The next morning, Eden Village was still wrapped in the warm afterglow of the previous night's celebration.
Luo Feng and Miya were quietly finishing breakfast with the family when a tired messenger on a sweating horse galloped through the village gates. The man wore the official uniform of the Adventurers Guild and carried a sealed letter marked with the royal crest.
He asked for Luo Feng by name and handed him the parchment.
Luo Feng opened it and read the message aloud so everyone could hear:
Urgent Guild Summons
To: Luo Feng, B-rank Adventurer
All adventurers of the Dragon Kingdom are hereby ordered to assemble at the Capital Guild Hall immediately.
Demons and monsters have begun large-scale movements near the kingdom borders. Multiple towns and villages are already under threat.
We need every available fighter.
Come as soon as possible.
— Guild Master
The room fell silent.
Miya's hand instinctively moved to her belly, worry clouding her face.
Luo Feng folded the letter with calm hands, though his eyes had grown serious. He turned to his wife and gently took both of her hands in his.
"Miya," he said softly, "you are pregnant. You must stay here where it is safe. I will go alone and return as soon as I can."
He looked at Kael, who was already rising from the table, new Mithril armor ready. "Kael, protect your sister while I'm gone. Guard the village and keep everyone safe. I will be back soon."
Kael placed a fist over his heart and nodded firmly. "I swear it, brother. No harm will come to her or the village while you are away."
Luo Feng leaned in and kissed Miya — first on the forehead, then on the lips, slow and full of love. "Stay strong, my wife. Our child needs you healthy and happy. I promise I will return."
Miya's eyes filled with tears, but she nodded bravely and squeezed his hands. "Come back to us quickly… husband."
Without wasting another moment, Luo Feng stepped outside. One of the village's strongest horses was quickly saddled. He strapped on his Adamantite dagger and made sure the Cosmic Trident Spear remained safely stored in his Storage Bag (he would only use it in a true life-and-death fight, as he had promised himself). He mounted the horse, gave one last loving look toward Miya standing at the gate with Kael beside her, and spurred the animal forward.
The horse shot out of the village gates at a full gallop, dust rising behind them as Luo Feng rode hard toward the distant capital.
Miya stood watching until he disappeared over the hill, one hand resting protectively on her belly. Kael placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
The village had grown quiet again, but everyone knew the wider world was calling their savior away once more.
Luo Feng rode alone, wind whipping past him, the long road to the capital stretching ahead. His heart stayed steady and calm.
He would answer the summons, help where he could, and return home to his pregnant wife and the peaceful life they had built together.