The town of Brookstead came into view as Chase and Selena walked along the dirt road, the midday sun casting warm light over the bustling settlement. The moment they passed through the gates, the scents of fresh bread, roasted meats, and simmering spices filled the air.

  Chase took a deep breath, his stomach growling at the enticing aroma.

  Chase: Let’s grab something to eat first. No point in working on an empty stomach.

  Selena’s ears flicked at the mention of food, her nose already picking up the scent of sizzling meat.

  Selena: Mmm… fine. But I get first pick.

  Chase gave her a look but decided not to argue. They weaved through the marketplace, eventually stopping at a food stall where a burly vendor stood behind an open grill, turning skewers of meat over crackling flames.

  Vendor: Welcome! Fresh off the fire—venison, lamb, boar! Pick your meal!

  Selena’s golden eyes locked in on the largest skewer, the one stacked with thick, glistening cuts of meat still sizzling from the heat. Without hesitation, she reached for it.

  Chase: Selena—can we at least look at the options first?

  Selena: (Grins) This is the best one!

  Vendor: (Chuckle) Ah, a woman who knows her meat! That’s the special—comes with roasted tubers and a honey glaze.

  Chase glanced at the price and sighed. He should’ve seen this coming.

  Chase: You always go for the biggest meal, huh?

  Selena: (Smirk) Of course. A hunter must eat well to stay strong.

  Chase shook his head but couldn’t argue with her logic. He ordered a more modest meal—grilled fish with herb butter and rice—before leaning against the stall, watching as Selena fixated on the grilling process. The way her tail flicked with anticipation almost made him laugh.

  Chase: ...You’re not actually planning to pounce on it before it’s done, are you?

  Selena: Maybe. If I were, would you stop me?

  Chase crossed his arms, giving her a look.

  Chase: Yes. Because I’d rather not be banned from a town before we even get to work.

  The vendor let out a hearty laugh as he handed them their plates.

  Vendor: You two bicker like an old couple.

  Chase nearly choked on air, while Selena simply accepted her meal with a pleased swish of her tail.

  As they sat at a nearby table, Chase took a bite of his fish before glancing at her.

  Chase: With the amount of demon hunting missions I saw last time, I hope people will realize the need to coordinate a strike force against the demon army.

  Selena tore a chunk from her skewer, chewing thoughtfully.

  Selena: You’re quite optimistic about this, huh. What If that’s not the case?

  Chase: (Smirk) Then, we can stay for a while. There’s a lot to do in this town. Hahaha!

  Selena purred lightly as she took another bite, clearly enjoying her meal. Chase simply shook his head. Even when they were on the verge of investigating war preparations, she still found a way to enjoy herself.

  Adventurer’s Guild

  The adventurer's guild bustled with life as Chase and Selena stepped inside. The scent of ale, sweat, and parchment filled the air as groups of adventurers exchanged stories over drinks or checked the mission board. It was far livelier than Chase had last seen it, though an air of unease lingered beneath the chatter.

  Chase: Hmm... It's more lively than last time I checked in.

  Selena’s ears flicked at the murmurs surrounding them. Words like "Ashenford" and "demon-infested" caught her attention, though she said nothing for now, letting Chase take the lead.

  Approaching the mission board, Chase scanned it for anything related to the infested town of Ashenford that he saw before, but the board held nothing regarding it. Frowning, he turned to the receptionist.

  Chase: Good day. Are there no missions related to Ashenford? Is the town finally cleared of the demon infestation?

  Receptionist: Sorry. The guild master decided to remove any missions related to it. If you’re looking for any demon-related missions, there are many safer options for your rank to choose from.

  Chase: Why? Shouldn’t this be a priority mission? If we don’t clear the town, the infestation will surely spread here. Sure, a party of one or two may not be able to handle it, but if we work together-

  A scoff came from nearby. A veteran adventurer leaned against the bar, arms crossed, shaking his head.

  Veteran Adventurer: Because no one's dumb enough to sign their death warrant, kid. That town’s crawling with demons. The last few that went either died or barely crawled back alive. Good thing it was removed before others blindly take it to earn more money.

  Chase met the man’s gaze with a determined look.

  Chase: But we can't just let the demon army do as they please. I know it's dangerous—I’ve fought them before.

  The room quieted slightly. A few heads turned, recognizing his words. Chase continued, his voice unwavering.

  Chase: I’ve seen what they leave behind when unchecked. Towns razed, people slaughtered. If we don't act now, Ashenford won’t be the last town lost.

  The guild master overheard everything from his office and went out to see who’s making the commotion.

  Guild Master: Then why don't you do it?

  The gruff voice cut through the murmurs. The crowd parted slightly as the guild master stepped forward, eyeing Chase with an unreadable expression.

  Random Adventurer: Oof, now you’ve done it. Even the guild master had enough of your hero talk. Go on, prove to us this is worth dying for.

  Laughter and muttered comments rippled through the crowd. Selena smirked, watching how Chase handled himself. He had a way of standing his ground, even when people doubted him.

  Chase: Sir, with all due respect-

  The Guild Master interrupted him and let out a tired sigh.

  Guild Master: Come with me.

  Chase followed him into the office, Selena trailing behind with an unreadable expression. The room was lined with maps, reports, and unfinished paperwork—a sign of just how strained the guild was. The Guild Master sat behind his desk and slid a parchment across to Chase.

  Guild Master: This is the mission post you're looking for. As you can see, it’s not on the board.

  Chase picked it up, scanning the details. It wasn’t a mission to clear Ashenford—only to scout it. The Guild Master leaned forward, hands clasped.

  Guild Master: We’ve already lost too many. I won’t send people to their deaths. You want to charge in? Fine. Take this mission post. But your job is to assess the situation, not fight a war.

  Chase nodded, taking the mission.

  Chase: Understood.

  Selena: (Chuckle) You sure about this, Chase?

  Chase: What? You don’t think this is the right call?

  Selena: Oh, I do. But I also know you.

  She flicked her tail, giving him a knowing look before following him out. She wasn’t going to stop him—but if things got too dangerous, she had every intention of dragging him out of there herself.

  As they stepped back into the bustling guild hall, the murmurs had shifted. Some still scoffed, but others watched him with curiosity. Was he just another fool chasing glory? Or was he someone worth believing in?

  Without looking back, he and Selena left the guild, heading toward their next challenge—Ashenford.

  Ashenford - Outskirt

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

  Chase and Selena journey through the withered road toward Ashenford. The land feels forsaken—leafless trees stretch their skeletal branches toward the sky, and the ground is cracked and barren. No birds, no insects—only the hollow whisper of the wind brushing against the desolation. Every step they take feels heavier, as if the land itself is resisting their presence.

  Then, suddenly, a chill creeps into their bones. A suffocating force tugs at them, draining the warmth from their bodies. Both instinctively halt and step back.

  Selena: Did you feel that?

  Chase: Yeah... I just felt like my very soul was being taken away.

  Selena: Good. Last time, you weren’t able to tell.

  Selena’s ears flick toward the distance. Footsteps—multiple. Faint but approaching fast. The demons were on the move. She quickly scans their surroundings, searching for a place to hide while cutting their trail. A large, withered tree stands nearby, its big enough to conceal them behind its body. Without hesitation, she signals Chase and leaps onto the higher branches, her movements swift and effortless.

  Chase, however, remains grounded. His eyes dart around for a bush to hide in—except everything is dead. He grits his teeth.

  Selena: Chase, what are you doing? Hurry up here, or the demons will spot you.

  Chase: Wait! I can't jump that high!

  Selena: Just use your spirit to give you a boost.

  Chase: Oh, right! Give me a second.

  Chase takes a breath and tries to channel his spirit into his legs. But before he can fully focus, Selena decides to mess with him. She knew the incoming forces aren’t big enough to be a threat.

  Selena: Hurry, Chase! They’re coming~

  Chase panics.

  Chase: Don’t rush me!

  His concentration snaps, but somehow, his body responds instinctively. A surge of spirit power floods his legs—too much. He jumped too high missing his landing.

  Chase: Oh, crap—!

  Selena, already anticipating this, snatches him midair with ease, using her Air Jump ability to bring him safely to the tree’s concealment.

  Selena gave a smug look at Chase while lecturing him.

  Selena: What’s wrong with you? That shouldn’t be too difficult. Were you slacking all that time I was training in my tribe?

  Chase: (Grumble) Of course not. I was mastering my Weapon Enhance ability all that time. I just… didn’t have many opportunities to use my spirit elsewhere. Besides, you weren’t exactly helping me, you know?

  Selena: (Grin) Is that so? Do you want me to teach you how to use your spirit? I know all the basics.

  She leans in slightly, enjoying the turn of events. However, Chase responds with a dry laugh before continuing.

  Chase: So this is how we’re doing things now, huh? Well, I’m sorry, my lioness. But as a beginner in using spiritual arts—

  Selena’s ears perked after hearing a certain word.

  Selena: What did you say?

  Chase: Uh, I’m a beginner in spiritual arts?

  Selena: Before that.

  Chase: “I’m sorry” ...?

  Selena then gave an unamused expression.

  Selena: After that, before I interrupted you.

  Chase freezes, realizing what she meant. His ears heat up slightly.

  Chase: My li—

  Chase pauses, suddenly unsure if he wanted to continue saying that.

  Chase: Oh... sorry, I may have gotten carried away.

  Selena narrows her eyes.

  Selena: No. Say that again.

  Chase tries to avoid eye contact.

  Chase: I… I can’t.

  Selena: (Smirk) Why not?

  Chase: B-because—

  Before the scene escalates further, Selena’s ears flick again. The demons had arrived. Below, shadows creep into their line of sight—scouting forces consisting of hellhounds started sniffing the ground. The air grows heavier with their presence. The playful atmosphere vanishes in an instant.

  Selena and Chase remain perfectly still, watching as the demons begin to investigate the area beneath them.

  Into the Depths of Danger

  Chase and Selena waited for the demons to return before making any moves. As the scouting forces finally disappeared into the distance, Chase pulled out the map, marking their location and assessing the situation. He frowned as he realized just how far they still were from Ashenford.

  Selena: So, this is how far a Demon Core can drain.

  Chase: About seven kilometers… assuming the core was planted at the center of Ashenford.

  Selena: I’m pretty sure the one in Rivermill had a much shorter range.

  Chase: Maybe because it had just sprouted?

  Selena: Perhaps. It seems the longer it’s left alone, the stronger its reach becomes. Also, the moment we step into its range, the demons are alerted to our presence.

  Chase weighed his options carefully. Turning back now, with nothing to show for his efforts, would be humiliating. But if they went in blindly, it could cost them their lives.

  Chase: Let’s go. We won’t know unless we try. But if things get even a little too dangerous, we retreat.

  Selena: Sure…

  Her tone carried a hint of concern.

  They pressed forward, enduring the relentless sting of the Demon Core’s life drain. It clawed at them with every step, gnawing at their strength. But before they could advance any further, a group of demons surged in, drawn by the disturbance—three hellhounds and three harpies, their bodies crackling with a denser, more volatile dark energy.

  As the demons closed in, Chase noticed something different. The hellhounds were larger, their muscles coiled with unnatural tension, their blackened fur streaked with crimson veins that pulsed like molten embers. The harpies, once lean and wiry, now bore elongated talons and broader wings, their eyes burning with an eerie violet glow. These weren’t the same creatures they had fought before—they had evolved into something far more dangerous.

  The moment the enemies charged, Chase and Selena moved in perfect sync. Without a word, they split apart—Chase dashing forward to intercept the hellhounds while Selena launched herself skyward to face the harpies.

  Chase met the first hellhound head-on, his blade slicing through the air. The impact sent the creature staggering, but the wound was shallow. His grip tightened—these things were tougher than before.

  Without hesitation, he activated Weapon Enhance. Energy surged through his blade, the edge crackling with power. He struck again, and this time, his sword bit deep. The hellhound let out a strangled snarl before collapsing. Chase didn’t stop—his movements were fluid, precise, relentless. He cut through them one by one, not allowing them a second to counter.

  As the final hellhound fell lifeless at his feet, Chase turned just in time to see Selena finishing her last opponent. She stood atop the grounded harpy, her powerful frame casting a shadow over her struggling prey. A low, rumbling growl escaped her as she drove her claws through the harpy’s throat in a single, decisive motion. The creature spasmed once before falling still.

  However,

  Selena: Chase, I’m not comfortable fighting like this while the Demon Core is sapping my life.

  Chase: I know.

  He Inhales sharply. He, too, was growing increasingly uncomfortable with their situation.

  He glanced back. They hadn’t even made it far, yet he already understood how this would end. His fingers tightened around his weapon before finally letting out a slow, reluctant breath.

  Chase: Let’s go back.

  Selena, watching him closely, felt a sense of relief. Seeing Chase make the logical choice instead of stubbornly pressing forward reassured her. Without hesitation, they retreated, running until the town was no longer visible in the distance.

  Once they were far from danger, Chase came to a stop. Selena turned to him, noticing his head looking down. His expression—one of disappointment, frustration… defeat. She walked up beside him.

  Selena: What’s wrong, Chase?

  Chase: Was I wrong, Selena?

  Selena: Huh?

  Chase: The moment we started fighting inside the Demon Core’s range, I realized… I really am asking too much from other people.

  He let out a quiet, bitter laugh, shaking his head.

  Chase: A strike force? Yeah, right. It doesn’t matter how many go in. Their lives will be drained before they even reach the core. And it doesn’t stop there. Like you said, we’d need a powerful magic attack just to crack its shell. And the demons themselves? They’re stronger than the ones we fought at Solthar Keep.

  He exhaled, his breath unsteady.

  Chase: I was wrong. Na?ve. I’ll return this mission post to the guild and accept whatever humiliation my peers throw at me…

  For a moment, Selena didn’t say anything. She understood how much this realization hurt him. And she spoke with a quiet certainty.

  Selena: Chase, you’re not wrong for wanting to fight. But if you really want to change things… then you have to fight in a way that lets you win.

  She paused, choosing her next words carefully. She wanted to encourage him, not just offer empty comfort.

  Selena: Not everyone is willing to put their lives on the line, Chase… But that’s what I like about you, above other humans.

  She smiled at him, warm and genuine. Chase raises his head with a surprised look. Then, he saw sincerity in her expression.

  Chase (to self): She's not messing with me again, is she?

  Then, he forced a smile, thanked her, and walked past her.

  Chase: Come on. Let’s just go back.

  Guild Master’s Office

  The weight of failure pressed on Chase's shoulders as he placed the mission poster on the Guild Master’s desk. The old man studied him for a moment, his gaze lingering longer than usual, before letting out a deep sigh.

  Guild Master: Back already? I thought you'd be more stubborn.

  Chase just lowers his head.

  Chase: There was no fight to win, sir... Just a slow, inevitable death.

  The Guild Master leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, scrutinizing the young adventurer before him.

  Guild Master: Then you understand now. The guild isn’t a private army. We don’t throw lives away for lost battles. Even if I forced adventurers to fight, who would pay them? Who ensures their families don’t starve if they die? You think courage alone can hold back the tide?

  Chase clenched his fists but didn’t argue. The fight inside the Demon Core’s range had made it painfully clear—this wasn’t about bravery. It was about survival. People weren’t ignoring the problem because they didn’t care. They just didn’t have the means to care.

  Chase: ...I understand, sir. I'm sorry for bothering you. I'll take my leave.

  His words were stiff, controlled. He turned and walked out of the office, his steps heavier than before. Selena followed, but before she exited, she glanced back at the Guild Master. Her golden eyes held a quiet intensity.

  Selena: You know… the demons won’t care about your reasons. Whether you choose to fight or not, they'll come for you. This isn’t just Chase’s battle. It’s everyone’s. Think about that—while there are still people like him willing to stand and do something.

  She didn’t wait for a response. With a flick of her tail, she left, closing the door behind her.

  The Guild Master sat in silence, staring at the mission poster still on his desk. His fingers hovered over it before slowly clenching into a fist. For the first time in years, the weight of inaction felt heavier than the weight of risk.

  The Inn

  The weight of the day pressed down on Chase as he lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. The muffled sounds of the town outside—the chatter of adventurers, the clatter of mugs in the tavern below—felt distant. His mind kept replaying the conversation with the Guild Master.

  Chase: (Grumble) Maybe people aren’t as ready for battle as I thought…

  He sighed.

  Suddenly, a shadow loomed over him.

  Before he could react, Selena lunged—landing on all fours above him, her golden eyes gleaming mischievously in the dim light.

  Selena: Hey, Chase!!!

  Startled, Chase jerked up, only for his forehead to collide straight into her muzzle.

  Chase & Selena: Ouch!

  Both recoiled at once, each clutching their faces.

  Selena: (Grumble) Why did you suddenly jerk like that?

  Chase speaks, still rubbing his forehead

  Chase: H-Hey! You’re the one who jumped on me out of nowhere!

  Selena huffed, sitting back while still massaging her nose.

  Selena: Your guard was down. I had to!

  Chase groaned, flopping onto the bed.

  Chase: Selena, not every time is a hunt.

  She smirked, leaning in closer until her breath brushed against his cheek.

  Selena: (Purr) With you, it always is.

  Then, with a satisfied sigh, she curled up beside him, her tail flicking lazily.

  Chase: Aren’t you going to sleep on your own bed?

  Selena: No. I like it here.

  Chase opened his mouth to argue—but stopped. He knew it was useless at this point.

  He sighed again—this time, with a small smile.

  Air Jump