At just nine years old, Caline Arc had already begun gaining attention across Fleedorb—not for her name, but for her actions. Whispers traveled through guild halls and military posts:
> "The daughter of the Reborn Hero fought a Stage 2 Beast alone."
"And she won—easily."
---
It started on a quiet day, near the eastern outskirts of Fleedorb. A pair of Stage 2 Beasts, known as Gorrak Hounds, had broken through a thin defense barrier protecting a nearby village. Local guards scrambled to intercept, but someone had already arrived.
A young girl in dark silver training armor.
A small sword hanging from her back.
Electric confidence in her gaze.
Caline Arc.
---
The villagers watched, stunned, as she stepped forward alone.
"Stay back," she said politely to the guards. "They're not strong enough to be dangerous."
The Gorrak Hounds snarled and pounced—feral beasts with explosive physical strength. One aimed for her front; the other circled around to flank.
Too slow.
Caline stepped in, twisted her waist, and struck with a single palm blow—the first beast was blasted into a wall, unconscious on impact.
The second leapt from behind—
Caline ducked, spun low, and swept its legs with precision footwork, then delivered a strike to its neck. It crashed into the ground, unmoving.
The entire battle lasted less than ten seconds.
---
Afterward, she turned to the guards. "They should recover by tomorrow. But don't lower your defenses next time."
They didn't know whether to salute or kneel.
---
That night, Reina scolded her lightly. "You were supposed to wait for backup."
"I knew I could win," Caline said confidently. "Besides, I didn't want to see anyone hurt."
Ryu smiled from the side. "She reminds me of... someone."
Mina crossed her arms. "Both of you, actually."
---
Caline was still a child. But this event marked her first official monster encounter—and already, she'd proven herself stronger than most adult trainees.
Her legend was only just beginning.
But in the shadows of the world, something else was beginning to stir...