Scene: Inside the Bar, Valtherion Empire
The air was thick with the scent of ale and smoke, the sound of chatter and clinking mugs echoing through the dimly lit bar. Snow melted from travelers' cloaks near the hearth, and the place was loud with gossip — about wars, thrones, and monsters beyond the borders.
At one corner table, Lady Seraphina Valcrest sat in her cloak, hood drawn low to hide the shimmer of her silver hair — the mark of her noble blood. Two companions sat beside her: Xena, a gentle healer wrapped in sage-green robes, and Lex, a brash swordsman with twin blades strapped to his back.
Across from them sat a rugged man, his left sleeve pinned and empty.
> Seraphina: "My name is Seraphina Valcrest. Are you, by any chance, Sir Vermin?"
The man gave a weary sigh, eyes filled with quiet regret.
> Vermin: "Sorry, Miss Seraphina… you're correct. I was one of the generals — before I lost my right arm. They forced me to retire. I've got a family to feed now… I can't help you. I'm truly sorry."
Seraphina smiled faintly, though her eyes betrayed exhaustion.
> Seraphina: "I understand, Sir Vermin. Thank you for your honesty. We'll take our leave."
The man gave a respectful nod before returning to his drink.
As Seraphina and her two companions turned, a sudden commotion erupted near the front of the bar — the sound of chairs crashing and drunken voices shouting. The crowd thickened, blocking the way out.
> Xena: (whispering) "What should we do, Lady Seraphina? It seems we don't have anyone left willing to help us now."
Seraphina sat down again, resting her chin lightly on her palm. The flame of the candle flickered across her pensive face.
> Seraphina: (softly) "My two older brothers… fighting over the throne, while they've completely forgotten about me. My manpower is dwindling, and the few knights who remained are exhausted. I don't even know what step to take next."
Lex slammed his fist lightly on the table, grinning with reckless optimism.
> Lex: "Then let's recruit adventurers! There are plenty here in Valtherion. If we train them ourselves, we'll have enough strength to stand on our own."
Xena turned toward him, glaring.
> Xena: "Are you out of your mind, Lex? Adventurers fight for gold, not loyalty. The moment someone offers them more, they'll turn their blades against us."
> Lex: "Then we'll make them loyal. Power earns respect, Xena. If Lady Seraphina shows them her worth, they'll follow."
Xena scoffed, folding her arms.
> Xena: "You really believe loyalty can be bought or forced?"
> Lex: "Not bought — earned."
The argument drew a few glances from nearby patrons, but Seraphina raised her hand slightly, silencing them both.
Her gaze softened as she looked into the candlelight — her reflection shimmering faintly in the melted wax.
> Seraphina: "Enough. Both of you are right in your own way. Loyalty isn't easy to find… but perhaps fate will send us someone worth trusting."
Scene: Morning in the Snowy Outskirts of Valtherion
The cold morning air bit against their skin as Seraphina, Lex, and Xena walked along the snow-covered trail leading toward the northern mountains. Their breath came out as white mist, boots crunching in rhythm against the frozen path.
Up ahead, two rough-looking adventurers leaned against a wooden post, muttering heatedly to each other.
> Adventurer 1: "That bastard… I offered him gold, a whole pouch of it, and he didn't even look at it!"
Adventurer 2: "What should we do now, bro? That freak's been clearing out every monster on the mountain outskirts. If he keeps this up, there'll be nothing left for the guild."
Adventurer 1: "Tch. People already tried to 'take care of him,' but they couldn't even land a punch on that monster of a man. He's not normal."
Hearing their words, Seraphina stopped walking. Her curious eyes softened with intrigue.
> Seraphina: "Pardon me, gentlemen," she said with a polite tone and gentle smile. "May I ask… who is this man you're speaking of?"
The two adventurers turned, startled by her noble bearing — the faint shimmer of her cloak and the insignia stitched on her glove giving away her status.
> Adventurer 2: "H-Huh? Oh, uh… you must mean that guy from the northern ridge. They call him a monster hunter or something. A human living alone up there — kills everything that moves."
Behind her, Xena frowned, clutching her staff tightly.
> Xena: "Are you sure about this, Lady Seraphina? What if this man isn't as kind as they say? He could be dangerous — or worse, already bribed by your brothers."
Lex chuckled, resting his sword on his shoulder with his usual swagger.
> Lex: "Relax, Xena. I'm here. Even if he's dangerous, I can take both of you and him if it comes to that."
Xena rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath.
> Xena: "Your confidence will get us killed one day…"
Seraphina chuckled softly, hiding her amusement behind a graceful smile.
> Seraphina: "Enough. We'll go and see him. If he truly cleared those mountains alone, then perhaps he's the kind of strength I need."
They followed the dirt path leading toward the snow-veiled peaks, where faint trails of smoke could be seen rising from a lonely cabin.
> Xena: "It'll take us half a day to climb that mountain, my lady. Are you sure you want to go there yourself?"
> Seraphina: "Yes," she answered calmly, her eyes focused ahead. "I want to see this 'monster' with my own eyes."
Lex smirked.
> Lex: "Then let's move before the snow buries the path. Who knows — maybe this monster hunter turns out to be a hero instead."