The road beyond the liberated town stretched wide and empty, winding through golden plains and distant hills. Morning sunlight spilled over the land, warm and gentle, as if the world itself approved of their victory.
Kaze walked ahead, hands behind his head, eyes bright with excitement.
"So," he said cheerfully, "where to next?"
Lira stopped walking.
She stared at him.
"You're asking me?"
Kaze blinked. "Uh… yeah?"
She grabbed his collar and yanked him closer. "You freed a town from a corrupt baron without a plan, without supplies, and without knowing where you're going next?"
Kaze laughed nervously. "When you say it like that, it sounds bad."
"It is bad."
She shoved him away and pulled out a small pouch, counting their remaining coins. "We head to a city. Somewhere big. More work, more information, more money."
Kaze tilted his head. "You really think that far ahead?"
"I have to," she snapped. "You don't."
He grinned. "That's why I have you."
She paused… then turned away, cheeks faintly red. "Don't say weird things."
By noon, the road grew busier. Travelers passed them—merchants, adventurers, mercenaries. Kaze's eyes sparkled at the sight of armored warriors and summoned beasts walking openly beside their masters.
"This world is amazing," he said.
"Focus," Lira replied. "People like that mean trouble."
They reached a crossroads where a large wooden sign pointed toward Stonewake City—a fortified trade hub known for its Summoners' Guild.
Before they could decide whether to enter, a sudden explosion of dust erupted ahead.
"HELP! SOMEBODY HELP!"
A man came sprinting down the road, blood streaking his arm. Behind him, a massive scaled beast burst through the brush, roaring violently.
"A Razorhorn Drake!" Lira shouted. "Kaze, don't—"
Too late.
Kaze was already running forward.
"HEY!" he yelled. "Big lizard! Over here!"
The beast turned, eyes locking onto him.
Lira groaned. "I knew this would happen."
The drake charged, shaking the ground with each step. Kaze planted his feet, heart pounding—but not with fear. With excitement.
He swung his staff, striking its horn aside as it lunged. The impact rattled his bones, but he held firm.
"Okay," he muttered. "You're strong."
The drake reared back to strike again—
A bolt of flame slammed into its side, knocking it off balance.
"Oi! Don't hog the fight!"
A girl leapt from a nearby rock, red hair flowing wildly behind her. A blazing spirit wolf materialized beside her, eyes burning like embers.
"Summoner?" Kaze said, amazed.
"Obviously!" she replied. "Name's Astra. And you owe me."
The drake recovered and roared, but before it could attack—
A blade flashed.
The beast's head separated from its body in a single clean strike.
A tall boy with dark hair stood calmly behind it, sword dripping with blood. His eyes were sharp, calculating.
"Took too long," he said flatly.
The drake collapsed.
Silence followed.
Kaze stared, jaw dropped. "That was AWESOME!"
Lira pinched the bridge of her nose. "Of course."
The wounded traveler thanked them profusely and hurried away. The four stood awkwardly on the road for a moment.
Astra crossed her arms. "So… you're not dead. Guess you're decent."
Kaze beamed. "You're strong! That fire wolf was amazing!"
She puffed her chest proudly. "Heh. His name's Pyra. Contract since I was twelve."
The swordsman sheathed his blade.
"Riven," he said simply. "I don't stay in one place long."
Lira stepped forward. "We're heading to Stonewake City. If you're hunting monsters, that's where the work is."
Riven studied Kaze carefully. "You fought that drake head-on without a summon."
Kaze scratched his cheek. "Uh… yeah?"
Riven's eyes narrowed slightly. "Interesting."
Deep inside Kaze, something stirred—alert, watchful—but remained silent.
Stonewake City loomed large by sunset. Massive stone walls, glowing runes carved into the gates, and banners bearing the sigil of the Summoners' Guild.
Inside, the city buzzed with life.
"Whoa…" Kaze whispered.
Astra laughed. "First city, huh?"
"First big one."
They found an inn near the guild district.
Over dinner, stories flowed easily.
Astra was loud, confident, reckless—always chasing stronger foes. Riven spoke little but listened carefully. Lira handled negotiations with the innkeeper effortlessly.
Kaze watched them all with a smile.
This felt right.
Later that night, trouble came knocking.
A group of armored men burst into the inn, guild insignias marking them as enforcers.
"Summoners Astra Flamebound and Riven Blackedge," the leader said. "You're under arrest for operating without registration."
Astra slammed her hands on the table.
"You've got to be kidding me!"
Kaze stood up. "Hey, maybe we can talk about this—"
The leader glanced at him. "Sit down, civilian."
The air changed.
Kaze didn't release power—not consciously—but something pressed outward. A weight filled the room, invisible yet crushing.
The enforcers froze.
Riven's eyes widened slightly.
Lira stared at Kaze. "Kaze…?"
Kaze blinked. "Huh? What did I do?"
The pressure vanished.
The leader swallowed. "T-this is a misunderstanding."
They left quickly.
Astra stared. "What the hell was that?"
Kaze shrugged. "No idea."
Inside him, the silent knight remained still.
Watching.
Waiting.
As night fell, four paths began to intertwine—unknowingly stepping onto a road that would shake gods, demons, and Primoria alike.
And this was only the beginning.