Ren was traveling along the highway on horseback, venturing far from the town of Clausel for the first time in quite a while.
The purpose of the trip was to tour the neighboring villages, an official duty of the House Clausel. The expedition had been organized after Ren personally petitioned Baron Lezard for permission to accompany them that night.
(It’s already past noon, huh?)
They had departed Clausel at dawn, and more than six hours had already slipped by. The landscape had shifted entirely; now, vast plains stretched out endlessly on either side of the road.
It was a tranquil scene. Nearby, merchants had hitched their horses by the roadside, and a few adventurers sat on the grass, taking a well-earned rest. Following their lead, the House Clausel party decided to halt and hitch their horses for a break.
Ren dismounted and looked at his companion. "You've really taken a liking to me, haven't you? Are you sure about that?"
"Neigh!"
The horse whinnied in a short, upbeat tone. This was one of the pair that had once pulled Jelkku's carriage, the same one Ren and Lithia had ridden during their desperate escape.
Lithia walked over to Ren, a soft smile on her face. "That’s wonderful. It looks like he’s finally accepted you as his master."
"I’m happy about it, but did he really have no loyalty toward Jelkku at all?"
"Probably not. I heard he seemed perfectly at ease at the mansion almost from the moment he arrived."
"Is that so...?"
"Yes. Considering the kind of man Jelkku was, he likely wasn't very kind to his animals. Yuno, who handles the feedings, mentioned that his coat improved remarkably fast once he joined our stables."
As Lithia suspected, the animal had clearly been neglected. When Ren stroked the horse's neck in sympathy, it let out a happy, vibrating snort.
"They say this one has monster blood in his veins, just like Weiss's mount. He’s going to get much larger."
"Wait, does that mean he’s still just a foal?"
"Of course. Just look at Weiss’s horse. He should grow to be at least that size."
Prompted, Ren looked over at Weiss’s horse. He was struck by the sheer sturdiness of its limbs; it was easily a full size larger than any of the other knights' mounts. However, Ren's horse was no slouch either. Its deep chestnut coat was as glossy as fine silk, and even though it was young, its powerful frame showed immense promise.
"Horses with monster blood stay in their prime for a long time, and their lifespans are much longer than normal breeds," Lithia added.
"Then it sounds like we’ll be together for a long time."
"Exactly. So, make sure you give him a proper name."
Lezard had already confirmed that ownership of the horse officially belonged to Ren, so there were no lingering issues.
The two continued their lighthearted conversation until Yuno, Lithia’s personal maid and attendant, approached them.
"My lady, Sir Weiss is calling for you."
As Lithia stepped away, Yuno lingered behind. "Master Ren, may I have a word?" Her voice was a hushed whisper, quite different from her usual tone. "I’ve heard that despite everything that happened, you intend to stay in Clausel for the time being."
"That's right. I plan to stay for a while longer."
"I am so glad. My lady was overjoyed when she heard. She even shared her excitement with me, saying that you might actually attend the party."
"...The party?"
"Yes. I believe you’ve heard the others mention it—my lady's birthday celebration."
"Ah... right."
Ren realized with a start that Lithia's birthday was in August. Since it was already the end of July, the celebration was only a few weeks away.
"I’ll have to prepare a gift as soon as we return to Clausel," he mused.
He had recently given her a white dress, and the sight of her in it had been far more charming than he had ever expected. But that was a separate matter; he needed something special for her birthday.
(I really need to think this through.)
Seeing Ren nodding seriously to himself, Yuno suppressed a secret smile.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
By evening, they arrived at a knight's estate in their destination village. Unlike the Ashton residence before it burned down, this manor was brand new and meticulously clean.
Lithia visited Ren's guest room later that evening. She had finished her official business with the local knight and wanted to spend her free time with him. She led Ren to a table and unrolled a piece of parchment—a map of the Clausel territory.
"This is where we are now. Tomorrow, we’ll be following this route," she explained, sliding her finger across the map.
"Is this... the Baldur Mountains?"
"Yes. The same mountains we passed during our escape."
Knowing they would be passing even closer to the range than before, Ren’s expression grew slightly tense.
(Well, as long as the Marquis Ignat isn't making any moves yet, it shouldn't be dangerous.)
Under normal circumstances, the Baldur Mountains weren't particularly perilous. He had confirmed this before. The monsters there were F-rank at best. In the original Legend of the Seven Heroes, the mountains only became a death trap because Marquis Ignat intentionally triggered an anomaly to bring down the Leomel Empire.
He had used a specific catalyst: the magic stone of a legendary creature.
——The Red Dragon Asval.
Asval was an ancient dragon that had lived for centuries. It was a creature of immense wisdom that could understand human speech, though it was also famously proud and bellicose, always seeking out powerful challengers.
However, the dragon eventually lost its sanity to the influence of the Demon King. The wise guardian became a mindless beast of destruction until it was finally slain by the Seven Heroes. Its remains fell into a volcano in the Baldur Mountains, and over the eons, even its bones dissolved. The volcano’s internal environment was permanently altered by the dragon's essence, eventually becoming dormant.
Yet, deep within the caldera, the only thing that refused to melt remained: Asval’s Magic Stone.
(In the game, Ignat found that stone and used the lingering power of the Demon King to revitalize the area.)
The monsters in the Baldur Mountains had been supercharged. A region that usually held nothing stronger than an E-rank monster had transformed into a nightmare landscape overnight.
‘I hate everything.’
A scene from the climax of the first game flashed through Ren’s mind. It was the moment Marquis Ignat stood before the protagonists at the edge of the dormant volcano’s pit.
‘In this life, I gave everything to my country. Yet when I needed mercy most, I was denied, and I lost Fiona.’
The descendants of the Seven Heroes had leveled their weapons against him. Ignat had merely laughed at their attempts at persuasion, spreading his arms like wings as he spoke.
‘Leomel... If you refuse to acknowledge me, then I shall refuse to acknowledge you. I shall negate your entire existence.’
Ulysses Ignat had been a master of both sword and magic. As the battle raged, the Ritual of Asval's Resurrection had ticked closer to completion, filling the players with dread.
‘Very well. I shall deal with you all just as I dealt with that Third Prince.’
The tension had been unbearable. Even as he was pushed to the brink, Ignat never wavered in his quest to bring Leomel to ruin.
Eventually...
‘Ugh... Fio... na... Was I... wrong...?’
Just moments before Asval could fully manifest, the mighty Ulysses Ignat had finally fallen. But the ritual had progressed too far to be stopped by normal means. It was only then that the protagonist awakened the true power of Hero Ruin’s bloodline, forcing the Red Dragon Asval back into its slumber just as it began to stir.
"Why have you gone so quiet all of a sudden?"
Lithia shook his shoulder, her cheeks puffed out in a slight pout.
"Ah—sorry. I just got lost in thought."
"...I suppose that’s fine, but I’m still curious about what you were going to say."
"Well... I was just thinking about that report Lord Lezard received. If this winter is going to be as cold as they say, I was wondering if the snow in the mountains would cause trouble for the villages."
Lithia laughed, her suspicion vanishing. "You’re worrying far too early." She leaned in slightly. "By the way, you seemed really interested in the Baldur Mountains. Since we’re this close, do you want to take a detour and see them? There’s no danger at this time of year."
Lithia expected him to jump at the chance.
"Let’s not."
She looked at him in surprise; she had assumed they shared the same adventurous streak. "Are you sure? I thought for sure you'd say 'By all means!'"
"No... I think it’s better if we stay away from the mountains. Even if the monsters aren't an issue, getting stranded in that terrain would be a nightmare."
Even though he knew Fiona was alive and the Marquis likely wouldn't rebel in this timeline, he had no desire to tempt fate.
(A wise man keeps his distance from danger... or something like that. I’m no 'wise man,' but I’d rather not go looking for trouble.)
Of course, if there were a compelling reason—like protecting his family or Lithia—his answer would be different.
Just as they were about to be called for dinner, another thought occurred to him.
(Wait, wasn't there a hidden map in the Baldur Mountains?)
In the game, there was a secret area filled with treasure chests containing high-value items and unique equipment. It was also a guaranteed spawn point for a Steel-Eating Gargoyle. It would have been the perfect place to level up his Shield Magic Sword.
(Even so... the Baldur Mountains are too much of a risk right now.)
Ren pushed the thought aside, deciding to leave the hidden map for another day.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
The next village they visited was one Ren had bypassed unknowingly during their escape. It was a rural settlement much like his home village, sitting right in the shadow of the Baldur Mountains.
"Sir Weiss, there is a matter I must discuss with you," the village knight said, his face etched with worry.
He explained that the river's water level had been dropping for days, and the fish stocks were dwindling. "I checked the upper reaches this morning. Fallen trees have piled up, completely damming the flow."
"Was there a storm recently?" Weiss asked.
"Heavy rain and winds battered us until a few days ago. I believe they brought down the trees that are now choking the river."
The knight and the young villagers had tried to clear the blockage, but the logs were too massive for them to shift. He was hoping to borrow the strength of the knights. However, Lithia and Weiss were on a tight schedule, and the other knights were already swamped with their own tasks.
Ren decided to interject. "If it’s alright, I can handle it. I should be able to clear the blockage myself. And it sounds like I won't have to worry about monsters."
"True enough," Weiss agreed. "Even if anything shows up, they'd be no stronger than the ones in the East Forest."
The village knight offered to guide him, but Ren politely declined. "How long is the trek to the upper reaches?"
"About two hours on foot for an adult... but are you certain you should go alone?" the knight asked, clearly skeptical that a young boy could succeed where grown men had failed.
"Have no fear!" Weiss boomed. "This boy is none other than Ren Ashton himself!"
"W-What?! The Hero I’ve heard so much about? Forgive my rudeness...!"
(This is so incredibly embarrassing...) Ren thought, his face heating up.
"There is no need for concern," Weiss continued. "But even if it’s a two-hour walk, wouldn't it be faster to go by horse?"
"Normally, yes, but the path is washed out from the rain. It’s no place for a mount."
Ren’s physical capabilities were far beyond those of an average adult, so a difficult path wouldn't be much of a hindrance. Weiss didn't seem concerned at all.
"I’ll head out immediately then," Ren said.
"Very well. Allow me to at least show you to the trailhead," the knight replied, bowing deeply with a mix of apology and reverence.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Ren spent over an hour navigating the treacherous path. As described, it was a mess of deep mud and slick roots. He followed the thinning river until he finally reached the source of the problem.
A tributary that fed into the main river was choked with fallen logs. The water was reduced to a mere trickle through the gaps, and several fish were flopping helplessly on the muddy banks.
"I'll gather those up on my way back," Ren muttered. It was food for the village, after all.
He waded into the shallows and began hauling the logs away one by one. In the process, his clothes were splashed with muddy water, leaving him with a deadpan expression of annoyance. As he was regretting his lack of caution, a voice drifted through the air.
"Personally, I think you should just let nature magic do the heavy lifting, but what do you think?"
Ren looked up sharply. Standing nearby was the hooded woman he had met at the Guild. Her voice had that same unnaturally altered, synthesized quality, making her instantly recognizable.
"Why are you here?" he asked.
"That’s my line. Why is a boy who belongs in Clausel out here playing in the river?"
"I have my reasons. And for the record, I’m not playing."
It was a legitimate job, but standing there dripping wet, it was hard to sound dignified. The woman seemed to find his annoyance charming; she giggled behind her hood and traced a circular motion in the air with her finger.
"Well, we can't have you catching a cold."
In an instant, a warm sensation washed over Ren. His clothes dried immediately, the mud and stains vanishing until his garments were as crisp and clean as if they had just been laundered.
"Was that... cleaning magic?"
"Heh-heh-heh! To be precise, it’s a spell that restores things to their pristine state! Well? Impressive, right?"
Ren suspected it was a much more powerful spell than she was letting on. More importantly, he hadn't realized magic could be used for such practical, everyday tasks. In the game, dirt didn't exist, so such spells would have been useless.
(I guess there’s a whole world of 'lifestyle' magic I don't know about.)
He filed the information away with a small smile of satisfaction. "So, really—why are you here?"
"Work. Despite this shady outfit, I actually have a very serious, very boring job."
"I see..." Ren didn't bother to deny the 'shady' part. (So she knows she looks suspicious. A job that's 'serious' but requires a disguise... what could that be?)
He remained on guard, though he didn't sense any hostility. The woman offered no further details. Her voice remained distorted, and the deep hood obscured everything but her mouth. It was as if the robe itself were designed to repel recognition.
Suddenly, a low grunt broke the silence. Both Ren and the woman turned toward the shadows of the remaining trees. Several monsters were watching them—Little Boars, a common sight for Ren.
"The storm probably ruined their usual feeding grounds," the woman observed.
As she moved to step in front of him, Ren reacted instinctively, surging forward to stand between her and the beasts. He drew his Iron Magic Sword in a single, fluid motion.
The woman blinked, stunned. "A-Are? Why are you standing in front of me?"
"To fight, obviously," Ren replied, his eyes locked on the charging boars.
"No, I mean—why are you protecting me?"
"I'm here, and they're attacking. Isn't it obvious?"
"Huh...?"
Even though she was a stranger, Ren’s body had moved on its own. It was a habit ingrained in him from his time with Lithia. Besides, he couldn't bring himself to hide behind a woman, no matter how mysterious she was.
He didn't give her another thought as he engaged the monsters. Within seconds, the Little Boars were dealt with.
Behind him, he heard her murmur, "...I suppose the rumors were right. You really are the Hero."
Ren turned back, shearing the blood from his blade. "Did you say something?"
"Yeah. I said you’re quite the gentleman."
"I... don't follow."
"If I told you I'd explain everything, would you come back to the Imperial Capital with me?"
"Absolutely not."
"Sigh... A shame."
The woman sighed with genuine disappointment and began to walk away. As she passed him, she waved a hand, effortlessly purifying the blood splattered on his clothes.
"I have to go. I was drowning in paperwork, but meeting you made this little excursion worthwhile."
"Wait! I still have questions—!"
He wanted to ask her about the Guild, and why she seemed to know about his power. But as he reached out toward her shoulder, a sudden, warm gust of wind whipped around him.
He shielded his eyes for a split second. When he opened them, the woman was gone—and the fallen trees he had been meant to clear had vanished along with her, the river now flowing freely.
Ren stood alone in the silence, processing the encounter. Her varied magic, her informal way of speaking, her eccentric charm... all of it pointed toward one specific person.
"It couldn't be... Her?"
He found it hard to believe someone of her stature would be out here in the middle of nowhere. After all, the person who had crossed his mind was none other than the Director of the Imperial Military Academy, Chronoa Highland. But she was famously overworked; it didn't seem possible she could be wandering the frontier in disguise.
When he returned to the village, Ren reported the encounter to Lithia. He explained how he had met a mysterious woman at the Guild and seen her again by the river.
Since the woman had gone out of her way to show herself to Ren, it didn't seem like she was part of an ambush, but Lithia and Weiss weren't taking any chances.
"Let’s cut the tour short and head back to Clausel immediately," Lithia decided.
With the trauma of the spring still fresh in their minds, they chose the path of caution.