The sun hadn't risen yet when the sky lit up with fire.
Paul and Kaela were still on the road to Zephirra when the air filled with smoke and the distant roar of beasts echoed through the forest.
Paul stopped. His eyes narrowed. "That's not natural."
They sprinted toward the smoke.
Beyond the trees, a small village was under siege. Monsters—twisted wolf-like creatures with armored hides—were tearing through huts. People screamed. Flames danced across rooftops.
"Damn it," Paul growled.
Without hesitation, he drew his blade.
"Paul—!" Kaela called, but he was already charging.
He struck like a storm—every movement precise. Kaela followed, casting support magic from behind and helping villagers escape. They fought side by side, efficient and unrelenting.
Then, just as the largest beast lunged toward the fleeing children—
A blur of silver light flashed through the air.
SHINK.
The monster's head rolled off before its body even hit the ground.
Standing calmly amidst the chaos was a man with silver hair and a sword glowing faintly in the twilight. His armor was regal but worn from battle. His eyes—sharp as a blade—scanned the area.
"The Sword Saint…" Kaela whispered in awe.
Sir Ardyn, one of the Five Heroes who once sealed away the Demon Lord, and the man known across kingdoms as the "Last Radiant Blade."
Paul gritted his teeth.
Ardyn approached them. "You fought well," he said with a respectful nod. "Few would've held their ground like that."
Paul didn't speak.
Ardyn continued, "I've been tracking these beasts. They've been acting strange lately… as if drawn by something."
His eyes lingered a bit too long on Paul's sword.
"You two—are you adventurers?"
Kaela nodded. "We're heading to Zephirra. Ruins work."
"I see," Ardyn said. "A man of your skill shouldn't waste his time on ruins. Join me. The world is shifting. I'm gathering warriors who can stop what's coming."
Paul stepped forward.
"No."
Kaela glanced at him in surprise.
Ardyn raised a brow. "No?"
"I don't work with heroes," Paul said flatly.
Something passed in Ardyn's eyes—curiosity, perhaps even caution.
"As you wish," he said simply. "But if you change your mind… seek me in Eldenthall."
He turned and disappeared into the forest as quickly as he came.
Kaela looked at Paul. "That was one of the Five Heroes. You just turned him down."
"He's dangerous," Paul said. "All of them are. Heroes, villains—they're all just pieces on someone else's board."
She watched him silently, her chest tightening again with guilt.
---
As the smoke cleared, and the villagers rebuilt, Paul sat alone sharpening his blade. The wind blew softly, carrying ash and a warning.
Whatever awaited in Zephirra was getting closer.
And now, one of the Five Heroes had seen his face.