The forest around them was alive with gentle sounds—the rustling of leaves, the occasional chirp of birds, and the soft crunch of grass beneath their boots. The breeze was cool and crisp, brushing across their faces as sunlight dappled through the canopy above.
Wes stretched his arms overhead and took in the air with a dramatic sigh. "Man, this place is amazing. The air is clean, the trees are glowing slightly, and no homework in sight. Truly paradise."
Scarlett smirked. "And yet somehow, you're still managing to annoy me even here."
"Annoying you is one of my many talents," Wes replied proudly. "But seriously, we should start thinking about what we want to do here. Like, what kind of life we want to live."
"Survive," Scarlett answered flatly.
"Obviously," Wes said. "But also, think about it! We could travel the world, join a guild, get cool gear, slay monsters, save towns, build reputations... maybe even become legends."
Scarlett rolled her eyes. "You sound like you've been rehearsing this in your sleep."
"That's because I have. Don't judge my passion. I'm telling you, this is pure isekai material! We'll be doing missions, taking on bandits, maybe find a dragon or two—"
"And probably get eaten," she added dryly.
"Hey, if I go out, at least it'll be cool!"
They both laughed, walking deeper into the forest.
Then, without warning—
Rustle.
They froze.
"Did you hear that?" Wes whispered.
Scarlett nodded slowly. "Something's moving... above us."
CRACK. SNAP.
The canopy trembled. Wings buzzed. And then—
Twenty large, black-and-yellow Killer Wasps burst from the treetops.
Their red eyes glowed, and their stingers gleamed like knives. The buzzing was deafening.
"You have GOT to be kidding me!" Wes shouted.
"Why is it always giant bugs?!" Scarlett yelled.
"Appraisal!" Wes barked.
F-Rank Monster: Killer Wasp
HP: 40
MP: 10
Level: 3
Abilities: Venom Sting, Aggressive Swarm, Flight Burst
Traits: Easily provoked, weak to wind and fire magic, low endurance
Behavior: Will attack in groups, prioritizing the weakest or isolated targets
Warning: Their venom can cause mild paralysis and nausea
"Alright, not tough individually—but they swarm!" Wes said. "We can do this!"
"Let's see what we can do with these new powers," Scarlett nodded.
"Split 'em? Ten for each of us?"
"Sure. Just don't mess it up."
ZZZZZZ!
One wasp dove at them.
"Move!" Wes shouted.
They both leaped aside, but the stinger nicked Wes's shoulder.
"AHH! Okay! That stings! Like—literally stings!" Wes cried out, rolling across the ground.
Scarlett gritted her teeth. "This is our first fight. We can't afford to be sloppy!"
"Noted! Come to me, Reveria!"
FLASH! The revolver appeared in his hand.
"Crimson Steel!" Scarlett called.
SHING! Her longsword flared into her grasp.
Wes pointed his revolver at the swarm. "Wind Bullet!"
A swirling vortex shot out, blasting several wasps into the trees and separating them. Ten flew right. Ten flew left.
"I'll take the left!" Scarlett shouted.
"Got the right!"
Wes raised his revolver and fired. "Mana Bullet! Mana Bullet!"
Two wasps fell instantly, but the others zigzagged, buzzing violently.
"They're faster than they look!" Wes yelled.
He ducked as a stinger shot past his face. Another wasp clipped his leg, drawing blood.
"Ow! You little—! Flashstep!"
He blinked backward just in time to dodge a triple-stinger dive.
"Recoil Control! Gunslinger's Focus!" His breathing slowed as his aim sharpened.
Scarlett, meanwhile, activated Magic Channel. Her blade ignited in flame.
"You want fire? You got fire! FLAME ARC!"
She spun through two wasps, cutting one down, but another stabbed into her side.
She hissed through her teeth. "Okay... that one's going to bruise."
"You good?!" Wes called out.
"I'm fine! Focus on your ten!"
"You mean eight! I already got two!"
"Wow, congrats, marksman! Want a medal?!"
"Actually, yes! Maybe with a sparkly bee on it!"
Scarlett slashed through another wasp. "You're lucky I don't slash you."
Wes dodged two more, rolled behind a tree, and pointed his gun. "Arcane Bullet! Wind Bullet! Lightning Bullet!"
Three shots, three bursts—electric shock stunned one, wind blast sent another crashing to the ground, and arcane force blew apart a third.
"That's five down!"
Scarlett parried two stingers, then countered with Twin Arc Slash—sending two crescent flames at the enemy.
"Seven!" she shouted.
"Are we counting now?!"
"Yes, because I'm winning!"
"Ugh, competitive much?!"
They both groaned and kept fighting. Wes crafted three elemental bullets on the fly.
"Bullet Crafting: Fire, Wind, and Lightning, GO!"
He rolled forward and unleashed them into the charging swarm. The combined blast exploded through the remaining wasps on his side.
"ALL TEN DOWN, BABY!"
Scarlett ducked under a final stinger, then delivered a fiery upward slash.
THUNK.
The last wasp dropped.
They stood panting, bruised and slightly burnt, but triumphant.
"Well... that happened," Wes exhaled.
"Our first real fight," Scarlett said, catching her breath.
Then—
DING!DING!
Two status screens appeared:
LEVEL UP!
Name: Wes Walker
Level: 2 → 3
HP increased
MP increased
Stats improved
Skill Proficiency increased
LEVEL UP!
Name: Scarlett Hayes
Level: 2 → 3
HP increased
Strength improved
Elemental Affinity increased
Bond Level (Ashen Radiance) increased to 2 (Warming...)
"We leveled up again?!" Wes shouted.
"Barely," Scarlett exhaled. "That was rough."
Then they smiled, bumped fists, and laughed.
"That was chaotic—but we pulled it off," Wes said.
"We're getting better already."
Their weapons dissolved back into light.
They stood in silence for a moment.
Wes gave a cheeky grin. "Okay... so clearly I did better."
"Excuse me?" Scarlett raised an eyebrow.
"I mean, did you see that final triple elemental shot? The wasps didn't even have time to scream!"
"And who parried four stingers and sliced through five in a flaming arc of destruction?"
"Still me."
"Delusional."
"Charming."
"Reckless."
"Brilliant."
"Idiot."
"Warrior goddess with anger issues."
"Trigger-happy otaku cowboy."
They burst into laughter again.
"No but seriously... we're ready for whatever comes next," Wes said, standing tall.
Scarlett nodded, resting a hand on her sword hilt. "Yeah. Let them come. We'll take them all down."
They turned back to the trail and stepped forward, bruised, bonded, and bolder than before.
The Verdant Fang Serpent lunged forward—its massive fangs aimed straight for Princess Amara. She gasped, shutting her eyes and bracing herself.
But just before impact—
"FLAME ARC!"
A blazing crescent of fire cut through the air.
CLANG!
A loud, sharp metallic sound rang out. A black shadow dropped from above, sword clashing against the serpent's fangs. Sparks burst in every direction.
Amara opened her eyes in shock. Before her stood a young woman in a firm sword stance, body steady, crimson hair flowing.
"Are you alright?" the woman asked, her voice calm but resolute.
Amara stuttered, "W-Who are you...?"
The woman stepped back slightly, glancing over her shoulder. "Sorry for the sudden entrance. I'm Scarlett Hayes, swordswoman. Nice to meet you."
Before Amara could respond, the serpent hissed and charged again.
"It's coming!" Amara shouted.
Scarlett raised her blade. "Where are you, idiot?!"
A voice echoed from the distance. "SORRY, I'M COMING! WIND BULLET!!"
BOOM! A massive gust of wind shot across the clearing, slamming into the serpent and launching it backward into a row of trees.
Leaves burst into the air as the monster roared.
Landing just ahead in the grassy field was a boy with raven-black hair and amber eyes. In his right hand, he held a sleek revolver that pulsed with magical energy.
"That wind punch pack enough drama for you?!" he grinned.
Scarlett sighed. "Could you try not being a clown for five seconds?!"
Wes sauntered over with a dramatic hand over his heart. "Come on, I made a big, heroic entrance. Not letting that ugly lizard touch our royal friend here."
SMACK! Scarlett smacked him hard on the back of the head.
"OW! What was that for?!"
"For being you."
As they bickered, Amara stared, utterly confused. Who are these two... and where did they come from...?
Wes turned and grinned. "Saving damsels in distress just in time. Classic."
Scarlett rolled her eyes. "Idiot. That was too close. But... good job."
Amara finally managed, "W-Who... who are you people?"
Scarlett paused and awkwardly smiled. "Sorry again. I'm Scarlett Hayes, and this idiot right here is—"
"Wes Walker, magic gunslinger extraordinaire," Wes finished, flashing a grin. "Nice to meet you."
Amara blinked, still stunned. "I'm... Princess Amara Lyselle. And... thank you for saving me."
"No problem," Wes said, winking. "Anytime, princess."
Amara's cheeks turned a soft pink.
Scarlett, fuming, stomped on Wes's foot.
"GAH! WHAT THE HELL?!" Wes shouted, hopping up and down. "WHY?!"
"Stop flirting and focus, you idiot."
Amara giggled behind her hand.
Suddenly, a deep rumble vibrated the ground.
Out of the rubble, the serpent rose again—roaring in rage.
Wes blinked. "Okay. He's mad. REALLY mad."
Scarlett groaned. "How is that thing not dead yet?!"
"D-Rank monster. Level 25. We're what—level 4 now?"
Amara nodded, regaining composure. "It's strong. One of the forest's corrupted guardians."
Scarlett frowned, glancing around at the chaos. "Where did it even come from? We didn't hear it until it was already on top of you."
Amara lowered her gaze. "It ambushed us... from the trees above. We were passing through the outer region. Then it struck—fast and brutal. I didn't even have time to cast a proper defensive spell."
"Ambushing from above? That's nasty," Wes muttered. "It's like it was waiting."
"It was ruthless," Amara continued. "It broke through our formation instantly. Took my knights down one by one. I tried to heal them but... it was overwhelming."
Wes's expression sharpened. Then he smiled.
Scarlett saw it. "Why are you smiling like that, idiot?"
Wes turned to Amara. "Hey, Princess. Can you help me with something?"
She blinked. "What do you need?"
"Use your healing skill. On me."
Amara stepped forward and took a deep breath. The golden sun-crystal atop her staff glowed as she raised it into the air. Her voice was strong and clear.
"Radiant Heal!"
She extended her hand forward. A warm light burst from her palm, forming a spiral of glowing glyphs. The magic flowed through the air like a radiant breeze, wrapping around Wes in a veil of golden warmth.
DING!
Bullet Crafting Complete: Healing Bullet x7
Wes grinned. "Perfect."
Scarlett narrowed her eyes. "What are you—"
Wes aimed his revolver. "Healing Bullet x7!"
BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG!
Seven glowing bullets shot out—hitting the fallen knights.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Amara shrieked.
"ARE YOU CRAZY?!" Scarlett screamed.
SMACK! Scarlett whacked him again.
"OW! WHY IS THIS A PATTERN?!"
Scarlett didn't stop—she grabbed Wes and pulled him into a headlock.
"YOU SHOT THE PRINCESS'S KNIGHTS, YOU MANIAC!"
"IT'S A HEALING BULLET! IT'S—AAAGH—SCARLETT, MY HEAD! YOU'RE GONNA POP MY BRAIN OUT!"
"WHY DID YOU THINK BULLETS WERE A GOOD IDEA?!"
"BECAUSE—OW OW OW—I'M SMART AND INNOVATIVE!"
"YOU'RE A MORON!"
Amara stared, bewildered, as the two strangers argued like siblings.
Then—
A groggy voice stirred nearby.
"Ngh... P-Princess...?"
Captain Durnhal blinked, his body trembling as he slowly pushed himself off the ground. He blinked through sweat and dirt, vision hazy.
"You're awake!" Amara gasped, kneeling beside him.
Durnhal coughed, groaning. "What... what happened? The serpent..."
He looked around in disbelief. "My armor... the pain... it's gone?"
Nearby, another knight sat up. "Captain... I think we're... healed?"
"I feel stronger than before," a second knight said, stunned.
"I was sure we were done for... How did we recover...?"
One knight turned to Amara. "Your Highness, was that... your doing?"
Amara shook her head gently. "Not mine. The one with the revolver... Wes. He did something."
She turned her gaze to the sleek black-and-silver revolver in Wes's hand, glowing faintly with residual healing light. Her thoughts swirled.
That weapon... it's not like any staff, wand, or enchanted relic I've ever seen. It channels power in bursts. But it's divine. Controlled. It's not just enchanted... it's alive. Who is he...?
Before she could dwell further—
ROOOAAAARRRRR!
The serpent lunged again, its body splitting trees as it charged.
Wes turned, spinning his revolver. "So... team up?"
Scarlett cracked her knuckles. "Let's fight."
Durnhal stood tall, gripping his blade. "For Elaria!"
Amara stepped forward, light glowing from her staff. "Together."
Wes aimed his weapon. "Alright, time to put this ugly reptile down."
Everyone took their positions.
The Verdant Fang Serpent lunged, its jaws wide with venom-dripping fangs.
Scarlett, Wes, and the others narrowly dodged the incoming attack, scattering across the battlefield.
Captain Durnhal landed several feet away, boots skidding across the dirt. He raised his sword, voice booming. "CHARGE!"
With renewed strength, the knights roared and stormed forward. Steel clashed with scale as the battle ignited once more. The serpent twisted, coiled, and slammed against the armored warriors, its body like a living battering ram.
Princess Amara remained in the rear, casting protective shields and healing waves over her soldiers. Her golden staff glowed brightly, the sun-shaped crystal pulsing with radiant energy as she muttered spells, eyes sharp and focused.
"Valor Ward! Light Mend! Sanctuary Dome!"
Golden light rippled through the field, forming translucent sigils beneath the knights' boots. Wounds began to fade. Cracked armor mended. The battlefield surged with new life.
The serpent retaliated with vicious tail swipes and venomous lunges. Its maw snapped shut inches from a knight's face, forcing him to dive. Another narrowly avoided being crushed by a sudden coil strike.
"Push forward! Strike with precision!" Durnhal commanded.
A group of three knights coordinated a flanking maneuver. One drew the serpent's attention with a feint, while the other two struck at the exposed joint beneath the scales.
CLANG! SLASH! THUD!
The serpent hissed in fury and whipped its tail again, knocking one knight through a tree trunk. Amara extended her staff. "Barrier Flash!"
A pulse of light threw the serpent off balance for a moment, giving the knights room to regroup.
Durnhal led another charge. "Spearmen, hit low! Swordsmen, strike the base of the skull!"
Knights shouted in unison, their blades flashing.
Scarlett dashed into the chaos, parrying a fang with her sword, then carving into the serpent's underside with a fiery slash.
Amara healed wounded knights with waves of light. "Radiant Circle! Defensive Blessing!"
Wes, meanwhile, was in full motion—parkour-ing around the battlefield.
He ran low, flipped over a root, launched off a fallen log, and vaulted onto the serpent's back.
"You know, for a snake, you're a little clunky!"
He fired a Mana Bullet into its neck.
BLAM!
Jumping off, he swung from a low-hanging branch like a jungle adventurer.
"Do snakes even have necks? Because I just shot yours!"
The serpent hissed furiously.
Scarlett shouted, "He's going to get himself killed at this rate!"
"Or get us killed with secondhand embarrassment," one knight added.
Amara couldn't help but smile faintly. He's reckless... but fearless.
Wes landed, kicked off a mossy rock, flipped backwards, then ran up the side of a leaning tree trunk and launched himself mid-air.
"You know, Snakeface, I don't want to brag, but this is the most exercise I've done since middle school PE."
He flipped upside down. "Mana Bullet!"
BLAM!
The bullet struck its lower jaw. The serpent's roar was deafening.
Suddenly—WHACK!
The tail came out of nowhere.
Wes turned. "Oh sh—"
BOOM!
The tail slammed into him and sent him flying through the air like a cannonball.
He crashed into a tree. CRACK! The impact knocked him flat to the ground.
The battlefield froze.
"WES!!" Scarlett screamed.
"NO!" Amara shouted.
Wes groaned, eyes spinning.
He lay on his back, staring up at the branches. "Okay... Sooo, I've officially discovered a new constellation. I call it 'Ouchius Major'."
He groaned louder. "And now I know what it's like to be a pancake."
He coughed. "Someone call the adventurer's union and tell them I want hazard pay."
Scarlett stomped toward him. "You're joking?! NOW?!"
"Laughter is the best medicine," Wes wheezed. "Except maybe actual medicine. Also maybe a nap. And possibly a chiropractor."
Scarlett narrowed her eyes. "You got hit by a giant snake tail and you're still talking like that?"
"I cope with pain through humor!"
"You're a certified idiot."
"Thank you for recognizing my credentials."
The serpent began to lunge again.
"Light Barrier!" Amara shouted.
A radiant shield shimmered into existence in front of Wes just in time.
THUD! The serpent slammed into it.
Wes blinked, then looked up at her. "Seriously, Princess, you've got excellent timing. Ever consider becoming my full-time bodyguard?"
Amara smiled gently. "Just returning the favor."
Wes used Flashstep, blinking beside Scarlett.
She crossed her arms. "You alright, idiot?"
"I feel like I got hit by a train. A snake-shaped, rage-fueled train."
"Still making jokes. Yep, you're fine."
Amara stepped forward. "You really are something, Wes. Reckless... but something."
Wes winked. "That's my whole brand."
The serpent roared again, rage bubbling in its throat.
Durnhal stepped forward, blade at the ready. "We've weakened it. One final push. Knights, form up!"
The knights took formation.
Scarlett readied her sword, the blade glowing.
Amara's staff pulsed with divine light.
Wes spun his revolver and grinned. "Let's end this dance."
Scarlett glanced at him. "Time for a real combo, idiot."
"Finally! Let's give it something to remember."
Scarlett dashed left, circling the serpent, drawing its gaze.
Wes sprinted the other way. "Wind Bullet!"
The blast pushed the serpent's head back.
Scarlett used the opening. "Twin Arc Slash!"
SLASH-SLASH! Two burning crescents cut across the serpent's midsection.
The serpent shrieked and reared up.
Wes launched into the air off a nearby boulder. "Fire Bullet!"
BOOM! The explosion lit up its scales.
Scarlett landed, leapt again, and stabbed straight into its tail joint. "Take that!"
The serpent turned. Wes dashed up its coils.
"Flashstep!"
He reappeared mid-air, spun, and shouted, "Lightning Bullet!"
CRACK! Electricity surged through the serpent.
Scarlett jumped beside him. "Together now!"
"Combo finisher!"
Scarlett stabbed.
Wes fired a final Mana Bullet into the wound.
BOOM! Light and steel struck in perfect sync.
The serpent shrieked, wobbling.
Scarlett and Wes landed side by side.
"Not bad, gunslinger."
"Not bad yourself, sword queen."
Across the battlefield, the knights and Amara had paused to witness the two newcomers.
One knight whispered, "Their coordination... it's like they've fought together for years."
Another added, "That timing... they're in sync. It's like watching two parts of the same blade."
Amara stood quietly, eyes wide. They're fearless, skilled, and somehow... natural. Who are they?
Captain Durnhal muttered, "Whoever they are... I'm glad they're on our side."
Amara nodded in agreement. They didn't hesitate. They risked everything to help people they don't even know.
They fight like chaos and calm woven together.
She looked between them. And somehow... it works.
The serpent roared once more, weakened but not finished.
The battlefield was ready.
Wes raised his revolver and pointed it at the enraged Verdant Fang Serpent.
"Let's finish this, shall we?" he said with a grin.
Everyone nodded. Captain Durnhal barked, "ALL UNITS, READY!"
Wes narrowed one eye. "Lightning Bullet!"
The revolver charged, the barrel glowing electric-blue. With a deafening crack, the bullet fired, zipping through the air and slamming into the serpent's forehead. A burst of searing light exploded on impact, blinding the creature.
SKREEEEEECH!!
"GO!" Durnhal shouted.
The knights roared and charged, weapons raised high.
Steel clashed with scale as they surrounded the serpent. Swords slashed. Spears jabbed. Glowing runes on their blades left burning trails.
One knight slashed across the serpent's lower jaw while another stabbed at its flank. The serpent thrashed violently, its massive body sending soldiers flying.
Captain Durnhal leapt, stabbing into the serpent's back with his sword, causing a shriek of agony.
"We've got it rattled! Don't stop!" he shouted.
The serpent coiled, tail sweeping wide and knocking over four knights at once. It opened its maw and sprayed venom, forcing several more to dive behind cover.
"Shields up! Hold the line!" another yelled.
The serpent lunged again, jaws open wide.
A knight raised his blade and screamed, "FOR ELARIA!"
He was barely able to dodge, slicing across the serpent's mouth. Blood spilled, green and acidic, hissing on the grass.
Amara stood tall behind the formation, casting rapidly.
"Sanctuary Dome! Light Blessing! Radiant Heal!"
Waves of divine energy surged over the battlefield, restoring the injured, bolstering the living.
Meanwhile, Scarlett and Wes exchanged a glance.
"We're not done yet," Scarlett said.
"Then let's give it everything."
Scarlett dashed in first, dodging the serpent's flailing coils. She spun and activated Twin Arc Slash, sending two burning red arcs into the serpent's side.
SLASH-SLASH!
It shrieked. She didn't stop.
"Ignition Drive!" she yelled, her blade bursting into fire as she cleaved into the beast's shoulder.
Wes flanked the opposite side. "Mana Bullet! Fire Bullet! Lightning Bullet!"
BLAM! BLAM! CRACK! The bullets slammed into the creature's throat and lower jaw, causing its body to shudder.
They crossed paths, moving like clockwork.
Scarlett leapt onto the serpent's midsection, ran across its spine, and stabbed near its upper back.
"You're mine!"
Wes ran along the serpent's coils, launched himself off a tree trunk, and fired another bullet point-blank into its eye ridge.
BOOM!
The serpent howled in fury, blood pouring from wounds. It bucked violently, nearly shaking Scarlett off.
She gritted her teeth, flipped backward, and slashed at its tail.
"Try to catch me!"
Wes ducked under its tail swipe, rolled, and countered. "Wind Bullet!"
The serpent staggered.
Scarlett dropped beside him. "We've got it dizzy."
"Good. Then let's go for the neck again."
The two launched in tandem.
Scarlett: "Crimson Spiral Slash!"
Wes: "Water Bullet!"
Her sword slashed deep. His shot soaked the wound.
The serpent screamed, flailing in pain, hurling rocks and dirt as it crashed into a tree, cracking its trunk.
From the edge of the field, Amara healed wounded knights. "Group Heal! Holy Guard!"
One knight gasped, his wound disappearing. "Princess Amara... incredible..."
Another knight staggered to his feet. "They're holding it back... Wes and Scarlett..."
Durnhal grunted as he wiped blood from his chin. "We're fighting alongside legends in the making."
The serpent roared again, enraged. It surged forward with one final thrash, knocking over trees and smashing everything in its path.
"Brace!" Scarlett yelled.
Wes stood alone, revolver glowing red-hot. He raised the weapon and steadied his breath.
"Goodbye, Mr. Scales."
The revolver surged with fire. Flames danced along the barrel, runes glowing.
"Fire Bullet—FULL POWER!!!"
The fire bullet erupted like a comet, tearing through the air with blazing speed.
KA-BOOOOOOM!!!
The bullet struck the serpent's forehead.
For a split second, time froze.
Then—
FOOOOOOOOOSH!
Flames erupted across the serpent's massive form.
Fire spread like living energy—wrapping around its body, igniting it from head to tail. Its scales cracked, then shattered as flesh blackened and smoke billowed.
Its body twitched. Roars of rage turned to groans of agony. Its long form fell like a burning pillar.
THUUUUUUUUMP.
The ground quaked as it hit. A shockwave of ash and cinders swept outward.
Silence fell.
The mighty Verdant Fang Serpent was dead.
Wes stood motionless, arm still extended, revolver pointed at the smoldering corpse. Smoke curled from the barrel.
His hand shook slightly. His vision blurred.
He lowered the weapon.
"Hah... hah..."
Then his knees buckled.
"Ohhh boy..."
He staggered. "Think I'm... yep."
He collapsed backward.
THUD.
Flat on his back, he wheezed, laughing. "We did it... I really did it..."
The knights looked on in disbelief.
"What... what just happened?"
"That shot... that power... what IS that weapon?"
"I've never seen magic like that—like fire listened to him."
Amara stared, wide-eyed. That wasn't just magic. That was willpower made manifest.
Scarlett rushed over.
"You alright, idiot?"
Wes raised a hand weakly. "I'm crispy... like toast... heroic toast."
Scarlett rolled her eyes. "You're insufferable."
"But victorious. Ow—my everything."
She reached down, pinched his cheek.
"YOW! What is with you and the pinching?!"
"You're too smug."
She pinched his arm.
"AHH! Not again! I'm fragile right now!"
"You're annoying."
"You're mean!"
"You love it."
Amara arrived, laughing at their antics.
"You two are truly something else."
She knelt beside Wes. "Are you okay?"
"Just outta magic... and maybe dignity."
"Allow me."
She gently held his hand. "Healing Light."
A soft golden glow enveloped him. His muscles relaxed. His wounds faded. His exhaustion melted.
Wes blinked. "Whoa... That's incredible. I feel like I just took a nap in paradise."
He grinned. "Thank you, my beautiful princess."
Amara flushed crimson. He keeps calling me that...
Scarlett smacked his head.
"OW! WHY?!"
"You're embarrassing."
"She healed me!"
"Respect her title, idiot!"
"She liked it!" Wes protested.
Amara giggled, hands over her mouth. "Maybe just a little."
Scarlett looked betrayed. "...Traitor."
The trio laughed.
From afar, Durnhal observed.
They're chaotic, unpredictable... but brave, loyal... and exactly what this kingdom needs.
To be continued...