The Twice-blessed Paladin

Aldric steps out of Lord Falkencrest's estate, leaving behind the world of politics, noble schemes, and whispered alliances.

For now.

He has gained resources, influence, and a hidden blade in the form of Zira Noctura. But while Falkencrest moves within the noble circles, Aldric must return to the adventurer's life.

It is among the warriors, the mercenaries, and the guild halls that he will gather strong allies.

He pulls his hood lower as he walks through the bustling streets of Gildan's Reach. The city is as it always is—loud, restless, unaware of the war brewing in its shadows.

And so, Aldric moves unseen, slipping back into the life of an adventurer.

Inside the Adventurer's Guild, the atmosphere is lively—hunters boasting of their kills, mages discussing contracts, merchants seeking hired blades.

Aldric moves to the notice board, scanning it for anything unusual.

A monster hunt. A bandit extermination. A caravan escort.

Nothing of true importance.

Still, he needs to remain active. His reputation must grow, his influence must spread.

He approaches the guild clerk, a middle-aged woman with sharp eyes.

"Any unusual jobs lately?" Aldric asks, voice steady.

She gives him a long look. "You're the one that cleared out that goblin den, right?"

Aldric nods.

She exhales. "There's nothing major right now, but there have been strange disappearances along the trade routes. No sign of bandits, no bodies left behind."

Aldric leans forward slightly. "Where?"

"Just south of the city, near the old stone road leading toward the border. Travelers go missing, but their wagons and goods are untouched."

That is strange.

Most bandits take valuables. Cultists leave signs of ritual.

But this?

Something else is at play.

Aldric nods. "I'll look into it."

The clerk raises a brow. "Careful. No one's come back from those roads."

Aldric simply walks away.

He has already died once.

As Aldric turns from the board, a familiar voice calls out.

"Aldric!"

He turns, finding Elira walking toward him.

She looks stronger than before. Her posture no longer slouched, her eyes no longer filled with hesitation.

She stops before him, hands on her hips, bow slung across her back.

"I've been looking for you," she says. "I wanted to thank you properly."

Aldric tilts his head slightly. "For what?"

She smiles faintly. "For saving me. Not just from the cult, but from myself."

Aldric remains silent, listening.

Elira crosses her arms. "After I lost my party, I… I wanted to give up. But you pulled me out of that hell. You showed me I wasn't finished yet. I just needed the courage to stand again."

Her eyes meet his, steady and determined.

"I won't waste that second chance," she says. "I'm back in the guild, taking contracts again."

Aldric nods approvingly. "Good. You had the strength all along. You just needed to remember it."

Elira chuckles. "Maybe. But it helps to have someone give you a kick in the right direction."

She pauses, then gestures to someone standing behind her.

"Speaking of which, I want you to meet someone."

Aldric looks past her to see a tall, armored woman standing nearby.

She steps forward, confident but measured. Her silver-lined armor bears the mark of an independent adventurer. A straight sword and a solid shield rest at her back.

"This is Sapphire Callis," Elira introduces. "She's a warrior, and one of the few people I trust to watch my back."

Sapphire nods slightly. "You're Aldric, then? Elira's told me about you."

Aldric studies her. Her stance is firm, her grip steady. She carries herself like a seasoned fighter.

"You're skilled?" Aldric asks simply.

Sapphire smirks. "Skilled enough."

Elira interjects. "That's why I think we should form a party. The three of us."

Aldric raises a brow.

Elira grins. "You're a strong fighter. Sapphire is a tank. I'm a sharpshooter. It makes sense."

Sapphire folds her arms. "We all know adventuring alone is a death sentence eventually. Might as well team up with people who can actually handle themselves."

Aldric considers.

A party.

It would be beneficial. He would have eyes and ears beyond Zira. More fighters to rely on.

But it would also mean more people watching him closely.

Still.

He needs allies.

Aldric nods. "Agreed."

Elira grins. "Great! Let's take a job together, then."

Aldric glances back at the board, at the disappearances near the trade roads.

"I have something in mind," he says.

The night is cold as Aldric steps out of the guild, Sapphire and Elira walking beside him.

Then, he feels it.

A presence.

A shadow shifting in the corner of his vision.

He doesn't react outwardly.

But he knows who it is.

Zira.

She steps out from the darkness of a nearby alley, her form almost invisible against the night.

"My lord," she murmurs, kneeling briefly.

Elira and Sapphire exchange confused glances.

Aldric steps forward. "Report."

Zira keeps her gaze low. "I have searched beyond the city walls. No further signs of the Veilborn Cult remain in the area."

Aldric narrows his eyes slightly.

They had truly gone to ground.

"Then we move on," Aldric says. "The cult will return, but until then, there are other threats to face."

Zira nods. "As you command."

Aldric glances at Elira and Sapphire. They are watching closely, intrigued but uncertain.

"We leave tomorrow," Aldric states. "The trade road disappearances."

Elira grins. "Sounds like a real adventure."

Sapphire rolls her shoulders. "As long as it pays, I'm in."

Aldric simply nods.

Tomorrow, they begin their first hunt together.

And soon, the world will know their names.

The old gods will rejoice, the new gods will cower.