As the team members fought off the bandits on the road, Kyle sat inside the carriage alongside Darian Valmont.
The merchant watched the scene through a half-open curtain, his fingers resting on his chin. Despite the commotion outside, he seemed surprisingly calm.
"Hmm... They're not doing too badly," he commented. "But you, Kyle, could have taken care of this in less than two minutes, couldn't you?"
Kyle, arms crossed, looked away.
"Perhaps. But they wanted to take it upon themselves. So I respect that."
Darian nodded, amused.
"Such overwhelming force with such a modest mind... A rare combination. You intrigue me, boy."
He leaned slightly closer, his gaze becoming more serious.
"Have you ever considered a more... lucrative job?"
Kyle raised an eyebrow.
"You want to hire me?"
Darian smiled.
"Personal bodyguard. Hefty salary, luxury accommodations, three-star meals. I travel often to dangerous areas, and individuals like you... are a lifeline."
Kyle was silent for a moment. He knew Darian wasn't just a merchant.
Something in his aura, the way he spoke... he wasn't clear.
"And what exactly do you sell, besides fabrics and weapons?" Kyle asked suspiciously.
Darian's smile widened. He wasn't trying to lie.
"I'm also... a slave trader."
He blurted out the information with disconcerting calm, as if he'd just been discussing exotic fruits.
A heavy silence fell over the carriage.
Kyle didn't react immediately. Then he slowly turned his head towards him.
"You're not even hiding that?"
Darian shrugged.
"Why should I? This trade is legal in certain regions of the empire. I respect the laws. And I only sell certified slaves: criminals, prisoners of war, or volunteers seeking to repay their debts."
Kyle stared at him for a long moment, then looked away again.
"It's not for me to judge this world... But this kind of work doesn't interest me."
Darian didn't seem offended.
"I figured as much. But keep my offer in mind. A man like you won't stay unknown for long."
At that moment, a shout rang out from outside.
Tristan had just knocked the last bandit to the ground.
Darian watched, impressed.
"You may be F-rank, but they... seem to have gained confidence around you."
Kyle was silent for a moment, staring at the curtain of the carriage, which let a ray of light through. Then he glanced at Darian.
"Your offer..." he murmured, "is there adventure... and danger?" »
Darian raised an eyebrow, surprised by the question.
"Hah, you're a funny guy, Kyle. Most people would ask me how much I pay. You're looking for the adrenaline rush."
He chuckled slightly, then leaned forward, lowering his voice a little.
"Yes. There are. Lots. Restricted areas, negotiations that can go sour, convoys through the wilderness, ambushes, hungry creatures... And of course, people who hate what I stand for."
His gaze sharpened.
"Being my bodyguard is living a life between luxury and the edge."
Kyle straightened slightly, his expression thoughtful.
"Hmm... That's tempting. I don't like quiet days."
Darian burst out laughing.
"That sounds good!" Think about it seriously, boy. You're the kind of guy you need for this kind of job. And if you accept, I guarantee you'll never be bored."
The carriage slammed open. It was Tristan, his face sweating.
"All right, the bandits are under control. We're going to hit the road again."
Kyle nodded, but with the advantage of getting out, he gave Darian one last look.
"We'll talk about your offer... later."
Darian nodded, a smile on his face.
"I'm counting on it."
Kyle quietly climbed out of the carriage. The convoy continued on its way smoothly, the horses moving rhythmically along the stone road. The silence of the group was broken after a few minutes when Kyle approached Tristan, who was leading the way.
"He made me an offer." »
Tristan turned his head toward him, intrigued.
"Darian? What kind of proposition?"
"He wants me to be his bodyguard," Kyle replied lightly. "He says it would be dangerous, exciting... and well-paid."
Tristan arched an eyebrow.
"Hmm... sounds like him."
Then his expression hardened.
"But did you know he's also a slave trader?"
Kyle shrugged. "He told me."
Tristan's face tightened.
"I didn't know. If I had, I would never have accepted him as my partner. Slavery... It's a practice I cannot tolerate. It doesn't matter if it's legal in this damn kingdom."
Lys, who was riding nearby, had stopped when she heard the conversation.
"You mean slavery?" " she asked, looking somber.
"Darian is a slave trader. He offered Kyle a job with him," Tristan explained, visibly annoyed.
Lys's eyes widened before giving Kyle a hard look.
"You're going to refuse, are you?"
Kyle crossed his arms behind his head, flashing his casual smile.
"I don't know yet. It sounds fun."
Lys's face fell.
"How can you say that? Slavery is horrific. The Church condemns the practice, even though the king's law allows it. It's not about the laws, Kyle. It's about humanity."
Kyle replied quietly, almost too quietly, "I'm not God. Nor am I a saint. What's right or wrong... it always depends on where you look at it. I look at things without tinted glasses."
Lys clenched her fists, her eyes shining with indignation.
"You're such a disappointment... I thought you were better than that."
Kyle looked away, the smile still on his lips, but his silence spoke volumes.
The day passed uneventfully. Not a single ambush, not a single monster. Just the road, the creaking wheels of the carriage, and a heavy silence between the members of the group. Since his discussion with Lys and Tristan, Kyle had been walking alone, a slight smile on his lips, oblivious to the shifty glances.
He understood.
This world wasn't real.
Or rather... not his.
Ever since he'd set foot here, everything had sounded false—too perfect, too dramatic, like a role-playing game or a waking dream. So why bother with moral principles when this world was, in his eyes, a vast play?
"If I start playing the hero or the judge, I'll lose my mind..."
"I might as well enjoy the show while it lasts."
Night fell, enveloping the convoy in a blanket of stars. Campfires were lit and guard shifts were organized. As Kyle leaned against a tree, gazing at the sky, Elaria approached him timidly.
"Kyle... can I sit down?"
He nodded with a smile.
"Sure. Aren't you mad at me too?"
Elaria shook her head.
"That's not it. I wanted to apologize. The first night... I should have detected the monsters. That's my job."
Kyle looked at her, a touch amused.
"No worries. Everyone makes mistakes."
"But if you spot any danger in the future... promise me you'll let me know," she said sincerely. "Even if you're strong, that's no reason to act alone. We're better together."
Kyle gave a small, amused smile.
"Okay, okay. I'll let you know." »
A brief silence ensued before he continued, in a lighter tone:
"And by the way... what do you think of Darian's offer?"
Elaria seemed to think, then replied:
"Among the elves, slavery was part of ancient traditions. But that doesn't mean I accept it."
She fixed her serious gaze on Kyle.
"And you... with your power, you have no business being involved in this kind of activity. The adventurer profession suits you much better."
Kyle nodded.
"You're right. Besides, I had no intention of joining Darian."
Elaria looked at him, surprised.
"Then why?"
He smiled, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous twinkle.
"Just to spice up the trip. Create tension. Observe reactions. You know... have a little fun." »
Elaria remained silent for a moment. Then sighed.
"You're strange, Kyle."
He burst out laughing softly.
"I know."
The night wore on in a tense silence, very different from the one before. This time, everyone remained on guard. Even asleep, each member of the group kept one hand on their weapon, ready to rise at the slightest alarm.
Suddenly, Elaria, her eyes open in the shadows, flinched.
"Something's coming..." she whispered.
With a quick movement, she woke Tristan. He woke immediately, alert. Elaria didn't need to speak again: he understood.
"Everyone, stand! Defensive formation!"
In a few moments, the group gathered, each taking up their positions as they had done against the bandits earlier.
—Tristan and Anne in the front line.
— Lys and Iris supporting the rear.
— Elaria, on the flanks, bow in hand.
— And Kyle... unwillingly posted near Darian's tent.
"You're not participating this time. Guard Darian's tent. That's our objective," Tristan declared firmly.
Kyle grimaced.
"Seriously...?"
But he agreed, positioning himself nearby, observing.
Iris summoned Lumen, a sphere of pure light that illuminated the surroundings. The night howlers—about twenty of them—were there, lurking in the darkness, gradually surrounding the camp.
The battle broke out.
Elaria fired arrow after arrow, piercing the first creatures that attempted a stealthy approach. Anne, armed with her spear, activated her war art:
[Piercing], a Void technique. Her spear sliced through the air and felled a wolf with a precise and deadly blow.
Tristan, his face hard, unleashed the power of his dragon blade.
[Slice – Dragon Flame], an arc of fire erupted with the impact, incinerating two beasts in one fell swoop.
In the rear, Iris unleashed [Fireballs], consuming the wolves that tried to bypass the group. Lys, concentrating, chanted a soft, luminous incantation.
[Holy Light], enveloped the wounded in comforting warmth, closing the wounds and dispelling the pain.
Kyle, arms crossed, watched.
"They're doing well." They don't need me..."
And then, everything changed.
A low, guttural howl echoed through the trees. The ground vibrated slightly. A massive creature stepped out of the shadows: an Alpha Demon Wolf, much larger than the others, with a pitch-black coat and incandescent red eyes. C-rank? Or higher.
"Now this is getting interesting," Kyle said with an amused smile.
The beast leaped, lightning-fast, aiming for Tristan. But before it could reach its target, a figure appeared at inhuman speed.
[Void Veil] and [Accelerate] activated.
Kyle intercepted the charge, pushing Tristan back with a shoulder strike just in time. The monster bit into the air, scraping the ground with its claws.
"Ugh... Not bad, this thing," Kyle muttered, his sword finally drawn.
"Don't come any closer!" Tristan yelled at the girls. "Take care of the other howlers!"
Not another word.
He and Kyle exchanged a simple glance.
That was enough. They understood.
They were going to face him together.
Tristan tightened his grip on his blade.
"I've been gentle so far. I wanted everyone to work as a team. But this is different."
Kyle smiled.
"My first duo boss... This is promising."
The Demon Wolf let out a deep growl. His instincts weren't wrong. The two humans facing him... weren't ordinary.
The Demon Wolf growled, the air around him seeming to distort under some invisible pressure. Dark wisps emanated from his inky fur. His aura of darkness oppressed the very air.
Tristan unsheathed his dragon blade, a glowing red emanating from the hilt. He took a step forward, his gaze determined.
Kyle, at his side, activated [Veil of Nothingness]. The world instantly slowed down for him. Every breath, every vibration, every beat of an insect's wing in the night became clear, almost suspended. A smile spread across his face.
"The world is slow... and I am fast."
The beast leaped. A direct assault.
Tristan barely parried the blow, the wolf's claws colliding with his sword in a burst of sparks. He slipped backward under the raw power, his heels digging into the ground.
"He's stronger than I expected..."
Kyle, already moving, launched a [Thunder] condensed into his sword. The electrical current coiled around the blade, crackling with pure energy. It sliced horizontally—the wave struck the creature in the flank, sending it reeling back with a furious roar.
But it didn't back down.
With a roar, it released a [Breath of Darkness], a black mist charged with malevolent energy. Tristan, caught in the area, staggered: his body went numb, his vision blurred.
"Uh... This darkness..."
He resisted, but his movement slowed.
Kyle, meanwhile, advanced through the black mist... as if nothing had happened. The darkness slid over him like insubstantial fog.
"This darkness... it has no effect on me. This world amuses me more and more..."
He leaped. Lightning Strike.
[Slice] + [White Flash]
An arc of lightning split the night, followed by a lightning-quick thrust, aiming for the wolf's legs to knock it off balance.
Tristan regained his footing. His dragon sword suddenly burst into flames.
"Good... My turn."
He activated [Flaming Dragon Fang], a powerful attack that slashed diagonally, leaving a trail of red and gold flames in its wake. The blow struck the monster's flank, burning it deeply.
The creature howled, wounded for the first time.
It went on a rampage. [Dark Claw Rain], a series of swift and violent blows.
Kyle dodged by sliding across the ground thanks to [Acceleration], his silhouette blurring under the speed.
Tristan, for his part, parried and countered, his swordsmanship making him fluid and precise. Each blow he delivered seemed to dance with fire.
The fight intensified. The ground cracked, the air trembled, the light of magic illuminated the entire forest.
Then, a glance exchanged.
Kyle spoke first, breathless but with a broad smile:
"What if we finish this one?"
Tristan nodded.
Kyle channeled his lightning into his blade. The flash turned white, concentrated to the max. Electric arcs ran through his arms.
Tristan raised his draconic sword. The flames gathered, twisting into a fiery breath.
They leaped forward, crossing paths.
[Cross Strike: Flame & Lightning]
Two shafts of light—one fiery red, the other lightning blue—crossed in an X, striking the Demon Wolf's heart.
Explosion.
Shockwave.
Silence.
When the dust settled, the creature collapsed, charred, its chest split into a perfect cross. Its body slowly dissipated into shadows, back to the darkness from which it came.
Kyle sheathed his blade, his breath coming in short bursts.
"Not bad... for a two-on-one fight."
Tristan didn't reply, just looked up at the moon.
Kyle laughed softly.
And in the shadows of the camp, the girls watched, awed. For the first time, they had seen Kyle and Tristan... actually fight.
The demonic wolf's body had disappeared, dissipated into darkness. Silence gradually returned to the ravaged clearing.
Lys stepped forward without a word. She raised her right hand, a soft golden light emanating from her palms.
[Holy Light]
A halo enveloped Tristan, whose ragged breathing still betrayed the effects of the darkness attacks.
He sighed, the pain gradually dissipating.
"Thank you, Lys... That darkness was terrible."
The young priestess simply nodded, focused on her spell.
Not far away, Iris approached Kyle, arms crossed, a shadow of questioning in her eyes.
"Kyle... why didn't the wolf's attacks affect you? You were right in the middle of it, weren't you?"
The man in question looked away slightly. He displayed a small, calm, almost innocent smile.
"Maybe... the attacks just didn't hit me. I just dodged."
Iris narrowed her eyes, not entirely convinced, but didn't reply.
Tristan moved closer as well, placing a hand on Kyle's shoulder.
"Your speed... It was incredible. I barely saw you move."
He smiled.
"Honestly, I'm impressed."
Kyle shrugged casually.
"I just used Accelerate. Nothing fancy."
Behind them, Iris lowered her eyes, her shoulders slumping a little.
"Yet... I've been a mage for longer, and I still use lesser spells..." she murmured.
Kyle heard her and turned to her. He smiled, gentle and reassuring.
"You can use multiple elements, right? I limit myself to lightning."
He crossed his arms.
"I focus on one style. You're more versatile. And besides, we each progress at our own pace."
Anne burst out laughing behind them.
"Hehe, so in short, you'd be a lightning elemental mage, Kyle? That's cool!"
A shiver crossed Kyle's eyes. He paused, then replied with a forced chuckle, "It's just that lightning... suits my style better. I'm all about speed, nothing more." »
Elaria, arms crossed, intervened in a calm but admiring tone.
"Anyway, he's impressive. Tristan... when we get back, he should be promoted to C-rank. He clearly has the strength."
Tristan nodded.
"I think so too. He's got the ability."
The group seemed to agree with this idea... except for one thing.
Lys, still kneeling, looked up at Kyle. Her voice was soft, almost hushed.
"If Kyle moves up a rank... I won't be able to catch him..."
She paused, her cheeks flushing.
"We... we won't be together anymore..."
A strange silence followed. Kyle opened his mouth slightly, taken aback.
But Lys quickly recovered, waving her hands.
"B-But it's not just that! The faster he moves up, the more dangerous the missions will be!" He needs to stay safe, right?"
This time, everyone seemed a little taken aback... but nodded slowly.
Anne, a teasing smile on her lips, whispered to Iris,
"She's not wrong. And look at her, she clearly wants him to stay close."
Iris, arms crossed, turned her head away, muttering,
"...Idiot."
Elaria, to lighten the mood, said,
"Then we'll make sure Kyle moves up a rank... with Lys. Is that okay with you, Lys?"
Lys, her face a deep red, didn't respond. Kyle, however, stared at the moon, silent.
Why... is everyone starting to look at me like that? I just wanted to be discreet.
No one closed their eyes until morning.
The tension of the past fight had transformed into a strange euphoria. They were no longer tired. The danger had awakened in them a rare, almost magical feeling of unity.
Sitting in a circle around a still-burning fire, they laughed, chatted in low voices, exchanging memories and anecdotes. Even Kyle, usually quiet, got carried away.
He listened to Anne's jokes, nodded at Tristan's stories, smiled at Iris's teasing—and, for the first time, he laughed too. A real laugh, a little shy, awkward, but sincere.
He was no longer content to observe... he was part of the group.
In the early morning, Darian, still groaning from sleep, sat up with a groan.
"Ugh... I slept like a rock... I dreamed about a giant bear that..."
He stopped when he saw the others' faces, a little dirty, tired, but smiling.
Tristan approached, serious.
"We were attacked last night. A demonic wolf... powerful. It controlled the darkness."
Darian's gaze immediately hardened. He listened to Tristan's report, the details of the fight, the near-miss, the coordination between Kyle and himself... the end.
When he understood the magnitude of what had transpired while he slept, he sighed, then nodded.
"I see. You held up well... very well, in fact."
His gaze slowly swept over each of them.
"I'm proud of you. Really."
A respectful silence followed his words, before Anne broke it playfully:
"We handled it well, huh! Kyle was so classy! Zzap Fwoosh—fire and lightning in a cross!"
Kyle, embarrassed, looked away.
"It wasn't much..."
But no one noticed. For even he, on this golden morning, was smiling without realizing it.
They packed up camp, extinguished the fire, adjusted the bags, and checked the weapons. The sun rose slowly, gilding the treetops.
Tristan, in the lead, raised his hand.
"Onward, to the royal capital of Valoris!"
Excited murmurs rippled through the group.
Valoris. Beating heart of the kingdom. City of powerful guilds, influential nobles, ancient mysteries, and even greater challenges.
Kyle, closing his eyes for a moment, felt the wind carry his thoughts far ahead.
He still had no idea what awaited him there. But something stirred within him... an intuition:
His adventure... was only just beginning.
The road to the royal capital was, against all expectations, peaceful.
No monsters, no bandits, no shouts in the night. Just the steady beat of hooves, the cheerful conversations, and the occasional laughter between the members of the group.
And Kyle, for once, wasn't bored.
There was no fighting, no tension, nothing exciting... but he felt good. Strangely good. As if he really belonged here.
When the sun sank behind the hills, and the first twinkling lights appeared on the horizon, they realized they were finally getting closer.
And suddenly, she was there.
Valoris.
Imposing. Majestic. Vibrant.
Even the night couldn't hide its grandeur. From the top of the ramparts bathed in magical light, the royal castle could be seen standing proudly in the distance, shining like a beacon in the darkness.
The streets, the houses, the colorful signs of the taverns and shops seemed to come straight out of a video game. Kyle couldn't tear his gaze away.
But before that... there was the guardhouse.
An identity check. Everyone showed their Thoralis citizenship cards without a problem. Everyone... except Kyle, who froze when the guard, torch in hand, asked for his.
"Um... I..."
For a moment, he felt panic rise within him. What if he got expelled? What if they started to suspect him?
But it was Lys, shy but quick, who spoke:
"He's from the kingdom of Asterion."
The guard arched an eyebrow, then nodded.
"If that's the case, it's no problem. Show me your guild card, that'll be enough."
A flash of relief flashed through Kyle.
Ah yes. I have it... he thought.
He took it out and handed it to the guard. The latter checked the seal, the name, the authenticity. Then he nodded.
"All good. You may enter."
Kyle put his card away and let out a nervous chuckle.
"It's a good thing this world works like a classic isekai fantasy..." he murmured.
The group then passed through the large doors, passing under the illuminated stone arch, and Valoris opened before them.
Cobblestones gleaming under the magical light, tall, elegant buildings, colorful shop windows still active despite the hour… The city breathed life, even at night.
Kyle stopped, almost breathless. His eyes fixed on the castle in the distance, its illuminated silhouette silhouetted against the starry sky.
He forgot to walk.
It was Anne who, approaching him, broke the silence:
"It's magnificent, isn't it?"
Kyle nodded slowly, his gaze still fixed on the horizon.
"Affirmative."
The bustling streets of Valoris seemed to open up before them like a storybook. Guided by Darian, the group finally reached his shop.
Well, shop...
It was a real commercial building, more like a small manor than a shop. Several stories, a neatly carved facade, stained-glass windows set into the fine wood, and a sign in gold letters reading: "House of Darian - Trading in Rarities."
Kyle blinked.
"How can a simple street vendor own... this?"
But the question stuck in his throat. He sensed that this was neither the time nor his place right now.
As soon as they stepped out of the carriage, half a dozen people—obviously his employees—ran up, bowed, and greeted Darian warmly. They helped him carefully down, some even calling him "Master Darian," others asking about his health.
He seemed genuinely appreciated. Not a trace of fear or contempt in their eyes.
A respected boss.
Shortly after, the group split up.
The girls took the horses to nearby stables, then went to the inn to reserve a room and order food.
The boys stayed with Darian until he finished speaking to his employees.
After several minutes, finally alone with them, Darian turned to Tristan with a broad smile.
"You protected me with great professionalism. I want to thank you properly."
He handed a well-stocked purse to Tristan. Kyle, however, stood back, arms crossed, looking detached.
He had little interest in money.
But just as Tristan had just received the purse, a man called out to him from the back.
"Tristan! This way!"
The young swordsman turned, recognized the voice, and ran towards him for a moment, exchanging a few words in hushed tones. Kyle took the opportunity to sigh, looking at the shop windows magically illuminated.
Shortly after, Tristan returned, smiling.
"Darian gave me more than I expected."
He began to recount the coins and approached to return them.
"There's been a mistake, I can't accept that much."
But Darian raised his hand graciously.
"It's not a mistake. It's a token of gratitude. Thanks to you, I arrived safely. And I haven't forgotten your fight against that demonic wolf..."
Tristan, a little embarrassed, bowed respectfully.
"Then... thank you for your generosity."
As they prepared to leave, Darian added,
"Please feel free to come back here to shop. My shop will always be open to you, especially to you two."
Kyle and Tristan nodded, then left the building.
Outside, the night air of Valoris contrasted with the magical warmth of the shop. Together, they headed towards the inn.
They met the girls in a large, bustling dining room. A long table had been reserved for the group, and several steaming dishes were already sitting in the center.
Anne laughed as she told Elaria something, Iris nibbled silently, and Lys, already seated, gave them a sweet smile as they arrived.
"You're finally here!"
Tristan took a seat without delay and grabbed a piece of bread, looking hungry.
Kyle sat next to Iris and watched the others in silence, a small smile on his lips.
A friendly atmosphere pervaded the room.
Tristan then raised his half-full beer mug.
"Tomorrow, we're going to the guild. We have to register Kyle and Lys as Adventurers in the Valoris guild."
Kyle nodded. Another step forward in this world, another step further in this fantastic adventure.