Kael's gaze swept the village rooftops and faces, looking for signs of change.
Kael: "Has anything happened while I was gone?"
Ronan: "No, it's been calm. We've just been preparing for potential dungeon raids, waiting for your return."
While speaking, Ronan glanced at Orion.
Ronan: "You have a license, right?"
Orion paused, then laughed softly.
Orion: "Of course. How many hunters do you know without one?"
Ronan laughed and looked at Kael, shaking his head.
Ronan: "Oh, Kael..."
Kael smirked slightly.
Kael: "I have one now too."
Ronan's eyes widened slightly, then he laughed and patted Kael's back.
Ronan: "Finally! What's your rank?"
Kael: "B."
Ronan burst out laughing in disbelief.
Ronan: "Seriously?"
Orion: "Yeah, it's true. The Federation couldn't overlook him."
Ronan turned to Orion.
Ronan: "And you? What's your rank?"
Orion: "C. But since I'm working with a B-rank now… maybe I'll move up soon."
Ronan smiled. After a few more steps, the guild building came into view. Orion paused and looked at Ronan.
Orion: "And you? What's your rank?"
Ronan: "B as well. But I'm getting old—it's time to let the younger ones lead."
Kael lightly tapped Ronan's shoulder.
Kael: "Oh come on, you're still young."
Ronan laughed heartily. As they entered the guild hall, all eyes turned to Kael. The crowd grew lively.
"Kael! What happened?"
"Tell us about the capital!"
"Who's that with you?"
Before Kael could answer, Ronan raised his voice.
Ronan: "Silence, everyone!"
The hall quieted immediately. Ronan pointed to Orion.
Ronan: "This is Orion. Kael's companion. He's now part of this guild."
Orion nodded slightly. Kael smiled.
Ronan: "And since Kael and Orion are here… I say we have a celebration tonight!"
Cheerful voices echoed in the hall. After tense weeks, this return brought hope to the guild.
Night had fallen.
The guild's large hall was filled with wooden tables made from oak barrels. Candles and softly glowing crystals lit the room with a warm yellow hue. Outside, lanterns had been lit, children were running around joyfully, and preparations were complete. The town's musicians had arrived with their instruments and were setting up in a corner.
Kael sat in a corner of the hall with Orion. In front of them were two large mugs of drink, a hearty stew, toasted bread, and fresh fruit. Orion's eyes sparkled—not so much at the food, but at the joy surrounding him.
Orion: "I haven't seen anything like this in a long time… an evening where people are truly happy."
Kael: "This town is small, but it has a big heart. Even under the shadow of the dungeons, they never stopped hoping."
At that moment, Ronan stepped toward the stage, raising a cup in his hand and speaking loudly to the crowd.
Ronan: "Today, a hero has returned. And he brought a new friend! Let's raise our cups to Kael and Orion!"
The crowd applauded, some shouting "Kael!" while others called, "Welcome, new hunter!" Orion lowered his head, embarrassed, but Kael clapped him on the shoulder.
Kael: "You'd better get used to this. These people will embrace you in no time."
Orion: "It's been a long time since I felt this way."
Music began to play—traditional tunes of the village. The elders sang along at their tables while the younger folk started to dance. Some children circled Orion and invited him to join in.
Child: "Hey big brother, come dance too!"
Orion froze at first, unsure what to do. But Kael nudged him, and he joined the crowd with the children. Laughter filled the air. Footsteps echoed across the wooden floor.
Left alone at the table, Kael glanced around. The village's peace, the warmth of friends, the lively hall—his heart grew a little lighter. His eyes met Ronan's. Ronan gave a respectful nod.
Moments later, Ronan returned with two drinks.
Ronan: "This one's for you. A night like this deserves it."
Kael (smiling): "This evening's unusually soft. I'm not used to it."
Ronan: "These nights are rare. Appreciate them."
The two friends clinked their mugs. Just then, Orion returned from the crowd. Flowers had been placed in his hair—clearly the children's doing.
Kael (laughing): "It suits you."
Orion: "If another village kid calls me 'big brother' and drags me into a dance, I swear I'm running."
They all laughed. As the night went on, the music slowed. Some began telling old stories—about stormy days, fallen comrades, and wounds that hadn't healed.
But that night… hope was stronger.
And from that night on, the people would remember Kael and Orion's return not just as a victory—but as a celebration of breathing together again.
Orion eventually left the crowd, heading toward the guild's dormitory. His steps were heavy, but his face showed both exhaustion and peace. Just as he reached the door, Kael called out behind him:
Kael: "Rest well tonight. We're going exploring in the morning."
Orion (grinning): "Of course. I know your silent morning walks."
He paused at the door, took a deep breath, then disappeared inside.
Kael, now alone, stepped forward and breathed in the quiet of the night. The air was cool, but the town's safety made it comforting.
Ronan joined him quietly, holding an empty mug. He stood beside Kael.
Ronan: "What's on your mind? I can tell something's turning in that head of yours."
Kael (gazing off): "Nothing. Just… wanted to take a look around. It's been a while."
Ronan (squinting but not pressing): "Alright. If you say so. But we're raiding a dungeon tomorrow afternoon. Make sure you're back by then."
Kael (nodding): "Understood."
As Ronan walked away, Kael stood a moment longer. Then he walked silently through the village's narrow streets. When he reached his home, he stopped at the door. He didn't knock—he simply opened it.
Kael (softly, entering): "Mom... Dad... I'm home."
The house was dark, but the scent of familiar furniture and memories clung to the air, tightening Kael's chest. Every corner echoed with the past. For a moment, he simply stood still... and breathed deeply.
There was no answer from within. But Kael smiled quietly and closed his eyes.
Kael (whispering): "I came back again... and this time, I'm not alone."
Kael moved through the house and entered the room where he spent his childhood. Everything was still in place—only covered in a thin layer of dust. Old books on the shelf, wooden toys by the window, the blanket his mother had knitted years ago… nothing had moved, and yet everything felt different.
He sat on the bed, burying his face in his hands. He spoke into the silence.
Kael (thinking): "The dungeon… that dark presence… do you think it was just coincidence? That thing—it might be connected to you somehow. No matter where I go, the clues seem to lead me back to you..."
He lifted his head. His eyes were moist, but his expression remained strong. He stood and looked out the window. The night continued, and the lights of the village slowly faded as everyone rested.
Kael: "Tomorrow... I must learn more."
He spent the night in his old room. By the time the first light of dawn streamed in, Kael was already up—his armor on, sword at his side. He opened the door and stepped outside. The morning was cool, but the sky was clear.
On his way to the guild, he greeted a few villagers. When he entered the building, Orion was already ready. He wore hunter's armor and carried a bow. He was biting into an apple.
Orion (with a smile): "If I'd known you'd be up this early, I'd have come sooner."
Kael: "Our work starts early. If we're going scouting, we'd better leave before the sun climbs."
Orion: "Where are we going? You said 'exploring' but don't you already know the area around the village?"
Kael (serious): "There's an abandoned temple near the village. We never dared go as kids. But after what happened with the dungeon... I have a bad feeling. I want to check it out."
Orion: "A temple? Those always bring trouble... But fine. You lead, I'll follow."
At that moment, Ronan entered. Seeing them by the door, he approached.
Ronan: "Good to see you're up early. But be careful. Don't miss the afternoon raid."
Kael: "We'll be back in time. Promise."
Orion: "Unless we're cursed by some ancient spell."
Ronan chuckled, then grew serious and handed each of them a talisman.
Ronan: "These seals let us track you. In case anything happens..."
Kael (taking his): "Thanks, Ronan. As always..."
They stepped outside together. As they walked beyond the village, silence settled in. At the end of the path, an old structure appeared among the trees. Moss-covered gray stones, worn by time.
Orion (pursing his lips): "So... this is it?"
Kael: "Yes. I believe the answers are here."
The temple doors creaked open. A dusty darkness awaited them.
Inside, shafts of light pierced through cracks in the stone walls. The air was thick with mana—it was immediately noticeable. This was no ordinary place.
One wall bore carvings of strange symbols—letters neither of them recognized.
Orion (frowning): "This script… it's not Latari, or the Old Tongue… What is this? I've never seen anything like it in any book."
Kael didn't seem to hear. He was listening to the air, eyes wide, breath shallow. His hand hovered near his sword.
Orion (concerned): "Kael? Hey, you okay? You've gone pale."
Kael (murmuring): "This pressure... it's the same... as the one I felt in the dungeon."
Orion immediately drew his bow. But Kael raised a hand, stopping him.
Kael: "Wait. This... is different."
He closed his eyes and sensed the mana. The pressure was intense—but not chaotic. Unlike the corrupted energy in the dungeon, this was ancient and orderly.
Kael: "No… it's not the same. The mana in the dungeon was sick. This is… pure. But oppressive."
Orion (lowering his bow): "You scared me. I thought something was about to jump out at us. But… we still don't know what this place is."
Kael studied the writing again.
Kael: "This place… it was the center of a curse, wasn't it? Maybe the traces are in these letters. Maybe we just can't read them."
Orion: "Or maybe… we're not supposed to."
Kael smiled faintly.
Kael: "Could be."
As they stepped further in, they reached a circular design carved into the floor, surrounded by faded symbols—clearly a ritual site, long worn by time.
Orion: "This place was powerful once. But something happened… it was damaged."
Kael: "Damaged? Or sealed?"
That word gave him chills. Perhaps this place hadn't just been abandoned—it had been sealed. And now… the seal might be failing.
Kael stared at the wall, lost in thought. Everything here was… too much. It didn't feel dangerous, but something was missing—or hidden.
Orion: "There's nothing else. Just the writing and the symbols. No signs, no clues… maybe it really is just a forgotten place."
Kael: "Maybe. But the mana… it's not right. It's not broken, but… not normal either. It's like something awakens when the pressure rises. Something unseen was watching us."
Orion shivered. Not even a bird's song broke the silence. He took a deep breath and turned to Kael.
Kael (firmly): "We need to return to the village. This place has unsettled me. We can't do anything now, but… it shouldn't stay open."
Orion: "What do you want me to do?"
Kael: "No one should enter… and nothing inside should come out. It might already be sealed, but I don't feel at ease. Freeze the entrance. Seal it completely."
Orion nodded after a moment. He raised his hands, and tendrils of ice formed around his fingers. He moved to the entrance.
Orion: "I'll do as you ask. This place… will not open again."
Cold wind swept in as thick layers of ice began to form over the temple, moving from the outside inward. The crystal-like ice glistened, and as Kael's cloak fluttered in the chill, a brief satisfaction crossed his face.
Kael: "Thank you, Orion."
Orion (serious and tired): "Let's hope we never have to open it again."
The two gave the temple one last look before heading back toward the village. As the sun dipped behind the trees, Kael's thoughts echoed one final line:
"This place… holds a secret. And that secret may already be awake.
Edit: I opened an instagram account for the novel I wrote @chainsofdestiny_ , from this account you can find information about the novel, character information, information about the world and announcements.