The sun dipped low behind the hills, casting long shadows across the uneven road to Veldenar Province.
Renji Akatsuki moved with silent precision, his senses sharp. He wasn't far from the edge of the kingdom now.
But just as he crossed a ridge, the wind carried faint cries below.
"Hold the line!"
"Protect the carriage! Don't let them through!"
Renji narrowed his eyes and rushed toward the sound, vaulting over the slope.
Below, a convoy of armored soldiers surrounded a large, lavish carriage emblazoned with golden insignia.
They were under attack.
A group of high-level burglars, each clad in dark leather armor and enchanted gear, moved like assassins—blades drawn, magic flaring. These weren't ordinary bandits.
One had just stabbed through a soldier's shield when—
CRASH—!!
A black blur landed behind him.
SLASH!
Renji's blade gleamed as it swept through the burglar's side in one clean arc.
The others turned in shock.
"Who the hell—?!"
Renji calmly answerd.
"Just passenger.."
Shadow Step.
He vanished—then reappeared between two more assailants.
[Fireball!]
A burst of flame exploded, knocking the thieves off their feet.
One tried to escape with wind magic—but Renji leapt and threw his sword like a spear, pinning the man's cloak to the ground.
Moments later, the last attacker was unconscious.
The soldiers stared in stunned silence.
"…He took them out… alone?"
"…Just who is this guy…?"
From the ornate carriage, the door creaked open.
Two elegant figures stepped out.
One wore a crimson battle coat with silver embroidery, and her presence radiated leadership.
The other, younger but no less composed, wore a sapphire cloak and clutched a slim wand.
The older girl spoke first.
"Thank you, brave warrior. May I ask your name?"
Renji turned, sliding his sword back into its sheath.
"Renji Akatsuki. Just a D-rank adventurer passing through."
The younger girl tilted her head.
"D-rank? With moves like that?"
The elder smiled softly.
"I am Princess Elira of the Elzenir Kingdom."
She gestured to the girl beside her.
"And this is my sister, Princess Celis."
Renji blinked.
"…Princesses? Then those were your guards?"
"Yes. We were on our way to visit our father in Veldenar's capital,"
Elira said.
"He's there to support the southern alliance."
Renji's eyes widened slightly.
"You're heading to Veldenar too? Guess we're on the same page!"
Celis perked up.
"Are you part of the force going after the Demon Lord?"
Renji nodded.
"Got the quest myself. Figured I'd walk there alone, but..."
He looked at the battered soldiers, the wrecked wagons… and the royal carriage, still mostly intact.
"Would you mind if I tagged along?"
Elira and Celis exchanged glances.
"You just saved our lives. We'd be honored,"
Elira said with a grateful smile.
Celis added, grinning,
**"Besides, I'd feel a lot safer if you were around."
Renji smirked.
"Then I'll make sure you get there in one piece."
As the group resumed their journey, the sun dipped completely behind the hills, painting the sky with streaks of fire and gold.
Unbeknownst to them, in the distance… something far darker waited.