Juichi wove his way through the lively streets of Klyrode, the noise of the market district buzzing around him like static. His temporary ID was tucked safely in his pouch, and his next move was locked in: register at the Adventurer's Guild.
Focus, Juichi. Get in. Get strong. Find Dad.
But just as he passed a spice vendor yelling about imported Fire Peppers, a shout cracked through the air.
"Get your filthy hands off me!"
Juichi's eyes snapped to an alley off the main road. A group of men—dirty, cocky, and clearly bored—had cornered a girl with fierce red hair and eyes that burned like embers. She looked pissed. And surrounded.
He took one step, then another.
"Hey! Leave her alone."
The thugs turned, smirking like wolves spotting fresh meat.
"Oh? Who's the little hero?"
Juichi's gaze sharpened. "Someone who's about to wreck your day."
No hesitation.
The first thug charged—sloppy, overconfident. Juichi ducked low, sidestepped, and countered with a lightning jab to the gut. The guy folded like wet paper. Another thug lunged, dagger flashing. Juichi twisted, grabbing his wrist and slamming a knee into his ribs. The dagger clattered to the cobblestones.
"Amateurs," Juichi muttered.
The last guy, taller and meaner-looking, drew a blade glowing faintly with mana.
"A Hunter's Sword, huh?" Juichi tensed. No weapons. No backup. Just instincts.
"You're dead, brat!"
The thug swung fast—but Juichi was faster. He ducked low, wind grazing his hair, and surged forward with a brutal uppercut. The man staggered, dazed—just long enough for Juichi to spin and land a clean roundhouse kick to his jaw.
Crash!
The leader flew into a stack of crates, unconscious.
Silence.
Then, a slow clap.
"Not bad," the red-haired girl said, arms crossed and a smirk curling on her lips. "For a scrawny-looking new guy."
Juichi grinned, brushing dust from his sleeves. "You're welcome."
"I'm Alira Redwood. You?"
"Juichi."
Before anything else could be said—grrrrrrgle—Juichi's stomach let out a traitorous roar.
Alira blinked. Then she laughed, full and unapologetic. "Wow. Big hero's gotta eat, huh?"
Juichi scratched his head. "Yeah… kinda skipped breakfast."
"Then follow me, tough guy. I owe you lunch anyway. Our family runs an inn just around the corner—Dragon's Rest."
---
The inn looked like a page from a traveler's dream—wooden beams, stone hearth, and the scent of simmering stew drifting into the street. A warm sign swayed overhead: Dragon's Rest.
"Christine!" Alira called out as they stepped inside. "We've got a guest!"
A tall woman with silver hair and dark elven ears emerged from behind the counter, eyes sharp as a dagger. Her gaze lingered on Juichi.
"Another traveller?" she asked, eyebrow raised.
Alira shrugged. "This one punched three idiots into the dirt for me. The least we can do is feed him."
Christine gave a small nod. "Sit anywhere. The Master will return shortly."
"Master?" Juichi asked, dropping into a seat.
Alira plopped down across from him, resting her boots on the edge of the bench. "She means my mom. Old habits."
Before he could say more, Christine placed a steaming bowl of stew and bread in front of him. Juichi took one bite—and all the tension in his body just… vanished.
Warm. Real. Home.
He glanced toward the counter—then froze.
There was a picture frame sitting near the edge. Dusty. Old.
Inside it was a man with dark hair, wearing a faded cloak and a familiar, gentle smile.
Juichi stood slowly, heart pounding. His fingers hovered just over the frame.
"…Dad?"
His voice cracked, barely a whisper.
The door slammed open behind him.
Clatter!
A tray hit the floor. Juichi turned.
A woman stood in the doorway, frozen. Her crimson hair shimmered like fire under the sun. Her eyes—deep, golden—were locked on his.
Her lips parted.
"Juichi…?"
He didn't need her to say it. He felt it.
She crossed the room in a blink and wrapped her arms around him.
Tight. Desperate. Real.
"...Mom?"
Lyrae Redwood trembled in his arms, her fingers clutching at the back of his shirt like she couldn't believe he was real.
He didn't know what to say.
So he didn't say anything.
For the first time since arriving in this world, Juichi didn't feel like a stranger.
He felt like a son.
Like a flame had reignited in his chest.
This wasn't just a new chapter.
It was the beginning of something far greater.
To be continued...