"Hey! You big lizard!"
Airiri's sharp voice echoed across the empty mountain valley.
"Hero Airiri is here! Prepare yourself!"
The Red Mirror Dragon opened its eyes, its vertical pupils locking onto the tiny human standing before it.
It slowly rose to its feet, spreading its massive wings.
ROOOAR—!
A thunderous roar exploded outward, the shockwave forcing Airiri back several steps. She nearly fell, but managed to steady herself, raising her rusted sword and striking an unsteady stance.
"Come on!" she shouted. "I'm ready!"
The dragon opened its jaws. A crimson glow flared deep in its throat—the sign of incoming dragonfire.
At that moment, Ren stepped out from behind a boulder, hands resting calmly on the hilts of his swords, his gaze fixed on the dragon.
The Red Mirror Dragon's eyes shifted past Airiri… and landed on him.
Its massive body stiffened.
The glow in its throat vanished.
Its pupils shrank violently.
Then it noticed Kraft.
The elven monk stood with his arms folded, expression blank, silently observing.
The dragon's legs began to tremble.
Then, to their astonishment...
It folded its wings, lowered its enormous head, and pressed its body against the snow.
"…Woof."
A submissive, pitiful sound escaped its throat.
Airiri froze.
The terrifying Red Mirror Dragon, now lying flat on the ground like a scolded pet dog, wagged its tail twice before suddenly flapping its wings and bolting skyward.
The wind howled as it fled, vanishing into the clouds in the blink of an eye.
Silence returned to the valley.
"...It… ran away?"
Airiri stood frozen, sword still raised. "I… scared it off?"
Ren walked over and smiled faintly.
"Looks like it."
Kraft coughed lightly, doing his best not to laugh.
"Your heroic aura must've been overwhelming."
"Really?!" Airiri spun around, eyes shining. "I knew I had it in me! I knew I was destined to be a hero!"
She rushed over and grabbed Ren's arm, then tugged on Kraft's sleeve.
"Did you see that?! It even barked! I scared a dragon into barking!"
"Yeah, yeah," Ren said, freeing his arm. "Mission accomplished. Let's head back."
"Wait!"
Airiri suddenly struck a serious pose.
"Since you've witnessed my strength, I officially invite you to join my adventuring party!"
"That dragon fled north. We should chase it down and finish the job!"
She swung her rusted sword dramatically.
Ren glanced at his map. "North is also on our route."
Airiri beamed. "See? Fate!"
Kraft looked at Ren. "What do you think?"
"Works for me," Ren said, already walking forward.
"Yes!" Airiri cheered. "Operation Dragon Hunt begins!"
---
Later That Evening...
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the snow.
Airiri walked ahead, humming cheerfully.
Ren and Kraft followed at an easy pace.
"You sure you want to bring her along?" Kraft asked quietly.
"She makes things lively," Ren replied with a smile.
"Fair enough."
Back in the village, the elder wept with relief upon hearing the dragon had fled.
Airiri packed her things. Two changes of clothes, her rusted sword, and a dog-eared copy of The Hero Himmel's Biography.
"Grandpa, I'm leaving!"
"Don't cause trouble!" the old man shouted. "And come back if things go bad!"
"I'll return in full glory!" Airiri declared, marching ahead.
The three set off together, snow crunching beneath their feet.
...
Two Days Later – Sessie City.
After traveling by carriage, they arrived at a heavily fortified city.
High stone walls bristled with ballistae and siege weapons. Black banners snapped in the wind.
At the gate, soldiers inspected travelers one by one.
"Name, occupation, and purpose of entry."
"Airiri! Hero!" she declared proudly.
The guard wrote something down: [Unemployed.]
"Hey!"
Ren stepped forward, offering two silver coins. "Ren. Adventurer."
They were allowed through.
Inside, the city bustled with weaponsmiths and mercenaries. The air smelled of iron and smoke.
"This place is amazing!" Airiri gawked at the shops. "Look at that sword!"
"That's mithril," Ren said flatly. "You wouldn't afford it even if you sold yourself twice."
"Hey!"
They checked into The Hero's Rest, an inn rumored to have once hosted Himmel himself.
That night, the tavern was lively.
A drunk adventurer leaned over from the next table.
"Did you hear? A big deal person arrived today."
"Who?"
"The successor of the Hero of the South!"
Ren's hand paused mid-drink.
"Apparently he wiped out a pack of ogres by himself."
Airiri, eyes sparkling, leaned in. "Really?!"
At that moment, the tavern doors opened.
A tall man in ornate armor stepped inside, golden hair gleaming, twin jeweled swords at his waist.
"That's him!"
"Leo-sama! the successor of the South Hero!"
Cheers erupted.
Leo smiled confidently and took a seat as attendants rushed to serve him.
Airiri leapt up.
"I'm joining his party!"
"Sit down," Ren said, grabbing her shoulder.
"But he's a hero!"
"Exactly."
She broke free and rushed over.
"Sir Leo! I'm Airiri! Let me join your expedition!"
Leo studied her briefly, then smiled.
"If you have the courage, you may follow."
Airiri nearly burst from excitement.
She ran back, grinning.
"They said yes! You're coming too, right?!"
Kraft sighed.
Ren stood, draining his drink.
"If that man truly carries the Hero of the South's name…"
"…then I can't ignore it."
He straightened his coat.
"Let's go see what kind of 'successor' he really is."