Prologue:

The world had long since forgotten the meaning of day and night. Light and darkness were no longer separate-they bled into one another, leaving a sky that never fully burned nor fully slept. The air was thick with unease, carrying the faint scent of ash and wilted flowers. Rivers ran sluggishly, forests groaned as if in pain, and the earth itself seemed weary.

Humanity clung to life by a thread. Villages huddled behind walls, towns kept their markets small, and travelers moved cautiously, always fearing what lurked beyond the horizon. Crops failed without warning, beasts of unnatural size and strength prowled the forests, and storms of strange cold and fire swept the land with little mercy. Survival had become a daily struggle, a constant battle against a world that seemed to turn against its people.

Amid this fragile existence, shadows stirred from afar. From the distant Demon Continent, dark forces emerged at irregular intervals. Once human, its people had surrendered their compassion and mercy, pledging themselves to the Dark Lord. They wielded powers no ordinary man could withstand, bending fire, shadow, and even the earth itself to their will. Their motives remained unknown, their attacks unpredictable. Entire towns disappeared in a night; whole regions were left silent, scorched, or drowned in blood. The people whispered of the Dark Lord's armies like a nightmare that might touch them next-but whether for conquest or something far stranger, no one could tell.

And yet, in the midst of this twilight world, there existed a fragile sanctuary: Luna Village.

Luna is the only place where the darkness cannot enter, the only ground where the monsters it gave birth to cannot set foot. Its unseen borders hold firm, a fragile line of hope in a world swallowed whole.

No one lives here but the **nuns of the Holy Church**. They are the sole inhabitants, bound by a vow that leaves no room for doubt or hesitation. Draped in pale robes, they tread the worn stone floors of the great church, beneath walls marked with ancient blessings. And within that holy hall, their voices rise together in unending song.

It is not a prayer for themselves.

Not for peace, nor safety, nor even for tomorrow.

It is a **summons**-a cry to the heavens for salvation.

They call for a hero.

A hero strong enough to cut down the monsters born of darkness.

A hero who will sweep away the shadow that devours the world.

A hero who will become the answer to prayers that must never be silenced.

Day turns to night, and night to day, yet their chorus does not falter. They take turns, one group falling silent as another begins, their voices weaving into a single melody. A fragile, desperate hymn that has never ceased-not for a breath, not for a heartbeat.

The sound fills Luna like lifeblood, echoing against stone, trembling in the air, reaching ever upward. A prayer so heavy with longing it shakes even the silence of the heavens.

For if the song stops, hope itself will end.

And if hope ends, there will be no tomorrow.

Until the hero answers the call,

Until the destined one arrives,

The prayers of Luna must never cease.

This is their vow.

This is their burden.

And this is the last hope of the twilight world.

Author's note

Hello there, and thank you so much for picking up this story. This is a tale that's been living quietly in my mind for a long time, and seeing it come to life here means more than I can put into wordd.

Things may seem simple at first, but nothing in this world stays as it appears - so I hope you'll stay with me until the very end. Your support, even just reading a chapter, is what gives this story life.

Thank you again for giving it a chance. I truly hope you enjoy the journey that's about to unfold.

- JSR

The sun hung high in the sky, warm but not too hot. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the faint scent of wildflowers from the nearby meadows. It was a calm noon, and the day felt perfectly ordinary-quiet, calm, and just a little lazy.

"Hey Grey," my friend called out to me eagerly, "wanna go to the mountains with me? I really need to gather some fresh herbs for my food cart. What do you say?"

I looked at him with wide eyes, then eyebrows furrowed in concern. "Are you crazy? You know there have been many farm animals missing lately-it's not safe out there. The village elders have warned everyone not to go near the mountains until we find the reason behind it."

"Yeah, I know," he admitted with a sigh. "Without those herbs and items, I can't make good food. And besides, why does your father go through the mountains every day with his carriage?"

I relaxed a little. "Well, he's an adult, and he's the one running our family's small transport business. He has horses too, and there's no other way to get through. He always returns before evening, and if it's late, he stays at my aunt's house in the next village. So it's not really a problem." I tried convincing him.

"As you know, we are 17, almost adults," he said, trying to sound reasonable. "So why can't we go? Please? I really need to go, and your help is a must."

I sighed deeply. "Haa, there's no way to change you once you fix your mind on something. Fine, ten copper coins-and if it gets past 4 pm, I'm leaving you."

He flashed his best persistent smile with a puppy face. "But I'm your one and only best friend! Would you really leave me like that?"

"Ewww! Don't act cute! You're 17, not 7," I teased, shaking my head.

"Hehe, don't mind me," he laughed softly.

"Alright, let's go then," I agreed with a reluctant smile.

***

As we started the journey, I pulled the carriage loaded with supplies for the day through the uneven mountain paths.

"Tell me, bro, you have your family land. If you sell it to the nearby landlord, you would get some money. And you can open a small restaurant in the nearby town. So why are you not going with that? If your father were here, he would agree with me. Or you can go to your grandfather. That's a better option in my opinion."

He replied, "Well, my father raised me until I was 15 even though he had that illness. We were really happy when we were together. But when he died, I was so scared and lonely. So whenever I was working in our food cart, it's like I can feel he is with me, always. Even though I miss him a lot, it feels a little nice.

My grandfather didn't accept my parents when they came to visit him after their love marriage. So, we never visited him. I hated him for that, I guess.

"You got that feeling, hah? Your father really is a good man. Whenever I came to see you, he fed me and treated me like his real son. His cooking is way above average too. Really tasty. I'll give at least 3 stars for that."

"Not 5 stars, hah? I'll smack you."

"Hahaha, I'm joking. I only ate bread most of the time at my house because we were dead poor. Your father's cooking is my royal feast. Hahaha."

"Ok, I'll believe you."

We happily chatted and walked towards the mountain together.

"Pulling this carriage all the way from the village is hard, isn't it?" he said, trying to keep up.

"I'm the one actually pulling it," I said with a smirk, glancing back at him. "You're just along for the walk."

"Yeah, yeah. I'll help pull it on the way back. So don't worry," he said, determined to pitch in.

"You should! Or I'll put you through hell..." I threatened with a playful grin. But he ignored me and started to look for the herbs and some wild veggies, anything he could use. "Hey! Let me finish my threatening!" I laughed and followed him.

Soon, we found a good spot for gathering herbs. When he saw the fresh wild herbs, without saying anything ran with a smile like that of a child.

"There he goes again," I chuckled. "You should've been born a monkey. Or a rabbit? He sure jumps like one." I thought that to myself.

"Yo Grey, here, take this," he said, handing over some herbs.

"Coming," I replied, taking them carefully. He found some good stuff! I was with him countless times like this. So, I too know some stuff around here concerning food.

We gathered as much as we could and loaded them in the carriage. The sun was about to set in a few minutes. Climbing up with the empty carriage is nothing much. But going down with the load is different. So, we should've gone sooner. But I, too, seeing some rare mushrooms, got hyped and lost track of time.

***

"Wow. We got plenty," I said, feeling proud. An idea popped up in my mind. We should share some with the orphanage.

Good idea! Then we can go see the children too. He happily suggested. His cheerfulness is always cute, even though he is all grown. I never told this to him.

"And it's about time," I chuckled, looking at the sky. "Let's go back."

"Yeah, yeah, let's go back," he agreed.

We returned to the mountain path that connected to our village. Then suddenly, he stopped short. "Hey, look... it looks like a landslide."

"Yes, it is!" I exclaimed in disbelief. Then started to walk towards it.

"Grey, wait! The carriage might get stuck if another one happens. Let's leave it there," he urged, eyes scanning the mountain.

"Okay, let's take a closer look," I said cautiously.

"Yo bro, that wasn't here when we came," I murmured, brows knitted.

"Yes, it must have happened recently," he said, worry creeping into his voice. "It's getting late, and I have to prepare food for the food cart too. What do we do now?

We sure can't go back to the village.

Is this my fault, Grey? I'm really sorry we got stuck because of me," he said, guilt washing over him.

"Don't sweat it. It's not a big deal," I reassured him, placing my hand on his shoulder. "There are some big boulders. It's unfortunate that we can't clear them. Let's go to my aunt's house," I suggested.

"That's a good idea, Grey." We agreed on my suggestion and got to the next path that led to my aunt's village. "I wonder if your aunt will let me cook today. We have some tasty mushrooms too," he said hopefully.

"Keep dreaming. She won't let you," I said with a smirk.

"Haa... what a disappointment. At least I'll help with the preparations," he sighed.

"Don't ask me; ask her," I said, laughing.

With that, we once again set off, our voices light and cheerful as we chatted, the carriage heavy with herbs and mushrooms swaying behind us. The mountain air was crisp, and the golden sun began its slow descent toward the horizon, painting the sky with hues of red and orange. Suddenly, a strange light appeared-so bright yet so sharply pointed, it looked like a shimmering bridge unfurling from heaven to the earth. As if hanging in suspension, the light was just about to touch the ground when it vanished in an instant.

Nearby, a wild boar, which must have been foraging for its final meal of the day, was nowhere to be seen. Scared yet curious, we approached cautiously, only to find a smear of blood staining the earth.

***

"Bro, what was that?" I whispered, unease creeping into my voice.

"What am I, a god? Why are you asking me?" came the quick reply, accompanied by a slight nudge from him. "And don't touch me so suddenly like that."

Then I realized he was about to cry, out of fear. He is always soft like that. With a teasing look I asked him, "Are you crying?"

"No... I'm not crying. And don't tell anyone!" He said it with a threatening tone, but because of his almost crying face, his tone looked funny.

"And don't laugh either," he said with an even funnier tone.

I smiled faintly and looked directly at him. "Bro, I won't. But what do we do now?"

"Let's just go. I don't want to be here any longer. It's too scary." He said, then I couldn't keep my mouth shut any longer. "Hahaha, adult my ass," I let him have it.

"Don't tease me either," he said.

I didn't want him to start crying. So I shut my mouth once again.

When we started waking hastily again i asked him, "Bro, we found the mystery behind the missing farm animals, right?" I didn't know he had the same conclusion, so I confirmed it with him.

"Hm, it could be. What else could it be?" he replied.

Suddenly, a loud, chilling bull-like ROOOOAR rang out from somewhere near the cliff. We froze, our blood running cold as a sudden chill hung unnervingly in the air. Our bodies, still worn out from the journey and herb gathering, were now gripped with fresh fear. Teeth chattered involuntarily. We exchanged glances heavy with dread.

"Bro! Don't speak so loud-and ditch the herbs and the carriage," I whispered.

"Yeah, good plan. I'm reaching my limit," he said.

Then with a serious face I said to him, "Don't you dare freak out and cry."

"I already wet my pants," he said with a shameful look.

"You freak show!" I almost shouted. Knowing my mistake I covered my mouth with both of my hands.

"Who wouldn't? That sounded like a bull, but... it's freaky. And weird. The air itself feels different, like in those novels where the big boss is about to show up." Then he tried to be reasonable.

"You and your fantasies," came the teasing response from my mouth like always. "Let's move," I whispered, then he followed.

"Okay. Let's!"

***

We crouched low, moving cautiously and silently to avoid drawing attention. The terrifying roar repeated several times, echoing off the rocky cliffs, then the sound began to grow distant. Thinking the danger was passing, we broke into a faster run.

Suddenly, the same strange light from before shot down from the sky-but this time, it didn't vanish on impact. It moved swift and purposeful, directly after us! As if it had found what it was searching for.

We realized it at once. Gritting my teeth in frustration, with him running before me, I sprinted with all of my strength down the path ahead. The sinister light was faster than us.

"Bro, let's keep some distance between us and run toward the cave," I panted, "and don't run in a straight line, or it will catch us faster."

"But Grey, to get there, we have to go back the way we came... and that thing..."

He is right, but the reality is much crueler now than before. So I urged him, "I know, but we have no other way. And we don't even know if it's still there..." I tried convincing him.

We have no time to think. "Go."

"Alright, you're right, let's go there, Grey." He accepted.

***

As we dashed toward the cave, the light abruptly stopped. Gasping for breath, we halted, trying to steady our racing hearts. Then, the same ROOOAR came from the direction of our escape path.

We slowly turned our heads, eyes wide with terror realizing what it was.

There, emerging from the exact cave, was a creature unlike anything we had ever seen-a massive, bull-headed, human-like being standing menacingly before us. We froze as the cold grip of fear tightened, suffocating our breath. He was already in tears.



"Grey! (Gulp) It was a minotaur!" he gasped, eyes brimming with terror.

"What? But those are just myths!..." I didn't want to accept the reality that was in front of me.

"Grey! Runnnn!" he shouted.

***

We ran again with confusion, escape from what? The thing in front of us? Or the scary light that was chasing us? To where?

Now our exhausted bodies betrayed us too, without gaining much distance. We stumbled and fell to the ground.

The Minotaur raised a massive axe from its back and threw it towards us.

Blood splattered across his face. It was not the blood of my friend, but mine. I felt a sharp, searing pain explode through my body.

"Grey!" he shouted. I was struck by the axe that was thrown towards us.

My legs couldn't support my body anymore. I fell facing down, my life draining, and blood running cold. He sat frozen, unable to move.

Thud... thud... thud....

Everything fell silent. I only heard the heavy footsteps of the monster approaching, accompanied by sinister, mocking laughter-it reveled in its first kill and knew the stunned boy wouldn't flee.

I mustered up all of my courage and tried my best to move my injured body.

"Bro, please, snap out of it. Run. You have to run!" I urged with pain, struggling to stay conscious and reach my only best friend. I yelled his name with all my might but all in vain.

He didn't respond; his body seemed lifeless. Is he in shock because of me? NoNoNo! God! Please! I pleaded to the heavens.

Then the mysterious light that had stopped earlier shone brighter than before. The warmth of the light enveloped him.

Suddenly moving like a puppet, he stood up. Then, the mysterious light moved towards his hand. His fingers gripped the glowing beam tightly; it blazed brightly, then began to fade-and there, forming within his grasp, was a sword.

***

His lips barely moved as he spoke coldly; the voice seemed his, but the delivery and manner of speech were different.

"The new hero has been chosen. Now, synchronization is about to start. Testing ability set number one... Holy flames."

The Minotaur froze, staring in confusion.

With those words, flames engulfed the sword-but strangely, the fire did not scorch him.

My life was ebbing fast from the axe wound, even though I fought fiercely not to lose consciousness, knowing I might never witness such a miracle again.

"Ability working perfectly.

Synchronization complete. Now, let's start the neutralization process," he declared.

With a powerful kick to the ground, he closed the distance in an instant.

With one swift slash, the creature's right arm was severed. It roared in agony, clutching its stump with its other hand trying to gain some distance. But it was too late. He struck again, this time beheading the monster. The Minotaur fell, defeated.

***

"Requirements met. Hero summoning ritual starts."

His body began glowing softly with ethereal light. Suddenly, his consciousness returned fully.

Startled by the slain beast and the weapon in his hand, he dropped the sword, and the radiant glow faded. He hurried to me and began to weep.

I wanted to comfort him, but I couldn't even raise my fingers. Please, don't cry. I don't want to see you cry like that. I want to see your smile at least once, if this is my end. Please don't be broken like before, find happiness. I want to say those words to my friend, but my consciousness began to fade too.

Suddenly, the same heavenly light descended from the sky once more. As it vanished, a girl stood before us. She was magnificent, wearing a pristine white robe, radiating beauty and grace like a holy priestess.

He stopped crying, his eyes wide in awe. I couldn't believe my eyes. I thought for a second this girl was here to take me to the afterlife. But I don't want to die!

"If you can travel here through that strange light, you must be powerful," he whispered, "Please, save Grey." I don't even care if you are the one who caused it. Just please... Tears from his eyes flowed again uncontrollably.

Without a word, she reached inside her robe and took a small bottle, handing it to him.

This is holy water. "It will grant what you desire, Sir Hero." Her smile was radiant and comforting.

He took the bottle with trembling hands and, guided by her silent instructions, let a single drop of the holy water spill into my mouth. Swallowing it I felt a sudden burst of energy that spread through my veins. I felt warm and my clouded mind was completely clear. The wound on my back was closed completely and not even a scar was left.

Tears welled up in our eyes as we embraced tightly, our friendship shining stronger than ever.

The girl watched with a smile of gentle amusement, clearly seeing the bond we shared. Several minutes passed without words until she finally spoke.

"Sir Hero, let us go to your post."

"My post?" he asked, confused.

"Yes, Sir Hero. We await your arrival."

"For me? Where?"

"To our holy land."

"Our holy land?" he asked, even more confused. "But I have to go home."

"Sir Hero, you are our chosen holy warrior. You must come with me."

She grasped his hand firmly and began chanting in an ancient tongue. Suddenly, the same brilliant light that brought her here enveloped them. He struggled, but her grip was unyielding.

I was just a few feet away, running toward them with the holy sword in hand, desperate not to lose my friend. Something was about to happen, and if I didn't catch them, I might never be able to. I reached out and grabbed his hand-

The brilliant light flared around us, blinding and searing, yet impossibly gentle at the same time. My chest felt weightless, as if gravity itself had vanished. The world blurred, the trees, the mountains, the sun-all dissolved into pure white.

A heartbeat later, the sensation of falling-no, not falling, being carried-took over. My body floated, suspended between fear and awe. I couldn't see anything, couldn't hear anything, yet I felt everything: the warmth of the light, the grip of my friend's hand, and the silent chant of the girl in white.

Then, just as suddenly, the light vanished. Silence. Darkness. My heart pounded in the void, echoing louder than any roar or scream I had ever heard.

I didn't know where we were. I didn't know what awaited us. All I knew was that the world I had just struggled to survive in was gone-and something far greater, something I couldn't yet understand, had begun.

***

When I woke up, my body ached all over and my head was pounding. My eyes fluttered shut for a moment, then slowly opened again. Everything was blurry at first, but bit by bit, my vision started to clear.

I barely opened my eyes before I noticed a slight movement beside me. It was Grey, lying there, still asleep. For a moment, relief washed over me-at least he was okay.

The room around me looked unfamiliar but not unpleasant. It was a little fancier, though still humble. There was a comfortable bed, a table, and a shelf with some flower arrangements. My eyes quickly landed on something resting on the table.

It was the sword-the same sword I held when I regained my senses earlier. Back then, it was glowing softly. But now, it just sat there, lifeless and still, like any ordinary sword.

Suddenly, the door opened with a slight knock, and a wave of panic surged through me. My body tensed on its own. My eyes darted toward the door as the priestess girl stepped inside.

I didn't move. I just watched her. But inside, my thoughts were a mess. She's the one who brought me here.. I clenched my fists under the blanket. I wanted answers.

Normally, I'd be too scared to speak, hesitant around strangers. But now, I'm not sure what's gotten into me. I'm surprisingly calm. Maybe it's because Grey is here... or maybe I already know I can't rely on him anymore. We're not in our village. This isn't home. If I don't speak up now, I'll never understand what's happening.

I glared at her and asked, "Where am I?"

She paused when I spoke. Her eyes met mine, and something in her expression shifted. Hesitation? No-something deeper. Guilt, maybe.

"Th... that is..." she started, but her voice trailed off into silence. Her eyes dropped to the floor.

I watched her closely. She didn't look like she meant harm. But that didn't change what happened. I was here now, far from home, with no explanation. My heart was still uneasy, but instead of accusing her, I tried to understand. She's struggling to speak... Is she afraid? Or just unsure how to begin?

I stayed quiet, not to hold back anger-but to listen. I needed answers, not someone to blame.

After a moment, she looked back up and straightened her posture. Her voice was soft. "Sir Hero, please... follow me."

I hesitated only for a second before nodding slightly. She moved to the side of the room, where a tall window stood, curtains gently swaying with the breeze. Without a word, she reached out and pulled them aside.

What I saw beyond that window made my breath catch.

"What... is that?"

The world outside was nothing like anything I'd seen before. The sky wasn't blue. It wasn't dark either. It was... twilight. Endless, unnatural twilight. A strange glow hung in the air, neither day nor night. The land below was quiet, but something about it felt completely wrong. Like the air itself didn't want to move.

"Is this... No... this isn't my world."

I didn't realize I had spoken aloud until I heard her voice behind me.

She stepped closer, her tone low and serious. "Sir Hero... we are in a dire situation where any means necessary must be taken-so we can save our people."

I didn't take my eyes off the window. I couldn't. That strange light, the stillness, the feeling in my chest-it all told me the same thing. This wasn't a dream. It wasn't some illusion.

"Our entire world is filled with twilight," she continued. "This twilight brings many disasters... and an endless spawn of monsters that threaten its inhabitants."

Her words felt heavy, like they were pushing down on me.

I didn't say anything. I just kept staring out that window, trying to make sense of it all. "A world swallowed by twilight... monsters?" It felt too big, too sudden. But somehow... I believed her.

"This is the only place that the darkness cannot enter," she said. "Even though this land is sacred and holds the power to dispel the darkness... it's not large enough to protect everyone."

I glanced at her. She wasn't just saying lines. There was something real in her eyes. Worry. Desperation.

"Every day, people are fighting monsters to protect their homes and loved ones. Many have already given their lives for that cause."

I looked down. "So many people... dying? Because of this twilight?"

Then she said it-softly, but clearly. "We need a hero. Someone who can save them from these monsters. Someone who can bring hope."

I stayed quiet, but inside, everything was moving. "A hero... Me?"

"Even though many are dying," she said, "the people still have one hope left. And that... is you, Sir Hero."

Her voice cracked slightly. "Please help us. I'm begging you."

I couldn't respond right away. Her words echoed in my head, but nothing came out of my mouth.

"Me? A hero?" am I capable enough to do that? I thought to myself.

I lowered my eyes, gripping the edge of the window frame. I wasn't sure what to think anymore. Everything was moving too fast. But even now, there was something I needed to know. Something I had to confirm.

"...Tell me," I finally said, my voice low, "am I the one who killed that thing? That Minotaur?"

"Yes, Sir Hero," she answered without hesitation.

I blinked. My chest tightened. "I... killed it?"

"How?" I asked. "Why are you calling me a hero?"

She stepped closer again. "You are our chosen warrior. Like I said before-when we first met. You have been chosen by the holy sword."

"Chosen by the sword...?"

"That means you inherited its power," she went on. "You can wield it to defeat monsters. It will vanquish your enemies with the power of the holy land."

I looked back at the table, where the sword sat-still and silent.

Then the light, why was it chasing us?" I asked.

"No 'us', Sir Hero. It was chasing you," she said firmly. "Your friend has nothing to do with it."

We saw the light, when it killed a wild boar. Why? Our village animals are missing for a while too. No humans, still... Is it the reason behind it? Or was the Minotaur the one behind it?

"It was the demon continent..." she said.

"What? There are demons here in this world?" I asked, turning to her. A sudden chill crept into my heart.

"Yes," she nodded. "They were once humans like us. But in order to gain superior powers, they forsook everything. They accepted the lord of Darkness as their god, and in return they gained dark magic's through rituals..." She looked away, her voice bitter. "They didn't bring calmness. Only chaos."

They didn't steal food, animals, and jewels-nothing. The only thing they took was lives, and they brought chaos. So their motives are still unknown.

"What has that to do with us?!" I asked, wanting to understand.

They attempted to kill the last hero, but failed. Then the hero was fled to his own world. He must've died around 2 years ago. The holy sword choose some new heroes too, but when it came back no- one came with it. So, I came to find the root cause of it.

So, she has nothing to do with the struggles we went through.. my mind got little at ease. Something is inside me.. keeps telling me to believe her every words.

She looked at me seriously. "Judging by the fact that the Minotaur is a demon army soldier, he must have followed the holy sword in order to kill you, and that must've been the fate of other chosen heroes as well, I think. The demons must have used some ancient magic to hide the fact that they were tracking it."

I looked back at the sword.

The holy sword was merely drawing on the power of the holy land to seek out a worthy hero. It's possible the Minotaur's presence interfered with that process.

So, the sword must have gone into a defensive mode to protect the chosen hero.

"That should be the reason behind the holy sword's berserker mode," I spoke quietly. It didn't kill animal on purpose only by accident.

Now one last question. Can I go back to my home?

"That's not possible for now," she said, hesitating.

I urged her, desperate, "What is the way? Tell me."

"Defeating the one who is behind all this." I think...

"Do you know who or what that thing is?" I asked, hoping for answers.

"No, I don't," she replied, her expression troubled. "But judging by the movements from the demon continent so far, I suspect the Lord of Darkness might be behind it. At least if we find him and confront him, we could uncover some clues."

"Is he a god?" I asked, fear creeping into my voice once again. The list kept growing... first monsters, then demons, and now a god?

"No, not at all," she replied with certainty, like she already knew him.

I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. "Can I send my friend back home?" I asked, wanting at the very least to ensure his safety.

With that last question, the glass of water the priestess had brought, which was supposed to be on the table, crashed onto the floor.

Grey, who was supposed to be sleeping until now, was suddenly standing right in front of us, wide awake.

His eyes locked onto mine, filled with a mix of worry and something I couldn't quite place. He didn't say a word, but the tension in the room thickened.

"What do you think you are? Some kind of fairy-tale hero?" Grey yelled, eyes flashing with frustration. "You're not, I'll tell you that straight. Fighting monsters and demon armies? My ass."

"Hey, girly! I'm going home, and he's coming with me. You got that?"

She couldn't respond-her mouth opened, but no words came out.

"If she doesn't know the way back, then we'll find it ourselves. We will, I'm sure of it!" Grey poured all of his emotions into one fierce yell.

I met his glare, steady despite the fire in his eyes. "Grey, I've made my decision. I'm going to fight for them. I don't know if I can, but I have to try.

I lost my reason to live when my father, my only family, died. But you, the village, everyone- gave me hope. Hope that someday I'd find a family of my own. Now maybe I can give that hope to others. Please, don't shatter that.."

At those words, Grey's anger softened, replaced by a flicker of sympathy and worry. His voice lowered, losing some of its edge.

"You aren't brave. But your guts... they're stronger than anyone I know. You won't back down without a fight. At least..."

His voice dropped even lower. "Then, Let me fight with you, bro."

His words caught me off guard. The girl and I both stared at him, surprised. Then a quiet understanding passed between us.

Grey continued, calmer now. "Like you said, you were there for me, cheering me on even when I took my job as a carriage puller. You were my first customer too... and back then, when we were little-"

He trailed off, then suddenly brightened. "Hey, look! You did the same for me too, bro."

Even the girl smiled a little then.

"So please, bro, don't take that away from me."

"If you stay with me, what about your family?" I asked, concern creeping into my voice.

Grey met my eyes, his tone steady but softer now. "I know they'd be worried. That's why... "Let's finish this job soon and get back home, yeah?" His voice held a clear determination now.

"Besides, if you're fighting for something worth believing in, then I'm right there with you. No way am I letting you walk this path alone."

"Are you sure about this, Grey? This isn't our world. We could face dangers worse than the Minotaur."

"Then will you come back with me? If I decide to go back?"

"No, I..." My words faltered.

"Then I won't go either." He declared, his resolve firm.

"Thank you for always being there for me, Grey."

"You don't have to thank me... that's what friends are for, right?" He said, scratching the back of his head

We nodded in agreement and smiled. The girl smiled too and said, "Thank you, Sir Hero and Sir Grey!"

"You don't have to speak formally with us, you can call us by our names."

I'm Kaito, and he is grey. He is my best friend.

She appears somewhat concerned. "Sir Hero, I am your aide, and my duty is to provide any support you need. However, addressing you without your rightful title would be disrespectful."

"Let her warm up to us, bro. Eventually, she'll even start calling us by our nicknames. All she really needs is time."

"Okay," I said. "Then... what's your name? You never told us."

"It's Aria," she replied. "I'm Aria, Sir Hero."

"That's a nice name," I said. "It suits you."

"Thank you for your kind words, Sir Hero."

"Try to be more friendly with us," Grey added with a playful grin.

"I will try my best," Aria said.

For the first time, a small, genuine smile appeared on her face-so faint it could have been easily missed, yet enough to captivate the heart.

With that, Aria told us to get some rest and turned to leave the room.

Once the door closed behind her, we exchanged uneasy glances-each of us weighed down by the same unspoken worry hanging in the air.

"Do you think she's telling the truth, bro?"

"I don't know... I have my doubts too," I admitted. "But there's something inside me that wants to believe her every word. I can't explain it-I just want to trust her."

"Do you like her? Or what?"

"Don't tease me, Grey! It's not like that, I'm serious."

"Okay, I'll drop it..."

Other than the fact we're not in our world, the only thing we have is the little she told us. We spoke cheerfully in front of her, but the truth was, we barely knew anything. How much of what she said was true-and how much was still hidden-weighed heavily on my mind. Was she really telling the truth, or was this some kind of trap? We didn't know.

We exchanged troubled glances.

With a quick nod, we silently decided to take the next step toward the unknown.