The ruins were collapsing around you.

Dust filled the air as another enemy crashed against the stone wall after one of your attacks. The sound echoed through the empty halls.

“Behind you!” you shouted.

In an instant, Dainsleif turned, his blade flashing with a cold blue glow as he struck down the monster lunging toward him.

The creature dissolved into dark fragments.

But more were coming.

You could hear them crawling through the broken ruins.

Dainsleif stepped in front of you slightly, his posture calm but protective.

“Stay close,” he said quietly.

“Hey, I can fight too,” you protested.

“I’m aware,” he replied, not taking his eyes off the approaching enemies. “Which is exactly why I need you alive.”

Another wave attacked.

You both moved at the same time.

Your weapon clashed against claws while Dainsleif cut through two enemies with precise strikes. The battle was fast, chaotic, and loud.

Then suddenly—

One creature slipped through the fight and lunged straight toward you.

Before you could react—

CLANG.

Dainsleif blocked it.

The force pushed him back a step, but he didn’t let the creature reach you. With one swift motion, he destroyed it.

Silence followed.

The last enemy faded into nothing, leaving only dust and the sound of your breathing.

You leaned against a cracked pillar, catching your breath.

“That… was a lot.”

Dainsleif walked toward you quickly, his usually calm expression tighter than normal.

“Are you hurt?”

“No,” you said. “I’m fine.”

He looked you over carefully anyway, as if making absolutely sure.

Only after a moment did he relax slightly.

“…Good.”

You tilted your head. “You were worried.”

“I was being cautious.”

“Sure,” you said with a small smile.

For a moment neither of you spoke. The ruined hall was quiet now.

Then he said your name softly.

You looked up.

His expression had changed — serious, but hesitant in a way you had never seen before.

“There is something I should tell you,” he began.

You blinked. “That sounds ominous.”

He ignored the joke.

“I have traveled alone for a very long time,” he said quietly. “Because anyone who walks beside me eventually becomes entangled in dangers they never asked for.”

You watched him carefully.

“But you…” he continued, his voice lowering, “you have stayed regardless. And during these battles… when I see you in danger…”

He stopped.

For once, the usually composed Dainsleif looked unsure.

You waited.

“…When I see you in danger, I realize that losing you would be something I—”

He suddenly cut himself off.

Silence fell.

You raised an eyebrow. “Something you what?”

Dainsleif looked away slightly, the faintest hint of embarrassment crossing his face.

“…It is irrelevant.”

“That didn’t sound irrelevant.”

“It is,” he said firmly, turning back toward the exit of the ruins.

Then, after a few steps, he paused.

Without turning around he added quietly,

“Just… try not to put yourself in danger like that again.”

You smiled a little.

Because even if he didn’t finish the sentence…

You already knew what he meant.