The sun had barely risen when Kuto opened his eyes.
The room was silent, except for the distant sound of birds and the soft rustling of the curtain moved by the wind. He sat up slowly, running his hand over his still-sleepy face, but his expression remained cold and firm.
The bed in front of him was empty.
Raimi had disappeared.
Kuto remained silent for a few seconds, observing the rumpled sheet and the faint mark left on the pillow. No note, no clue. Just the mute echo of a presence that was no longer there.
He stood up, draped the dark cloak over his shoulders, and murmured in a low, controlled tone:
— So… she's gone.
Despite his calm demeanor, there was something in his eyes — a spark of concern that betrayed the weight behind his meticulous reasoning.
Kuto opened the room door and walked down the hallway of the inn. The place was still asleep. Only a few magical lights flickered, reflecting on the old wooden walls.
He took a deep breath and walked silently to the end of the corridor, knocking softly on the first door.
— Wake up. We need to talk. — His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.
A collective groan came from inside.
— But it's so early… — muttered Romeu, wrapped in a blanket.
— Kuto… please tell me this is a dream — murmured Sónia, eyes half-closed.
— What now? — added Haru, scratching his head.
Kuto remained impassive.
— Raimi has disappeared.
The words, simple and direct, cut through the silence like a blade. Everyone woke instantly.
Selina blinked several times before speaking:
— Wait… disappeared? What do you mean? — She quickly fixed her hair, as if the news had made her forget she was still in pajamas.
— She was with you last night, wasn't she? — she added, raising an eyebrow.
The group fell silent for a moment, and then Haru let out a mischievous smile:
— So… you spent the night with her? With an NPC?
Kuto calmly turned his gaze toward him, cold enough to make Haru swallow hard.
— Don't jump to conclusions. It was a side quest from my HUD. Nothing more.
Romeu got up, still half-dazed, but with his usual playful tone:
— Side quest, huh? — He crossed his arms and laughed. — So the hero of the group leveled up by sleeping with a mysterious blonde? Nice way to level up, Kuto.
Kuto sighed, ignoring the provocation.
He opened his HUD before them, and the translucent interface appeared clearly: Level 5. Mission: "Protect the girl until dawn" — Completed.
The bluish light reflected on the companions' faces.
— See? — Kuto said. — That's all it was.
Romeu was momentarily speechless, scratching the back of his neck with an embarrassed expression. Selina, on the other hand, let out a small laugh.
— Not everyone is like you, Romeu.
Jack, always the most composed, stood up and took the lead:
— Now that everyone is awake, we should make the most of it. Let's get ready. Today, we're going to the Royal Palace.
— Royal Palace? — repeated Gunja, frowning.
— Yes — Jack replied. — If we want to survive here, we need allies. The palace can offer lodging, security, and access to high-level information and missions.
— And what do we give in return for all that? — asked Haru, crossing his arms.
— Our services — Jack answered. — Mages, warriors, strategists… everything we have can be useful to the court.
Kuto observed him in silence for a few seconds and then murmured:
— I hope your idea works…
While the group split up to bathe and prepare, Kuto glanced back at the HUD. The record of the completed mission still flashed in his mind: "Protect until dawn."
He had completed the objective… and yet, something inside told him it wasn't over.
When they finally descended to the inn's main hall, the receptionist was waiting for them. As soon as she saw Kuto, she looked away, her face slightly flushed.
— Ah… good morning, Mr. Kuto… — she said hesitantly.
— Good morning — he replied, indifferent.
The others, noticing her embarrassment, could barely hold back laughter.
— Seems the news spread fast — whispered Sónia, amused.
Kuto ignored it, walking straight toward the door.
Outside, the sun was already illuminating the streets of Zordis. The city buzzed with life, merchants opening shops, children running, and the distant sound of bells echoing in the air.
On the way to the palace, Gunja brought up the matter again:
— Hey, Jack, I still think it's risky to go straight to the king. Wouldn't it be better to start with a captain of the guard or something?
Jack answered without hesitation:
— Maybe. But we need to be bold. The king has the resources we need. Also, Mr. Beltron will help us get the audience.
Haru raised an eyebrow.
— Beltron? The merchant from that day?
— The very same — said Jack. — He is quite influential in the palace. If we find him there, he can open doors for us.
— I hope so — muttered Kuto, adjusting the sword on his back. — Because I have no patience for arrogant guards.
When they reached the gates of the Royal Palace, their predictions came true. Two imposing guards crossed their spears in front of the group.
— Entry forbidden. The king is not receiving visitors. — said one firmly.
Jack stepped forward.
— We are requesting only an audience. It is an important matter.
— I don't care. Leave. — the other guard replied, rigidly.
The tension began to rise. Kuto, with his cold gaze and calm demeanor, already calculated the possibilities. He could disarm both in under ten seconds.
But before he could act, a familiar voice echoed:
— Let them pass.
Everyone turned. Mr. Beltron approached, elegant as ever, with a satisfied smile.
— These young people are with me — he said, facing the guards.
— Mr. Beltron… but… — one tried to argue.
— No "buts." I have an appointment with the royal merchant, and they are coming with me.
The guards exchanged glances, hesitated for a moment, then opened the gate.
— Enter — they finally said.
The group crossed the gates and was taken aback by a mix of awe and admiration. The Royal Palace of Zordis was colossal.
The towers seemed to touch the sky, and the kingdom's flags fluttered in the wind. Magical gardens extended on both sides, with flowers emitting a soft glow. Magical energy fountains lined the path, creating a symphony of light and sound.
The interior was even more impressive.
Long corridors bathed in colored stained glass, tapestries depicting ancient battles, and sculptures of legendary heroes. Every step echoed on the polished white marble.
Beltron turned to them:
— I have an appointment with the royal merchant. I leave you here. Speak with the chief guard; he will know what to do.
— Right — replied Jack, bowing slightly. — Thank you.
Beltron walked away, disappearing among the golden columns. Shortly after, a guard in silver armor appeared.
— Follow me. The king awaits you.
The group exchanged surprised looks but followed without hesitation.
Guided through passages decorated with gold and luminous magic, they arrived at the great Royal Hall. The doors opened with an imposing sound, revealing a magnificent hall with a blue crystal throne at the center.
Three seats dominated the space.
On the main throne sat the King of Zordis, a man of unwavering presence, gray-haired, with a wise gaze. To his right, the Queen, elegant and gentle.
But what truly stunned the group was what they saw to the left.
There, sitting with the same serene and confident expression, was Raimi.
She wore a white and blue dress adorned with mystical gems and golden details. Her blonde hair, once hidden under a hood, now flowed freely, reflecting the hall's light like pure gold. Her blue eyes shone with both authority and sweetness.
Kuto felt the world slow for a moment.
— Raimi… — he murmured, surprised.
Selina's mouth fell open.
— She… she is…
Jack stepped forward, incredulous.
— The Princess of Zordis…
The king stood with a firm, commanding voice:
— I see you already know my daughter, Princess Raimi.
Silence dominated the hall.
The same girl Kuto had found hooded and wounded, the one he believed to be just an ordinary NPC… was, in fact, the princess of the kingdom.
Romeu was the first to break the silence:
— So… you mean the mysterious girl Kuto brought to sleep was the princess?
Selina immediately slapped him on the arm.
— Shut up, Romeu!
The king observed the scene with a slight smile as Raimi stood.
— It's alright, father. They didn't know.
She walked toward the group, her graceful steps echoing on the marble floor. She stopped in front of Kuto, looking at him with a mixture of gratitude and mild embarrassment.
— Last night… you saved me. If it weren't for you, perhaps I wouldn't be here.
Kuto met her gaze with his usual calm expression.
— I was just completing a mission.
She smiled lightly.
— Even so, thank you.
The king then stepped forward, crossing his arms.
— Young man, you have my gratitude. But also my curiosity. Few men would confront night guards for a stranger… especially without knowing who she was.
Kuto tilted his head slightly.
— It wasn't courage, Your Majesty. It was instinct.
The brief, cold answer made the king smile.
— A man of few words. I like that.
The group remained silent, trying to process everything.
Raimi, however, looked at Kuto once more, with something more in her eyes — something he couldn't quite decipher. There was a mix of respect, curiosity, and a subtle hidden emotion.
The tension in the air gradually eased.
But one thing was certain: nothing would ever be the same after that encounter.