The next day, Ash and Riven made their way to the small clinic near the marketplace. The building was modest, with whitewashed walls and simple wooden benches lining the entrance. Inside, the faint smell of herbs and disinfectant hung in the air.
Mira was already there, sorting through a basket of medicinal herbs. When she saw them, her face lit up with a warm smile. "You came!"
Riven fumbled with his words. "Y-yeah. Thought you might need some help."
Ash stifled a chuckle. "We're not exactly healers, but we're handy in a pinch."
Mira's smile softened. "Actually, I could use some help gathering herbs from the forest outskirts. The clinic's running low on some key ingredients."
Ash nodded. "Sounds simple enough. Lead the way."
They followed Mira through the winding paths on the edge of town, where wildflowers bloomed among the taller grass. Riven kept sneaking glances at Mira, trying to appear casual. Ash couldn't help but notice.
As they reached a small clearing, Mira pointed to a cluster of vibrant blue flowers. "Those are Azure Blooms. They help with fever. Can you gather some?"
Riven jumped at the chance. "Got it!"
Ash smirked and picked a few himself, keeping an eye on their surroundings. Despite the peaceful atmosphere, he couldn't shake the sense that something was off. The system hummed faintly, but there was no danger alert—just a lingering unease.
Mira was carefully inspecting a patch of moss when she spoke, her voice quieter. "You two... are adventurers, right?"
Ash glanced at her. "Yeah. Just started out."
She nodded, not meeting his eyes. "I've always wanted to travel. To help people in places that don't have clinics. But... it's dangerous out there."
Riven looked determined. "I'll keep you safe! I mean... we will. Both of us."
Mira giggled, the sound bright against the forest's quiet. "You're really brave, Riven."
Ash snorted softly. "Brave is one way to put it."
Just then, a rustling noise made them all freeze. A low growl came from the thicket. Ash put a hand on his Boneblade, eyes narrowing. Riven moved protectively in front of Mira.
A wild boar, larger than usual and with tusks gleaming, burst from the underbrush. Its eyes were wild, foam dripping from its mouth. The system flashed a quick alert.
> [Wild Boar - F Rank] [Status: Enraged]
"Mira, stay back!" Riven shouted.
Ash took the lead, dodging the boar's first charge and slashing at its flank. The Boneblade hummed, cutting through the tough hide. Riven followed up with a quick strike to the leg, slowing it down.
The boar bucked, nearly throwing Ash off balance. Mira gasped, but Riven didn't hesitate. He delivered a precise stab to the boar's neck, and it collapsed with a final grunt.
Mira hurried over. "Are you both okay?"
Ash wiped his blade on the grass. "Just fine. This one wasn't too bad."
Riven grinned, clearly trying to play it cool. "It's nothing. Just a boar."
Mira looked genuinely relieved. "Thank you. I didn't realize the forest had gotten so dangerous."
Ash noticed how Mira's gaze lingered on Riven, and how the boy's cheeks turned pink. He couldn't help but smirk. "Guess we'll stick around a bit longer, just in case."
As they headed back, Mira carrying the herbs, Riven was unusually quiet—clearly processing his own flustered feelings. Ash gave him a light nudge. "You did good, Romeo."
Riven shot him a glare, but his blush didn't fade. Ash just chuckled, already looking forward to how this little crush would unfold.