The silence of the lake was almost soothing. The gentle lapping of the water against the rocks set the rhythm of the air, while the wind whispered softly through the branches of the weeping willows. Veil and Alynia sat side by side, their backs resting against a rock.


    Veil (glancing at Alynia from the corner of his eye): "You moved like a ghost back there. Seriously, it looked like you knew what they were going to do before they even moved."


    Alynia (turning her head toward him, a glint of amusement in her gaze): "That’s the difference between you and me, Louveteau. My senses are far sharper than yours. I can hear the tension in the muscles before they strike."


    She tapped her ear lightly with two fingers, a faint smirk on her lips.


    Alynia (adding with a teasing tone): "Wolf instincts, you see?"


    Veil (a look of fascination and envy): "Wolf instincts, huh… You must be an incredible hunter with senses like that."


    Alynia (shrugging): "Not just a hunter. That’s why I’m an A-rank in the adventurer’s guild."


    Veil (narrowing his eyes): "A-rank? The adventurer’s guild? What’s that?"


    Alynia (freezing for a moment, then slowly turning to face him): "Are you serious? You’ve never heard of the guild?"


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Veil (shrugging, giving a nervous smile): "Actually, I need to tell you something. I lost my memory. I don’t remember anything."


    Alynia (running a hand over her face, shaking her head): "Tsk… That explains a lot… Alright, listen up, I’ll give you a quick rundown, but you’ll tell me your story afterward. Deal?"


    Veil (nodding, attentive): "Deal."


    Alynia (stretching, letting her arms rest on her knees): "Alright, the adventurer’s guild is simple. It’s an organization present in almost every major city. Adventurers take quests, contracts. Protecting merchants, hunting monsters, retrieving rare artifacts… that kind of thing. In return, we get paid in gold, rare items, or access to special privileges."


    Veil (frowning slightly): "So, it’s like a job?"


    Alynia (giving him a pointed look): "Yeah, but it’s not for the weak."


    She eyed him mockingly before continuing.


    Alynia (serious tone): "Adventurers are ranked. Rank F is the newbies. Beginners. Rank E is slightly better, but still just basic tasks. Rank D and C start earning respect. Rank B deals with real monsters. Rank A, that’s where I am."


    Veil (curious): "And above A?"


    Alynia (pausing slightly): "Rank S. The elites. The monsters they face are like natural disasters. But above them, you’ve got SS and SSS. And finally, the legendary S+. Those are called Living Legends. There are maybe two or three in the entire world, no more."


    Veil (thoughtful): "And you? What’s your goal?"


    Alynia (gazing at the sky, pensive): "I don’t know yet. Maybe I just want to stay alive."


    She turned her head toward him, her sharp gaze locking onto his.


    Alynia (intense look): "And you, Louveteau? What rank do you aim for?"


    Veil (crossing his arms, tilting his head back): "No idea. But…"


    He stared at the sky above the lake.


    Veil (determined look): "Maybe I’ll go for S+, just so people remember me."


    Alynia (raising an eyebrow, then bursting into laughter): "You? S+? I’d love to see that. But start by not getting knocked around by Furilithes before you start dreaming."


    Veil (smirking): "Everyone’s got to start somewhere, Alynia."


    The calm returned slowly, the sound of the water and wind filling the air. This rare moment of respite was necessary. Veil watched the lake, observing the gentle ripples on its surface.


    Alynia (without turning her head): "You promised to tell me your story."


    Veil (serious gaze): "Yeah… I promised."


    She turned her head toward him, her golden eyes locking onto his.


    Alynia (staring at Veil): "So, spill it, Cub. I’m listening."