The night sky grew dark, as if covered by a cauldron with its lid on. Very dark. There was only a road, but it was no longer neat. No magic lamps, no trace of human life.
Rena and Claire's steps finally slowed. In front of them, it was truly dark.
Claire, seeing the situation, easily summoned her bow in her right hand, its light illuminating the surrounding area slightly. Her eyes squinted as she directed her gaze toward Rena, then said.
Rena… this is no longer a game. We are now in a territory we cannot take lightly.
Claire paused for a moment, swallowed, then looked ahead.
This is the lawless territory…!!!
Hearing that, Rena just stayed silent. Her eyes darted around slowly, her face serious, then she concluded to herself: the ground beneath her feet was cracked and uneven, filled with traces of old destruction. Some collapsed buildings could be seen in the distance—not from age, but as if forcibly destroyed. A ruined area. No residents. No human sounds.
Rena then stepped a little further ahead, turning her back to Hero Claire. She pulled both hands out of her large robe pockets. This time, her hands weren't clenched, just wide open like someone calm. She concluded again: if she looked further, the trees grew dense. Dark. Roots spread out from the ground like hands trying to reach anyone who entered.
Rena swallowed slowly.
Ahh… right… according to the books I studied at school… these characteristics belong to… the forbidden forest.
The air there felt heavy. Even without stepping in, she could already feel a different pressure.
In the same silence, while both were still analyzing their surroundings, suddenly a sound was heard. A low growl. Heavy footsteps.
Rena reacted quickly. With her left hand, she reached into the right pocket of her large robe, pulled out the plastic bag, and in one motion, took out the great sword using only her right hand. The sound of the sword being drawn split the air, creating a sharp slicing wind around it, causing several leaves to fall from the trees.
Swooshshshhh!!
Seeing that, Hero Claire remained calm. She squinted her eyes toward the area.
Ah… Rena, calm down… they won't attack. That area… is clearly no longer human territory. It's territory controlled by monsters.
Rena was confused. She still stared at the forbidden forest, then turned to Claire.
What do you mean, Hero Claire? Isn't the forbidden forest dangerous? And according to what I read in the books, they would attack anyone nearby??
With her cheeks slightly lifted, Claire looked at Rena's sword.
They won't… didn't the Headmaster also teach you not to rely only on books? You have to feel it yourself.
Rena paused for a moment, then said calmly, both hands now clenched tightly.
Well then… based on what I learned at school—even if it's not entirely accurate, like Hero Claire said—this is no longer just an abandoned area… but a place where the line between living and being hunted is very thin. Anyone could be the predator or the prey…
Claire nodded slightly, turning her gaze toward Rena.
That's right… and this time, we're not just here to look around, Rena. As a hero, I have a purpose. And that purpose will surely be useful, even if the benefit isn't for me…
Rena stood still, digesting those words. Then she clenched her right fist tightly, staring at Claire.
Ah… then what Hero Claire means… is me, right!!
But confusion still lingered.
If so… what's the point? If it's training, I can do it alone!!
Claire didn't answer immediately. She just nodded, then lifted her gaze into the distance and tried to shift to another topic.
If you look over there… to the north, far away…
Rena followed that direction. Her eyes squinted. The distance was very far, on the horizon. But the aura alone was enough to make the air around them heavier. In the distance, a shadow of something could be seen. Large. Vague. But clearly not something ordinary.
Claire's voice was now calmer, firmer.
That's right… that's the place.
The two spoke almost simultaneously.
The dragon's lair…
The dragon's lair?
Claire nodded without dramatics.
Yes… not an ordinary dragon. The dragon that has been a threat—the dragon that destroys humanity.
Rena's mouth hung open. Both hands went back into her large robe pockets.
Wow… truly… so many things I only learned about, now I'm seeing them myself… here… amazing…
She paused for a moment, then looked at the sword in her right hand. Her face was covered in shadow.
If only… the Headmaster hadn't taken me in… maybe all I would know is the outer territory…
Briefly, a memory flashed—words she had been waiting for all this time.
"Rena… if you graduate… I will show you everything you've learned in this school with your own eyes…"
Rena fell silent, still lost in her thoughts.
Claire continued calmly.
And… it's currently being faced. Heroes from various kingdoms have already gathered there.
Rena's eyes sparkled. She immediately got ready, gripping her sword tighter.
Then… can we go there!! If so, I want to, Hero Claire!! I'm ready to volunteer!!!
Claire didn't answer immediately. She kept staring in that direction for a few seconds, then shifted her gaze.
Rena… that's not our task. The ones sent there… are only the chosen ones.
Rena wanted to respond, but this time she tried to understand. Claire's tone showed no desire to run away, nor any regret. Just… a decision worth respecting.
Rena's brows arched upward, her mouth slightly open.
So… this really is all about me… huh…
Claire stepped slightly forward—not toward the dragon, but looking around this area.
That's right… if I went there now, I would have to leave something closer behind.
She glanced at Rena briefly, her cheeks lifted but serious.
Something more important… and certainly useful for the future. And that's you, Rena.
Suddenly, the bow in Claire's hand shot one arrow toward a forbidden tree. The arrow hit and set several parts of the tree on fire.
Seeing that, Rena immediately understood. She got ready.
Ah!! Don't tell me!!! This is just like I suspected?!!
But before she realized it, the bow suddenly vanished from Claire's hand. Their surroundings went dark again—more chilling.
Rena was startled for a moment. But on the other hand, her cheeks lifted, full of spirit.
Yeah… that's right. This is training. And I shouldn't rely on others… just myself!!!
That shot triggered something. The monsters around began to emerge, especially from the forbidden trees.
Claire spoke quickly, her eyes squinting.
And now it's time for you to improve yourself, Rena!! Now!! For real!!!
Rena stood in a ready stance. Both hands held her great sword. Her eyes were sharp, aimed at the monsters.
Around her was darkness. There was only the road. No more neat roads, no magic lamps, no traces of human life.
Only monsters.
Rena took a breath. Then shouted with determination.
Well then!!! Come on, monsters!!