Aldoria: Am I a hero...or not?

{{Duskban – Western Forest}}

Sunlight streamed through the towering trees, casting golden beams onto the forest floor.

The scent of damp earth and fresh foliage filled the air as Jin and Tristan stood among the fallen Vampire Wolves, the remnants of their battle strewn across the clearing.

Jin sheathed his bladeless sword, the Light Red Aura around it dissipating as the weapon reverted to its dormant state. The fight had been quick, and efficient, but even so, Tristan was still brimming with energy.

"That was awesome!" she exclaimed, running a hand through her hair, still exhilarated from the battle. "We actually work really well together, don't you think?"

Jin exhaled, not sharing her enthusiasm. "Let's just gather proof and head back."

Tristan pouted. "Ugh, fine, Party Leader."

She crouched beside one of the wolves, using a dagger to slice off the required proof, its ears. Jin moved efficiently, working in silence, but something in the air made him pause.

A flicker of something.

He turned sharply, scanning the trees. There was no movement. Nothing visible.

His eyes narrowed. He wasn't sure. But something… or someone… was watching them.

Shaking off the thought, he refocused on Tristan, only to notice a thin red scratch on her wrist.

"You're hurt," he said, his voice even.

Tristan blinked and glanced at the scratch. "Oh, this? Pfft, it's just a scratch."

Jin frowned. "Sit down."

"Huh?"

"Just sit."

Tristan hesitated but, seeing the seriousness in his gaze, plopped down on a nearby tree stump. Jin reached into the small pocket attached to his belt and pulled out a roll of bandages.

Tristan's eyes widened. "Wait—how did that fit in there? That pocket's tiny."

Jin, unfazed, unrolled the bandage. "It's an infinite storage pouch."

Tristan's jaw nearly dropped. "Isn't that expensive?!"

Jin hesitated briefly before answering, "A friend gave it to me."

Tristan's curiosity only deepened. "A friend, huh? Must be a pretty rich friend if they can just hand out something like that."

Jin didn't reply, focusing on wrapping her wrist.

His hands were precise, practiced, securing the bandage without wasting movement.

"You're surprisingly good at this," Tristan mused, watching his hands.

Jin gave her a side glance. "You sound surprised."

"Well, yeah," she admitted. "You don't exactly give off the 'gentle caretaker' vibe."

Jin finished tying off the bandage. "Just don't let it get infected."

Tristan smirked. "Yes, sir."

She leaned back slightly, tilting her head as she studied him. "Y'know, Party Leader… what do you even look like under that mask?"

Jin tensed slightly. "…Why?"

She tapped a finger against the black mask with its distinctive white crack along the side. "And what's the deal with this mask? The design looks kinda cool, but also… ominous."

Jin tied off the bandage and stood up. "We should get going."

"Aww, come on. Not even a hint?" Tristan teased.

She stood up as well, crossing her arms as she studied him. Then, her gaze flickered to his eyes, the only part of his face visible behind the mask.

Her smirk softened. "Y'know… your eyes are kinda nice."

Jin stiffened.

Tristan grinned, leaning in slightly. "Are you blushing behind that mask?"

Jin scoffed and turned away. "Let's move."

Tristan snickered. "Aww, don't be shy, Party Leader~."

Ignoring her, Jin started toward the city. Tristan jogged after him, still grinning.

{{Duskban – Capital Gates}}

The towering walls of Duskban loomed in the distance as they approached the capital. The city's gates were wide open, with adventurers, merchants, and commoners bustling in and out.

Jin and Tristan passed through the entrance without trouble, stepping onto the cobblestone streets of the capital. The city was as lively as ever, merchants shouting prices, adventurers sharing stories, blacksmiths hammering away at new weapons.

Their first stop was the marketplace, where they restocked supplies before heading toward the Ironclad Adventurer's Guild.

{{Ironclad Adventurer's Guild}}

As they entered the guild hall, a familiar smirk greeted them.

Marcus, the seasoned guild clerk, leaned against the counter. "Back already?"

Jin placed the Vampire Wolf ears on the wooden surface. "Quest complete."

Marcus inspected the proof before counting out their reward in silver coins, splitting the amount between them.

"Not bad," Marcus admitted. "Though I'm still surprised you took on a party member."

Tristan beamed. "And he's stuck with me now!"

Jin sighed. "Unfortunately."

Marcus chuckled. "Well, if you're looking for another job, I have something for you."

He slid a sealed request form across the counter. "Escort mission. A merchant needs protection on his journey to the next town."

Jin glanced at the request. "Aren't escort jobs usually posted on the board?"

Marcus nodded. "Usually, yeah. But sometimes, high-priority individuals can request specific adventurers. And in this case, the merchant specifically requested a Platinum Medallion adventurer."

Tristan whistled. "Whoa. Fancy."

Marcus smirked. "Think you're up for it?"

Jin sighed. "Fine. Who's the merchant?"

A voice answered behind them.

"That would be me."

Jin and Tristan turned to see a tall man in fine but practical travel gear, a satchel slung over his shoulder. His sharp, observant eyes flickered with intelligence.

"It's an honor to be escorted by someone of your caliber," he said, nodding toward Jin. "My name is Vaelin Crowe, a traveling pharmacist."

Jin studied him for a moment.

"You don't look like a regular merchant," he noted.

Vaelin smirked. "I also have some battle experience. But I prefer to avoid unnecessary fights, which is why I've requested an escort."

Tristan grinned. "Well, you're in luck! We're the best duo in town."

Jin sighed. "Let's just get this over with."

As they finalized the preparations, neither Jin nor Tristan noticed the shadowed figure watching them from the city walls.

The same man from the forest.

His sharp eyes lingered on Tristan before he exhaled.

"She's really here."

The wind carried his words away, but his presence remained. Watching. Waiting.

For what, only he knew.