Mirai woke in her modest room at the inn. Slowly sitting on the edge of her bed, she focused her attention on the areas where she'd sustained injuries during yesterday's battle. Although Hikari's magic had fully healed her wounds, an instinctive need prompted her to confirm it herself. She gently touched her skin, finding no trace of wounds or bruises. A faint smile crossed her lips as she thought, "Good. It's as if I was never injured at all."

  She left the inn and headed toward the guild, dressed in a white kimono lined with red patterns—a replacement she'd purchased yesterday after her previous one had been torn.

  Halfway to her destination, she encountered Hikari, whose face lit up at seeing her. His eyes sparkled with genuine warmth as he approached.

  "Good morning! How are you feeling today?" he asked with a gentle smile.

  "Much better now, thanks to your healing," Mirai responded softly.

  They continued together toward the guild. Upon arrival, they found a large crowd gathered inside. While Hikari's curiosity sparked, Mirai appeared uninterested, steadily making her way through the throng. They approached Akane, and Hikari asked curiously, "What's happening? Why is everyone gathered here?"

  Akane, seeming slightly distressed, responded, "A demon appeared yesterday in one of the dungeons. A survivor escaped and reported it. The reward for defeating it is substantial."

  Hikari was startled by the news, quickly realizing, "We didn't tell anyone about that. The person we helped yesterday must have informed them." He was about to speak but hesitated.

  Suddenly, Mirai silenced him with a gentle yet firm hand on his shoulder. Hikari looked at her questioningly and noticed in her eyes a clear plea for silence. Mirai had no intention of drawing attention to themselves.

  Understanding her intent, Hikari decided to remain quiet. Instead, he turned to Akane, saying, "I hope everything turns out alright."

  "I hope so too," Akane replied, worry filling her eyes.

  Noticing Akane's troubled expression, Hikari asked, "Is something else bothering you?"

  "Yes," Akane replied. "Due to the demon's appearance, most adventurers ranked A or higher want to hunt it down, leaving many crucial missions unattended. Last night, we received news that Sira Village has been suffering frequent attacks from monsters and bandits. Many villagers are severely injured, and the village is in critical condition. Nobody wants to take that mission because of the demon hunt. The villagers can't hold out much longer. If things continue this way, they won't survive."

  A spark of excitement crossed Mirai's eyes as she declared, "Then Hikari and I will take the mission."

  Akane looked at Mirai in surprise. "Excuse me, but are you and Hikari-san in the same team?"

  "Yes. We formed a team yesterday," Mirai confirmed confidently.

  Akane hesitated. "Actually, I can't approve it."

  "Why?" Mirai questioned immediately.

  Akane explained, "This mission requires a team of at least four members, with two ranked A or higher. It's extremely dangerous. Your rank, Mirai-san, is B. As for Hikari-san, his rank is F."

  Upon hearing these words, Hikari felt sadness wash over him, his eyes dropping to the ground. Akane continued, "I'm really sorry, but I can't—"

  "It doesn't matter," Mirai interrupted with steady indifference. "Hikari and I can complete this mission."

  Akane hesitated deeply but eventually relented. "Please be very careful," she urged cautiously.

  With approval granted, Mirai and Hikari left the guild. Outside, Hikari turned to her with grateful eyes, confidently promising, "I'll give it my all to ensure the mission succeeds. I promise not to be a burden."

  They headed to the carriage station, boarding one bound for Sira Village. As they traveled beyond the city, Mirai remembered something and asked, "Hikari, is it rare to encounter demons here?"

  "Yes," Hikari replied. "Seeing a dangerous demon inside a fortified dungeon is quite uncommon."

  "Are demons weak?" Mirai inquired. "Everyone in the guild seemed eager to hunt it down."

  Hikari clarified, "That demon is a wanted criminal, and demons aren't weak at all. Most demons possess immense power, making them extremely difficult to defeat. Everyone's eagerness stems from the huge reward offered. Such high rewards blind adventurers at the guild. Defeating a deadly demon offers great advantages: first, a significant rank promotion; second, a substantial financial reward." He then added more comfortably, "I'm glad you defeated it. Many people could have been killed otherwise."

  ***

  They arrived at the outskirts of Sira Village. The sight greeting them was devastating: destruction visible everywhere, houses reduced to rubble, and fires burning in scattered areas. Villagers appeared terrified and hopeless, gathering in small groups to aid the injured.

  Upon witnessing this scene, Hikari swiftly jumped from the carriage and ran toward them. The villagers eyed him suspiciously, some gripping primitive weapons tightly, readying themselves against potential threats.

  "We're here to help you; we've accepted a mission from the guild," Hikari announced clearly and reassuringly, raising his hands to ease their fears. "We're here to support you."

  After moments of tense hesitation, the villagers gradually lowered their makeshift weapons. Mirai stepped down from the carriage and stood beside Hikari. As they ventured deeper into the village, the scene became even more heart-wrenching than anticipated. Wounded villagers lay scattered throughout, writhing in pain, while frightened children clung desperately to their injured parents.

  With a heavy heart, Hikari approached one injured man, placing his hands gently over the wounds. A soft light emanated from his palms, fully healing the man's injuries. The man opened his eyes in astonishment. "The pain is gone!" he exclaimed, disbelief clear on his face.

  Hikari smiled reassuringly. "I'm glad you're alright." He continued moving through the village, healing everyone injured one by one. But each time Hikari used his magic, Mirai felt an inexplicable discomfort creeping inside her, escalating into a powerful irritation that briefly compelled her to attack him. Disturbed by these strange emotions, she stepped aside to sit in solitude, trying to calm her troubled thoughts.

  After Hikari finished healing everyone, an elderly man approached him gratefully. "Thank you, young man. We'd lost hope for those critically injured. I don't know how to express our gratitude."

  "There's no need for thanks. It's my duty," Hikari responded humbly.

  "I'm Riko, the head of this village," the elderly man introduced himself.

  Hikari replied, "I'm Hikari, an adventurer from Silverine."

  Slight relief crossed Riko's face, quickly replaced by seriousness. "I'm glad someone accepted this mission so quickly. However, things won't be easy. We might be attacked again tonight." His eyes glistened with apprehension as he added, "Where's the rest of your team? Are they waiting outside?"

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  Hikari answered evenly, pointing toward Mirai, who stood a short distance away. "No, it's just the two of us."

  Riko's eyes widened in shock, his expression shifting to anger and annoyance. "What? Only you two? Didn't Akane send a full team? You and that girl can't protect the village alone!"

  Despite the elder's reaction, Hikari remained composed and offered a confident, reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Riko-san. Everything will be alright."

  However, Hikari suddenly recalled something important and asked seriously, "Riko-san, can you tell me more about the attackers?"

  Riko sighed heavily, answering with clear frustration, "I don't know anything specific about them. They appeared suddenly and attacked us. We barely managed to fend them off. And every time they return, they're stronger and greater in number."

  Hikari listened intently, feeling increasingly uneasy. Lost in thought, he suddenly realized Mirai had disappeared. Quickly turning, he searched for her with concern until he finally found her sitting alone in a quiet corner, staring blankly ahead with a mysterious expression—a mixture of confusion and irritation.

  Hesitantly, he approached and sat beside her, speaking softly, "Mirai-san, are you alright?"

  Mirai remained silent for a moment before raising her eyes and asking steadily, "What's wrong?"

  He carefully chose his words: "I wanted to discuss this mission with you. I have some serious concerns. It might be more dangerous than we initially thought."

  Intrigued, she looked at him and asked, "Did you notice something suspicious?"

  Shaking his head slightly, he replied, "No, but some things don't add up. The village chief said the attackers keep appearing suddenly, stronger each time. It's odd. What reason would they have for repeatedly attacking this place? The village doesn't seem to have anything special."

  Pausing briefly, he added, "What Akane mentioned about bandits and monsters attacking together is suspicious. It suggests someone is controlling them—a monster tamer."

  Mirai considered this thoughtfully and slowly said, "You're right. I hadn't considered that before. But why didn't you ask the village chief directly?"

  Hikari smiled faintly. "Because it's clear he wouldn't have answered honestly. I suspect they're hiding an artifact."

  Mirai looked at him curiously. "How did you figure that out just by looking? There were no obvious signs."

  Hikari's expression turned thoughtful. "I've spent years studying artifacts. There's one I read about—the Life Shield. It creates a magical circle that strengthens the body and accelerates healing for a short period. But it has a flaw, especially when used repeatedly."

  He glanced at her, lowering his voice. "In men, it leaves behind a distinct side effect. Their skin becomes denser, almost stone-like in texture. It's not obvious unless you know what to look for."

  Mirai raised an eyebrow. "You noticed something like that?"

  He nodded slightly. "Yes. Some of the older villagers had that hardened, rough texture on their arms and necks. It wasn't natural. That, combined with the fact that they've been attacked multiple times yet no one ever died? That's what led me to believe the artifact was being used."

  He leaned back slightly, as if replaying the logic in his mind. "They're surviving what should be fatal encounters. That doesn't happen without help or magic."

  Before Mirai could respond, a frantic shout shattered the tense atmosphere: "They're here!"

  Mirai stood immediately and moved steadily toward the source of the shout, with Hikari following close behind. When they arrived, they saw a large group of attackers approaching, accompanied by numerous monsters.

  Scanning their surroundings, Hikari noticed other groups approaching from both east and west. He said urgently to Mirai, "This is bad. The villagers are going to be overwhelmed."

  Mirai stepped forward eagerly, stating confidently, "Our job is to eliminate criminals. Stay behind me." She whispered to herself, "I hope they provide some entertainment."

  Hikari spotted a small, seemingly vacant house at the village's center. "I'll go there and support you with one of my spells," he told her quickly.

  Mirai nodded without looking back, charging straight toward the attackers. Hikari moved swiftly toward the small house, preparing to execute his plan.

  Elsewhere, inside his home, the village chief desperately held the artifact in trembling hands. He tried activating it, but it remained dormant. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead as he whispered with dread, "If this doesn't work now, we're doomed."

  Just as hope began to fade, a bright golden light suddenly emerged, forming a large circular barrier surrounding the entire village. At that moment, Mirai froze in shock, unable to move. Taking advantage, an attacker swiftly struck her, inflicting a shallow wound.

  Mirai quickly regained her senses, stepping back and examining her wound. She watched in amazement as it slowly healed itself. Astonished, she glanced around and saw wounded villagers rising, their injuries similarly healing. Initially stunned, the villagers quickly regained courage and charged once more against their attackers. Each injury they sustained healed instantly, fueling their confidence.

  Mirai rejoined the battle fiercely. Within a short time, all attackers and monsters had been defeated, and calm returned to the village. Yet Mirai stood there, unease creeping into her heart. She searched for Hikari, but he was nowhere to be seen.

  She hurried to the small house Hikari had entered before the battle, troubled thoughts racing through her mind. "What just happened? For a moment, I felt like I was burning from within." She carefully opened the door, stepping inside to find Hikari unconscious on the floor, completely drained of energy.

  Slowly approaching him, she examined his exhausted face closely. An inexplicable feeling overwhelmed her—a sudden urge to end his life. Her hand unconsciously rose, gripping her sword, driven by an impulse beyond her control. However, at the last moment, she hesitated. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she lowered the sword.

  "No," she whispered to herself. "He's the only one who can heal me. I'll delay this for now."

  ---

  Hikari slowly opened his eyes, feeling extremely weak, barely able to move his limbs.

  "How are you feeling?" a steady voice beside his bed asked. Turning weakly, he saw Mirai sitting in silence, watching him intently. Struggling, he tried to sit up, whispering, "Yes. I'm fine," though he barely managed to sit on the bed's edge.

  "Where am I? What happened yesterday?" he asked, confused.

  "We're in the village chief's house. As for the attackers and monsters, they were all defeated," Mirai explained evenly, though her tone hinted at deeper contemplation.

  "Did anyone die?" Hikari asked with concern.

  "No, everyone's fine. In fact, no one even sustained permanent injuries," she replied with a faint reassuring smile.

  Relieved, Hikari took a deep breath and smiled. "That's good. I'm glad."

  "Hikari," Mirai began hesitantly, "what was the spell you used yesterday?"

  "It's an area-wide healing spell," he responded softly.

  "And how did you learn such magic?" she asked curiously.

  "I discovered it by accident a few years ago," he replied reluctantly.

  Amazed, Mirai remarked, "You mastered something like that by accident? That's impressive."

  Shaking his head slightly, Hikari countered, "It's not as special as you think. It has drawbacks—it requires 70% of my magical energy, and I can't maintain it for long."

  Mirai smiled gently, assuring him, "Those aren't flaws. Every unique spell has conditions for use."

  He carefully studied her before cautiously asking, "Did you get injured at all?"

  She quickly replied, "No, I'm fine."

  "I mean during the fight?" His voice carried urgency as his gaze remained fixed on her, clearly concerned.

  After brief hesitation, Mirai said softly, "Just a small wound, but it healed quickly. Nothing to worry about."

  Hikari nodded thoughtfully, though something deeper reflected in his eyes—concern Mirai didn't fully understand. She decided not to push further.

  At that moment, the door opened, and the village chief stepped in warmly. "Good morning!" he greeted cheerfully, smiling. "I'm glad you're both okay. You saved our entire village. I can't express how grateful we are."

  Hikari smiled modestly. "It was our duty. We're just glad we could help."

  Gently placing his hand on Hikari's shoulder, Riko said, "You two will always be heroes to us. If you ever need anything, please let us know."

  After exchanging goodbyes, the chief left, allowing Mirai and Hikari to prepare for departure. At dawn, beneath gentle rays of morning sunlight filtering through trees and buildings, they stepped outside to find villagers gathered, bidding them farewell with grateful smiles.

  Climbing into a carriage, they departed the village in peaceful silence. In that quiet moment, Mirai finally had a chance to reflect on everything that had transpired.

  ***

  Returning to the city, they immediately sensed the stark difference from the village's quiet desperation. Streets bustled loudly, life returning vibrantly around them. As they disembarked, Mirai glanced around, then addressed Hikari with composure, "I have something to take care of. You go ahead to the guild."

  Before Hikari could respond, Mirai walked away. He hesitated briefly before deciding to head toward the guild alone.

  Upon arrival, Akane greeted him with concern. "Welcome back! How did it go?"

  "The mission is completed," Hikari answered.

  Concerned, Akane asked, "How many villagers died?"

  He reassured her warmly, "Don't worry, no one died, and no one is injured."

  Greatly relieved, Akane smiled gratefully. "Thank you both so much."

  Noticing her intense gratitude, Hikari curiously asked, "Do you know someone from the village?"

  Akane gently replied, "Yes, I was born there. Thank you for saving everyone." She glanced around, asking, "Where's Mirai-san?"

  "She went to handle something," he replied softly.

  "Alright, I'll get the reward," Akane said, returning soon with a heavy bag filled with gold. Stunned by its weight, Hikari exclaimed, "This is a lot! Are you sure this isn't extra because it's your village?"

  "No, this is standard for a high-ranked mission," she reassured.

  Thanking her sincerely, Hikari left the guild, feeling a sudden wave of exhaustion overwhelming him. Struggling to his room at the inn, he collapsed onto the floor, quickly drifting into deep sleep.

  (End of Chapter 2)