Kaito crouched near the campfire, stirring a small pot while the scent of simple breakfast filled the air. Serena sat opposite him, hugging her knees, watching the flames more than the food. She hadn’t spoken much since waking up.
Both of them knew why.
When breakfast was ready, they ate slowly. The usual light conversation was missing, replaced by soft clinks of utensils and the crackling of burning wood. Serena kept glancing at Kaito, then quickly looking away whenever their eyes almost met.
She was waiting for his answer.
After finishing the last bite, Kaito quietly stood up. He walked a few steps away from the fire, hands in his pockets, staring at the river as if searching for the right words inside the flowing water.
Serena lowered her gaze.
Her fingers tightened slightly around the hem of her robe.
Then Kaito turned back.
He stepped closer and extended his hand toward her.
“Traveling alone is really comfortable,” he said gently. “You can go wherever you want, whenever you want.”
Serena slowly looked up.
Kaito met her eyes and smiled.
“But if we travel together… things might be more fun.”
For a moment, Serena didn’t move. Her blue eyes widened, shining in the morning light. Then she placed her hand in his.
Her smile bloomed like the sunrise behind the trees.
“Thank you, Kaito.”
He scratched his cheek, a faint blush appearing.
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“It’s not like I’m doing anything special. We’re both rookie adventurers anyway.”
But the warmth in his voice said otherwise.
After Kaito accepted Serena as his travel companion, the two began taking quests together day after day. They camped outside the village each night, taking turns keeping watch while the other slept. Quest after quest, coin after coin, they slowly saved enough money. By the time their preparation day finally arrived, they had earned what they needed to buy supplies and begin their journey. The marketplace buzzed with life as they walked side by side through the streets. Vendors shouted about fresh bread, tools, and supplies for traveling adventurers.
Kaito unfolded a rough travel list.
“Alright. First priority—things we absolutely need.”
Serena nodded seriously, as if this were a high-rank quest.
They spent the afternoon gathering supplies:
- A detailed world map, worn at the edges but rich with roads and towns.
? Durable travel clothes suited for long journeys.
? A large waterproof tent sturdy enough for harsh weather.
? A small travel bag for Serena.
? A new staff—lighter, stronger, with a pale crystal at the tip that shimmered in sunlight.
? A new spear for Kaito, perfectly balanced and comfortable in his hands.
Serena twirled her new staff with a proud smile.
“It feels much better than my old one.”
Kaito tested the spear’s weight.
“Yeah… this should do.”
They exchanged a quiet glance.
Tomorrow, they would leave.
In the late afternoon, Serena stopped walking in front of a familiar building at the edge of the village.
The orphanage.
She stood still for a moment before taking a deep breath and pushing the gate open.
The moment she stepped inside, children rushed toward her like a wave.
“Serena!!”
They hugged her arms, her waist, even her legs. Laughter filled the courtyard.
Kaito watched from the gate, smiling quietly.
An older woman soon stepped outside, her gentle eyes already understanding everything without a word.
“So… the day finally came.”
Serena’s smile trembled slightly.
“Yes, teacher.”
They spoke for a long time beneath the shade of the old tree.
About dreams.
About fear.
About the world beyond the village.
“You always looked beyond the horizon,” the teacher said softly. “Go see what lies there.”
Tears shimmered in Serena’s eyes, but she smiled.
“I will.”
The children asked her to bring stories when she returned. She promised she would.
When Serena finally walked back to the gate, the sun was already beginning to set.
Kaito waited for her there.
“You okay?” he asked gently.
She nodded.
“Yes. I’m ready.”
That evening, they stood near the village entrance, watching the sky turn orange and gold.
“Tomorrow morning,” Kaito said.
Serena looked toward the distant road stretching beyond the hills.
“Tomorrow.”
The wind rustled softly through the grass, carrying the promise of unknown lands and unseen horizons.
Their journey was finally about to begin. ??