The moment Chloe's eyes landed on the figure standing by the guild's exit, her body froze.
Her breath caught in her throat.
Her fingers trembled as they tightened around Emma's wrist, instinctively pulling her little sister behind her as if her own body could serve as a shield.
"No…" Chloe whispered.
Akira, still riding the excitement of registering as an adventurer, didn't notice it at first. His steps were light, his mind filled with thoughts of quests, monsters, and the freedom of this new world.
Then he felt it.
The air had changed.
The chatter inside the guild hall dulled, replaced by a suffocating tension. Akira slowed his pace, his instincts screaming a warning. He followed Chloe's gaze—and saw the man.
Tall. Well-dressed. A noble's posture.
And a smile that carried no warmth.
Akira subtly stepped closer to Chloe and Emma, careful not to startle them. His body shifted into a protective stance, muscles coiled, mana quietly stirring beneath his skin.
For a brief moment, the man simply watched them.
Then he turned—and walked away.
Only after he disappeared from view did Chloe's legs nearly give out.
She exhaled shakily, her grip on Emma loosening as both sisters released the breath they had been holding. Chloe didn't say a word. Instead, she turned sharply toward the exit.
"We're leaving. Now."
They didn't stop for supplies.
Didn't rest.
Didn't look back.
Akira followed without question, staying alert as they rushed through the streets toward the city gate. Chloe's face was pale, her expression tight with fear and urgency.
And then—
The man was there again.
Standing casually near the gate, as if he had all the time in the world.
Chloe stopped dead.
She pulled Emma fully behind her, spreading her arms protectively as her fists clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms.
"You…" Chloe hissed.
The man chuckled softly, his eyes dragging over them like they were objects on display.
"You do realize," he said calmly, "that the two of you belong to me."
Chloe's voice shook—but it did not break.
"We are not your property," she spat. "And we never will be. Not to a disgusting pig like you."
The smile vanished.
In an instant, the man grabbed Chloe's wrist, his grip painfully tight.
Akira moved.
Before anyone could react, his hand closed around the man's arm, his grip like iron.
"Let her go," Akira said quietly.
The man turned, eyes narrowing as he finally acknowledged him.
"A hero?" he scoffed. "Do you have any idea who I am? One word from me, and you'll die screaming. So back off."
Akira tightened his grip.
The man gasped, pain flashing across his face as his fingers involuntarily released Chloe.
Akira shoved him back.
"Leave," Akira said, his voice steady. "Now."
Chloe didn't hesitate. She grabbed Emma and ran past the gate.
The man straightened his clothes, his expression twisting with venom as a crowd began to gather.
"This isn't over," he snarled at Akira. "I will enjoy watching you die. And when I do, I'll take the girls."
Then he turned and disappeared into the city.
Silence followed them as they walked beyond the gates.
Minutes passed before Akira finally spoke.
"…Are you two okay?"
Chloe said nothing.
Emma hesitated, then spoke softly.
"He's… an illegitimate son of a noble."
Chloe inhaled sharply and took over, her voice cold and controlled.
"His name is Rugen. He used to run a slave trading ring—six months ago."
Akira's steps slowed as she continued.
"Our father was an A-rank adventurer before joining the army. When he was assigned to escort a noble from a neighboring land, Rugen's group attacked the convoy."
Her voice wavered—but she forced it steady.
"Father captured most of them. Including Rugen."
Akira clenched his fists.
"When the truth came out," Chloe continued, "their family nearly collapsed. Lost wealth. Lost influence. But his older brother… did something. We don't know what."
Rugen was released days later.
Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"He blamed our father. Framed him with help from corrupt officers. Father was arrested… and later that day, they said he committed suicide."
Emma's shoulders shook.
"We know Rugen did it," Chloe said. "And our mother… he caused her death too."
Akira stopped walking.
A burning rage surged through him—but he forced it down.
"Then why not leave the city?" he asked quietly.
Emma answered through tears.
"Because of me."
Chloe nodded.
"Emma has mana overflow. If it goes untreated… she'll die. The guild artifact is the only thing keeping her alive."
Emma broke down completely.
"I'm sorry… I'm just a burden…"
Chloe turned and hugged her tightly.
"You are not a burden," she said fiercely. "Never say that again. I'll protect you. No matter what."
Akira watched them in silence.
Then he spoke.
"I'll help you."
They looked up in surprise.
"We'll figure something out," Akira said calmly. "I promise."
Chloe hesitated. "Why? We have nothing to offer you. You even made an enemy of him."
Akira smiled gently.
"You remind me of myself," he said. "And I couldn't just walk away."
For a moment, Chloe saw her father in him.
"…Thank you," she whispered.
Later, Emma's stomach growled.
They laughed weakly.
Akira summoned food from his storage, and they ate beneath a tree.
"A dimensional inventory?" Emma asked, amazed.
"My magic is… a little special," Akira replied with a smile.
Soon, Akira checked his map.
"We're close to the Red Horn Wolves."
But Emma suddenly swayed.
Her fever spiked.
"We need to hurry," Chloe said urgently.
Akira located the pack.
"Stay with her," he said. "I'll be quick."
He returned soon after, scooped Emma into his arms, and sprinted.
They reached the guild just in time.
With the artifact's help, Emma stabilized.
Akira didn't waste a moment.
"I need books on artifacts."
Lana's expression turned serious. "Follow me."
That night, Akira didn't sleep.
By dawn, his mind was clear.
"I need materials," he murmured, smiling.
"Once I'm done… not even Rugen will be a threat."
He looked toward the distant canyons.
"Time to hunt."
To Be Continued