The first light of dawn slipped gently through the curtains, brushing against Kaito’s face like a quiet reminder that the day had finally arrived. For a moment, he lay still, listening to the faint chirping of birds outside the inn. The warmth of the blanket and the soft breathing beside him almost tempted him to close his eyes again.

  But today was not a day for lingering.

  Kaito slowly sat up, glancing toward the other bed. Kael was curled up on the bed, his hair messy across his forehead, breathing peacefully. It was hard to believe that this childlike boy had once been the terrifying Inferno Chimera.

  Kaito smiled faintly. “He really sleeps anywhere…”

  He stood up, stretched his arms over his head, and washed his face in the basin. The cold water cleared the last traces of sleep from his mind. Today, they would leave the town that had become their temporary home.

  After dressing, Kaito made his way downstairs.

  The scent of freshly baked bread and grilled meat filled the air. Laughter echoed softly from the dining area. When he stepped into the common room, he saw Serena, Renna, and Kael already seated at a table near the window.

  Kael was happily chewing on a piece of bread stuffed with meat.

  “They seem to be getting along just fine,” Kaito muttered with a satisfied grin.

  “Good morning,” he greeted as he approached.

  “Good morning, Kaito!” Serena replied brightly.

  Renna gave him a cheerful nod. “Finally awake, huh?”

  Kael waved a hand while still chewing. “Hey, come have breakfast with us.”

  Kaito chuckled. “Okay, okay.”

  He pulled out a chair and sat down just as Ririna came over carrying another plate.

  “This one is yours,” Ririna said warmly, placing it in front of him. “Enjoy.”

  “Thank you, Ririna.”

  They ate together, sharing light conversation. Serena spoke about the new robe she would wear for the journey. Renna teased Kael for nearly finishing his third plate. Kael defended himself by saying food tasted better when eaten outdoors.

  For a moment, it felt like any ordinary morning.

  But beneath the laughter, there was a gentle awareness that they were about to step forward into something unknown.

  When they finished, Kaito stood and looked toward Ririna, who was standing behind the counter.

  He walked over and gave her a small wave.

  “See you next time, Ririna. Thank you for everything. I really enjoyed my daily life here.”

  Ririna’s smile trembled slightly, though she tried to keep it steady. “You’re always welcome here. All of you. Thank you… and take care.”

  Serena stepped forward and gave Ririna a brief hug. Renna followed, promising to visit again. Even Kael gave a small wave.

  Then the four of them stepped outside.

  The morning air was cool and fresh. The town was already awake, merchants opening shops, adventurers preparing for quests. The familiar cobblestone streets felt different now—like a place seen for the last time before a long journey.

  They made their way to the Adventurers’ Guild area where their new carriage was kept.

  The horse neighed softly when Renna approached.

  “Morning,” she said gently, patting its neck. “Ready for the road?”

  They loaded their supplies, secured everything tightly, and climbed aboard. Kaito took the reins first.

  With a final glance at the guild building—and memories of Garrick’s stern advice, Sofia’s warm smiles, and Ellie’s cheerful encouragement—Kaito flicked the reins lightly.

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  The carriage rolled forward.

  As they approached the town’s main gate, the guards standing on duty noticed them.

  “Safe travels!” one of them called out.

  Kaito raised his hand in response. Serena and Renna waved as well. Kael lazily lifted his hand from under the carriage roof where he had already chosen to lie down.

  The gates slowly faded behind them.

  And just like that, their next chapter began.

  The road stretched wide beneath the brightening sky.

  Fields of grass swayed gently in the breeze. Birds flew across the open horizon. The rhythm of the horse’s hooves and the creaking of wooden wheels blended into a peaceful melody.

  For the first few hours, the journey was calm.

  Serena sat beside Kaito, occasionally pointing out distant hills or interesting cloud shapes. Renna relaxed in the back, enjoying not having to steer for once. Kael lay under the carriage roof, arms folded behind his head, eyes closed.

  He was, of course, asleep.

  After several hours, Kaito glanced at Renna. “Want to swap?”

  Renna stretched her arms. “Sure. My turn.”

  They switched positions smoothly while Serena steadied the reins briefly. Renna guided the horse with confident hands.

  The wind picked up slightly as they entered a forested path.

  That was when it happened.

  A sharp rustle came from the bushes ahead.

  Renna immediately slowed the carriage.

  “Something’s coming.”

  Low growls echoed through the trees.

  A group of goblins leaped onto the road, crude weapons raised. Behind them, two large wolves stepped forward, teeth bared.

  Serena sighed lightly. “Right after breakfast…”

  Kaito hopped down from the carriage, drawing his Spear. “Let’s make this quick.”

  Serena followed, staff glowing faintly.

  The goblins rushed forward recklessly.

  Kaito moved first.

  With swift, precise strikes, he peice through two goblins in a single motion. Serena raised her staff and released a burst of wind magic that knocked several attackers backward.

  A wolf lunged toward her, but before it could reach, Kaito intercepted it mid-air, slashing cleanly.

  Within minutes, the road was silent again.

  Renna leaned against the carriage. “You two didn’t leave any for me.”

  Serena smiled innocently. “You were driving.”

  Kael’s voice drifted lazily from inside. “Is it over? I was in the middle of a good dream…”

  Kaito wiped his spear and climbed back up. “Yes, it’s over. Go back to sleep.”

  “Good,” Kael muttered.

  Renna shook her head, amused, and continued guiding the carriage.

  Around midday, Renna brought the carriage to a stop near a shaded area.

  “Lunch break,” she announced.

  They unpacked simple meals—bread, dried meat, and fresh vegetables. The forest around them was quiet except for birds and the gentle rustling of leaves.

  After eating, they resumed their journey.

  Kaito glanced at the sky. “Let’s find a river or lake to camp tonight.”

  Renna nodded. “Okay. I’ll make the horse sprint a bit.”

  The carriage picked up speed as the afternoon passed.

  The sun slowly dipped lower, painting the sky in shades of orange and gold.

  That was when Serena pointed ahead.

  “There’s a small lake over there. And look—flat stones around it. It’s perfect.”

  Kaito nodded. “Let’s head there.”

  Renna carefully guided the carriage toward the lakeside.

  The water shimmered under the fading sunlight. Smooth stones surrounded the shore, and trees stood like silent guardians around the clearing.

  Renna tied the horse securely and began unloading supplies. She prepared mattress and blankets inside the carriage for herself and Serena.

  Kaito set up the tent near the carriage, arranging mattresses and blankets for himself and Kael.

  Kael, surprisingly awake, gently patted the horse.

  “Good job today,” he said softly, offering it a carrot. The horse seemed unusually calm around him.

  Soon, the scent of cooking filled the air.

  Kaito and Serena worked together over the campfire, grilling wolf meat steaks and warming bread.

  Renna returned from washing up at the lake, her hair slightly damp.

  They gathered around the fire, sitting on logs as night began to settle.

  The stars slowly emerged overhead.

  After finishing dinner, Kaito leaned back slightly.

  “Kael, what do you think about the journey so far?”

  Kael stared into the fire. “Hmm… to be honest, I really enjoy sleeping with this peaceful vibe. And I enjoy eating.”

  Renna laughed. “So you’re just here for naps and food?”

  Kael smiled faintly. “That’s how I enjoy life.”

  Serena nodded gently. “We all have our own way to relax.”

  One by one, exhaustion settled in.

  Kael returned to the tent and lay down.

  Renna climbed into the carriage to rest after the long hours of driving.

  Serena and Kaito took turns bathing in the quiet lake, the cool water washing away dust and fatigue.

  Afterward, Serena curled up under her blanket.

  “Wake me if anything happens,” she whispered.

  Kaito nodded. “Sleep well.”

  The camp grew silent.

  Kaito sat near the fading fire, keeping watch.

  The moon rose higher.

  The night air felt calm.

  Too calm.

  Far beyond the lake, high on a distant mountain ridge, something stirred.

  A deep blue diamond-shaped eye glowed in the darkness.

  It watched.

  Unblinking.

  Powerful.

  Its gaze fixed on the small campsite below.

  Kaito remained unaware, staring at the stars, lost in thought.

  Inside the tent, Kael’s eyes slowly opened.

  For a brief moment, the innocence in his expression vanished.

  He glanced toward the mountain.

  The glowing blue eye reflected faintly in his own.

  He had known from the moment they crossed into this region.

  The pressure in the air.

  The subtle shift in mana.

  The silent warning carried by the wind.

  The blue eye blinked once.

  Then disappeared into the darkness.

  Kael closed his eyes again.

  A faint smile formed on his lips.

  “Finally…” he murmured softly so no one else could hear.

  “We will encounter this monster soon,”

  The forest fell silent once more.

  But the peaceful night now carried a hidden tension.

  Something was watching.

  And their journey had just stepped into something far greater than wandering roads and small monsters.

  The next trial awaited them.