[Welcome to Ryvale, the Hidden Monster City]
After crossing several monster-infested canyons, bribing a teleporting mole (don't ask), and surviving one of Motoyasu's "shortcuts" that led them into a skunk-bear den, the group finally reached their destination:
Ryvale, the ancient underground monster city nestled beneath the ruins of an old demi-human kingdom.
It was a beautiful chaos of glowing mushrooms, floating lanterns, and creatures of all shapes and sizes living together in a messy, magical harmony.
Thorfinn stood dramatically at the entrance, his cape fluttering in non-existent wind.
Thorfinn: "Ah yes, my people. The weirdos. The nocturnal. The slightly unhinged. I'm home."
Naofumi: "You've never been here before."
Thorfinn: "Don't ruin this for me, Captain Grit."
[The Four Heroes… and Their Dysfunctional Parties]
Surprisingly, the other Cardinal Heroes were already in Ryvale.
Motoyasu had arrived first, trailed by three adoring bunny-eared beastwomen who kept calling him "Motokyun." He spent most of his time getting scammed at stalls and flexing his "legendary spear" (which kept getting stuck in walls).
Ren was brooding in a corner of a tavern with a rogue squad of edgy adventurers, all dressed in black. One of them had an eyepatch. Another one only spoke in haikus.
Itsuki strutted around with his Justice Party™, a group of overly enthusiastic noble kids who introduced themselves with titles like "Wind Justice Scout Lieutenant Primo."
Naofumi: "These guys are supposed to save the world?"
Thorfinn: "No wonder this world is so screwed."
[Team Naofinn Training Arc Begins]
Naofumi, Thorfinn, Raphtalia, Filo, and Takimaru got to work. The mission was simple: improve coordination, build trust, and not let Thorfinn blow up another building with spellcasting.
They trained day and night, rotating between:
Combat drills (Thorfinn: "Time to swing my axe like it's a Dark Souls boss weapon!")
Spellwork (Thorfinn accidentally summoned a blood mist that almost cooked Motoyasu's hair)
Monster battles (Filo suplexed a troll)
Team bonding (Takimaru started opening up, sparring with Raphtalia and even laughing once — though quietly)
The party chemistry was finally forming.
[The Mission Assignment]
After a week, the Queen's envoy arrived in Ryvale with news: a high-level monster nest had been discovered deep in the Gloomfang Caverns. The next Wave was approaching sooner than expected, and they needed the heroes to work together — for once.
Each hero was to pick one companion and form a mixed squad for this "Joint Hero Operation."
Naofumi and Thorfinn, naturally, volunteered to stay together. Filo and Raphtalia were on standby, while Takimaru got roped into helping Ren's party with tracking.
[Itsuki vs. Thorfinn – Petty Hero Drama]
During the pre-mission planning, tensions ran high. Itsuki insisted on being the leader because of "his superior tactical mind."
Thorfinn raised a hand. "Question: If you're so smart, why do you dress like a discount Robin Hood?"
Itsuki: "You dare mock the Bow Hero?"
Thorfinn: "I dare mock anyone who names their attacks like a shonen protagonist during puberty."
The argument turned into a full-blown sparring match.
Axe vs Bow.
Magic vs Trick Shots.
Edgy quotes vs goofy comebacks.
It took Naofumi and Ren to pull them apart.
Naofumi: "We're literally supposed to be saving the world. Get your egos together."
Thorfinn: "Fine. But if he tries to name one more attack something like 'Arrow of the Silent Gale,' I'm drinking his blood."
[Takimaru's Truth & A New Bond]
Later that night, while sitting around a campfire before heading into the caverns, Takimaru finally opened up.
"I was a mage's apprentice before I was sold. I used to cast, study, and dream of summoning magic… until my village was wiped out."
He glanced at Thorfinn, then the others.
"But... being with you guys, training again, casting spells... I remembered who I was."
With a quiet whisper and a flash of light, Takimaru cast his first visible spell — a small protective barrier shaped like a lotus flower.
Everyone stared.
Thorfinn grinned. "Now that is party material."
Even Ren nodded in approval.
[Thorfinn's Familiar Summon]
That same night, Thorfinn stood beneath the moons and drew a blood rune circle on the earth.
With a flash of dark crimson light, he summoned something… weird.
A shadowy creature with bat wings, fangs, and a small top hat emerged from the mist.
Familiar: "Salutations. I am Flapworth. Your eternal servant and occasional vibe-checker."
Naofumi: "Why does it talk like a butler?"
Thorfinn: "I don't know, but I love him."
[All Heroes Agree to Unite]
In the morning, standing on the cliffs before the descent into Gloomfang Caverns, the four heroes (and their misfit parties) gathered.
Ren spoke first. "We've all got our differences. But if we don't fight as one… this world's doomed."
Motoyasu nodded. "Let's save everyone. And then maybe kiss some bunny girls."
Itsuki: "…I'll tolerate the vampire and his weird bat. For now."
Thorfinn: "Yay! Group hug—? No? Okay."
They descended into the darkness, weapons drawn, parties united.
The true battle was coming.
[Next Time…]
Chapter 11 – Into Gloomfang: Shadows, Betrayals, and the Sound of the Wave