Colin woke in the inn with a start, his eyes still bleary from sleep. His companions' beds lay empty, the blankets abandoned and cold. He rose, feeling the chill of the wooden floor beneath his feet, and dressed quickly. The morning silence enveloped him, unsettling.
He descended the stairs with firm steps, the wood creaking under his weight, and upon reaching the reception area, found it deserted. He glanced around but saw no one.
Then the soft scrape of a broom against the floorboards reached his ears, guiding him to the sitting room. There, he found the innkeeper's daughter in a simple apron, sweeping the room.
"Ah, it's you, Colin," she said, lifting her eyes at his approach. A flicker of surprise crossed her face before she masked it with a shy smile. "Have Brighid and Safira returned?"
"I haven't seen them this morning," Colin replied, his deep voice echoing in the quiet room. "Did they tell you where they were going?"
She nodded and resumed her sweep with quick, nervous strokes. "They went to the market to buy something for breakfast. They should be back soon."
Colin studied her for a moment, his gaze following the broom's rhythm. She seemed increasingly uneasy under his stare, her cheeks flushing. Her father had always been fiercely protective, driving away any would-be suitors. Now, with him away, Colin's presence only heightened her tension.
"You know," he said softly, breaking the silence, "you still haven't told me your name."
She stopped mid-sweep, eyes wide, and glanced away. "It's… it's Roseline."
"Roseline," Colin repeated, savoring the name. "You mentioned your father was a skilled blacksmith. Does he still have any of his work?"
Roseline hesitated, the broom held limply between her hands. "Yes, but… he hid his best pieces in a hatch somewhere in the village. No one else knows where it is…"
Colin leaned forward, genuine interest in his eyes. "Could you show me?"
She glanced over her shoulder as if afraid of prying ears, then nodded in a hushed tone. "I can, but not now. I'll show you tonight, when no one's around…"
"Very well," Colin replied, offering a reassuring smile. "When the moon is at its highest, I'll meet you on the east side of the village. Will you be there?"
Roseline nodded again, her eyes meeting his for a heartbeat before drifting away. "Yes… I'll be there…"
Before they could say more, hurried footsteps rang down the corridor, followed by Safira's excited voice and Brighid's unmistakable laughter as they returned, baskets brimming with fresh fruit.
"Look what we found!" Safira cried, holding out gleaming apples and tangerines.
"Fresh fruit for breakfast!" Brighid added with a wide grin.
Colin smiled, relief flooding him at their return. He motioned them upstairs, and as they walked back toward their room, Roseline watched him, her gaze fixed and intense.
Once inside, time seemed to slow. They spoke and laughed while Brighid chattered endlessly about her adventures and the world beyond.
"I've seen many strange things, you know," the little fairy said, waving her hands animatedly. "Orcs are as barbaric as everyone says, but humans and dwarves… Oh, they're so obsessed with gold it's almost comical!"
Safira laughed, eyes alight with curiosity, while Colin listened intently. Brighid's stories were enthralling—she had a gift for keeping everyone entertained. Yet, as hours passed, exhaustion claimed them. Safira was the first to drift off, followed by Brighid, who murmured tales even in sleep.
When night fell over the village and silence reigned, Colin rose carefully. He draped a dark cloak over his shoulders and pulled the hood down, shading his face.
He moved quietly through the room, ensuring he did not wake his slumbering companions. Stepping into the cold night, the high moon guided his path. There, at the appointed spot, Roseline waited, ready to reveal her blacksmith father's hidden secrets.
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Colin spotted Roseline at the edge of the forest, her slender figure wrapped in a cloak and hood that concealed her face. She held a lantern whose flickering light barely cut through the darkness.
When he approached, she looked up—surprised and relieved at once.
"I didn't know if you'd really come, but I'm so glad you did," Roseline said, a timid smile brightening her face.
"Show me the way," Colin replied, his tone firm yet encouraging.
They moved into the forest, branches casting dancing shadows around them. The walk was silent, and Colin noticed Roseline slowing her pace to stay close, seeking comfort in his presence. At this hour, the forest would have been terrifying for her, but beside him, she felt safer.
"Colin…" Roseline called hesitantly. "Would you give up this life as a mercenary if you found love?"
He remained silent a moment, the crunch of dry leaves underfoot echoing at night. Embarrassment hung in the air until he finally answered, his voice low and thoughtful.
"I wouldn't give it up. Maybe… when I'm stronger."
Roseline nodded, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. Before she could speak, Colin gripped her wrist, his gaze fixed on the surrounding darkness.
"Put out the lantern!" he whispered urgently.
Startled, she asked, "Why?"
"We're not alone."
Roseline extinguished the lantern, and they slipped into the underbrush, moving with caution. Ahead, a large campfire illuminated the night, revealing enormous creatures nearly three meters tall carrying cows on their shoulders and feasting heartily.
Their bodies were wrapped in rags, and their deformed faces resembled hairless bears.
"Bugbears…" Roseline whispered, her voice trembling.
Colin rested a hand on his waist, realizing he was unarmed.
"Are we far from the hideout?"
"About two hundred meters," she replied quietly.
"We'll go around."
"Okay."
They skirted the bugbear camp, the creatures' grotesque laughter and strange language echoing behind them. Soon they reached a large stone, where Roseline brushed aside leaves to reveal a hidden hatch.
With a snap of his fingers, Colin reignited the lantern, illuminating the hatch as he lifted it. Descending the stairs, they were met by a strong smell of mold. The space was filled with cobwebs and walls crawling with cockroaches that scattered into the darkness.
The lantern's light revealed a damp, cramped room with old furniture and rusted tools. Roseline pointed to a corner where several swords were stored, half-covered in spiderwebs. She carefully cleared the webs, exposing the blades' hidden gleam.
"This is a mithril sword," she said reverently. "A very rare and strong alloy. It has perfect balance and a razor-sharp edge. It's one of the best my father ever made."
She handed the sword to Colin, who held it gently. He felt the weight and solidity of the weapon, impressed by its quality. He ran his finger along the blade and saw a small cut appear.
"Still sharp," Colin whistled in admiration.
Roseline then presented a second sword.
"This one is Damascus steel. My father used an ancient technique of folding and welding layers of metal. The blade has a wavy pattern that makes it more flexible and resilient. It's also very sharp and has a wooden hilt with carvings."
She showed the sword to Colin, who took it and examined it. The design and texture pleased him, and he felt it fit perfectly in his hand. He swung the sword to test its agility and precision, then smiled, satisfied.
"This one's excellent, too," he commented.
"I'm glad you like it!" Roseline said, smiling. "But there's more." She added, picking up another sword.
"This one is made of star steel, a metal that fell from the sky. It's silver-colored and shines like a star. It's very hard and lightweight and has magical power. It can cut through anything—even fire."
Roseline handed the sword to Colin, who received it with curiosity. He looked at the blade and saw it truly shine with its own light.
He felt energy pulse through his hand and wondered what kind of magic the sword possessed. He made a small swing—and a spark flew from the tip. His eyes widened in surprise.
"Can I take all three?" Colin asked, still marveling at the weapons.
Roseline shrugged, a shy smile on her face.
"They'd look better with you than abandoned here."
Colin sheathed the blades and turned back to Roseline.
"We need to get back to the bugbears."
She hesitated, her expression anxious.
"Isn't that dangerous…?"
Colin placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"I need to do a favor for a friend."
Roseline sighed, then nodded reluctantly. Together, they began the return trip.
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Colin crept in silence toward the bugbears' camp, his eyes alert to every movement in the darkness. When they neared the creatures' firelit encampment, he turned to Roseline.
"Stay hidden here," he said, his voice firm and calming.
She gripped his arm, fear in her eyes.
"Wouldn't it be better to come back with help…?"
"It'll be fine," he replied with an encouraging smile. "I'm strong."
Her eyes filled with tears at his confidence, and she released him. Colin drew the star-steel sword and slipped from the underbrush, a wicked grin forming on his face.
The bugbears turned, roaring threats in a language Colin didn't understand. A dozen towering beasts hefted clubs and rusted swords, advancing with bestial fervor.
The first bugbear—taller and more muscular than the rest—charged, club raised high. With a fluid motion, Colin channeled his mana into the blade, unleashing a bolt of lightning that cleaved through the charging bugbear and struck another behind it.
Crunch!
Both fell, bodies going limp on the ground.
The remaining creatures hesitated, taking a step back—then roared and surged forward in mass. Colin moved like a shadow, the star-steel sword gleaming in his hands. He sliced through the lead bugbear, the blade tracing an arc of light as it severed the creature's arm.
Swish! The bugbear howled in agony, but before it could react, Colin pivoted and delivered a horizontal slash, decapitating it with lethal precision.
Two bugbears lunged together, trying to flank him.
Woosh!
Colin dodged a club, rolled across the ground, and sprang up, driving the sword upward into one creature's chest.
Crunch!
The monster collapsed. The second swung a rusted sword in a downward arc, but Colin blocked with the star-steel blade, sending a shower of sparks flying.
Clang!
With a swift wrist-flick, he disarmed the bugbear and plunged the sword into its heart.
Crunch!
Three more creatures charged in unison, eyes burning with rage. "Three at once? Perfect!" Colin muttered. He leaped back, evading their combined blows, then countered with a flurry of rapid thrusts.
One fell, its throat cut; another screamed as its leg was sliced off, collapsing in pain.
The third tried to retreat, but Colin was already upon it—his sword tore through its abdomen, blood, and entrails, splattering the ground.
The faux elf moved with dancer-like grace and surgeon-like precision. Each strike was calculated, and each motion was optimized for maximum efficiency. Arms, legs, even heads fell before the star-steel blade, which seemed ravenous for blood.
It was the first time Roseline had ever seen a real mercenary at work.
A cunning bugbear attempted to strike from behind, but Colin sensed its presence before it could act. Spinning swiftly, he parried with the sword, generating an arc of electricity that lanced the attacker—electrocuting it where it stood. The creature convulsed, then lay still.
The bugbears' furious howls grew louder, but Colin's resolve did not waver. He spun, leaped, and struck with mortal precision, his lightning cuts thinning their ranks.
A particularly massive bugbear swung a brutal overhead blow, but Colin sidestepped and drove the sword's tip through its skull in a lightning-fast thrust.
The monster crashed to the ground, its life extinguished.
With only a few bugbears remaining, Colin redoubled his efforts, the star-steel blade moving as an extension of his body. He blocked a club blow with his sword, then slid to the side and drove the blade deep into his attacker's flank.
Swish!
Another bugbear lunged to grab him, but Colin ducked low and to the side, slicing the creature's Achilles tendon. It collapsed, howling in pain.
The last bugbear hesitated, its eyes wide with fear. Colin advanced relentlessly and, with a final strike, severed its head from its body.
Slash!
Silence fell over the camp, broken only by the thud of bodies hitting the ground and the crackle of the dying fire. Colin took a steady breath and wiped the blood from his star-steel blade in one smooth motion.
He looked back toward Roseline's hiding place. She stood frozen, eyes wide, and hands trembling. Colin stepped to her, his face softening into a reassuring smile.
"Everything's all right now," he said calmly. "Let's go."
Roseline nodded, tears still in her eyes but relief brightening her expression.
As they walked away from the bugbear camp, Roseline stayed close beside him, still processing the intensity of the battle she had just witnessed. Colin glanced down at her and spoke quietly but firmly:
"Don't tell your father about this, okay?"
Roseline nodded quickly, her eyes shining with both emotion and relief.
"I promise."