Chapter 7: A New Companion & A Night of Calm Before Chaos
The golden light of morning filtered through the village, casting long shadows as the party packed their belongings. The scent of freshly baked bread and morning dew filled the air.
Seojin adjusted the belt of his sword, his muscles still aching from last night's battle. Despite everything, he felt… rested.
Just as they were about to leave, a familiar figure stood waiting near the entrance of the village.
A girl in a light blue mage robe with a leather belt, a small satchel hanging at her side. Her golden-brown eyes lit up when she saw them.
"Good morning!" she greeted with a bright smile.
Seojin blinked. "Morning....." Seojin paused as if asking her name.
The girl said. "Misa."
Ji-ho said while rubbing his eyes. "Looks like someone's eager to see us off."
Misa hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. "Actually… I want to come with you."
The party exchanged glances.
"Why?" Chae-won asked, tilting her head.
Misa straightened her posture, trying to look more confident. "My dream is to travel the world and defeat the Demon Kings. If I stay here, nothing will change. I want to help. And… I think I can learn from all of you."
Ji-ho chuckled. "That's a pretty big dream."
Misa didn't waver. "Someone has to do it."
Seojin studied her expression. There was no arrogance, no empty pride—just genuine determination.
"And what can you do?" Do-yun asked.
"I'm a mage," Misa said, then added quickly, "But I'm not very strong."
Chae-won raised an eyebrow. "Then how do you plan on fighting demon kings?"
Misa pursed her lips. "I may not have strong spells, but I have great senses. I can detect things that others can't. That's how I knew about the demons last night before you did."
Seojin nodded slightly. Magic detection… That could be useful.
Ji-ho grinned. "Well, she's brave. I like her."
Chae-won smirked. "And she's cute."
Misa turned bright red. "T-that's not important!"
The party laughed.
Seojin exhaled. "Fine. But don't expect me to babysit you."
Misa beamed. "I won't let you down!"
And just like that, they had a new member.
With the village's blessings, they set off toward the nearest Demon Kingdom.
According to the villagers, this kingdom had been raiding human settlements, stealing supplies, and taking prisoners. If they wanted to make a difference, this was where they needed to go.
The journey stretched long and quiet. The dirt path was flanked by thick trees, their leaves whispering in the breeze.
Misa walked beside Seojin, occasionally sneaking glances at him.
Chae-won noticed and grinned. "Already getting attached?"
Misa flinched. "W-what?! N-no! I was just—!"
Chae-won snickered.
Seojin, oblivious, kept walking.
By the time night fell, the group decided to set up camp near a river.
Ji-ho and Do-yun gathered firewood.
Aera purified water using magic.
Chae-won sharpened her daggers, keeping watch.
Seojin stood up, stretching. "I'll go hunt something to eat."
Misa perked up. "I'll come with you!"
Ji-ho raised an eyebrow. "You sure? You're a mage, not a hunter."
Misa pouted. "I can still help!"
Seojin sighed but didn't argue.
They left together, walking into the dark forest.
The moonlight filtered through the trees, silver shadows dancing across the forest floor.
Misa stayed close to Seojin, occasionally glancing around nervously.
"You okay?" Seojin asked.
"I-I'm fine," she replied quickly. "I just… don't like the dark."
Seojin smirked. "Scared?"
"N-no!" she said, looking away.
Seojin chuckled.
But then—
Misa suddenly stopped.
Her entire body stiffened, her eyes darting around.
Seojin noticed immediately. "What is it?"
Misa's voice was barely above a whisper. "Something's watching us."
Seojin's grip on his sword tightened.
Then—
Rustle.
A soft sound came from the bushes.
Misa froze.
Seojin narrowed his eyes, focusing.
Then—
DASH!
A massive wild boar burst out, charging straight at them.
Misa let out a sharp yelp, jumping behind Seojin.
Seojin reacted instantly.
With a single, powerful strike, he knocked the boar aside, sending it tumbling to the ground.
Silence.
Then—
Seojin burst out laughing.
Misa's face turned bright red.
"You— you're laughing?!" she huffed.
Seojin wiped a tear from his eye. "You looked so scared! I thought it was something dangerous, not just a boar!"
Misa pouted. "Well, excuse me for not being fearless!"
Still grinning, Seojin patted her shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll protect you from scary farm animals."
Misa covered her face. "I hate you."
Seojin just laughed harder.
When they returned to camp, the group gathered around the fire.
Ji-ho butchered the boar.
Aera and Misa prepared a stew.
Chae-won roasted the meat.
The night was warm and filled with laughter.
Misa sat next to Seojin, and every time their hands accidentally touched, she blushed.
Ji-ho grinned. "Looks like we've got a new party member."
Chae-won smirked. "And she's cute, too."
Misa turned bright red. "S-shut up!"
Even Do-yun, usually serious, cracked a small smile.
For a while, everything felt peaceful.
Until—
A notification popped up.
[ALERT: SCENARIO CLEANERS DEPLOYED.]
[NUMBER OF TARGETS: 50.]
Seojin's blood ran cold.
His eyes snapped open.
A second notification appeared.
[WARNING: ENHANCED SCENARIO CLEANERS DETECTED.]
His heart pounded.
This wasn't like before.
Something was different.
TO BE CONTINUED—