
"Uh… just whatever people usually buy for a Barbeque?" Niel admitted sheepishly, his awkward grin deepening.
Without another word, Hal disappeared into the kitchen, muttering under his breath about troublesome customers.
A few minutes later, he returned with a small sack filled with fresh ingredients. He plopped it onto the counter with a heavy thud.
"Here. Just take it. No charge," Hal said, his tone dismissive.
"But—" Niel began.
"Just take it," Hal repeated firmly, cutting him off.
"Thank you very much, sir," Niel said with a deep bow.
"Pyuii!" Villy chirped in gratitude, twirling in the air.
Selia, who had been eavesdropping from the kitchen, finally stepped out, curiosity shining in her eyes.
"I was wondering who'd be crazy enough to buy Barbeque ingredients at this time of night. Figures it'd be you."
"Now you know," Niel replied flatly as he hefted the sack, clearly uninterested in engaging her further.
"Wait." Selia's voice turned sharper as her gaze settled on Niel's attire. Her eyes widened in genuine surprise.
"What's with that armor?!"
Niel's white armor gleamed even in the dim light, and the aura he exuded was commanding, almost knightly. Gone was the carefree boy she had seen earlier. He now looked like a seasoned warrior, someone who belonged on a battlefield rather than a quiet village street.
"I'm heading outside the city to make some Barbeque," Niel said casually, as if describing a simple picnic.
"Monsters are more active and vicious at night, so it'll be more exciting."
Selia blinked, stunned by his nonchalance.
"Are you serious? I know you have a dragon companion, and you look tough, but the forest around here isn't friendly. Especially at night."
Hal crossed his arms, nodding in agreement.
"She's right, kid. Even experienced adventurers think twice before heading into those woods after dark."
Niel simply smiled, adjusting the sack on his shoulder.
"Thanks for the concern, but we'll be fine. Villy and I can handle it."
"Pyuii!" Villy chirped confidently, clutching the golden card as she hovered beside him.
Hal sighed again, his frustration mixing with begrudging admiration.
"Well, don't come crying to me if you get in over your head."
"If something happens, I can always ride on Villy's back," Niel said casually as he adjusted his armor.
At his words, both Hal and Selia froze, their imaginations instantly conjuring the image of Niel awkwardly perched on the tiny dragon, who was barely larger than a loaf of bread. The mental picture was so absurd that they couldn't hide their expressions of disbelief.
"What are you guys imagining?" Niel asked, noticing their looks.
"She can transform to be as big as this inn if she wanted to."
"Pyuii!" Villy chirped, puffing out her chest proudly.
Selia's jaw dropped, her eyes lighting up with amazement.
"Wait, she can transform?" she asked, her voice a mixture of surprise and excitement.
"Pyuii," Villy confirmed with a confident nod, clearly enjoying the attention.
"She can," Niel said matter-of-factly, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
Before Selia could bombard him with more questions, Niel gave a small bow to Hal. "Well then, we'll be going now. Thanks again for the ingredients, sir."
As Niel took a step toward the door, Selia suddenly shouted,
"Wait!"
Her outburst startled Hal, who raised an eyebrow, and Niel, who let out an exasperated sigh.
"What now?" he asked.
Selia hesitated for a moment, her cheeks reddening slightly as she gathered her courage. Then, with a pleading look in her eyes, she said,
"C-Can I go with you?"
"No." Niel's response was immediate and firm.
"It's too dangerous."
Hal sighed deeply, clearly used to his niece's antics.
"Please," Selia begged, her eyes growing watery as she clasped her hands together.
Niel raised an eyebrow, unmoved by her display.
"I said no."
"You're going to make barbecue, right?" she pressed.
"I can help you! You'll need me!"
The truth was, Niel's decision to make barbecue had been on a whim. It seemed like a fun idea, even if he had no idea what he was doing. He'd never cooked anything in his life, let alone prepared a proper barbecue. His plan had been to imitate what he'd seen Selia do during their journeys. Even if he failed, he still wanted to try grilling the meat with the Limevol Fruit for the experience.
However, having Selia around would guarantee the food turned out delicious.
Niel glanced at Hal, silently asking for his input. Hal shrugged, surprising him with an unexpected response.
"It's your call."
"Thank you, Uncle!" Selia exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement as she clapped her hands.
Niel sighed again, running a hand through his hair.
"Fine," he muttered.
"But if things get dangerous, you're sticking close to me and Villy. Got it?"
"Got it!" Selia said, practically bouncing on her toes in excitement.
Villy gave a small cheer as well, her wings fluttering happily.
"Pyuii!"
With that, Niel found himself with an unexpected companion for the night's adventure. He couldn't help but wonder if he'd made the right decision—or if this was going to turn into more trouble than it was worth.