The sun cast a golden hue over the town of Wings of Nori. For the first time in days, the air was still. Calm. As if the town itself was taking a breath.
Louis stood at the top of the hill overlooking the shield barrier, a place where many adventurers had passed through and few had returned. The glowing dome shimmered faintly in the morning light. It no longer felt like a wall of protection. It felt like the border of something bigger.
Behind him, footsteps crunched against gravel. Betty, her scarf fluttering in the breeze, walked up beside him. Locob trailed just a few steps behind, his usual awkward calmness giving way to something more… determined.
"You sure you're healed enough to travel?" Louis asked, not looking away from the horizon.
"I should be asking you that," Betty smirked, adjusting the bandage still wrapped around her side. "Besides, if I stay here any longer, I'll go mad listening to Locob snore."
"Hey!" Locob protested, causing the others to chuckle.
Their laughter was brief. A silence followed—not uncomfortable, but heavy with understanding.
They weren't just going on a hunt. They were chasing truths.
The truth about the mark Louis bore. The truth about the blessing of Nori. The truth about the ancient beast that had recognized him. And the soul that now stirred silently within him.
They descended into town for the final time—at least for now. One by one, they made their farewells.
First was Garrick Stonefist, the guild master, who stood at the guild's entrance with arms crossed and a proud glint in his eye. The half-dwarf grunted, rubbing his chin as they approached.
"You've caused more paperwork in two weeks than I've had in the past year," he grumbled.
Louis smiled. "That a compliment?"
Garrick snorted. "You survived an S-rank beast, helped uncover a damn prophecy, and brought corruption signs to light. You earned your damn ranks and then some. Don't die out there, kid. That's an order."
The three saluted jokingly. Garrick waved them off, trying to hide the smile tugging at his lips.
Next, Groudy Willsmith, the old shop owner, greeted them with a care package of healing potions, herbs, and dried fruit.
"For the road," he said with a wink. "And if you ever find yourself in another cursed temple, try not to get eaten, hmm?"
"Thanks, Groudy," Betty said, giving him a small hug. "You're the best."
He huffed but smiled warmly. "Go make trouble somewhere else now."
Then came Town Chief Sansor Hormen, standing tall with a cane in hand, his daughter Corny by his side. She waved energetically.
"You've brought honor to this town, Louis Corbin," Sansor said, his voice calm but sincere. "Whatever lies beyond the shield, may your path be guided by the goddess herself."
Corny grinned. "Bring back cool stories, okay?! And don't forget the souvenirs!"
Louis chuckled. "You got it."
As they turned to leave, Sansor added, "And Louis… take care of that mark. You've been chosen for something greater. Don't lose sight of who you are."
Louis nodded, silently tucking the words into his heart.
---
At the gate, the townsfolk had gathered. A few curious adventurers, shopkeepers, and children waved as the trio approached the shimmering edge of the safe shield—a massive dome of magical energy that protected the town from the unknown.
Betty stopped just before the edge. "You think we're ready?"
Louis looked at her, then at Locob, then back to the barrier. His hand clenched as he felt the slight warmth of the mark on his palm.
"No," he admitted. "But we're not going back."
Locob adjusted his bag. "No more corrupted beasts… no more creepy temples… at least for a while?"
Louis and Betty gave him matching glances.
"…Right, right. Who am I kidding," he sighed.
They took one step forward. The barrier shimmered, reacting to Louis's mark—just like it had when he entered the cave all those weeks ago.
It parted like ripples in water, allowing them through.
They walked slowly, the sounds of the town fading behind them, replaced by birdsong, rustling wind, and the heartbeat of the wild.
Each step felt heavier, not from exhaustion, but from meaning.
They had no map, no prophecy guiding every step.
Only faith.
Friendship.
And a mark that pulsed with secrets.
As they disappeared into the dense forest beyond the dome, the camera would have panned up if this were a story told in images. It would show the empty path behind them, the edge of the shield slowly knitting itself closed.
And somewhere, far away, unseen by any of them, something else stirred. Watching. Waiting.
They didn't know that this was just the beginning of their adventure.
---
End of Arc I: The Marked Awakening
To be continued…