Aldoria: Am I a hero...or not?

{{Veridale - Afternoon}}

The scent of fresh herbs and the lively chatter of merchants filled the air as they stepped into town.

Stalls lined the streets, each bursting with colorful goods, dried roots, shimmering potions, and exotic pelts from the nearby forest.

The rhythmic clatter of hooves on cobblestone mixed with the occasional shout of a vendor luring in customers.

Vaelin adjusted the satchel on his back, a calm smile on his face. "Alright, this is where we part for now. I need to sell my medicine and goods. Let's meet later once I'm done."

Jin crossed his arms. "You sure you don't need us to tag along? This place is crawling with shady types."

Before Vaelin could answer, Alden stepped forward, resting a hand on the hilt of his sword. "I'll accompany him. A merchant carrying valuable stock shouldn't be walking alone."

Vaelin chuckled. "I appreciate the concern, but I assure you, I can handle myself."

"Even so," Alden said, his tone firm. "It would be more efficient if I stay with you. I know the market well."

Seeing no reason to argue, Vaelin nodded. "Then I'll leave it to you."

Jin and Tristan exchanged glances before Jin gave a lazy wave. "Alright then. See you later."

"Don't get robbed." Tristan smirked before turning away.

"Wait—what kind of farewell is that?" Vaelin called after them, but they were already heading toward the forest. He sighed and turned back to Alden. "Well then, let's get to business."

{{Verdant Forest - Deep Inside}}

The towering trees formed a thick canopy overhead, casting eerie shadows as the duo ventured deeper.

The forest was alive with the rustle of leaves and distant chirps of unseen creatures.

Each step on the moss-covered ground felt heavier, as if the very air was pressing down on them.

Tristan glanced at Jin, wariness in his voice. "So? What exactly are we doing?"

Jin smirked, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I want to see what the guardian looks like."

Tristan groaned. "You would want to do that."

As they pressed forward, a strange tension built up in the air. The deeper they went, the quieter the forest became. Even the insects had stopped buzzing. It was as if the trees themselves were watching.

Then—

A voice, deep and reverberating, echoed through the forest.

"Who dares trespass into my domain with ill intent?"

Jin's senses flared.

Right side.

Fast approaching!

Without hesitation, he moved.

A blur of movement then sharp claws sliced through the air, aiming for his head.

He twisted his body at the last second, narrowly avoiding the attack.

His System's enhanced perception had saved him once again.

A low growl rumbled from the shadows. A massive creature lurked just beyond the trees, its eyes glowing a deep gold.

Jin didn't hesitate. He unsheathed his bladeless sword.

[[Whoosh!]]

A sudden surge of aura erupted from him..

fierce, powerful, and—

Red.

Tristan gasped. "Wait. What? Since when was your aura red?!"

Jin's eyes flickered as realization hit him.

A slow grin spread across his lips.

Then—

[[BOOM!]]

In a flash of movement, Jin struck down the guardian.

The impact shook the trees, sending leaves spiraling down like confetti.

Silence followed.

And then—

[[Poof!]]

A puff of smoke erupted where the guardian once stood.

When the smoke cleared, Jin and Tristan were left staring at—

A tiny, crying kitten.

"…What."

The small creature hiccuped through its tears. "T-The Verdant Fang isn't easy to defeat, you fool!" It pouted, rubbing its little paws against its face.

Tristan knelt down, carefully picking up the tiny kitten. "Awww, don't cry! We won't hurt you! But… why are you so cute?"

The kitten huffed, crossing its tiny arms. "Because of your ridiculous strength, I have no choice! I want that man to be my master!"

Jin raised a brow. "Or maybe you're just scared."

[[SMACK!]]

Tristan immediately punched him in the head.

"Don't be mean!"

Jin groaned, rubbing the sore spot. "I'm just saying.. and she's acting like you. Clumsy and dumb, like when I saw you nake—"

"SHUT UP!"

Tristan tackled him, slamming a hand over his mask where his mouth should be, her face burning red.

The Verdant Fang tilted its head. "What? What did he see?"

Tristan turned away, her voice unnaturally high. "N-Nothing! Absolutely nothing!"

Jin grinned under her grip.

Ah.

She's panicking.

Then.

Jin also panicked as the image of Tristan naked flashed back in his mind.

Tristan quickly changed the subject. "Can we keep her? Please, Party Leader?~"

Jin sighed. "Not now. She's the guardian of this forest. We can't just take her."

The Verdant Fang huffed. "Fine… but thank you, Master."

Jin rolled his eyes. "I'm not your master."

Then—

Something changed.

A scent filled the air.

Blood.

Jin's playful demeanor vanished.

"…Do you smell that?"

Tristan's smile faded. "Yeah."

Without another word, they ran.

{{Forest Outskirts - Bloodstained Path}}

The sight before them was horrifying.

An overturned cart lay in ruin, wooden crates splintered across the dirt.

The bodies of adventurers and a merchant were sprawled on the ground, their lifeless eyes staring into nothingness.

Blood pooled beneath them, soaking the earth.

And in the center of the carnage—

A man.

Clad in dark armor, his towering frame was impossible to miss. A massive greatsword rested on his shoulder, its blade dripping with fresh blood.

But more chilling was his other hand.

It gripped a man's throat, lifting him off the ground effortlessly.

The victim thrashed, his feet kicking at nothing. He gasped for air, his face turning a sickly shade of blue.

The armored man smirked, his deep red eyes gleaming with something terrifying.

Then, in a voice that sent chills down their spines—

"I've finally found you, Tristan."

Tristan's body went rigid.

Her lips parted in disbelief.

"Dra—"

THUD.

Before she could finish, the man casually tossed the lifeless body aside.

The corpse hit the ground with a sickening thump.

A suffocating silence followed.

Jin's grip tightened around his sword. His instincts screamed at him.

This man was dangerous.

A name burned itself into Tristan's mind.

Draven Voss.

The Hunter Has Arrived.