I am Just an Average Tamer

The smell of roasted meat, old wood, and ale lingered inside the inn's hall.

Kai sat at a corner table with Elina and Lina, steam rising and poking at the half-eaten stew in front of him.

Elina munched her share; cheeks puffed like a squirrel.

Lina, sitting across from Kai, nibbled on dried bread while her green hare dozed curled beside her seat.

Just a typical evening—until the noise started.

Voices rose from a nearby table. Then from another.

Soon, the whole room buzzed with whispers and half-panicked murmurs.

"Did you hear what happened in Veyhill City?" a merchant exclaimed to his companion.

"The whole district's in chaos. The manor was burned down. Some even think it was orchestrated."

Lina's hand trembled mid-reach for her cup.

Just for a moment.

Then she drew it back smoothly and sipped, eyes calm like nothing happened.

Kai noticed.

Before he could say anything, Elina blinked.

"What does that mean? Is that bad?"

"It's nothing," Kai said, not taking his eyes off Lina.

Elina tilted her head. "Really?"

"Just rumors. People panic fast."

They didn't speak of it again.

After finishing their meal in silence, the trio made their way back through the dimly lit halls to their rooms.

As they reached the staircase, Kai couldn't ignore the tension in Lina's posture any longer.

Her usual bounce was missing, her eyes avoiding his.

"What's wrong with you?" he asked.

Lina forced a small smile, shaking her head. "It's nothing. Just tired."

Kai studied her for a second more but said nothing.

"Fine," he muttered and walked into his room, the door clicking shut behind him.

------

The forest was quiet.

Morning dew clung to the grass while sunlight filtered through the branches like soft gold.

"Huuf!"

Kai's dagger sliced through the air with practiced ease.

Step. Swing. Breathe. Repeat.

Training alone helped clear his head.

Until—

"Kaaiii~!"

He froze mid-swing, already recognizing that chirpy voice.

Lina stepped out from the trees, her braids bouncing, the green hare trotting beside her.

Kai lowered his dagger. "What now?"

She clasped her hands together. "Let's go to Veyhill City!"

He blinked. "Why?"

She smiled wide. Too wide. "Well… there's a merchant caravan there. They're paying for escort services, and I heard it's a huge reward."

Kai stared at her. Then narrowed his eyes.

"…You're lying."

Lina's smile faltered for half a second, then returned like it never left.

"I'm not! Come on, Kai, believe me. I swear—it's legit. You'll get paid, I promise."

The blue panel popped in front of him.

[<Immature, don't even know how to deceive properly, heh.>]

Kai didn't say anything, neither to her nor the hovering panel.

He just kept looking at her, like trying to peel off the truth layer by layer.

Then he sighed.

"Fine. We'll leave tomorrow morning."

"Nope!" Lina chirped. "We're going now!"

Kai paused. "…Now?"

She nodded furiously. "Yeah! I mean, if we wait, the caravan might leave. We'll only get scraps then. Maybe not even that."

Kai didn't respond immediately. His gaze lingered on her face for a moment longer.

Something wasn't right.

But—

He sighed again, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Alright. Go get ready, then."

Lina flashed a grin. "Already am."

Kai just stared as she turned and jogged off back toward the inn, her hare hopping beside her.

Kai flicked his wrist, two magic circles formed besides him.

Vex and Veal emerged with a low growl and sharp chirp.

Kai exhaled and closed his eyes, focusing on the blue drakelet curled inside his vast, endless soul space.

He clenched his fists and vowed, 'I promise I'll find a way to heal you. And after that, we'll make sure to pay that bastard back with full interest.'

He then opened his eyes and glanced at his trusted companions.

"Alright, let's do this."

Whoosh!

-----

"Haa..."

Kai exhaled heavily, summoning Vex and Vael back to his soul space.

He wiped the sweat on his forehead, and after few light stretches, made his way out of the forest.

By the time Kai got back to the inn, the sun was already high.

He found Lina and Elina waiting near the entrance. Both were geared up, bags slung over their shoulders and cloaks drawn, ready to move out.

Elina's expression was still tinged with sadness, her eyes downcast, and she clutched her bag with both hands.

Kai walked up, brow slightly raised.

Both girls turned toward him.

"You're late," Lina smirked.

"I was training," he replied flatly, then glanced at Elina.

She gave him a small smile but quickly looked away.

He leaned closer to Lina, dropping his voice low.

"…Why is she coming?"

Lina leaned in too, whispering back, "She's scared. Doesn't wanna stay behind without you around."

Kai's eyes flicked back to Elina.

She was petting the hare absentmindedly, but her fingers trembled just a bit.

"She really does feel safe with you," Lina added softly.

Kai exhaled through his nose, quiet and resigned, then gave a small nod.

"Alright. Let's move."

The group made their way to the edge of town where the cobbled streets turned to dirt and the open road began.

Waiting there—Ethan.

He stood with his hands behind his back, trying to look composed, but the frown tugging at his lips gave him away.

When they reached him, he stepped forward, then stopped.

His gaze dropped to the ground.

"…You'll come back soon, right?" he asked quietly.

As they approached, Elina stepped forward and gently patted his head with a soft smile. "We'll meet again soon, okay?"

Ethan nodded silently.

Then Lina leaned down, grinned, and ruffled his hair like always.

She bent closer and whispered something into his ear.

Ethan blinked.

"Really?" he asked, his eyes suddenly lighting up.

Lina gave a firm nod. "Yes. I promise."

Whatever she said worked—his face lit up like a lantern. He stood up straighter, puffed out his chest, and waved both arms dramatically.

"Then good luck! Don't get eaten by monsters or anything!"

They all chuckled lightly.

And moved.