Outside Vedona City, a forest teemed with low-tier monsters.

Shhk—!

The sharp Ring Blade sliced through flesh, its sound echoing through the trees. A mournful howl followed as a first-tier fire tiger collapsed. Blood poured from a gaping wound on its belly, soaking the earth beneath.

Holding the bloodied Ring Blade, a petite pink-haired figure snorted twice. She planted her foot on the dying fire tiger’s head, inspecting its pelt.

Just then, a cheerful voice came from behind.

“Isa, we have a trainer now!”

“Huh?”

She turned to see Aurora, her pale blue hair catching the light, waving a magic communicator. A soft smile graced her gentle face. Aurora was Isa’s teammate, just like Celia.

“Let’s find Celia. I hope she hasn’t left yet,” Aurora said, taking Isa’s small hand and leading her toward Vedona.

Isa let herself be pulled but scratched her head, her big eyes filled with confusion. “Leave? Why would she leave?”

Unaware of Celia’s struggles, Isa looked utterly clueless. Aurora patiently explained as they hurried along. Though Celia had never spoken of it, Aurora had long sensed something was wrong.

Back at Miss Lena’s villa, Isa pushed open the door and spotted Celia sitting on the sofa, reading.

“Celia!”

Isa spread her arms and charged, tackling her onto the cushions. She nuzzled her face against Celia’s chest. “You don’t have to go! A Hero senior will train us!”

“What? Really?”

Used to Isa’s antics, Celia pushed her off and glanced at Aurora in surprise.

“Check your magic communicator. Guild Master Sharin sent a message,” Aurora reminded her.

Celia hurriedly pulled it out. Her face lit up at the words—then dimmed again.

“But even if a senior trains us, they might leave later. It’s happened before…”

The last trainer had quit quickly. To Celia, this one would likely do the same.

Aurora shook her head. “Previous seniors didn’t know your background. This one’s different. With the whole Heroes Guild aware of who you are—and Sharin approving…” She smiled. “This senior must be special.”

Hope flickered back in Celia’s eyes. Isa hugged her arm, shaking it playfully. “Let’s meet her! I haven’t seen our new trainer!”

“Alright,” Celia said, stroking Isa’s head. “Let’s go.”

The three headed to the Heroes Guild.

Stepping into the hall, Celia sensed the shift. Heroes’ gazes had changed from wary to envious. Those seeking favors looked even hungrier.

Ignoring them, she pushed open the Guild Master’s office door.

“You’re here?” Sharin adjusted her glasses, gesturing to Dorothy on the sofa. “This is your new trainer, um…”

“Dorothy.”

“Yes, Miss Dorothy.”

Few knew her real name beyond “Silver Blossom Sword Maiden.” No wonder Sharin hesitated.

After brief introductions, Dorothy noted Celia didn’t recognize her. Understandable—a Hero from twenty years past, her portraits long gone. Even if Celia had seen one, she’d likely think only of a resemblance.

Sharin waved an application form, smiling. “Celia, rejoining the team just needs paperwork.”

Quitting yesterday, rejoining today—life was unpredictable.

Celia hesitated, glancing between Sharin and Dorothy.

“Troubled?” Dorothy stepped close, meeting her eyes. Though not taller, she radiated a parental warmth.

“Senior… will training us cause you trouble?” Celia whispered, fearing the Fiona Clan’s shadow.

Dorothy understood. “What does a Hero mean to you?”

Celia thought. “Kind. Never giving up hope in despair. Saving the day like light upon the world—just like the Silver Blossom Sword Maiden.”

Dorothy’s cheeks flushed slightly, a trace of shame washing over her. That legend wasn’t perfect.

“But true Heroes aren’t like that. They’re ordinary people. Even she had… weak, shameful moments.” Her voice softened. “Blood, sacrifice, farewells—that’s a Hero’s reality. Still, do you want this path?”

Celia took a deep breath. “Yes. No matter the danger, I’ll become a Hero like her.”

No hesitation. She’d long prepared.

“Then chase your dream,” Dorothy said, tilting her head. Silver hair brushed her shoulders as she smiled, warm as sunlight.

A bittersweet pang struck Celia’s heart. She stared, eyes reddening. She longed to hug this senior, to soak in her warmth—but held back, fearing rejection.

She wasn’t a child anymore. Adults hid their feelings.

Rubbing her eyes, she nodded firmly. Taking the form from Sharin, she signed it.

“Welcome back to the Aspirant Hero team!”

As she set down the pen, Isa giggled and hugged her from behind. Celia yelped, stumbling forward and tackling Dorothy onto the sofa.

Flustered, Celia tried to rise—but Dorothy wrapped her arms around her waist, stopping her.

Ruffling Celia’s hair, Dorothy’s smile overflowed with affection.