The central plaza of Grayat lay buried beneath thick snow, icy winds whipping through the open space.
Ren tightened his collar and walked straight toward the center.
There stood the statue of the South Hero.
Unlike the elegant bronze statue in Fabel Village, this one was carved from black stone, its lines rough and powerful.
The sculpture depicted the South Hero leaning forward with both hands on his sword, frozen in the very moment before charging into battle.
Ren stopped before it.
There was no one around. In weather like this, even stray dogs had retreated into alleyways.
He placed his palm against the cold stone.
Buzz—
A familiar tremor surged up his arm and straight into his skull.
[Detected "Hero of the South" statue. Authority resonance… synchronizing…]
[Synchronization complete.]
[Dual-wielding has been enhanced!]
[Future Sight has been enhanced!]
[Current synchronization rate: 15%]
Ren clenched his fist, joints cracking softly.
The growth wasn't explosive—it was steady, solid, like tempered steel being reforged again and again.
And more importantly…
That new sensation.
"Hmm…"
A deep exhale came from beside him.
Ren turned his head.
On the other side of the statue stood a tall elf in monk's robes, gazing up at the South Hero with quiet reverence.
Ren recognized him instantly.
Kraft.
An ancient hero.
Perhaps even older than Serie herself.
"You admire this dual-sword hero, do you?" the elf asked.
"Something like that," Ren replied. "He was the strongest hero, after all."
"The strongest…"
Kraft touched the wooden pendant on his chest and let out a slow breath.
"May the Goddess grant him the praise he deserves."
"By the way," Ren said casually, "may I ask your name?"
"Kraft."
"And you?"
"Ren."
Kraft nodded. "Are you here to pay respects as well?"
"More or less."
Kraft brushed snow from his shoulders.
"I was traveling with a young mage who held the title of First-Class Mage. We split up not long ago."
Then he glanced at Ren's twin swords.
"You carry a good scent about you."
"…You mean sweat?" Ren replied dryly. "I haven't bathed in days."
Kraft burst out laughing. "Hah! You're an interesting one."
He pointed toward a nearby tavern.
"How about a drink? It's cold enough to freeze your tongue off out here."
"My treat," Ren said.
"Excellent," Kraft grinned. "I happen to be broke."
They entered the tavern together.
Warm air and loud voices rushed to greet them. Adventurers and soldiers filled the room, fire crackling in the hearth.
They ordered hot ale and roasted meat and took a seat in the corner.
"You crossed the southern forest alone?" Kraft asked after taking a swig.
"Yeah."
"That takes guts. A powerful demon's been roaming that area lately."
"Ran into her," Ren said casually. "Handled it."
Kraft paused mid-drink.
"…Handled it?"
"Mm."
Kraft studied him closely, then laughed.
"No wonder your presence feels solid. You're stronger than you look."
Before Ren could reply—
The tavern doors slammed open.
A bloodied hunter stumbled inside.
"Help—! Please, help!"
He collapsed at the counter, gasping.
"A giant Lion Boar… near the northern mines… my companions… they're all—"
The tavern fell silent.
A Lion Boar.
A monstrous beast native to the northern highlands—huge, heavily armored, capable of smashing through stone walls in a frenzy.
The bartender frowned.
"That thing again… Third incident this week. No one's taken the guild request yet."
Kraft stood up, stretching.
"Looks like we've got some post-meal exercise."
He glanced at Ren.
"Care to join? I could use help—and I'm short on travel money."
Ren set down his mug.
"Perfect timing."
---
At the Northern Mine...
Visibility was terrible.
Wind howled through the abandoned mine, carrying the stench of blood.
Then—
ROOOOAR!
The ground shook.
A massive beast burst from the snow.
A lion's mane, boar's tusks, and a body the size of a house.
"So that's the Lion Boar…"
Ren stood atop a boulder, calm.
"Don't just stand there!" Kraft called.
The beast charged.
Kraft stepped forward barehanded.
The tusks slammed toward him—
—and he caught them.
The impact sent him skidding dozens of meters through the snow, carving deep trenches behind him.
But he held.
"Now!" Kraft shouted.
Ren vanished.
His body skimmed low across the ground like a swallow in flight.
Twin blades flashed.
Shing!
A perfect cross of steel.
Blood sprayed as the Lion Boar howled in pain.
Kraft twisted with the beast's momentum and drove his knee upward.
Crack.
Bone shattered.
The massive creature collapsed, lifeless.
Snow settled.
Ren landed lightly, shaking blood from his blade.
"Good coordination," Kraft said, rolling his shoulder. "That strike was fast."
Ren glanced at him. "You used to fight with a sword."
Kraft smiled faintly.
"Long ago."
After a moment, he asked,
"Where are you headed?"
"North. Toward Tohl."
Kraft nodded thoughtfully.
"Same direction. Monsters are thick out here and traveling alone is dull."
"Then let's go together."
"Ha! I was hoping you'd say that."
Kraft hoisted the Lion Boar onto his shoulder.
"Come on. Let's collect our reward."
The two walked off through the snow side by side.