The group of hunters was walking toward the dungeon in Ravaria Kingdom. Zaren was walking quietly among them. Raiken, the only S-Rank hunter in the kingdom, kept glancing at Zaren. For a moment, he felt an intense aura coming from him. But then he shook his head.
"What am I thinking? He's just a citizen. I know we're breaking the law by taking him into a dungeon… but I'll protect him. He looks harmless." Raiken smiled.
Some of the other hunters started chatting with Zaren. One of them said, "Hey bro, do you know the name of the SSS-Rank hunter in Elyria? I heard he defeated Jaxon, an SSS+ Rank hunter. That means he's even stronger! Finn, another SSS+ hunter, tried to recruit him, but he refused!"
Zaren gave a nervous smile. "N-No… I don't really know his name. But I guess he's not that powerful…"
Raiken got curious. "So what is he like? Is he kind? Or more of a lone wolf?"
Zaren paused. "I think… he's a good person. He saved a lot of hunters during the SSS-Rank Dungeon in Velmora. But… he lost some of his close friends during that mission."
His voice became quiet. He looked down sadly, remembering Corvin, Mario, and the vice guild master of Aetheris Guild.
Raiken gently said, "I know what it's like… I lost a close friend during a dungeon raid too."
Zaren looked up, surprised. Then he smiled faintly. "Maybe this guy… isn't so bad after all."
The group continued walking toward the dungeon.
---
Scene Shift — Elyria Kingdom
In the orphanage, Elara was happily sitting in her room when the old caretaker walked in.
"Elara, did you finish your homework?" she asked kindly.
Elara smiled brightly. "Yes, Grandma! I finished it all!"
"Good girl," the old woman said. "But you can't leave the orphanage alone. Wait until your big brother or Maria comes. They'll take you."
Elara pouted sadly for a moment.
Just then, the door opened. A familiar voice called out, "Hey Elara, how are you?"
Elara turned in surprise. "Maria Didi!"
She ran over and hugged her tightly. "Please take me on a tour of Elyria!"
Maria laughed. "Of course! And not just that—we're going to buy some gifts for you and the other kids."
The old woman smiled warmly. "Thank you, dear."
"No need to thank me," Maria said cheerfully. She took Elara's hand, and they left the orphanage together.
They walked through the colorful markets of Elyria. Elara's eyes sparkled with excitement. Maria asked gently, "Do you know where your big brother Zaren is?"
Elara thought for a moment. "I'm not sure. But he came to visit me and promised he'd come back soon… with gifts and clothes."
"Why do you ask?" she added curiously.
Maria's face turned red. "N-Nothing!" she stammered.
They laughed together. Maria bought beautiful clothes for Elara and all the orphanage children. She also bought a huge teddy bear for Elara.
By evening, they returned. The kids were thrilled with their new gifts, hugging Elara happily.
Elara smiled but quietly thought, "Where could my big bro be right now?"
Maria turned to the old woman and said, "I have to go now. Please take good care of Elara."
"I will," the old woman smiled. "And thank you for everything."
Maria nodded and left, disappearing into the night.
(Chapter 29 Fin)