Emilia: "We still don't have any info…"
Puck: "It's harder than I thought."
They stood near a fruit stall, discussing the missing insignia.
Vendor: "Hey! Are you gonna buy something or not?!"
A green-haired man shouted at them, clearly annoyed by their presence.
Guts: "Sorry. We're just looking for someone. Maybe you've seen her?"
Vendor: "You've got some nerve… not buying anything and still asking questions."
Emilia: "I'm sorry… I didn't bring any money."
Vendor: "Then leave. Try getting a proper job instead."
The man was clearly stubborn, and Guts wasn't sure how to handle the situation—until help arrived.
Plum: "Hey, uncle!"
Plum ran up to Guts with a bright smile.
Guts: "Huh? I thought you were with your mom."
Vendor: "Wait, you know them, dear?"
Plum: "I got lost, but this kind uncle helped me."
The vendor blinked, then chuckled awkwardly before smiling.
Vendor: "Haha… sorry about that. I didn't know you were the ones who helped my daughter. Name's Kadomon. If you need anything, I'll help you out."
Guts: "Quite the change in attitude... Anyway, we're looking for a blonde girl. Around fifteen. Might've stolen something."
Kadomon: "Hmm… That sounds like Felt. She's known for stealing around here. You'll probably find her in the northern part of the city."
Guts: "I see. Thanks, old man. I appreciate it."
Kadomon: "Old man?! Look at yourself. How old are you?"
Guts: "Huh? I'm 24."
Kadomon: "The hell?! You're younger than me?!"
Emilia: "I-I thought Guts was… 35?"
Puck: "Looks can be deceiving~"
Guts scratched the back of his head, confused by their reactions.
Kadomon: "Anyway! I hope you find what you're looking for. Come back as real customers next time!"
Guts (softly smiling): "Sure."
Emilia: "Thank you, Mr. Kadomon!"
[Time skip]
They arrived at the area Kadomon had mentioned. It looked like a dead zone—shady buildings, the scent of blood, and the air thick with tension.
To most people, this place would be terrifying. But not to Guts.
He had seen worse.
He had stood knee-deep in rivers of blood.
He had fought through endless battlefields, survived the Eclipse, and faced monsters beyond reason.
He had fought Apostles.
He had nearly killed Zodd the Immortal.
Death itself had tried to take him more times than he could count—and failed.
Emilia: "You look… troubled, Guts."
Guts: "Huh? No… just remembering things."
Emilia: "Were they good memories?"
Guts: "Not even close."
She felt it again—that heavy sadness in his voice. She didn't know what he had been through… but deep down, she wanted to help him carry it.
They kept walking, searching for anyone who might know where Felt was hiding.
Suddenly, Guts stopped beside a shady-looking man.
Guts: "Hey. Do you know where I can find Felt? She stole something from me."
Man: "That girl? Yeah… she messed with the wrong guy this time. She's holed up in that old building down the road."
Guts: "Thanks."
Man: "Can't stay silent when a fellow comrade needs help. You were a mercenary once, right?"
Another mercenary… Same broken look in the eyes. Same past. Same regrets. This world's not so different after all.
Guts (slightly surprised): "Yeah. I was part of a company… but those days are over. I don't want anything to do with that life anymore."
Man: "Knew it. Good luck with Felt, both of you."
Emilia: "You were a mercenary, Guts?"
Guts: "Yeah. I was."
Emilia: "Did you fight in wars?"
Guts: "Plenty."
He said it so casually, but in truth, Guts had fought in nearly every kind of war since childhood.
He was raised on the battlefield by Gambino—a man who acted as both mentor and tormentor.
War was all Guts had ever known.
Puck (thinking):This guy… he reeks of blood. Not just human blood either. I don't even want to imagine what he's done. But despite that… he doesn't seem to want to hurt Emilia. That's enough for now.
Guts: "We're here."
Emilia: "Is… is this the place?"
The building looked like it had crawled out of a horror story—old, crumbling, with a sinister aura around it.
Emilia: "Let's mov—"
Guts: "Stop."
Emilia: "Huh?"
Guts: "It might be dangerous inside. Don't worry—I'll handle it and bring back your insignia."
She had every reason to doubt him.
But she already knew… Guts wasn't helping her because of the insignia. He had no reason to care.
And yet… he did.
She trusted him.
Guts: "I'll be right back… Satella."
He turned to go—but Emilia called out to him.
Emilia: "Wait—Guts."
Guts: "Hmm?"
Emilia: "My real name… is Emilia."
Guts turned slightly, then smiled softly.
Guts: "See you then… Emilia. Puck."
He walked toward the door, lifting his massive sword slightly in anticipation, and knocked.
The door creaked open, revealing a tall, tanned old man with a hulking frame.
Old Man: "Huh? Who the hell are you?"