(Serian POV)
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The forest was quiet.
Too quiet.
Serian's hand hovered near his sword hilt as he led the group through the dying light. They had taken a new mission—bandits near Hollowend, a small border town.
But Serian didn't believe in bandits anymore.
> "They're probably Flameborn," he murmured.
Kaeden scoffed behind him. "So we just let them burn villages?"
> "We gather intel," Serian snapped. "Not make assumptions."
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That night, tension boiled.
Kaeden threw down his plate. "You're too soft."
> "You're too reckless," Serian replied coldly. "You want glory, not truth."
Kaeden stepped forward. "You think the world cares about your questions? They made you a hero, not a judge."
Elyn raised an eyebrow. Marielle shrank back. Garen stood silently, watching.
> "If you won't act like a hero," Kaeden growled, "maybe I should lead."
Serian's sword was in his hand before he knew it. But so was Kaeden's.
> "Enough!" Elyn's voice cut through the night. "You want to kill each other before the real enemy even shows up?"
Kaeden sheathed his blade with a glare. "Watch yourself, Serian. You're not untouchable."
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The Next Day – Hollowend
Smoke curled from the treetops. Hollowend was under attack.
But it wasn't bandits. It was mercenaries wearing noble colors, trying to reclaim territory freed by the Demon Lord.
The people were defenseless.
> "Help us!" cried a woman. "The Demon Lord saved us once—but she's not here!"
Serian froze.
Orders said not to interfere unless Flameborn were present.
Garen held him back. "This isn't our concern. It's internal politics."
Kaeden grinned. "Told you. Being a hero isn't about morals. It's about power."
> "You're right," Serian muttered—and then drew his sword.
> "Which is why I'm not asking. I'm saving them."
And he charged.
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The battle was short but brutal.
Serian's sword danced in silver arcs. Elyn joined with icy spears. Even Marielle cast healing spells with fury.
Kaeden hesitated… then followed, roaring with bloodlust.
When it was over, the mercenaries fled and the village knelt before Serian.
> "You're not like the others," an elder said. "You're like her."
That night, Serian couldn't sleep.
And Kaeden stood alone by the fire, staring at him with something darker than envy in his eyes.
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