The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the ruined path. The smell of burnt wood and blood still clung to Ashborn's tattered cloak.
For hours, he had walked in silence, his mind hollow, his body moving on instinct. Beside him, Lida kept pace, her silver hair swaying in the breeze. She stole glances at him, her expression torn between relief and sorrow.
"Ashborn…" she whispered, gripping the strap of her small satchel.
He didn't respond.
Her hands clenched.
"Please, say something."
Still, nothing.
Lida sighed, glancing at the road ahead. They were heading toward Grasia, the nearest town—a place neither of them had ever been before.
After everything, Lida knew they couldn't stay in the ruins of Eldoria.
They had to move forward.
And even if Ashborn wasn't speaking now…
She refused to let him break.
---
The Journey Begins
The first night on the road was cold and silent.
They set up camp near a small river, the sound of flowing water breaking the uneasy quiet. Ashborn sat against a tree, staring at the flames, his purple eyes reflecting the flickering light.
Lida sat across from him, tending to the small pot of rabbit stew she had made. The scent filled the air, but Ashborn made no move to eat.
She frowned.
"You need to eat."
No response.
Lida's patience finally snapped.
She stood up, marched over to him, and shoved the bowl into his hands.
"Enough of this."
Ashborn blinked, startled by her sudden aggression.
"I know you're hurting, but starving yourself won't bring them back." Her voice cracked, but she didn't stop. "If you die too, then what was the point of all this?"
A long silence.
Then—
Ashborn finally moved.
He raised the bowl, took a slow bite.
Lida let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
It was a small victory.
But a victory nonetheless.
---
Arrival in Grasia
Two days later, they reached Grasia.
It was massive compared to Eldoria—a fortified city surrounded by towering stone walls, with iron gates manned by armored guards.
Merchants, adventurers, and travelers crowded the entrance, some lined up to register their entry while others bartered with traders.
Ashborn and Lida stood at the edge of the crowd, their cloaks drawn tight around them.
"This place is huge," Lida murmured, eyes wide.
Ashborn barely spared a glance at the city.
His mind was on one thing.
Strength.
He had felt it—that terrifying power deep inside him when his village burned.
He needed to understand it.
He needed to control it.
And he needed to get stronger.
Because one day, he would make them pay.
And so, with that thought, he took his first step into the world of adventurers.
---
The Adventurers' Guild
The Adventurers' Guild was a massive building in the heart of Grasia, made of dark stone and reinforced wood. The symbol of a sword and shield crossed over a phoenix emblem hung above the entrance.
The moment Ashborn and Lida stepped inside, they were met with the overwhelming scent of ale, sweat, and steel.
Rough-looking warriors, mages in flowing robes, and rogues dressed in dark leather filled the space, laughing, drinking, and talking about their latest hunts.
Lida nudged Ashborn.
"We should register."
At the counter, a young woman with bright green eyes and fox-like ears looked up.
"Welcome to the Grasia Adventurers' Guild! Are you two here to register?"
Ashborn nodded silently.
Lida smiled nervously. "Yes!"
The guild receptionist pulled out two forms.
"Before we start, what are your specialties?"
Lida perked up. "I use healing magic and swordsmanship!"
The receptionist scribbled something down before looking at Ashborn.
"And you?"
He hesitated.
He had never formally trained in magic or swordplay.
But that power inside him…
"Magic," he finally said.
The receptionist nodded.
"Alright! You'll both start at F-rank, the lowest rank. To rise, you'll need to complete quests and prove your strength."
She stamped their papers and handed them two bronze guild badges.
"Welcome to the Guild!"
---
Meeting Rick & The Birth of Skylark
Their first mission was a simple goblin extermination.
The request was posted by a village on the outskirts of Grasia, where goblins had been raiding farms and stealing livestock.
But before they left, they were approached by a familiar face.
"Well, well, if it isn't my childhood friends!"
Lida whirled around in surprise. "Rick?!"
Standing before them was Rick—tall, muscular, and wearing a confident grin. His orange hair was slightly messy, and his brown eyes gleamed with excitement.
"I thought you two were dead!" he said, crossing his arms.
Lida's eyes filled with relief.
"We barely made it," she admitted.
Rick's gaze darkened for a second. "Yeah… I heard what happened to Eldoria. Those bastards will pay."
Ashborn remained silent.
Rick turned to him, raising an eyebrow.
"What's with you? You've been quiet this whole time."
Lida shot Rick a warning glare.
"He's been through a lot, Rick."
Rick shrugged. "Haven't we all?"
Then, he grinned.
"Listen, since we're all here, why don't we team up?"
Lida blinked. "You mean form a party?"
"Yeah!" Rick smirked. "A strong party can go further in this world. Plus, it'd be just like old times!"
Lida looked at Ashborn.
This was his decision too.
After a long pause, Ashborn nodded.
Rick grinned. "Then it's settled!"
He extended his fist.
"From today onward, we're Skylark—the strongest adventurer party in the world!"
Lida laughed, placing her fist against his.
Ashborn hesitated… then did the same.
At that moment, Skylark was born.
And their journey had truly begun.
---
Next Chapter: The Battle Against Snape
The first clash with a Demon General.
Ashborn's power begins to awaken.
Skylark's first real battle.
The road to revenge continues.