The next morning, a heavy mist rolled through the streets of Vaelstorm.
The air smelled of smoke, salt, and scorched wood. The waves had calmed, but the city hadn't.
The people who had fled during the attack were returning — fishermen, merchants, families who once filled the markets and alleys with laughter. But as they stepped back into their city, no one spoke.
Their eyes widened at what they saw.
Charred homes still smoldered. Streets were cracked and flooded. Monster corpses lay scattered across the cobblestones — their scales dark and gleaming with drying blood.
A woman covered her mouth as she passed the body of a serpent that had crushed her husband's stall.
A boy tried to find his home, only to discover a crater where it used to be.
There was no joy in their return — only silence and grief.
---
At the edge of the district, Will and Willa stood before what was left of their grandmother's house. The same ruins they had searched the night before.
The siblings moved quietly, picking through the debris — searching for something, anything, that had survived.
Willa crouched near a broken dresser, brushing ash off a scorched piece of cloth. "It still smells like her," she whispered.
Will didn't respond. He was digging through splintered floorboards, trying to keep his hands busy. He didn't want to look at his sister's face — not now.
Before they returned home that morning, the Guildmaster had called them to his office.
His voice still echoed in Willa's mind.
---
(Flashback)
The Guildmaster's face was lined with exhaustion, his heavy bowgun resting against the wall behind him.
"Will. Willa. Thank you — both of you — for protecting the people of Vaelstorm."
He leaned back, the chair creaking. "I've already reported everything to the central Guild. We'll hear from them soon."
He hesitated. "And… I owe you both an apology. You tried to warn us, and we didn't listen."
Will shook his head. "It's done. Just make sure they listen next time."
The Guildmaster gave a faint smile. "I intend to."
He straightened, clearing his throat. "Now — for your efforts in defending the city… Willa, I'm promoting you to C-Rank immediately."
Willa blinked. "C-Rank? On the spot?"
The Guildmaster nodded. "You fought a large monster alone and held the line. That's more than most hunters your age could've done."
Will frowned. "What about me?"
The old man's tone softened. "You'll have to wait until next year to retake your exam. Rules are rules."
"What?" Will's voice cracked with frustration. "But—"
The Guildmaster held up a hand. "I'm sorry, Will. You did your part, but procedure is procedure."
The twins stood in silence — one promoted, one left behind.
"So," the Guildmaster said gently, "what will you do now?"
Will hesitated, staring at the floor. "I… don't know."
(Flashback end)
---
The silence lingered between them as they searched through the ruins.
Finally, Willa broke it.
"Brother," she said quietly, "I've decided not to take the promotion."
Will froze. "What? Don't say that. You earned it."
"I don't want it," she said firmly. "Not when you're still stuck waiting another year."
He looked up at her, exasperated. "Willa, no. Don't pity me. I failed — that's my problem, not yours."
"This isn't pity," she said. "I just—"
Before she could finish, another voice cut in.
"You two sound like a storm waiting to happen."
Both turned to see Hunnt standing behind them, arms crossed, faintly smiling. "The air's so tense I could cut it with a knife."
The twins didn't respond.
Hunnt sighed. "Anyway, I came to say goodbye."
"What?" Will asked, eyes wide. "You're leaving?"
Hunnt nodded. "That was my plan before all this. I was supposed to take a boat to the next continent… but after fighting that Leviathan, I'm thinking of taking another route. Staying away from the sea for now."
Willa frowned. "So soon?"
Hunnt shrugged. "A drifter doesn't stay in one place too long."
Will stepped forward suddenly. "Did you teach my sister those moves she used? The ones that aren't part of the Guild's training?"
Hunnt smirked faintly. "She asked to learn. Said she wanted to protect you."
Willa turned slightly red. "You didn't have to say that."
Will clenched his fists. "Then teach me too."
Hunnt raised a brow. "Teach you? Why?"
Will looked down, hesitating. "Because I want to protect my sister."
Hunnt's expression didn't change. "Not enough."
Will's jaw tightened. He looked at his sister — at the determination in her eyes — and something inside him cracked open. "Fine," he said, voice trembling. "Because I want to know."
Hunnt tilted his head. "Know what?"
"I want to know how our parents died," Will said, louder now, the words breaking through years of silence. "The Guild says they were killed by monsters — but that's a lie. They know more than they're telling us. I want the truth. And I can't get it if I stay weak."
Willa stared at him, her eyes wide. "You… knew?"
Will nodded slowly. "Yeah. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry."
Willa's face flushed with anger. "Worry? I'm your sister — I've been worried this whole time! You started fights with people, got into trouble, and you think that didn't worry me?"
"I needed to pass the exam," Will shot back. "It's the only way I could start asking questions inside the Guild."
They stood face to face — voices raised, hearts pounding.
Then Hunnt stepped between them, his tone calm but firm. "That's enough."
The twins went silent.
Hunnt looked at Will. "Your reason's clearer now. That's good. But you'll need more than anger to find your truth."
He turned toward both of them. "I'm leaving this afternoon. If you're serious about this, you can come with me. If not, stay here."
Will didn't hesitate. "I'm coming."
"So am I," Willa said immediately.
Hunnt raised a brow. "What about your promotion?"
Willa crossed her arms. "I go where my brother goes. That's final."
Hunnt smiled faintly. "Then be ready by noon."
The twins nodded.
A moment passed. Then Willa smirked. "Brother, it looks like you've got some explaining to do."
Will's eyes widened. "Uh, I think we should keep searching for supplies—"
"Oh no, you're not getting away that easy," she said, lunging at him.
Will yelped, darting away as she chased him around the ruined courtyard. Hunnt leaned against the wall, chuckling quietly to himself.
"Guess they're still siblings," he murmured.
---
By afternoon, the three stood outside the city gates — gear packed, weapons ready. The sea breeze carried the faint smell of salt and smoke.
Hunnt adjusted his sword and glanced back toward the guildhall. "You don't want to say goodbye to the old man?"
The twins shook their heads. "He'll understand," Will said.
"Yeah," Willa added, smiling faintly. "There's nothing left here to keep us."
Hunnt nodded. "Then let's go."
Willa looked up at him. "Where to?"
Hunnt smiled slightly, eyes turning toward the horizon. "Korvan Village. There's someone there who can help us… and maybe answer the questions you're both looking for."
Will and Willa exchanged glances, then nodded.
Together, the Drifter and the twins of Vaelstorm began their journey toward the east — toward Korvan, toward truth, and toward whatever waited beyond the road.
And as the sea wind followed behind them, the ruins of Vaelstorm stood silent — but alive — a reminder of what courage could save, and what loss could teach.