Belle stepped out of the guildmaster's office, the heavy wooden door closing behind her with a soft thud. She released a slow breath, as if shedding the weight of Garrick's sharp gaze.
For a man who rarely showed emotions, his words carried more weight than a drawn blade.
The moment she stepped into the hallway, she spotted Kai leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. His red ponytail swayed slightly as he pushed himself off and strolled toward her.
"So?" he drawled, a lazy smirk tugging at his lips. "Still in one piece, or did he secretly roast you in there?"
Belle shot him a flat look. "I'm fine."
Kai hummed, pretending to inspect her. "No scorch marks… No missing limbs…" He tapped his chin. "Guess that means you passed."
She rolled her eyes.
Kai wasn't done. "So, what did the old man want? Gonna tell me, or do I have to bribe you with dinner?"
Belle considered teasing him for once—maybe making him guess—but the exhaustion settling in her limbs won out. She sighed. "Nothing major. He just wanted to gauge my abilities and confirm some things about the Direfang Wolf."
Kai raised an eyebrow. "That's all? Huh. Thought he'd have more to say about you making every F-Rank look like background characters in their own guild."
Belle clicked her tongue, ignoring the jab. Instead, she stretched her arms above her head, feeling the satisfying pop of her joints. "Let's just go eat. I'm starving."
Kai grinned, easily falling into step beside her. "Now you're speaking my language."
As they walked, the chatter of the guild filled the space around them—some adventurers eyeing Belle with curiosity, others pretending not to stare. The news of her promotion was already spreading.
She pretended not to notice.
For now, she just wanted food, a seat, and a few minutes where she didn't have to think.
The two found themselves at The Rusty Keg, a lively tavern that doubled as a common gathering place for adventurers.
The scent of sizzling meat and spiced ale filled the air, blending with the roar of laughter and the clatter of tankards against wooden tables. A bard strummed a lute in the corner, though his tune was half-drowned out by a group of rowdy adventurers loudly debating who had slain the biggest monster that week.
Belle and Kai wove their way through the crowd before sliding into a wooden booth near the wall.
Kai stretched, cracking his knuckles. "Alright, rookie, since you're officially a 'big deal' now, what's your victory meal?"
Belle glanced at the chalkboard menu near the bar. "Something filling. And warm. I don't care what."
Kai grinned. "I like a woman with refined taste." He flagged down a passing server. "Two of the specials. Extra meat on mine."
The waitress, a beastkin girl with fluffy fox ears, smirked. "Hope you've got the coin for that, pretty boy."
Kai clutched his chest dramatically. "You wound me. I'm a man of wealth and taste."
The waitress rolled her eyes, scribbled the order down, and walked off.
Belle arched an eyebrow. "You didn't even check the price."
Kai shrugged. "If I run out of money, I'll just make you pay."
Belle scoffed. "I'll make you wash dishes."
Kai chuckled. "Fair trade."
Their food arrived soon after—hearty plates of roasted meat, seasoned vegetables, and thick slices of buttered bread. The rich aroma was enough to make Belle's stomach tighten in hunger.
She wasted no time digging in, savoring the warmth that spread through her body with each bite. For a while, the only sounds between them were clinking utensils and the occasional satisfied grunt from Kai.
But as she ate, her mind drifted.
The Forbidden Forest. The miasma. The fact that she had survived something no normal human should have been able to endure.
She stabbed a piece of meat with more force than necessary.
Just what am I?
A sudden nudge against her arm snapped her out of it.
Kai, mid-bite, tilted his head at her. "You good?"
Belle blinked, then quickly composed herself. "Yeah. Just thinking."
Kai snorted. "That's dangerous for someone like you."
Belle smirked. "You'd know all about that, wouldn't you?"
Kai mockingly gasped. "The rookie has claws." He leaned back, arms behind his head. "Seriously, though. Now that you're on the guild's radar, what's next?
Belle sighed. "I'd rather get through one day without attracting attention first."
Kai tapped his chin. "Hmm. Not possible. I give it… two minutes before someone asks about the Direfang Wolf."
Right on cue, a pair of adventurers at a nearby table were already whispering about her—stealing glances in her direction.
Belle picked up her drink and took a long, slow sip. "I hate when you're right."
Kai grinned, clearly enjoying this far too much. "Welcome to being interesting."
Belle shook her head, but despite herself, a small smile tugged at her lips.
For now, she pushed aside the questions, the secrets, the weight of everything she didn't understand.
Right now, she just wanted to enjoy a good meal.
By the time they left the Rusty Keg, Dawnstead had quieted, the once-busy streets now far more subdued. The earlier hustle of adventurers and merchants had faded into the distant murmur of a few stragglers, their voices low beneath the gentle crackle of lanterns hanging from wooden posts. The cobbled pathways gleamed faintly under the moonlight, damp from the evening mist that had settled over the town.
Belle pulled her jacket a little tighter against the cool night air, her body finally starting to feel the exhaustion creeping in.
Kai let out a content sigh, stretching his arms behind his head as they neared the Silver Hearth Inn—their shared place of lodging since arriving in town. It wasn't fancy, but it was clean, warm, and quiet. More than enough for a traveling adventurer.
"Man," Kai exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "That food was exactly what I needed. I'm about to sleep so hard, I might not wake up 'til next week."
Belle smirked. "So, if I poke you with a stick in the morning, you won't wake up?"
Kai grinned. "Nah, I'd wake up. But only to throw the stick back at you."
Belle chuckled, shaking her head. They reached their rooms—small but comfortable quarters, separated by a single wooden hallway.
Kai ruffled his already-messy red hair. "Welp, I don't know about you, but I'm crashing." He gave her a lazy salute, smirking. "Try not to do anything crazy while I'm unconscious."
Belle leaned against her door frame, giving a mock-serious nod. "No promises."
Kai let out a tired laugh before stepping into his room, kicking the door closed behind him.
Belle lingered for a moment.
Now that she was alone, the weight of the day settled on her shoulders.
She tilted her head back slightly, staring at the wooden beams of the ceiling, as if she could find answers in their patterns. Today had been… a lot.
Fighting a Direfang Wolf.
Facing the guildmaster.
Learning about miasma—about how it should have killed her.
She pressed her fingers against her palm. Why was she different?
The thought nagged at her, whispering just beneath the surface.
With a deep breath, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Her room was small but cozy—a single bed, a wooden desk, and a candle still flickering on the nightstand. The soft scent of old parchment and polished wood filled the air, familiar and grounding.
Belle closed the door behind her, letting out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
She set her gear aside, placing her jacket and belt near the chair before sitting on the edge of the bed. Her muscles protested with a dull ache, reminding her just how much she had pushed herself.
The events of the day replayed in her mind, but she forced herself to push them away. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new questions.
But for now…
She let herself fall onto the bed.
The mattress dipped beneath her weight, the softness an instant relief.
Her eyelids grew heavy.
The next morning, Belle stretched as she stepped out of her room, her muscles still sore but comfortably so. A full night's rest had worked wonders, leaving her feeling far more refreshed than she had in days.
As she descended the wooden staircase into the inn's common area, the scent of fresh bread and simmering broth greeted her. A few adventurers sat at scattered tables, eating breakfast or chatting in hushed tones. The morning air carried a sense of quiet energy, the kind that came before a busy day.
Belle spotted Kai instantly—already lounging at a table, one arm draped over the back of his chair, idly munching on a chunk of bread like he had no care in the world.
He caught sight of her and grinned, waving lazily. "Morning, D-Rank Belle."
Belle paused mid-step. "…How did you—?"
Kai tapped his ear with a knowing smirk. "Word travels fast when you're the hot topic at the guild."
Belle exhaled, muttering, "Of course it does…" before sitting across from him.
Kai leaned forward, elbows on the table, his smirk widening. "So, how's it feel to get a rank-up on your first day?"
Belle picked up a glass of water and took a slow sip before answering, "It's not a big deal."
Kai snorted loudly, nearly choking on his bread. "Not a big deal? Do you know how many adventurers stay stuck at F-Rank for weeks?" He waved the half-eaten bread for emphasis. "Meanwhile, you walk in, take one quest, and boom—D-Rank. Like some kind of overpowered protagonist."
Belle rolled her eyes. "You make it sound like I planned it."
Kai chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Honestly? I'm impressed. Guess that means we're equals now."
Belle raised an eyebrow. "Equals?"
Kai smirked, resting an elbow on the table. "Yeah. I'm also D-Rank."
Belle blinked, caught off guard. "…You were already D-Rank?"
Kai shrugged, clearly enjoying this moment. "What, you thought I was F-Rank this whole time?"
"Well, yeah." Belle crossed her arms. "You never mentioned it."
Kai chuckled. "Didn't think it mattered. Besides—" he gave her a pointed look "—it's more fun watching people assume things."
Belle exhaled sharply, shaking her head. He would do something like that.
Kai pointed at her with a lazy grin. "But now you're in the same rank as me. That means no more 'rookie' excuses."
Belle sighed, setting down her glass. "I wasn't using that as an excuse."
Kai smirked. "We'll see about that."
Belle leaned back in her chair, already regretting this conversation.
Great. Now he has even more reason to mess with me.
Just as Belle was about to steer the conversation elsewhere, a voice from the next table cut in.
"Huh. So you're the one everyone's talking about."
Belle and Kai turned to see a tall, broad-shouldered man with dark stubble, a greatsword propped against the side of his chair. He took a slow sip from his mug before giving Belle a curious look.
Kai smirked. "Told you word travels fast."
The man leaned forward, resting an arm on the table. "Taking down a Direfang Wolf solo as an F-Rank? Gotta say, that's impressive." His gaze sharpened slightly. "You sure you didn't have help?"
Belle met his gaze evenly. "I was alone."
The man studied her for a second before chuckling. "Heh. Guess the stories weren't exaggerated." He turned back to his drink. "Still, watch yourself, kid. Climbing ranks too fast gets people talking—and not always in a good way."
Kai leaned in, lowering his voice just enough for Belle to hear. "See? Told you you're a big deal."
Belle sighed. Great. More attention. Just what I needed.
She stabbed her fork into a piece of bread.
So much for staying under the radar.
After finishing breakfast, Belle and Kai stepped out into the bustling streets of Dawnstead. The early morning sun cast a golden glow over the town, and the air carried the scent of fresh-baked bread, iron from the blacksmith's forge, and the earthy aroma of damp cobblestone.
Vendors were already calling out their wares, setting up colorful market stalls. A group of adventurers, likely fresh off a quest, passed by carrying large burlap sacks filled with monster parts, chatting animatedly about their earnings.
Belle adjusted the strap of her bag as they walked. The lively atmosphere of Dawnstead still felt somewhat new, but it was beginning to feel… normal.
Kai stretched lazily, walking beside her with his hands behind his head. "So," he began, his tone light but teasing, "now that you're officially D-Rank, any plans to climb higher?"
Belle let out a slow exhale. "I just got promoted. Can I at least settle in first?"
Kai snorted, smirking. "Sure, sure. But knowing you, I wouldn't be surprised if you hit C-Rank by next week."
Belle shot him a flat look. "I'd rather not."
Kai grinned. "Yeah? We'll see how long that lasts."
Belle didn't argue, mostly because she wasn't sure he was wrong.
As they reached the guild's grand wooden doors, adventurers milled about the entrance, some scanning the quest board while others counted their rewards. The familiar scent of parchment, ink, and worn leather filled the air, mixing with the occasional whiff of ale from last night's drinking crowd.
Kai gestured toward the quest board with a nod. "Alright, partner. Time to pick our next job. Something easy? Or are we feeling ambitious today?"
Belle studied the dozens of parchment slips pinned to the board, each one offering rewards for monster subjugation, escort missions, or resource gathering.
She reached out, fingers brushing over a quest slip. A hunt in the outskirts—monsters sighted near an old ruin.
She pulled it from the board and handed it to Kai. "This one."
Kai skimmed over the details, then gave her a grin filled with mischief. "Already itching for another fight, huh?"
Belle simply shrugged. "Might as well start earning my keep."
Kai chuckled. "Guess we're officially in business, then."
With their quest in hand, the two turned toward the counter to accept the job—ready to begin their journey as D-Rank adventurers.
End of Chapter 15