The footsteps of the knights echoed through the narrow streets of Zordis like distant thunder, resonating against the ancient, crumbling stone walls. Faint, blue magical lights floated through the alleys, sweeping away the darkness with an ethereal glow that seemed alive. Every shadow seemed to writhe, as if breathing, watching Kuto's every move. His heart pounded hard, hammering against his chest, but his mind remained surprisingly calm, analyzing every corner, every risk, every possible threat. For a moment, the entire world seemed to freeze, and Kuto felt the weight of absolute silence: a silence that spoke louder than any scream or attack.
The woman in front of him trembled, small and fragile under the bluish moonlight, yet her eyes reflected something beyond fear: an almost supernatural intensity, as if her soul was pleading for help while hiding dark secrets too dangerous to reveal. Kuto noticed every detail—the slight trembling of her hands, the hairs on her neck standing on end, her uneven breathing—and understood, without needing to hear it, that her life depended on immediate protection.
Suddenly, a holographic window appeared before him, floating in the air like a magical vision impossible to ignore:
> [Side Quest Initiated: Echo of Shadows]
Objective: Protect the mysterious fugitive until dawn.
The air felt heavier, dense with the responsibility now resting on his shoulders. Kuto swallowed hard. The woman whispered almost inaudibly:
— They'll kill me… if they find me.
— Then we'll make sure that doesn't happen — Kuto replied, his voice firm, full of conviction.
The wind cut through the alleys, carrying with it the distant sound of disappearing hooves, leaving only the echo of the knights' footsteps in the memory of the world. For the first time since entering this world, Kuto felt something beyond fear. It wasn't just survival; it was purpose. And with purpose, Kuto's mind became a sharp blade, able to slice through the tension of the night like paper.
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Night fell heavy over Zordis, covering every narrow street with a mantle of dancing shadows. Magical lanterns floated softly above the passages, casting a flickering amber light that transformed every cobblestone into a stage of unstable forms. Every step Kuto took was calculated, every movement silent, as if he were part of the shadows. The young woman beside him, still trembling, kept her hood down, trying to hide the fear reflected in her posture.
— It's not safe to stay here — murmured Kuto, lowering his voice, almost blending with the wind. — We need to move before someone sees us.
Raimi shrank even further, hugging herself as if she could become invisible. Every fiber of her being screamed alert. But Kuto had no rush; he moved with surgical precision, attentive to every sound. Guards patrolled the area, their armor shining under the lanterns' faint light, each clang a silent threat. One wrong move and the entire mission could collapse.
— Where are we going? — she whispered, her soft voice barely cutting through the sharp wind.
— To a safe place. Just trust me — Kuto replied, keeping his eyes fixed ahead. — Don't look back, and don't speak loudly. Every sound could give us away.
As they moved through the twisting alleys, Kuto activated his HUD, quickly analyzing every detail: the mission, the proximity status of the girl, possible threats in the surroundings. The interface blinked, emphasizing the urgency of what was coming:
Side Quest: Protect the girl until dawn.
The timer counted every second approaching dawn. Kuto frowned. The goal wasn't just to bring her to safety; it was to stay close, vigilant, ready to react instantly to any threat.
They avoided crowded streets and larger lanterns, and Kuto kept his body pressed against the walls, listening to every whisper of wind, every creak of wood or stone. Raimi, despite her evident fear, followed his steps with surprising agility and silence, showing she wasn't entirely inexperienced in dangerous situations.
— Kuto… — she finally broke the silence — I'm scared.
He glanced at her face illuminated by the bluish light and replied calmly:
— I know. But trust me. I'll make sure nothing happens. Just a few more minutes until we reach the inn.
The path twisted through streets and alleys, each turn bringing new tension, every shadow potentially lethal. At last, in the distance, the small inn appeared, softly lit by magical lanterns floating above the entrance, casting a warm glow in contrast to the cold, silent night of Zordis.
The door creaked gently when Kuto opened it, and they both stepped inside. Raimi took a deep breath, relieved, but still tense, as if she couldn't fully trust that they were safe. With a swift motion, she removed her hood, revealing long, wavy blonde hair that reflected the warm light. Her piercing blue eyes scanned the room, determined, showing courage hidden beneath the cloak of fear.
The receptionist, surprised, opened her mouth, but Raimi silenced her with a stern look.
— Isn't there any room available for this young woman? — Kuto asked firmly.
The woman hesitated, about to respond, but retreated before Raimi's unwavering gaze.
— Unfortunately, the last available rooms have been occupied — she said, embarrassed.
Raimi frowned, but her firmness was clear:
— Then there is no choice. I will share a room with him.
The receptionist, astonished, eventually allowed it, and they proceeded silently down the corridor. During the walk, Raimi finally broke the silence:
— By the way… what's your name, sir?
— Kuto — he replied, serious, without humor.
— Nice to meet you, Kuto. I'm Raimi — she said with a faint smile.
— Nice to meet you — he replied, maintaining his usual composure, every gesture measured and cautious.
In the dining room, their companions noticed the young woman. Some yawned, others whispered. Sónia, always curious, asked:
— Who is that hooded person?
Raimi removed her hood, revealing an almost hypnotic presence: blonde hair, blue eyes, a firm posture, and natural confidence. Romeu, ever theatrical, approached, trying to lighten the tension with charm:
— Wow, where did all this beauty come from?
Selina frowned:
— Romeu, stay back!
— But princess, I brought a flower too! — he replied, smiling.
Raimi, with cold authority, silenced any further approach:
— Step back. You know what I'm capable of.
Romeu recoiled, startled. Kuto then explained succinctly and firmly:
— I found her being chased. I decided to bring her here for the night. Tomorrow, she will continue her journey.
Jack, ever curious, asked:
— Raimi, why are they chasing you?
— I can't reveal much — she said seriously. — Just know I'm being forced to do something I don't want. I appreciate shelter for tonight. Tomorrow I'll continue my path.
The group understood. Kuto then spoke to Selina:
— Please let her stay in your room tonight.
— She can stay with me — Selina replied immediately.
Kuto nodded, satisfied.
Kuto's HUD blinked again:
Mission Compromised: Maintain proximity to the girl.
The timer began its countdown. He understood the rule: staying within a maximum of five feet (1.5 meters) was essential. He carefully approached Selina's room, opening the door cautiously. He positioned himself near Raimi, and the countdown stopped. A silent test of the system, a reminder of the responsibility he carried.
— Selina — Kuto said firmly — I'll stay here. She will be safe with me tonight.
Raimi blushed slightly, surprised by the closeness:
— So… I'll be sleeping with you? — she murmured.
Selina, indignant, exclaimed:
— What? You pervert!
— I'll explain tomorrow — Kuto said, guiding Raimi to the bed — Sleep.
Raimi, nervous, asked:
— What are you going to do with me?
— Nothing that will scare you. I'll just be here to ensure your safety — he replied, sitting near the bed.
Raimi only smiled and softly said it was kind of him to protect someone he didn't know.
The tension, the fear, the warmth of closeness, all seemed to merge in silence. Raimi closed her eyes and whispered good night.
Kuto then left the bed and sat on a chair near the window, staying alert to every sound, every shadow that might pass the door. Each minute felt like an eternity, but he was determined: nothing would happen to her. Yet time passed, and he could not remain awake any longer. Without noticing, he had fallen asleep.
The next day, when the first rays of dawn illuminated the room, Kuto realized he had slept briefly. Upon opening his eyes, his heart raced: the room was empty. Raimi was gone. Where could she have gone? Who could have entered without him noticing? The tension of the night transformed into pure urgency, and the echo of his footsteps and thoughts filled the silent, empty room.