The afterglow of the setting sun was slowly sinking behind the mountain peaks. Before the gates of the dwarven town, Kagurem, torches had already been lit. Guards were checking every late-returning adventurer, making final records before the gates closed for the night.

  Beside the heavy stone gates, Balin, the Vice-Captain of the guard, was acting out of character. He wasn't barking orders at the slow-moving merchants, nor was he inspecting their cargo. Instead, he paced back and forth, his thick, burly arms crossed over his chest. His eyes, usually sharp and focused, were fixed intently on the darkening plains outside the city.

  "Vice-Captain," one of his subordinates, a young dwarven guard named Holl, couldn't help but step forward and whisper, "Are you alright? You've been restless for a while now."

  "I'm fine," Balin replied vaguely without looking back. "Just mind your post and keep a sharp eye out."

  Holl looked at his captain’s anxious back and could only shrug helplessly. He had never seen Balin like this—like a restless bear waiting for its mate to return to the den.

  Suddenly, Balin froze. In the distant twilight, a stout and burly figure, covered in grime but radiating a powerful presence, was walking steadily toward them.

  "Yggdrasil!" Balin roared. Ignoring the surprised looks of the surrounding guards, he sprinted forward to meet him.

  "Balin..." Seeing him, Yggdrasil felt a warm current surge through his heart, and a smile of pure relief appeared on his face. Before he could even get close, Balin pulled him into a fierce embrace, without a second thought. That solid chest and full, heavy belly pressed tightly against Yggdrasil, the strength of the hug almost threatening to pull him into Balin's own body.

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  "As long as you're safe... I thought..." The rugged lines of Balin’s face crumbled into a look of overwhelming worry. Before he could finish his sentence, Yggdrasil reached up and sealed his lips with a deep, soulful kiss.

  Once the kiss ended, Yggdrasil leaned against Balin’s shoulder and whispered, "I'm fine. I just cleared out a little something along the way."

  Balin blinked, stepping back to scan him from head to toe. "...What did you say?"

  "Goblins," Yggdrasil said calmly, as if speaking of something trivial. "I followed the tracks you warned me about, let one go on purpose, and found their nest."

  He paused, looking into Balin’s eyes, which were tight with lingering concern, before adding slowly: "So, I decided to clear the whole nest. The numbers were decent... I’d estimate about five hundred or so. I took care of the Goblin King as well."

  Balin’s eyes nearly bulged out of his head. He stared at the man before him—who spoke with such nonchalance—his voice cracking slightly. "Five... five hundred?! And the King?! By yourself?! What... what on earth happened to you?"

  Looking at his shocked expression, Yggdrasil only offered a weary smile. "I... I suppose I just got lucky and received some blessings."

  Balin stared at him for a long time. He took a sharp breath, and then, as if finally accepting this madness, he wiped his face with a thick palm and let out a defeated laugh. He stepped forward and gave Yggdrasil another tight squeeze. "You fellow... you truly are impossible to not worry about!"

  They gazed into each other's eyes for a moment, and then Balin slapped Yggdrasil on the back, his voice booming: "Come with me! We have to report this to the Guild immediately! This is a massive achievement!"

  "What about you? Aren't you still on duty?"

  "I've left it to the others!" Balin said boisterously. "I told you—if you go out, I’ll wait at the gate for you. Now that you're back, I’m staying with you."

  The two walked through the gates side by side, moving through the night. Along the way, Yggdrasil would occasionally take Balin’s hand, his fingers rubbing against that thick, calloused palm. Balin would always immediately squeeze back, silently transferring his warmth.

  The walk was short, but it felt grounded and tender—just like the feelings they shared in that moment.

  "Our hero returns! Clearing a nest of 500 goblins solo is no small feat—even the battle-hardened Balin is shocked. I really loved writing the reunion at the gate; Balin's 'restless bear' energy is exactly how I imagine a dwarf in love.

  We are deep into our daily update streak! Yggdrasil is about to shock the entire Guild with his report. Will he get the recognition he deserves? Thank you for the support, and please Follow and Rate if you're enjoying the journey! See you tomorrow!"