Three years had passed. It felt like a blink of an eye—and at the same time, like a lifetime.
That day, the sky above the Viking village was bright. I stood in front of the training yard, gripping the stone I usually used to practice precision and speed. The wind carried the scent of the mountains and the familiar chill—but my heart was restless, for some reason.
Then, I saw that figure.
A fluttering gray cloak, slightly longer hair, and a bow elegantly strapped to her back. She stood tall, confident, and looked at me as if nothing had changed.
"Carla…?"
I could barely believe it.
She smiled—the smile I had missed, the one that used to calm my every step.
We ran to each other, and as her embrace wrapped around me, the world seemed to pause. No words. Only heartbeats spoke, saying that we… were still here.
But when she let go of the hug, I saw someone behind her. Someone else.
"Carla, who's that behind you?"
A short figure with a thick mustache like a wire brush stood with arms crossed, grinning slightly as if we were just two kids playing in the yard.
"Oh, him…" Carla turned and let out a small laugh. "He's my new friend. But, let me tell you from the beginning…"
***
I walked along a narrow path cutting through the forest, following the worn map Zeco had given me. It led to a wide clearing filled with plants—fields of chili, tomatoes, and other vegetables. From a distance, I saw a dwarf busy picking chilies. His body was short and stocky, his mustache thick and drooping, and he hummed softly.
But suddenly, the bushes rustled.
A low growl disturbed the air.
I squinted and saw—five wolves emerging from the trees, their eyes wild and hungry. They were stalking the dwarf. He didn't notice until it was too late.
"ARGHH!!" he screamed as one of the wolves bit into his leg.
Without hesitation, I pulled the slingshot from my waist and fired the first shot. Braak! The second wolf's head jerked back. I fired again—the third wolf dropped.
Two left.
I moved quickly, launched a third stone—the fourth wolf fell after getting hit square in the jaw.
But… I was out of ammo.
The last wolf charged at me. Its breathing was heavy, fangs bared. I stood frozen, unable to move back.
Then—
A sharp sound pierced the air. "Tsshh!"
An arrow struck the last wolf's body, dropping it lifeless to the ground.
I turned and saw—a tall man in a dark brown cloak, a longbow slung across his back. He walked toward me, his face firm yet calm.
"Charlotte!!" he called out, running to the dwarf.
The man immediately knelt beside Charlotte, examining the deep wound on her leg. I knelt as well, pulling out a bandage from my bag and swiftly wrapping it around Charlotte's injury. The dwarf winced in pain but said nothing.
That man—I knew exactly who he was. Robin.
He looked at me for a few seconds. Maybe assessing me, or just curious. Then, he spoke softly, with sincere tone:
"How can I repay you?"
I looked him straight in the eye and answered without hesitation, "Train me."