Kael looked at the woman standing before him.
"Lyra," he repeated quietly.
She nodded confidently.
"That's right. Leader of the Silver Fang Mercenaries."
Kael studied her carefully. She didn't look weak. Her posture, the way she stood, and the calm in her eyes told him she was a skilled fighter.
But he had spent most of his life fighting alone.
"Why me?" Kael asked.
Lyra shrugged.
"I've seen many warriors. Most of them brag loudly or act like fools." She pointed at him. "But you're different."
Kael raised an eyebrow.
"You walked into this city injured, covered in battle scars, yet you're still standing. That tells me you survived something big."
Kael remained silent.
Lyra smiled slightly.
"And people like you are valuable."
Just then, the system appeared again.
New Choice
Option 1: Join the Silver Fang MercenariesReward: Allies, Training, Resources
Option 2: Remain AloneReward: Freedom, Hidden Opportunities
Kael looked at the options carefully.
Working alone had helped him survive so far.
But if he wanted to grow stronger… faster…
Allies might be useful.
Lyra watched him think.
"Well?" she asked. "What's your answer?"
After a moment, Kael finally spoke.
"I'll join."
Lyra's smile widened.
"Good choice."
She turned and began walking down the street.
"Come on then. I'll introduce you to the others."
A few minutes later, they arrived at a large building near the center of the city.
Inside, several warriors sat around tables, eating, drinking, and sharpening their weapons.
When Lyra entered, everyone looked up.
"Boss is back!"
One of the men noticed Kael.
"Who's the new guy?"
Lyra pointed at him.
"This is Kael. He's joining us."
A large warrior with a scar across his face laughed loudly.
"He doesn't look like much."
Kael ignored the comment.
Lyra crossed her arms.
"Don't underestimate him."
The room grew quiet.
"If he survives our next mission," she continued, "then you'll know why I recruited him."
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Mission?"
Lyra nodded.
"Yes."
Her expression became serious.
"There's a dangerous job waiting for us outside the city."
She leaned forward slightly.
"And if the rumors are true…"
Her eyes glinted with excitement.
"…it might involve something connected to the War God."
Kael's heart skipped a beat.
The legacy he carried…
Might not be the only one.
To be continued…