Axel Bloom adjusted the reins of his gonzomo, casting a glance at his brother. Riel Bloom rode alongside him, his brow furrowed with thought. "Is it me, or do you also feel the guild only sends us two on these types of missions?" Riel asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Well, they can't afford to soil these tasks, Riel. Who else could they possibly send?" Axel replied with a shrug, his eyes scanning the horizon. The brothers shared a knowing look, the weight of their roles pressing upon them.
Axel's laughter was cut short as an arrow whizzed past, narrowly missing him. Riel's gonzomo reared, an arrow embedded in its side. "Dammit!" Riel shouted, drawing his sword. The brothers dismounted swiftly, their instincts honed by years of battle.
"I'll call the fowl back and start the fire!" Axel yelled, tossing his crossbow to Riel. With a nod, Riel dashed after the shadowy figure disappearing into the trees, determination etched on his face.
Riel's heart pounded in his chest as he closed the distance between himself and the quarry. The figure ahead stumbled, and Riel seized the moment, firing his crossbow. The bolt struck true, and the figure fell with a cry.
As Riel approached, he realized the figure was a young girl. Her eyes were wide with fear, her hands trembling as she clutched a wound. "Please, I don't want to hurt you... Just leave us alone," she pleaded, her voice cracking.
Riel Bloom watched in shock as the girl began to change. Her body twisted and contorted, a horn sprouting from her forehead. The transformation was swift, leaving Riel facing a beast of formidable size.
Despite the beast's fearsome appearance, Riel sensed something more in its eyes—pain and sorrow, not malice. "Everything's okay, little one," he murmured, his voice soothing as he draped his coat over her shrinking form.
As Riel navigated the forest, the girl's whispered words echoed in his mind. "She's waiting," she had said, her voice filled with urgency. He knew there was more to their mission than they had been told.
Axel Bloom reappeared, his expression a mix of relief and curiosity. The brothers exchanged a look, understanding passing between them without words. They would uncover the truth behind the girl's transformation and the threats lurking in Sukaluma.
With the girl secure, the Bloom Brothers resumed their journey, the weight of their task heavier than before. The night stretched out before them, filled with unknown dangers and the promise of revelations yet to come.
"Let's finish this," Axel said, his voice steady. "Together," Riel replied, their resolve unbreakable as they rode into the night.
