The morning sun crept gently into the windows of the Hayagashi household, casting golden streaks across the wooden floor.
Raizo blinked his crimson and brown eyes open, sitting up slowly on his old bed. A pleasant smell drifted through the air—herbs, vegetables, and a hint of roasted garlic.
He stepped out of the room, barefoot, and was greeted by an unexpected sight.
Fenra and Silvia stood shoulder to shoulder in the kitchen—both wearing aprons, both cooking… and both glaring at each other whenever the other wasn't looking.
Pots simmered. Spoons stirred. And the tension between them was thick enough to cut with a knife.
Raizo blinked again, confused. "Huh?"
On the side, Reyna and Lay stood near the wall, watching the scene unfold with amusement.
Reyna giggled. "Do you remember, Lay? Yesterday I asked both of them if they really loved our son. They said yes without hesitation. And look at them now—waking up early just to cook breakfast for him."
Lay smiled, arms crossed. "Heh. Looks like Raizo has more than one kind of fire around him."
At that moment, both girls noticed Raizo approaching.
"Good morning, Raizo!" they chimed in unison.
Raizo yawned slightly. "Morning… you two."
Then, glancing toward the kitchen: "Morning, Mom. Morning, Dad."
He stretched and casually walked to the bathroom to wash his face.
When he returned, the wooden table had been set. Two plates were placed before him—each decorated differently, each clearly made by a different cook.
Fenra stepped forward. "Raizo, would you try my dish first? I made it with your favorite vegetables."
Before Raizo could respond, Silvia slid her plate closer. "Wait, Raizo. I think my dish deserves the first taste. I worked hard to recreate your favorite flavor."
Their eyes locked.
Fenra's vivid purple eyes flared with defiance.
Silvia's sharp green eyes narrowed with confidence.
Both girls leaned forward—nearly forehead to forehead—as a silent rivalry brewed across the breakfast table.
Reyna and Lay exchanged a knowing glance and silently laughed, watching their son being fought over.
Raizo, meanwhile, scratched the back of his head, completely unsure of how to deal with it.
"Uhh…"
Reyna broke the tension with a question. "Are you heading out to complete your quest today?"
Raizo nodded, grateful for the change in subject. "Yes, Mother."
Lay glanced toward the window. "Why don't you stay for a bit longer? Spend some time with us."
Raizo shook his head. "I can't. If we stay too long, our rank might drop. I have to keep moving forward… for us."
Lay nodded in understanding. "Then do your best out there."
Outside, the peaceful hum of Zenith Village was suddenly broken.
A carriage stopped in front of the Hayagashi household.
Beside it rode a knight in shining armor, his white cape fluttering behind him. The symbol on his cape gleamed beneath the sunlight—a golden star, the mark of the current Hero.
Villagers paused their chores, gathering to watch.
"Who's that?"
"Wait… is that the Hero?!"
"Lucas Hayagashi? He's back?"
"It really is him!"
Lucas dismounted his horse with practiced grace. His polished boots stepped onto the soil of his home for the first time in years. He strode confidently toward the house and knocked.
Lay opened the door, eyes widening in surprise.
"Well, well… now this is unexpected." He turned his head.
"Reyna! Lucas is back!"
Reyna rushed over. "Lucas!" She hugged him tightly. "Welcome home, my son!"
Inside the house, Raizo, Fenra, and Silvia rose from the table and calmly walked toward the door.
Lucas's gaze landed on his younger brother.
"Oh? Raizo? What are you doing here?"
Raizo crossed his arms, smirking slightly. "I could ask you the same."
Lucas chuckled. "Fair. I came because I heard there were demons spotted near this village."
Gasps rippled through the villagers. Even Reyna's face paled.
"Demons?!" she repeated in disbelief.
Lucas nodded. "Yes, Mother. That's why I returned."
He turned back to Raizo. "So what brings you back here?"
Raizo held up the quest parchment. "We're here on assignment. The Flaming Salamander. A C-rank quest."
Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Adventurers now, are we?"
Raizo nodded proudly. "We're the Dilhaze Party."
Lucas's gaze drifted to the two girls flanking his brother. "And these young ladies?"
Raizo stepped forward, a hand on both of their shoulders.
"This is Fenra."
"And this is Silvia. They're my companions."
Both girls stepped forward with poise and confidence.
Fenra gave a light nod. "Nice to meet you."
Silvia curtsied slightly. "It's an honor."
Lucas smirked. "Impressive. Looks like you've got a proper party now."
From behind him, a voice called out.
A young woman in a mage robe stepped forward. "Then allow us to introduce ourselves as well."
She bowed. "Phae, the mage of Lucas's party."
Next, a lean man with twin daggers appeared. "Jonathan, assassin."
An elf girl with sharp silver eyes and a longbow at her back stepped forward. "Efil, archer."
Lastly, a tall warrior carrying a tower shield and a heavy axe stepped forward. "And I'm Noel—the tank."
The five stood behind Lucas, a professional and disciplined force.
Raizo turned to his group.
The Dilhaze Party stood with quiet strength.
"We're the Dilhaze Party," Raizo said.
"Nice to meet you all."
In unison, Fenra and Silvia echoed,
"Nice to meet you."
The air around them shifted.
For a moment, there was no rivalry, no fire.
Only two brothers—two forces—standing with their comrades.
And though smiles were exchanged and hands extended…
A storm was coming.
And not all reunions end in peace.