Surprise

The woods around Haru were visible once more with the woman from Thiel making herself known once again. With the same question asked from before.

(Haru's view.)

"Mai? Are you the one who notified the demon death squad of me." Haru says with his sword drawn.

Why else would she be trailing me, there's no way this is just some sort of coincidence for her to be here.

"Honestly I didn't even know you encountered a death squad. I did follow you for a bit though, I'm sorry." Mai answers with a calmness in her voice.

I didn't expect her to be scared or anything of me but it is odd that she followed me. Something about this whole thing feels off to me and I can't exactly place my finger on what it is.

"Why did you follow me if you weren't behind the demon death squad?" Haru questions while still holding his sword.

The expression on Mai's face did show as if she was confused about why demons went after him. But yet she remained calm and just leaned back against the tree before giving her answer.

"Back in Thiel you gave off quite the aura. Almost that of a hero, I could just sense that was how strong you really had to be. I followed you because I believe in helping with whatever I can help you with. Especially if you may or may not be a hero." Mai explains while leaning back against the tree.

Demons, most strong adventurers, and mages could usually sense the strength of others which should've been something I thought about back in Thiel. I had been hiding myself so well for the last ten years but yet something showed.

Concealment wasn't working like it should've been.

"Like I said back in Thiel, I travel alone." Haru says while sheathing his sword.

After saying that he began to go through his bag for any sort of books that he brought along with him. Ignoring the situation for a few moments.

"I don't want to permanently accompany you. Only temporarily, I am looking for a hero and I might have a vague idea of where he is." Mai speaks up with a bit of nervousness in her voice.

A half demon knowing of a hero's location is kind of strange and doesn't make her look too good. On the other hand, some insight from another hero would help me greatly right about now.

Figuring out a way to break this curse is my number one priority since it's holding me back in a lot of ways.

"Fine you can join me. Only until we find the hero you speak of." Haru responds with a bit of an annoyed tone.

The two of them continued to gather stuff for the camp until the sun went down. It was peaceful with no enemies to be found at all.

Just a small campfire that the two of them sat at together eating dinner before resting for the night.

"Why do you travel alone Haru?" Mai asks with a bit of curiosity in her voice.

"It's easier. No stress, no worry, just me to deal with everything on my own." Haru answers while looking up at the stars.

It always has been easier to fight by myself since I didn't have to deal with the death of anyone, no worrying, no sharing of loot, nothing. I just preferred to be alone for all my years of traveling and fighting against the demons.

There was another hero just like me when it came to this stuff and he disappeared. He would understand more than anybody what it's like to travel and fight by yourself, what feeling it gives you.

"I'm sure that's nice in it's own way. Having someone to watch your back is never bad though." Mai says while looking down at the fire.

That thought stuck with Haru for the remainder of the dinner but it wasn't something that bothered him. The thought reminded of him of the one time he worked with the first group.

Before disappearing on his own they all went on a quest together to destroy a demon outpost.

"Well I'm going to sleep. You'll take the lead tomorrow since you might know where to find this hero." Haru speaks up before entering the tent.

Laying on the bare ground again is definitely not as nice as the house was back in that village but at least I have something to look forward to. I'm not sure what hero she's talking about just yet but either way they'll be useful to me somehow.

Mai entered the tent after he spoke and just kind of looked around.

"There's not really anywhere else setup to sleep. Can I just stay in here?" Mai asks with a kind tone in her voice.

"Sigh. Yeah. Just don't bother me." Haru responds while rolling over.

I forgot to set a bed up for her which is my fault so I'll suffer through this for one night.

She laid down next to him and lots of thoughts went through her head compared to Haru. "He's kind." "I can't believe he'd let a demon lay next to him." "What a kind guy for letting me join him on his travels."

All these thoughts were racing through her head since she was treated differently than how most people saw her and talked to her.

But nonetheless the night had gone by with no problems, no one snuck up on anyone, no monsters, nothing. Just silence all night long.

I woke up to Mai being all snuggled up next to me which was something I wasn't used to but I guess it's whatever. It does get cold so I guess she took advantage of that during the night.

None of this is stuff I'd typically allow but I need to find this hero so I could potentially get some help on this curse. Even if they just point me in the right direction.