The neutrality of the spectator

yours represent a real life insurance."

Kyle remained silent for a moment, his fingers tapping against his crossed arm. The more he listened, the more he sensed that Darian was no ordinary merchant. His tone, his confidence, his aura... everything exuded a touch of darkness.

"And what do you sell, exactly, besides fabrics and weapons?" he asked suspiciously.

A more genuine smile crossed Darian's face, and this time he didn't even bother to mask the truth.

"I'm also... a slave trader," he said, his tone calm, almost nonchalant, as if he were talking about exotic fruits.

Kyle didn't react immediately. Then he slowly turned his head towards him.

"And you don't even hide it?"

Darian shrugged.

"Why should I? This trade is legal in certain regions of the empire. I respect the laws." And I only sell certified slaves: criminals, prisoners of war, or volunteers seeking to repay their debts."

Kyle held Darian's gaze for a long moment, before looking away toward the curtain that let the light filter in.

"It's not for me to judge this world..." he said neutrally. Then a slight smile touched his lips. "But... it could be interesting."

A thought immediately crossed his mind, half mocking, half serious:

"After all, after playing adventurer, why not trafficker? It would be almost... entertaining."

Darian didn't seem offended.

"I figured as much. But keep my proposition in mind. A man like you won't remain unknown for long."

Kyle remained silent for a moment, staring at the curtain of the carriage that let a ray of light through. Then, he glanced at Darian. 

"Your offer…" he murmured, "is there adventure… and danger?"

Darian raised an eyebrow, surprised by the question.

He chuckled slightly, then leaned forward, lowering his voice a little.

"Yes. There are. Lots. Forbidden zones, negotiations that can go sour, convoys through the wilderness, ambushes, hungry creatures. And also…"

He paused, as if to let the weight of his words linger, then subtly shifted his tone.

"Being my bodyguard is a life between luxury and the edge."

Kyle straightened slightly, his expression thoughtful.

"Hmm… That sounds tempting. I hate quiet days."

Darian burst out laughing.

"That sounds good! Think about it, boy." You're the perfect fit for this kind of gig. And if you accept, I guarantee you'll never be bored."

The carriage swung open. It was Tristan, his face sweating.

"All right, the Goblins are under control. We'll get back on the road."

Kyle nodded, but before getting out, he gave Darian one last look.

"We'll talk about your offer... later."

Darian nodded, a smile on his face.

"I'm counting on it."

Kyle quietly got out of the carriage. The convoy moved smoothly on, the horses moving rhythmically along the stone road. The silence of the group was broken after a few minutes when Kyle approached Tristan, who was leading the way.

"He made me an offer."

Tristan turned his head towards him, intrigued. 

"Darian? What kind of offer?"

"He wants me to be his bodyguard," Kyle replied lightly.

"He says it would be dangerous, exciting... and well-paid."

Tristan arched an eyebrow.

"Okay, and what are you going to do?"

Then his expression hardened.

"But did you know he's also a slave trader?"

Kyle shrugged. "He told me."

Tristan's face tightened.

"Since he was the one who approached me about escorting her, I couldn't refuse. Because I usually never work with that kind of person. Slavery... It's a practice I can't tolerate. It doesn't matter if it's legal in this damn kingdom."

Lys, who was riding nearby, had stopped when she heard the conversation.

"You mean slavery?" she asked, her expression grim.

"Darian is a slave trader. He asked Kyle to join him." " explained Tristan, visibly annoyed.

Lys's eyes widened before giving Kyle a hard look.

"You're going to refuse, I hope?"

Kyle crossed his arms behind his head, flashing his casual smile.

"I don't know yet. It sounds like fun."

Lys's face fell.

"How can you say that? Slavery is a horror. The Church condemns the practice, even if the king's law allows it. It's not about the laws, Kyle. It's about humanity."

Kyle replied calmly, almost too calmly,

"Who am I to judge what's right or wrong?"

Lys clenched her fists, her eyes shining with indignation.

"You're truly disappointing... I thought you were better than this." »

Kyle looked away, the smile still on his lips, but his silence spoke volumes.

The day passed without further incident. Not a single ambush, not a single monster. Just the road, the creaking wheels of the carriage, and a heavy silence between the members of the group. Since his discussion with Lys and Tristan, Kyle had been alone, a slight smile on his lips, oblivious to the shifty glances.

He understood.

This world wasn't real.

Or rather... not his.

Since he'd set foot here, everything had sounded false—too perfect, too dramatic, like a role-playing game or a waking dream. So why bother with moral principles when this world was, in his eyes, a vast play.

Night fell, enveloping the convoy in a blanket of stars. Campfires were lit and guard shifts were organized. While Kyle leaned against a tree, gazing at the sky,

Elena approached him timidly.

"Kyle... can I sit down?" »

He nodded with a smile.

"Of course. Aren't you mad at me too?"

Elena shook her head.

"That's not it. I wanted to apologize again. The first night... I should have detected the monsters. That's my job."

Kyle looked at her, a touch amused.

"No worries. Everyone makes mistakes."

"But if you spot any danger in the future... promise me you'll warn me," she said sincerely. "Even if you're strong, that's no reason to act alone. We're better together."

Kyle gave a small, amused smile.

"Okay, okay. I'll let you know."

There was a brief silence before he continued, his tone lighter:

"So... what do you think of Darian's offer?" »

Elena seemed to think, then replied:

"Among the elves, slavery was part of ancient traditions. But that doesn't mean I accept it."

She looked seriously at Kyle.

"And you... with your power, you have no business being involved in this kind of activity. The adventurer profession suits you much better."

Kyle nodded.

"You're right. Besides, Darian doesn't really intend to recruit me into his business."

He looked at him, surprised.

"Then why?"

He smiled, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous twinkle.

"I think it's just to see what kind of person I am. If you ask me, he has an agenda."

Elena remained silent for a moment.

"I agree with you. That's why I always keep an eye on him." »

The night wore on in a tense silence, very different from the one before. This time, everyone remained on guard. Even asleep, each member of the group kept one hand on their weapon, ready to rise at the slightest alarm.

Suddenly, Elena, her eyes open in the shadows, flinched.

"Something is approaching..." she whispered.

With a quick movement, she woke Tristan. He woke up immediately, alert. Elena didn't need to speak again: he understood.

"Everyone, stand! Defensive formation!"

In a few moments, the group gathered, each taking up their positions as they had done against the Goblins earlier.

—Tristan and Anne in the front line.

—Lys and Iris in support at the rear.

—Elena, on the flanks, bow in hand. 

—And Kyle… unwillingly posted near Darian's tent.

''You're not participating this time. Guard Darian's tent. That's our objective," Tristan declared firmly.

Kyle grimaced. But he accepted, positioning himself nearby, observing.

Iris summoned a sphere of pure light that illuminated the surroundings. The night howlers—about twenty of them—were there, lurking in the darkness, gradually surrounding the camp.

The fight broke out.

Elena fired arrow after arrow, piercing the first creatures that attempted a stealthy approach. Anne, armed with her spear, activated her war art:

[Piercing], a Void technique. Her spear sliced through the air and felled a wolf with a precise and deadly blow.

Tristan, his face hard, unleashed the power of his dragon blade.

[Slice – Dragon Flame], an arc of fire erupted with the impact, incinerating two beasts in one fell swoop.

In the rear, Iris chained [Fireballs], consuming the wolves that tried to bypass the group. Lys, concentrated, chanted a soft and luminous incantation.

[Holy Light], enveloped the wounded in comforting warmth, closing the wounds and dispelling the pain.

Kyle, arms crossed, watched.

"They're doing well. They really don't need me...?"

And then, everything changed.

 A low, guttural howl echoed through the trees. The ground vibrated slightly. A massive creature stepped out of the shadows: an Alpha Demon Wolf, much larger than the others, with a pitch-black coat and incandescent red eyes. C-rank? Or higher.

"Predictable. Otherwise, this will be way too easy," Kyle said with an amused smile.

The beast leaped, lightning-fast, aiming for Tristan. But before it could reach its target, a figure appeared with inhuman speed.

[Void Veil] activated.

Kyle intercepted the charge, pushing Tristan back with a shoulder strike just in time. The monster bit into the air, scraping the ground with its claws.

"It's the protagonist's turn to shine," Kyle whispered, his sword finally drawn.

''Stay away!" Tristan yelled at the girls. "Take care of the other screamers!"

Not another word.

He and Kyle exchanged a simple glance.

That was enough. They understood.

They were going to face him together.

Tristan tightened his grip on his blade.

"I've been gentle so far. I wanted everyone to work as a team. But this is different."

Kyle smiled.

"My first duo boss... This looks promising."

The Demon Wolf growled, the air around him seeming to distort under an invisible pressure. Dark wisps emanated from his inky fur. His aura of darkness oppressed the very air.

Tristan, sword in hand, took a determined step forward.

Kyle, use [Veil of Nothingness] again. The world slowed down instantly for him.

The beast leaped. A direct assault.

Tristan barely parried, the wolf's claws colliding with his sword in an explosion of sparks. He slipped backward under the raw power, his heels digging into the ground.

"He's stronger than I expected..."

Kyle, already moving, launched a condensed bolt of lightning into his sword. The electric current curled around the blade, crackling with pure energy. He sliced horizontally—the wave struck the creature in the flank, sending it reeling back with a furious snarl.

But it resisted.

With a roar, it released a black mist charged with malevolent energy. Tristan, caught in the area, staggered: his body was numb, his vision blurred.

"Dark magic..."

He resisted, but his movement slowed.

Kyle, meanwhile, advanced through the black mist... as if nothing had happened. The darkness slid over him like insubstantial mist.

He leaped. Lightning Strike.

[Slice] + [White Lightning]

An arc of lightning split the night, followed by a lightning-quick thrust, aimed at the wolf's legs to knock it off balance.

Tristan regained his footing. His dragon sword suddenly burst into flames.

 "Good... My turn."

He activated [Flaming Dragon Fang], a powerful attack that slashed diagonally, leaving a trail of red and gold flames in its wake. The blow struck the monster's flank, burning it deeply.

The creature screamed, wounded for the first time.

It lashed out. [Dark Claw Rain], a series of swift, violent blows.

Kyle dodged, sliding along the ground.

Tristan, for his part, parried and countered, his swordsmanship making him fluid and precise. Each blow he landed seemed to dance with fire.

The fight intensified. The ground cracked, the air trembled, the light of magic lit up the entire forest.

Then, a glance exchanged.

Kyle spoke first, his breath short but his smile wide:

"How about we finish this one?" »

Tristan nodded.

Kyle channeled his lightning into his blade. The flash turned white, concentrated to the max. Electric arcs ran through his arms.

Tristan raised his dragon sword. The flames gathered, twisting into a fiery blast.

They leapt, crossing paths.

[Cross Strike: Flame & Lightning]

Two shafts of light—one fiery red, the other lightning blue—crossed in an X, striking the Demon Wolf's heart.

Explosion.

Shockwave.

Silence.

When the dust settled, the creature collapsed, charred, its chest split into a perfect cross. Its body slowly dissipated into shadows, back to the darkness from which it came.

Tristan sheathed his blade, his breath coming short.

"You're doing pretty well."

Kyle didn't reply, merely looked up at the moon.

And in the shadows of the camp, the girls watched, awed. For the first time, they had just seen Kyle and Tristan... really fight.

The body of the demonic wolf was gone, dissipated into darkness. Silence gradually returned to the ravaged clearing.

Lys stepped forward without a word. She raised her right hand, a soft golden light emanating from her palms.

[Holy Light]

A halo enveloped Tristan, whose ragged breathing still betrayed the effects of the dark attacks.

 He sighed, the pain slowly dissipating.

"Thank you, Lys... That darkness was terrible."

The young priestess simply nodded, concentrating on her spell.

Not far away, Iris approached Kyle, arms crossed, a hint of questioning in her eyes.

"Kyle... why weren't you affected by the wolf's magical attacks? You were right in the middle of them, weren't you?"

The man in question looked away slightly. He gave a small, calm, almost innocent smile.

"Maybe... the attacks didn't hit me, or maybe I managed to dodge them all."

Iris narrowed her eyes, not entirely convinced, but didn't answer.

Tristan moved closer as well, placing his hand on Kyle's shoulder.

"Your speed... It was incredible. I almost didn't see you move."

He smiled.

"Honestly, I'm impressed." »

Kyle shrugged, looking casual.

"I haven't done anything extraordinary yet."

Behind them, Iris lowered her eyes, her shoulders slumping a little.

"Even though I'm a mage, you're superior to me in the use of magic," she murmured.

Kyle heard her and turned to her. He smiled.

"Isn't that surprising? For now, I've specialized in lightning magic."

He crossed his arms.

"I focus on one style. You're more versatile. And besides, we each progress at our own pace."

Anne burst out laughing behind them.

"Hehe, so in short, you're a lightning elemental mage, Kyle? That's cool!"

A shiver crossed Kyle's eyes. He paused, then replied with a forced chuckle:

"Who knows?!"

Elena, arms crossed, interjected in a calm but admiring tone.

"Anyway, he's impressive. Tristan... when we get back, he should be promoted to C-rank. He clearly has the strength."

Tristan nodded.

"I think so too. He's got the skill."

The group seemed convinced of this idea... except for one thing.

Lys, still kneeling, looked up at Kyle. Her voice was soft, almost muffled.

"If Kyle moves up a rank... I won't be able to catch him..."

She paused, her cheeks flushing.

"We... we won't be together anymore..."

A strange silence followed. Kyle opened his mouth slightly, taken aback.

But Lys quickly recovered, waving her hands.

"B-But it's not just that! The faster he moves up, the more dangerous the missions will be! He has to stay safe, right?"

This time, everyone seemed a little taken aback... but nodded slowly.

Anne, a teasing smile on her lips, whispered to Iris,

"She's not wrong. And look at her, she clearly wants him to stay close to her." 

Iris, arms crossed, turned her head away, muttering:

"...Adorable."

Elena, to lighten the mood, said:

"In that case, we'll make sure Kyle moves up a rank... with Lys. Is that okay with you, Lys?"

Lys, her face red as a peony, didn't respond. Kyle, however, stared at the moon, silent.

"We must avoid that at all costs... No love story that comes out of nowhere."

No one closed their eyes until morning.

The tension of the past fight had transformed into a strange euphoria. They were no longer tired. The danger had awakened in them a rare, almost magical feeling of unity.

In the early morning, Darian, still numb from sleep, sat up with a groan.

 "Hello, how was your..."

He stopped when he saw the others' faces, a little dirty, tired, but smiling.

Tristan approached, serious.

"We were attacked last night. A demonic wolf... powerful. It controlled the darkness."

Darian's gaze hardened immediately. He listened to Tristan's report, the details of the fight, the near-miss, the coordination between Kyle and him... the end.

When he understood the magnitude of what had happened while he slept, he sighed, then nodded.

"I see."

His gaze slowly swept over each of them.

"I'm grateful."

A respectful silence followed his words, before Anne cheerfully broke it:

"We handled it well, huh! Especially Kyle and Tristan."

Kyle, embarrassed, looked away.

 "It wasn't much..."

But no one noticed. For even he, on this golden morning, was smiling without realizing it.

They packed up camp, put out the fire, adjusted the bags, and checked the weapons. The sun rose slowly, gilding the treetops.

Tristan, in the lead, raised his hand.

"On our way, towards the royal capital of Valoris!"

Excited murmurs rippled through the group.

Valoris. Beating heart of the kingdom. City of powerful guilds, influential nobles, ancient mysteries, and even greater challenges.

Kyle, closing his eyes for a moment, felt the wind carry his thoughts far ahead.

The road to the royal capital was, unexpectedly, peaceful.

No monsters, no goblins, no screams in the night. Just the steady sound of hooves, the cheerful conversations, and the occasional burst of laughter between the group members.

And Kyle, for once, wasn't bored.

There was no fighting, no tension, nothing exciting... but he felt good. Strangely good. As if he really belonged here.

When the sun began to disappear, and the first twinkling lights appeared on the horizon, they realized they were finally getting closer.

And suddenly, there she was.

Valoris.

Imposing. Majestic. Alive.

Even the night couldn't hide its grandeur. From the top of the ramparts bathed in magical light, the royal castle could be seen standing proudly in the distance, shining like a beacon in the darkness.

The streets, the houses, the colorful signs of the taverns and shops seemed to come straight out of a video game. Kyle couldn't look away.

But before that... there was the guardhouse.

An identity check. Everyone showed their Thoralis citizenship cards without any problem. Everyone... except Kyle, who froze when the guard, torch in hand, asked for his.

"Um... I..."

For a moment, he felt panic rise within him. What if he got expelled? What if they started to suspect him?

 But it was Lys, shy but quick, who spoke:

"He's from the kingdom of Asterion."

The guard arched an eyebrow, then nodded.

"If that's the case, it's no problem. Show me your guild card, that'll be enough."

A flash of relief flashed through Kyle.

"Ah yes. At least I have that..."

He took it out and handed it to the guard. The latter checked the seal, the name, the authenticity. Then he nodded.

"All good. You may enter."

Kyle put his card away and let out a nervous chuckle.

"It's a good thing this world works the same way, with all the clichés like that..." he murmured.

The group then passed through the large doors, passing under the illuminated stone arch, and Valoris opened before them.

Shining cobblestones under the magical light, tall, elegant buildings, colorful shop windows still active despite the hour... The city breathed life, even at night.

Kyle stopped, almost breathless. His eyes fixed on the castle in the distance, its illuminated silhouette silhouetted against the starry sky.

He forgot to walk.

It was Anne who, approaching him, broke the silence:

"It's magnificent, isn't it?"

Kyle nodded slowly, his gaze still fixed on the horizon.

"Affirmative."

The bustling streets of Valoris seemed to open up before them like a storybook. Guided by Darian, the group finally reached his shop.

Well, shop...

It was a real commercial building, more like a small manor than a shop. Several stories, a neatly carved facade, stained-glass windows set in the fine wood, and a sign in gold letters reading: "House of Darian - Trading in Rarities."

Kyle blinked.

 "How can a mere street vendor own... this?"

But the question stuck in his throat. He felt it was neither the time nor his place right now.

As soon as they stepped out of the carriage, half a dozen people—obviously his employees—ran up, bowed, and greeted Darian warmly. They helped him carefully down, some even calling him "Master Darian," others asking about his health.

He seemed genuinely liked. Not a trace of fear or contempt in their eyes.

A respected boss.

Soon after, the group split up.

The girls took the horses to nearby stables, then went to the inn to reserve a room and order food.

The boys stayed with Darian until he finished speaking to his employees.

 After several minutes, finally alone with them, Darian turned to Tristan with a broad smile.

"You protected me with great professionalism. I want to thank you properly."

He handed Tristan a well-stocked purse. Kyle, however, stood back, arms crossed, looking detached.

He had little interest in money.

But just as Tristan had just received the purse, a man called out to him from the back.

"Mr. Tristan! This way!"

The young swordsman turned, recognized the voice, and ran towards him for a moment, exchanging a few words in hushed tones. Kyle took the opportunity to sigh, looking at the shop windows magically illuminated.

Shortly after, Tristan returned, smiling.

"Darian gave me more than I expected." »

As they prepared to leave, Darian added,

"Feel free to come back here to shop. My shop will always be open to you, especially to you two."

Kyle and Tristan nodded, then left the building.

Outside, the cool night air of Valoris contrasted with the magical warmth of the shop. Together, they headed for the inn.

They met the girls in a large, bustling dining room. A long table had been reserved for the group, and several steaming dishes were already sitting in the center.

Anne was laughing as she told Elena something, Iris was nibbling silently, and Lys, already seated, gave them a sweet smile as they arrived.

"You're finally here!"

Tristan took a seat without delay and grabbed a piece of bread, looking hungry.

Kyle sat next to Iris and watched the others in silence, a small smile on his lips.

A friendly atmosphere pervaded the room.

Tristan then raised his half-full beer mug.

"Tomorrow, we're going to the guild. We have to register Kyle and Lys in the capital's registry."

Kyle nodded.

Another step forward in this world, another step further in this fantastic adventure.