The sound of clashing blades fills the air.
As each clash occurs, the surrounding area shakes violently. A demonic woman clad in crimson clothing is engaged in a fierce battle against a dark, blurry figure that seems to be neither fully human nor entirely inhuman. From the looks of it, the two of them have been at it for a long while now. The woman has injuries all over herself and looks exhausted, while the figure appears to be completely untouched. In spite of her injuries, the woman has a growing smile.
The woman lunges in an attempt to stab the figure with her blade, but it simply steps to the side and swings its own blade horizontally in retaliation. The woman uses her free hand to conjure a magical barrier, but the figure's blade shatters it in an instant. The woman ducks and lunges once more, in another attempt to pierce the figure's torso. The figure attempts to step aside once more, but the woman follows, shifting the entirety of her body to keep her blade on course.
The figure's blade follows suit, the tip of their blades connecting before both of them back off. The woman relaxes and catches her breath, while the figure stands there completely unaffected. The woman's smile grows further at this. She takes a stance once more, then lunges towards the figure, to which the figure follows.
As the two continue to clash, it is clear that the woman is struggling to keep up with her opponent. As she attempts to create distance, the figure immediately closes the gap and intensifies its assault. The woman is barely able to hang on, receiving more cuts around her body as she dashes away. Despite this, the woman is still grinning with complete confidence. It's as if she's been predicting the course of the fight, even if it's believed to end in her loss.
She swings her blade with full force once more, but the blurry figure deflects it effortlessly. Her sword shatters in half, leaving her defenseless. When the figure pulls her arm back to deliver a fatal strike, the woman raises her other hand and aims towards the figure. She begins to chant, weaving her words into the air like a spell. A brilliant magic circle materializes around them, bathing both in a shimmering white light. As the magic circle finishes materializing, a relaxed smile appears on the crimson woman's face before the scene fades away. A voice is heard, as if it were far and close at the same time.
"...ey...ai...Renkai."
Renkai slowly opens her eyes, still clearly groggy from sleep. Remnants of the dream continue to fill her mind as her vision steadies. As her vision clears, she is met by the leader of her party, Grey, who woke her up. She looks around, seeing an elf in the driver's seat of the carriage and a dwarf in the corner sharpening a greatsword. Renkai looks back at Grey and gives him an annoyed look before speaking.
"The carriage ride would have woken me up, so please don't tell me you woke me before we've arrived."
Grey lets out a sigh, confused about how to handle her.
"I know we're a temporary party, but as the leader, I must ensure all of us are in fighting condition. Especially someone as young as you. You do remember the guild request we took and understand why, right?"
"Of course I do. We're investigating the last area an injured dragon was seen. The only reason this party was formed is that the guild required four members who are at least iron rank."
Gray looked at her intently, trying to understand if she truly got what he was trying to say.
"The guild requires a minimum of four iron-rank members for a reason. A dragon isn't to be underestimated. I hope you don't think you can slay a dragon alone, even if it's injured."
The elf who had been driving the carriage finally spoke up.
"Of course she couldn't, she's just a stupid kid."
The dwarf speaks up next, setting the greatsword and his tools to the side.
"Do you think that?"
The elf turns and gives the dwarf an annoyed look.
"Daegon, you're not telling me you believe some kid could take on a dragon by herself?"
Daegon closes his eyes and shrugs.
"The young lady has some skill if she was able to make it to iron rank at her age, Clea. I wouldn't diminish one's skills without witnessing them first."
While the two go back and forth, Renkai attempts to go back to sleep.
"Are you seriously telling me that she achieved her success without any magic? The rumors surrounding her are more credible than that."
Renkai shifts slightly at the mention of the rumor. In a few of her job requests that required groups, most of the party members would return dangerously close to death, thus people would call her cursed. Daegon turns his head towards Renkai, intent on asking about the rumor.
"Missy, would the rumor about you be true?"
Renkai stays silent for a moment before letting out a sigh and returning the gaze.
"If you mean the rumor that's about me being cursed, then no. A party failing would be because no one could fulfill the roles they were meant to play."
Renkai pauses and gives them all a dark look.
"I do hope, unlike the other parties, that you three know what your roles are and how to play them when the time comes."
Grey, Clea, and Deagon all look at each other. Grey gives a disappointed impression while Clea flashes a slight smirk, clearly ready to start laughing. Daegon is the only one who takes her words to heart.
"Grey, why did you choose her out of everyone to bring with us again?"
"Clea, I'm sure it's just some phase kids go through nowadays. Please focus on the road. We should be nearing the area where the dragon was last seen."
Grey gets up and sits next to Clea at the front of the carriage. He pulls out a spyglass and peers into the distance. Daegon picks up the greatsword next to him once more and continues his examination. As he finishes exploring it, he begins to sharpen certain edges. Edges that have been used more efficiently than the rest.
"Missy, would you answer a question for me?"
"I may have an answer depending on your question."
"What's the reason?"
"Reason? The reason for what?"
"The reason you decided to become an adventurer."
"Before that, I have a question of my own. Why do you bother asking? We're nothing more than strangers."
Daegon goes quiet for a moment as his eyes wander over the blade once more.
"This greatsword hasn't been used recklessly. Only certain edges needed sharpening. Edges that were done in a clean single swing, focused on a single point. A normal kid around your age wouldn't need to fixate on such a precise swing. A swing with precise killing intent."
Renkai slowly opens her eyes, casting them over Daegon. She hesitates slightly before letting out a sigh.
"In return for taking care of my greatsword, I don't mind telling you."
Daegon nods slightly, eagerly. Grey and Clea shift slightly, intent on listening in on their conversation as Renkai begins.
"I used to live in a small town named Tremanio with my mother, Telaria. You may know of her."
Daegon ponders for a bit before his eyes widen.
"You don't perhaps mean Telaria Elrod, do you?"
Renkai nods, her eyes showing a slight hint of approval.
"One of the two summoned heroes from around seventy years ago. My mother was... amazing. She knew nearly everything about magic and mana. She's not as widely remembered anymore, but she would have stayed the strongest mage if she were still alive."
"What do you mean if she were still alive?"
Renkai stays silent for a moment.
"Ten years ago, on the day right before my seventh birthday..."
Renkai trails off. She lifts her face and gazes into Daegon's eyes, as if she were trying to tell him something through her gaze alone.
"The town of Tremanio was decimated by a commander from the Demon King's army. I am unfortunately the sole survivor."
Renkai returns her gaze to the floor of the carriage.
"My mother had taught me several things. Learn the unknown, hone what you know, and enjoy the moment. My mother had me practice my mana flow the moment my mana veins opened. I studied when I discovered that there was more to explore beyond the village. I enjoyed every second I was in that village. The day before my birthday, I was studying in the library as usual when I suddenly had an idea to surprise my mother for once. As I was heading towards the door to leave the library, the doors fell on top of me."
Renkai's face sours as she continues.
"The doors knocked me out. When I came to, I struggled to escape. Once I did, I saw the village in ruins. I never saw any bodies, only pools of blood beneath the rubble. I ran—ran to the one place that could be safe; my mother's side. When I reached our home, I saw my mother slumped against the last standing wall of what used to be our home. When she saw me, she gave a small smile before raising her arms invitingly. I ran into her arms and cried. I told her everything I saw. She comforts me until I stand up, and as I turn away..."
As Daegon looks at Renkai's face once more, he sees an indescribable anger in her eyes.
"I hear the sound of rubble being crushed from behind. I turn back and see claws, demonic claws, piercing through my mother's stomach. The claws retract, and my mother's body falls to the floor. I rush to my mother's side, shaking her, trying to get a response in any way. She lies there, lifeless. Then, I begin to hear footsteps walking behind the wall. As the figure reveals itself, I-"
Renkai stops herself short, immediately standing up and turning in the opposite direction.
"Missy? What is it?"
"It's here."
Before Daegon can ask, he looks past her and watches a wave of flames approach the carriage.