The wind carried the scent of blood and victory as the three warriors descended from the canyon. The Shadowfang Wyvern's head — their prize — was tied to a makeshift sled behind them, its scales still gleaming with an ominous sheen. It was proof of their strength. Proof that they were no longer nameless bounty hunters scraping by.
Seol-Yeong walked ahead in silence, his mind already moving beyond this victory. This was just the beginning. The power he sought — the power to raise his family from poverty, to protect those he loved — was still far out of reach.
Beside him, Seo Yoon-Hee kept stealing glances his way, her eyes filled with quiet concern. She knew him too well. Knew the weight he carried, even when he wouldn't speak it.
Trailing just behind, Tian Hyeon whistled cheerfully. "You two are awfully serious for people who just killed a wyvern. Where's the celebration?"
"We'll celebrate when there's nothing left to fight for," Seol-Yeong replied without looking back.
Hyeon raised an eyebrow. "That's bleak. But I guess I shouldn't expect any different from you."
"Why did you even want to join us?" Yoon-Hee asked suddenly. "You don't seem like the type to follow anyone."
Hyeon's smile softened. "My family is gone. The Celestial Tyrant's Edict is all I have left — but a technique like that means nothing without purpose. And you two… you feel like purpose."
Seol-Yeong stopped walking. He turned, his eyes narrowing. "You're not following us because of some sentimental reason. Why really?"
For the first time, Hyeon's easy demeanor slipped. "The Primordial Ascent Manual," he said quietly. "It… reacted to me. And I think it's because of my bloodline. There's something I need to understand — and something tells me I'll only find my answers with you."
Seol-Yeong's grip tightened on his sword hilt, the weight of destiny pressing just a little heavier on his shoulders.
"Then you'd better keep up," he said, turning away.
Hyeon grinned. "Wouldn't dream of falling behind."
—
They returned to the village with gold in their pockets and whispers in their wake. Three young warriors who'd taken down a wyvern — already the rumors were spreading. And as they stood at the bounty office, collecting their reward, an old man watched them from the shadows.
"Interesting," the seer murmured to himself. "The storm is gathering… and the tower will soon awaken."
The world was beginning to take notice.
And this was only the beginning.