The house was two stories tall, beautiful but in need of repairs. Aestus's father was a Carpenter and could fix the place in no time. This had spoiled the two siblings. Their mother didn't have a Class, but she was a very skilled and hardworking woman. When job openings at Baruc's mines became available, Aestus's mother and father went to work there together to spend more time with each other. However, a work accident would end their story sooner than it should have.

Aestus and Orkan had returned home early, so it was still empty. They took off their boots upon entering to avoid tracking dirt inside. They turned on the television for some background noise, not paying much attention to it, and began discussing their plans for the next hunt. They needed supplies, more potions, and a comfortable tent to sleep in. Silvi was a day and a half's walk away. Since they didn't have any vehicles, they would have to go on foot. From what they had heard, the path was peaceful, without many dangerous Creatures or difficult terrain to traverse. After some time of conversation, Orkan decided to go out and buy what was missing. He got up from the floor and headed towards the door. Just before opening it, Aestus' brother, Korrek, arrived home. The Rogue greeted him and left, without much conversation. Korrek went to the kitchen, where Aestus was preparing some snacks for the trip.

"Preparing dinner for your brother, Aestus?" Korrek asked, surveying the scene, already knowing the answer.

Korrek was a grown man, with an average build and shorter stature than his brother. His well-groomed hair and trimmed beard gave him a serious and formal look, matching his sober attire. He always smelled of woody cologne, as he believed it made him appear older and, therefore, more respected. Korrek worked in the financial sector of the town's mines, being a respected and highly productive employee. The two brothers were very different, but they had never fought or even argued about Aestus' career choices. However, the Knight always felt that his brother judged him for his decisions. Aestus explained what he was doing, recounting the plans to travel to Silvi and truly live off the hunts.

The brothers fell silent, only the sound of the television in the other room could be heard. Aestus didn't want to face his brother, afraid of his reaction. He focused on what he was doing, cutting ingredients to make sandwiches. Korrek walked around the kitchen, heading to the living room to turn off the television. A relatively long time passed, only serving to increase Aestus' apprehension. Suddenly, he felt his brother approach and embrace him from behind. Aestus froze, not understanding what was happening. He broke free from his brother's grip, turning to face him. Korrek had a strange expression, his eyes slightly teary. The older brother held Aestus by the arms, pressing his lips together. Then he said:

"Mom and Dad would be proud. You've always pursued your dreams. I'm glad you made it."

Instantly, Aestus smiled widely, embracing his brother tightly and thanking him for his words. They meant a lot to him, as Aestus was very unsure of how his family would react. He let go of his brother and recounted the hunts from the previous day and the adventure he had experienced that day. Korrek sat down and listened attentively as Aestus joyfully and proudly described all the details. They talked for a long time, something they hadn't done in a while, about Korrek's work, the profits the two Hunters had earned, and how the next few days would be. While they spoke, the brothers prepared provisions for the journey and also cooked dinner together. Mid-conversation, Korrek wore a more serious expression, leaning his back against the kitchen counter and looking at his brother.

"Just promise me three things, Aestus," Korrek raised three fingers. "First: that you won't get into trouble. Second: that you'll come back home alive at some point. And third: that you'll enjoy your life."

"I promise, you can count on it," Aestus said, running his hand over his older brother's head.

At that moment, Orkan arrived from the street, carrying some equipment and useful purchases for the trip. He sensed the friendly atmosphere between the brothers and joined them, showing everything he had bought and sharing his plans for the next stage of the adventure. The three of them then finished preparing dinner and ate, engaging in lively conversation about various topics. The night was pleasant, and the food was delicious. Korrek retired to bed, bidding the boys farewell and wishing them good luck on their hunt. Orkan didn't stay much longer, yawning heavily as he left. Aestus tidied up the table and the kitchen, leaving everything clean before settling down to sleep. After a brief but relaxing shower, Aestus lay down and fell asleep within seconds.

***

The following morning was sunny and warmer than the previous day. Aestus woke up early, listening to the birds singing nearby. He stretched and got up quickly, without lingering. His anxiety was under control, as they had made plans and preparations for the journey. After quietly descending the stairs to avoid waking his brother, Aestus prepared something simple to eat and soon left the house. He carried a backpack with food, water, a change of clothes, and the tent they would sleep in. The walk to the central square, the meeting point with Orkan, was quick, despite stopping to greet a few people along the way. A local fair was being set up in the square, selling vegetables and animal products. Aestus looked around, thinking that he would miss that environment if he ever left Comanse for good.

Orkan arrived shortly after, nudging Aestus' shoulder, waking him from his reverie. The two friends hugged and soon set off. They checked the route on a map, choosing the best spots to rest and spend the night. In a few minutes, they reached the eastern edge of the city, pausing momentarily and looking back. Aestus let out a deep sigh, while Orkan stood with his hands on his hips, struggling to accept what was happening. A strong wind blew, rustling Orkan's hair. A flock of birds took flight from a nearby tree, chirping loudly and melodically. It was as if the planet was encouraging them to begin the journey. They turned toward the road and started walking. Little did they know that they wouldn't set foot in that place for a long time. After all, every great adventure begins with a single step.

The walk continued without many obstacles. The duo encountered a few Creatures during the day, but the battles were becoming increasingly easier to win. Both young men felt stronger and more comfortable in their fighting skills. As they distanced themselves from Comanse, the landscape around them changed. The wide grasslands gave way to closer trees, eventually leading into a dense forest with tall, leafy trees. The temperature was milder, and they could hear nearby streams. The path forward was marked by signs and a simple yet well-maintained road made of large stones. The boys conversed during the journey, but often Aestus found himself humming a spontaneous song as if it were his own personal soundtrack. Orkan kept his eyes on the road and his ears attentive to any potential threats, but nothing too dangerous crossed their path.

As the end of the day approached, the boys began searching for a suitable spot to set up their tent for the night, aiming for safety and a bit more comfort. It didn't take long for them to find a spot near a narrow creek and not too far from the road. Aestus took out a rectangular device from his backpack and placed it on the ground. He then inserted some energized crystals into a side slot and stepped back. The object started vibrating and emitted a low hum. After a few seconds, it unfolded and expanded sideways and upwards, taking the form of a dark blue tent capable of accommodating around four people. Orkan quickly entered, marveling at all this technology, laughing like a child. Aestus remained outside, starting to prepare a campfire. With the sunlight nearly gone, a source of light and warmth was necessary.

Orkan and Aestus washed their hands in the nearby creek and then sat down near the campfire. They took out some food from their backpacks and began eating without exchanging words. The night was falling quickly, and the surroundings grew increasingly silent. Aestus chewed on his sandwich while looking at his friend, lost in thought.

"What are you thinking, Orkan?" he asked.

Orkan blinked his eyes quickly and subtly shook his head, looking at Aestus. He remained silent for a few seconds, deep in thought, before responding.

"What do we do after we are finished in Silvi? I don't want to go back to Comanse for now..." Orkan rested his elbows on his knees, clasping his hands and placing them under his chin.

"We can start wandering, going from city to city, trying to help people with our hunts," Aestus said, placing his sandwich on his lap and resting both hands behind him as he gazed at the sky. "The world needs good people."

Orkan theatrically rolled his eyes. He wanted to embark on a journey to earn money, become famous, and become the strongest and most agile Rogue there is. Helping people was a secondary matter to him. However, he had felt a sense of satisfaction when seeing the reaction of their clients after completing the hunts. Orkan wasn't accustomed to being treated well and appreciated.

"And what's the plan? Have you thought about it?" Orkan inquired of his friend.

"I don't know. We can gather information in Silvi. The people there are very intelligent, with a knack for commerce. I think you'll like it," Aestus replied.

Orkan's eyes lit up at the prospect of a city full of traders. The amount of crystals circulating there would be fascinating. Aestus took another bite of his sandwich, imagining what it would be like to explore every corner of Kairos, experience all the cultures, and encounter all the races, including the feared Reptoids and the isolated Magnors. Aestus continued to imagine the entirety of his adventure, while Orkan daydreamed about having all the money he could ever want. The two young men finished their meal, discussing the time they would wake up the next day and confirming the remaining route on the map. They had covered most of the journey and could reach the neighboring city early. Without lingering, they prepared for the night and entered the tent to sleep.

The next day, at the first sign of sunlight, the young Hunters woke up practically at the same time. Their excitement to continue the journey energized them. They had a quick breakfast and dismantled the tent, which returned to its original dimension, neatly packed back into Aestus' backpack. They double-checked that they hadn't forgotten anything and set off, finding the road again and continuing their journey. On this second day of travel, they encountered a larger number of Creatures, slightly fiercer and more challenging to defeat. The forest had also become denser, with less space for proper fighting. Nevertheless, the two men continued at an appropriate pace, sustaining minimal injuries and using only a few healing potions.