A warmth rested on Kuro’s leg with eager eyes gazing upon him. His heart fluttered at how pure the desire they held within their soft expression was. He couldn't resist any longer and gave himself to them.
"Alright, fine, take it," Kuro relented.
It was the last piece of chicken Kuro was saving for his last bite and Chomper finished it in a single motion. A small nervous chuckle left Kuro as soon as he noticed the head of the fork he fed the pup with was torn straight off. Even with that and a pat on the head wasn't enough to calm the soft whines that still came from below. Milly too easily finished off her donut and was eager to try more of the menu's selections. Kuro signaled the waitress for another order.
"Explain it to me again," Milly wondered.
"My dad taught me," responded Kuro.
"But you said you came from a family of farmers."
"That's correct."
"That doesn't explain how you're so strong."
“I’m not strong, I’m just more efficient. Dad taught me how to use my body without working too hard so I can do more chores. Then he taught me how to use that to defend from bandits and such,” Kuro explained.
“I still think they should have been flashier. It was impressive, but boring looking,” Milly nodded.
“Any flashier and it would take too much effort,” Kuro grinned.
It had been over a day since the incident at the guild hall and small moments like these were the only saving grace for Kuro. Every moment could spell Caius’ retribution and he had to be ready. Since then, his head was left on a swivel and his hand lived on his pocket to draw his weapon.
“Kuro!” Milly beckoned with frustration.
“Huh?"
"I was asking if there were any responsibilities of being an adventurer. I don't really want it to get in the way of our research," Milly nodded.
"Well, as long as you're in a party with me you're exempt from having to do quests regularly, there is one exception though." Kuro answered with his eyes still elsewhere.
"What’s that?"
"An emergency quest, it’s when they gather all the adventurers in town to assist the military, but it very rarely happens,” Kuro assured.
Annoyance grew on Milly at the words that left Kuro, “You’re sure it rarely happens, has it ever happened to you?”
“Not even once! If the military can’t handle it on their own that’d be a pretty big deal.”
“That’s a relief,” Milly relaxed a bit in her chair and adjusted her glasses. “Let’s get out of town as soon as we can.”
“Agreed,” Kuro nodded. “How much longer will it take for the blacksmith to finish the frame?”
“He said in a day or two. Everything else is ready to go, we just need to put it all on there. Let’s just relax at the inn until then so you can stop worrying all the time.”
GOOOOONG! GOOOOONG! GOOOOONG! GOOOOONG! GOOOOONG!
Time felt like it slowed down. All around him people’s rushings felt like an eternity while sweat filled Kuro’s brow. His eyes went wide and met Milly’s whose were darting around at the people running out of the restaurant in panic. Bells from every corner of town rang in a perfect terrifying harmony that shook everyone’s souls.
“What was that?” Milly asked with the last person leaving the doors.
Kuro pressed his face into his hands and rubbed his eyes, “An emergency summons.”
“Muuuur!” cried Milly in frustration. “Is there any way to get out of it?”
More sweat built up all over Kuro and left him cold, “N- no, they’ve locked up the town and now we have to report to the guild or there’ll be trouble.”
Some people were still in the streets when Kuro and Milly exited the restaurant, but tension filled the air as people rushed about. All of the main street shops that were filled with life had their owners taking whatever they could carry or cart off around the corners and out of view. Almost like lifeless husks, Kuro and Milly found themselves at the guild hall. Adventurers of all shapes and sizes gathered in the large hall. It was so crowded that the spot where Kuro fought was out of sight. Chatter filled the space with people spreading rumors and theories why a once in a lifetime event was happening.
CLANG! CLANG CLANG!
From above a gnarled cane rested on the metal railing of a balcony. It was held by a withered old man whose frame so barely peeked over the bars that held the railing that it might have served him better to speak between them instead. To his left hand side was a tower of a man with salt and pepper hair. The old man spoke but his voice couldn't even reach the first row. After he finished he tapped his cane once more for everyone to listen.
The tall man surveyed the room as he filled it with his booming voice, "By order of Lord Dominic Martel, all adventurers will mobilize to defend the town from demon incursion at the west gate. Adventurer's ranked 'D' and below, with their parties will report to their military commanders in the field. Adventurers ranked 'C' or higher may act on their own digression. Rewards of the quest will be based on your rank and merits so get out there and work hard! Move out!"
Hoards of people formed a current as they rushed toward their assignment. Kuro pulled Milly into his arms to lead her through waves of people. The two were knocked about with Kuro holding onto Milly taking each push and shove into himself before they were washed out near the entrance outside. From there, Kuro peered at the adventurers still pouring out to make their fortunes.
“Kuro, you can let go now,” Milly peeped as she tugged on his sleeve gently.
“Ah- yeah, glad we got out of there okay,” Kuro forced a smile as he let her go.
“Y-yes, crowds aren’t my thing,” Milly turned away to hide her face from Kuro.
“Let’s get to the west gate, we should report in and do what we can…” Kuro said as he pointed toward the direction everyone rushed towards.
The walk toward the gate felt hot. Kuro could feel his heart beating out of his chest and every so often he stole glances at Milly who turned mechanical with each step. Her face went stiff and stared in the direction she walked. Each peek Kuro did made his chest turn and before they knew it they had arrived at their destination.
At the gate, soldiers counted parties of adventurers and assigned them to squads based on their numbers. Milly and Kuro were finally up and after a great deal of yelling from the soldier they were pointed down to where they were told. Amongst the crowd a familiar silver haired soldier that was directing a group of adventurers.
“Captain Noelle!” Kuro greeted.
“Kuro… right?”
“Yeah, it looks like we’ll be in your care.”
Noelle placed her hands on her hips and smirked, “I’m counting on you to watch my back. If you’re tough enough to take down a ‘B’ ranker these demons will be no match for us!”
Kuro let out his nerves in laughter, “I’ll do my best at the very least.”
A slap on Kuro’s back shook him with Milly at his side, “WE will be sure to protect the town, right Kuro?”
“Y-yes,” Kuro surrendered.
Captain Noelle let out a hearty laugh as she placed a hand on Kuro’s shoulder as she passed the two to organize the rest of the troops. Within a few moments, adventurers were formed into ranks behind the lines of soldiers. Silence took the battlefield in front of the gates as the defenders readied themselves for any signal. Kuro anxiously gripped his weapon and took several deep breaths to not be swept away in the moment. A familiar rumbling came from beneath his boots.
Kuro turned to Milly who gripped her bow tight in her hands, “Whatever it takes, I’ll get us out of here safe. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Her white knuckles relaxed a bit, but the shaking did not stop. Instinctively, Kuro reached his hand out to Milly and she did the same. She gripped his with a strength that Kuro had never seen before to the point that her nails somewhat digged into his skin.
“We’ve still got a lot of science to do and we still have to finish the latest experiment,” Kuro assured.
“Yeah, we do.”
Milly’s hand was cold and Kuro tried to transfer whatever warmth he could into hers. The trees beyond the field began to shake. Monsters were coming and they had to prepare for what was next. Kuro gave Milly a nod and smile to try to bring her some sort of readiness. He turned away, letting worry take over his face for a second before taking a deep breath.
“Protect Milly, that’s the only thing I need to think about now,” Kuro chanted in his head. “Protect Milly.”
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