Kazuki and Kairyuuha stood still as Mei’s comrades examined them.

  The first to step forward was a tall boy with black hair tied back neatly, a pair of polished glasses glinting in the sunlight. His dark robe shimmered faintly, revealing intricate runes sewn into the seams. A map peeked out of his satchel as he flipped open a worn notebook and scribbled something.

  “Kael,” he said without looking up. “Strategist. You saved Mei. For that, I’m grateful… and curious.”

  Next came a booming laugh.

  “Tora’s the name! And you two—” he pointed dramatically, “—are beasts!”

  He stood nearly as tall as two Kazukis stacked, wild orange hair blazing like fire and fang-like teeth visible through his grin. His gauntlets sparked with faint lightning as he slapped Kazuki’s back (which didn’t budge him in the slightest).

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  Then, a blur zipped by.

  “Yuno,” said a cocky voice from above as a brown-haired boy landed on a beam inside the guild hall, smirking down at them. “You guys fight often? Or do you just… stroll through ogres?”

  Kazuki tilted his head. “We do both.”

  Yuno laughed. “I like him already.”

  And finally, the fourth figure stepped forward silently.

  Silver hair, cold gray eyes, and a presence like still water. She looked at Kairyuuha briefly and then to Kazuki.

  She didn’t say a word.

  Kael gestured to her. “That’s Reiya. She doesn’t speak much, but she’s always watching.”

  She gave a slow nod. Mei smiled.

  “They’re my team. We’re officially ‘Team Emberlight.’”

  Kairyuuha raised a brow. “That’s a stupid name.”

  Tora barked a laugh. “He says it to everyone.”

  After the introductions settled, Kael adjusted his glasses. “We’re heading back to the city for a major quest. Want to join us? We could use your strength.”

  Kairyuuha glanced at Kazuki, then nodded slowly. “We’ll come.”

  Kazuki raised an eyebrow. “We will?”

  “We’ll learn more this way,” Kairyuuha said. “About human nature.”

  Mei grinned. “Then it’s settled.”

  And just like that, the two forest-born warriors became temporary members of Team Emberlight, setting off with their new companions toward the next chapter of their journey—into cities, quests, and truths buried beneath the surface.