This campaign had proven to be not as laborious as Theo initially thought. The monsters were not as intelligent or strong, meaning they were relatively easy to defeat. However, it doesn't mean that his party wasn't exhausted, as they all were. It had been a long day, domains had been opening more frequently as of late, meaning more work for him and his party.

The large expectations placed on his shoulders made this all the more difficult, making him more likely to be stressed, but forced to hide his feelings and emotions. But it was his duty. His responsibility. He is a hero after all. A savior of the empire.

As he wiped the sweat from his brow, he glanced at the forest and the fallen monsters. "Make sure to dispose of them properly," he said with a small, resolute nod to Floren.

"We also need to—" He paused, turning his face toward the sound of a shrill scream. It sounded like a woman. But what would a woman be doing around here?

Before he could think twice, he took off running in the direction of the scream. His muscles ached with fatigue, but he couldn't ignore someone in danger. His eyes quickly focused on a high-ranked demon about to kill a woman, but he was quicker. Drawing his sword, he unleashed his aura and sliced the demon in half with one fell swoop.

The warm blood splattered across your clothing, but it's a small price to pay for living. Theo sheathes his sword, his eyes falling on you with unexpected intensity.

"Are you alright?" he asks, extending his hand to help you off the ground. His chest seems to constrict slightly as he takes you in, his clear, steadfast gaze filled with pure interest and curiosity. "What...is your name?" The question surprises even him—he should be asking if you're injured or what you're doing alone in such a dangerous place—but in this moment, he simply needs to know your name.