Scene: Hidden Edge Behind the Smile
In the quiet woods near a glowing crystal spring, the adventuring party sets up camp after a long day of dungeon crawling.
Around the fire, the girls—each a powerful warrior, mage, or rogue in their own right—laugh and chatter while polishing weapons or flexing their magic.
Luna, the greatsword-wielding berserker, roars in laughter.
Sylvia, the calm, blue-robed water mage, hums as she hovers glowing spheres.
Irene, the assassin rogue, tosses daggers into a tree trunk with pinpoint precision.
Mika, the beast-tamer, cuddles her massive wolf companion.
Meanwhile, the guys—a few adventurers who joined the party recently—pretend to "stretch" or "get some air," but their eyes are fixed on the girls. They whisper and nudge each other.
> Guy 1: "Bro... Irene's aim is crazy, but I think she caught me staring."
Guy 2: "Sylvia's magic—man, I could watch her cast all day..."
Guy 3: "You think any of them would go for a guy like me?"
Sitting just a little outside the circle is John Fruto, wearing a cloak that covers most of his face. His support staff leans on his shoulder, a glowing sigil faintly visible on his gloves.
He fidgets awkwardly as he stirs a potion, eyes darting between the girls and the guys. A soft sigh escapes his lips, unnoticed.
> John's Mind: "I know they're gonna kick me out eventually... I'm just the shy support guy. Useless in battle, barely noticed. What am I even doing here?"
But under his long sleeves… faint bandage wraps cover his forearms—beneath them are calloused hands, hands trained in stealth, pressure strikes, and illusion.
John is no ordinary support.
He's a Ninja, hiding in plain sight.
Still, he lowers his head, avoiding eye contact.
> John (out loud, stammering): "U-Um… I'll… keep watch t-tonight… if that's o-okay…"
The girls turn to him, nodding.
> Luna: "You? Watch? Alright, but don't fall asleep again like last time, John."
Sylvia: "Just stay close to the campfire, alright?"
Irene: smirking "Or maybe a goblin will snatch you in the dark."
They giggle. The guys just stare in envy.
John forces a shy smile.
> John's Mind: "...They don't need to know what I really am. Not yet."
As the others go to sleep, John silently vanishes into the trees—no footsteps, no trace.
Supporter by day... Shadow by night.