In a dense, shadowy forest about three days’ journey from Crimson Moon’s village, Kurohime, Akiko, and Eve trudged through the thick greenery, steadily nearing their destination.

 

“Miss Kurohime… How much further…” Akiko groaned, her voice trailing off.

 

“Probably just another hour or so before we’re there. Calm down, little fox,” Kurohime replied, a hint of annoyance seeping through her voice. Akiko had been asking this all day, and Kurohime’s patience was wearing thin.

 

They’d already veered off the main path to head toward the hidden cave. Kurohime remembered it well—when she first emerged from hell, it was through a passage behind a waterfall that cascaded into a lake below. Now, she listened closely, hoping to catch the telltale rush of water in the distance.

 

“Miss Kurohime… I’m getting hungry again,” Akiko whined, her stomach rumbling loudly.

 

Eve shot her a look, a wry smile tugging at her lips. “Akiko, didn’t you just eat not too long ago? If you keep this up, we’ll be out of provisions before we even get halfway back.”

 

“I only ate my share!” Akiko pouted, her ears drooping as her tail tucked behind her in shame.

 

Kurohime’s expression shifted, her annoyance growing with each passing second of Akiko’s antics.

 

“Enough!” she snapped, exhaling in exasperation. “I’m going to fly ahead and make sure we’re close. Stay here.” With that, black smoke coiled around her back and tailbone, dark wings unfurling and her slender tail flicking to life.

 

“Wait, Miss Kurohime—” Akiko called, but before she could finish, Kurohime launched herself skyward, her figure vanishing into the dense canopy above.

 

Akiko huffed in playful indignation. “She left us…” she whined.

 

“I don’t blame her, honestly,” Eve teased, stepping over a thick tree root as she continued forward through the woods.

 

Several minutes later, just as they reached another clearing, Kurohime appeared again, descending with a swift grace that barely disturbed the surrounding air. She landed smoothly before them, her wings and tail retracting back into dark shadows as they faded into her body.

 

“We’re close. I saw the lake and waterfall just ahead,” she reported, brushing stray leaves from her clothes.

 

“If it’s easier, we could just meet you there since you can fly,” Eve suggested.

 

Kurohime shook her head. “No, you two are my responsibility,” she replied. “If anything happened to you while I was gone, Akame would end me.” Her words carried a sense of duty, even if Akiko’s complaints had stretched her patience.

 

They pushed forward through the thick trees, and after another half hour, they arrived at the edge of a glistening lake. At the far end stood a modest-sized waterfall, its water flowing down into the lake with a steady rhythm. The lake itself wasn’t that large, but large enough for at least fifteen people to swim comfortably.

 

“This water looks crystal clear,” Akiko marveled, her eyes widening in wonder. “I’ve never seen water this clean in the wild before!”

 

Eve wandered closer, her fingers trailing along the surface of the water. “The level probably fluctuates throughout the year. It’s cold, likely fed by snowmelt from a mountain stream.”

 

As they took in the scenery, Akiko glanced at Kurohime, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “Miss Kurohime, where’s the cave entrance?”

 

“There’s a weathered path midway up the left side of the waterfall,” Kurohime explained. “It was overgrown when I came through, but it should still be there.”

 

Akiko and Kurohime began to make their way toward the left side of the waterfall, but Eve quickly called out, stopping them in their tracks. “Wait!”

 

Both of them halted, exchanging glances as Eve’s voice lowered to a cautionary tone. “Do either of you feel that?” Eve’s brows knitted together, her grip tightening on her staff as she scanned the surroundings.

 

Kurohime closed her eyes, letting her senses expand outward. A faint, subtle aura stirred around her, but nothing that triggered an alarm. “No… nothing unusual. Do you?”

 

Eve’s expression darkened. “Yes,” she whispered, eyes narrowing. “There’s a presence here. I can feel traces of death nearby—faint, but definitely there. It seems to be coming from the direction of the cave.”

 

The three moved up the narrow path cautiously. Kurohime and Akiko held their weapons ready, while Eve gripped her staff, prepared to cast if necessary. Their route was interrupted by a small gap in the path where water had eroded the stone, requiring a quick jump to continue.

 

Kurohime glanced back. “I’ll jump first. If it’s clear, I’ll signal with my scythe.”

 

Akiko and Eve nodded in acknowledgment.

 

With a graceful leap, Kurohime crossed the gap, landing on the solid pathway beyond. Just below her, the waterfall cascaded into the lake, and a misplaced step would send anyone tumbling down into the water. Once she confirmed the area was clear, she extended her scythe through the small water curtain, signaling for the others.

 

Eve followed first, landing a bit damp but quickly brushing the water from her hair. Akiko came next, meeting the same fate, her hair now slightly wet as she shook off the water.

 

Together, they moved deeper along the path. The narrow passage soon widened, revealing a darker, more secluded part of the cave. Kurohime paused as they reached a sharp left turn, her memory stirring. She remembered this spot—the mirror, which had acted as the portal, should be right at the end.

 

They rounded the corner cautiously. Kurohime’s scythe was raised, her eyes scanning the dim space. At the end of the path was the mirror, but something was different, it was fractured. It's surface cracked in spiderwebbed patterns across the glass.

 

Kurohime turned to Eve and Akiko, lowering her weapon and nodding to signal the area was clear. “The portal’s closed… but something’s wrong.”

 

“That aura of death is definitely coming from the mirror or somewhere near it,” Eve murmured, stepping forward, her gaze fixed on the fractured glass.

 

Kurohime followed close behind, examining the mirror’s surface with growing concern. “The mirror is broken…”

 

“Is it not supposed to be?” Akiko asked, her tone filled with curiosity.

 

“No,” Kurohime replied, her expression hardening. “When a portal closes, the mirror turns completely black. But it doesn’t break.” She cast another wary glance around the cave. “The mirror shouldn’t look like this.”

 

Eve knelt beside it, closing her eyes to focus on the lingering energies in the cave. Moments later, her eyes snapped open, and she looked back toward the waterfall. “There was something here, alright. But it didn’t come from the mirror. It came from where we entered.”

 

Akiko’s eyes widened, alarm creeping into her voice. “So… something undead found this mirror by chance? That sounds a bit too convenient.”

 

Kurohime straightened, her gaze shifting to the exit. “The mirror being broken isn’t the worst-case scenario, thankfully. I’m just relieved it’s inactive. But now I wonder… what kind of undead was looking for it?”

 

Before she could step further toward the exit, Kurohime suddenly froze. A chill washed over her, and her expression shifted into one of sudden realization.

 

“Eve,” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath, “you sensed necrotic energy, right? Something undead?”

 

Eve’s face grew serious. “Yes, I did. Why? Do you sense something else?”

 

Kurohime’s voice dropped lower, her words laced with unease. “Yes. Just now… I sensed a remnant of something from hell itself.”

 

Eve and Akiko exchanged alarmed looks, their eyes widening as they turned back to Kurohime.

 

“What could that mean?” Akiko asked, her tone filled with concern.

 

Kurohime’s expression hardened. “It means something passed through here that shouldn’t be on the surface world.” Her eyes shifted back to the cavern, her gaze thoughtful and guarded. “We’ll camp here tonight and investigate the area further. I don’t intend to leave until we know exactly what we’re dealing with.”

 

As dusk settled, Akiko and Eve set up camp near the waterfall while Kurohime kept watch, her gaze sweeping the darkening forest, her mind turning over the strange aura she’d felt.

 

“Eve, get some rest,” Kurohime instructed, her tone calm but firm. “You’ll take the night watch later.”

 

Eve nodded, settling down in the makeshift camp as she prepared for some sleep. Kurohime then turned to Akiko, gesturing for her to follow as they walked back to the lake’s edge near the mouth of the cave.

 

“What’s up, Miss Kurohime?” Akiko asked, tilting her head in mild confusion.

 

“Now’s a good time to bathe before it’s too dark,” Kurohime replied, stripping off parts of her outfit as she approached the water. “If you plan to wash up, let’s do it now so we’re ready for guard duty before Eve takes over.”

 

“B-Bathe?” Akiko stammered, a blush rising in her cheeks as her gaze darted between Kurohime and the lake. “T-Together?! Miss Kurohime, I… I mean…”

 

Kurohime cast her an exasperated look, her tone as steady as ever. “Relax, little fox. Unless you plan to stay covered in dirt all night, this is the best time.”

 

As Akiko watched, Kurohime undid her clothing and let it fall to the ground. With grace, she slipped out of her remaining clothes, each movement unhurried, as if she knew Akiko was watching. Her bare skin caught the soft glow of the evening light. Kurohime ran her fingers over her shoulders and down her arms, stretching as if to release the day’s tension before stepping into the lake.

 

Without sparing even a glance back at Akiko, Kurohime glided through the water, immersing herself completely. When she resurfaced near the waterfall, water slicked back her hair, which clung to her skin in a way that accentuated her body. Standing where the water only reached her thighs, she moved onto a rocky outcropping beneath the waterfall, seeming to revel in the feeling of the cold stream cascading over her.

 

Seeing Kurohime so focused on her own bathing, Akiko exhaled in relief and began to undress herself, hesitantly at first. She slipped out of her clothes, casting a shy look toward Kurohime, who hadn’t once turned her way.

 

Now completely bare, Akiko entered the lake, shivering at the chill before she waded in deeper, her gaze occasionally darting toward Kurohime. But Kurohime remained focused solely on her own ritual of bathing, moving in and out of the waterfall’s spray with no regard for anything else. Akiko’s curiosity and concern gradually overcame her hesitation, and she approached.

 

“Are you okay, Miss Kurohime?” she asked, stepping up behind her, her voice barely audible over the low roar of the waterfall 

 

Kurohime turned, her expression softened as she settled onto a flat rock by the waterfall. She began wringing out her hair, her back still mostly to Akiko. “I’m fine, little fox,” she replied in a steady voice. “Why do you ask?”

 

Akiko’s ears drooped, her voice wavering. “You haven’t looked at me at all like you usually do… Did I do something wrong?”

 

Kurohime let out a playful chuckle, rising gracefully to her feet. With a glint of mischief in her eyes, she stepped toward Akiko, each move seductive. “Oh, little fox, far from it. If I had my way, I’d be ravishing you here until sunrise.” Her gaze trailed over Akiko as she approached, hand extending as if to pull Akiko close.

 

Akiko’s breath hitched, and she closed her eyes, bracing herself for Kurohime’s touch. But instead, she felt a gentle hand on her chin, tilting her face up slightly. Opening her eyes, she saw Kurohime’s expression had softened, a trace of tenderness behind her gaze.

 

“You’re off-limits now, little fox,” Kurohime murmured, her voice gentle. “I know you’ve fallen for Nila, and I wouldn’t interfere with something that precious.” She smiled, patting Akiko’s head affectionately. “You can look,” she added with a light chuckle, “but not with lust in your eyes, and no touching.”

 

Akiko blinked, her cheeks flushed, but she nodded, smiling in return. Even so, as Kurohime moved back under the waterfall, Akiko’s gaze lingered. She couldn’t help but admire Kurohime’s every graceful movement as she washed, her hands trailing over her body. The way she ran her fingers over her collarbone, down her waist, and along her legs made Akiko feel as though she were watching some private show from the pleasure quarter.

 

But as she turn away, Kurohime’s voice sliced through the gentle sound of the waterfall.

 

“I’ll let that first lustful gaze slide,” Kurohime warned, her tone light but charged with a dark promise. “But if I catch you looking at me like that again, I’ll make sure you’re mine, and Nila will know I’ve sunk my teeth into you.”

 

Startled, Akiko whipped her head around to look back at Kurohime. Behind the cascade of water, all she could make out was the faint, shadowy outline of Kurohime’s body, framed in dark curves against the mist. The gleam of her eyes was unmistakable, glowing with an intensity that made Akiko’s heart skip a beat. A chill coursed down her spine, and she quickly looked away, focusing intently on her own bathing. She could still feel Kurohime’s gaze on her, sharp and unyielding, until it finally faded.

 

A few moments later, Akiko heard the soft splash of Kurohime moving through the water back to the shore. She resisted the urge to speak or even glance her way, her own pulse racing until she heard the quiet rustle of Kurohime dressing herself. Only then did she dare to relax.

 

“Remember, little fox,” Kurohime’s voice called back as she moved toward the cave, “I’ll be watching you closely. Don’t even think about straying from Nila.”

 

Akiko shivered, her pulse quickening at the subtle warning. For a moment, she wondered if she should be worried.

 

Then, a warm chuckle floated over the lake. “Relax, little fox,” Kurohime laughed, her voice back to its familiar tone. “I’m only making a point. Stay faithful to your girl, and she’ll return that love to you tenfold.”

 

Akiko exhaled, her own smile softening as Kurohime disappeared into the cave. As the light continued to fade from the sky, she hurried through her bathing routine, letting the cold water refresh her as she rinsed her hair beneath the waterfall. Afterward, she dressed quickly and made her way back to the cave.

 

Inside, Kurohime was already moving with quiet purpose, as she met Akiko by the entrance.

 

“Eve’s still sleeping,” Kurohime whispered as they passed each other, “so grab your things, and let’s investigate the area.”

 

Akiko nodded, still feeling the remnants of their earlier exchange as she packed her belongings and took up her spear. Together, they moved quietly back into the forest, both of them alert as they scanned their surroundings.

 

As they moved through the underbrush, Akiko’s ears twitched, noting the strange stillness around them. The usual symphony of evening sounds had fallen silent.

​

Back at the Crimson Moon guild hall that same evening, the quiet was shattered by a sudden, aggressive knock on the front door. Fae approached, her steps calm yet cautious as she reached for the handle. Before she could open it, Nila came down the stairs, her heart racing with excitement, hoping it would be Akiko. She stopped just out of view as Fae cracked open the door.

​

As Fae peered outside, she found three men standing in formation, their dark attire unmistakably assassin-like, their hoods darkening their faces gave off almost a eerie feel. Recognizing the look, she deduced they were likely members of Nila’s and Kasumi’s guild.

​

“Akiko?!” Nila called, her face lighting up as she rounded the corner—only to stop short as her eyes fell upon the strangers. Her expression shifted from hope to panic.

​

“The Shades…” she murmured, eyes narrowing as she addressed the men coldly. “Why are you here?”

​

“To retrieve. The two. Traitors.” They spoke in a synchronized, eerie rhythm, each picking up where the last left off.

​

Nila’s confusion quickly turned to indignation. “Traitors? What are you talking about?”

​

“Nila. Kasumi,” they continued, their voices monotonous. “Traitors to Abyss. Betrayal cannot. Go unpunished.”

​

Just then, Kasumi, who had been descending the stairs behind Nila, froze, listening to the exchange from the shadows, careful to stay out of sight. Nila glanced back, catching Kasumi’s eye, and motioned for her to keep back.

​

“This is absurd!” Nila retorted, her agitation growing. “Kasumi and I have both been here on official missions from the adventurers guild. Why would we betray Abyss?”

​

“Rajen. Demands. Retribution,” they replied, their eyes cold and unyielding. “You both. Must face him. In a duel.”

​

A chill ran down Nila’s spine as she processed their words. She knew exactly what a duel meant in the Abyss guild—it was a deadly form of punishment. The challenge would pit them against stronger Abyss members, likely resulting in their deaths under the guise of a 'training accident'.

​

A voice from the back of the hall echoed across the tense silence. “A duel, is it?” The figure stepped forward, her imposing presence illuminated by the last rays of sunlight streaming through the windows. Akame’s eyes gleamed with a dangerous intensity as she approached.

​

“Crimson. Oni,” the Shades intoned, acknowledging her presence.

​

Akame’s lips curved into a smile that was more a threat than a greeting. “I like the sound of a duel,” she said, crossing her arms as she took her place in the doorway. “Let’s make it fair then, Crimson Moon against Abyss. If my guild wins, Nila and Kasumi stay with us as full members. If Abyss wins, they return with you—unharmed, no punishment—and I’ll forfeit my rank as guild leader and my S-rank status.”

​

Shock flickered across the Shades’ faces. Even Nila and Kasumi were taken aback, staring at Akame with expressions of awe and disbelief. Fae alone remained calm, as if she had anticipated this move from Akame all along.

​

“Declined,” the Shades replied. “This is not. Rajen’s plan.”

​

Akame gave a casual wave, as if dismissing them entirely. “Ah, so Rajen’s afraid. I expected as much,” she said, her voice dripping with scorn as she turned away. “Seems Abyss knows which guild is truly superior—and which S-rank adventurer stands at the top.”

​

A tense silence hung in the air as the Shades stood, momentarily frozen. They exchanged quick glances, seeming to communicate wordlessly.

​

“Wait.” They called after her, their voices merging once again.

​

Akame turned back, her expression darkening as her eyes ignited with a vivid crimson glow.

​

“Abyss. Accepts,” the Shades finally replied, reluctance clear in their words.

​

“Good,” Akame said with a cold smile, her voice unwavering. “I expect the terms and details to arrive in a formal letter from Rajen within the next few days. Now,” she added, her tone shifting to a quiet menace, “get out of my sight.”

​

The Shades dissipated like smoke caught in a gust of wind, leaving the hall empty once more. Fae closed the door as Nila and Kasumi hurried to Akame’s side, their eyes wide with gratitude.

​

“Miss Akame… are you really willing to do this for us?” Nila asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.

​

“Of course,” Akame replied, a small smile breaking her fierce expression. “After all, you two have practically become members already. Besides,” she added, “I’d never hear the end of it from Akiko if I didn’t stand up for you.”

​

Nila and Kasumi exchanged relieved smiles, gratitude brimming in their eyes as they thanked Akame over and over. Together, they retreated back upstairs while Akame turned to Fae, who awaited her next instruction.

​

“Miss Akame, shall I send word to the Adventurer’s Guild to confirm the duel?” Fae asked calmly, already anticipating her answer.

​

“If you don’t mind, Fae. You handle the paperwork much better than I ever could,” Akame said with a small, appreciative smile.

​

A soft sound of footsteps echoed from the training room, drawing Akame’s and Fae’s attention. Suzuran approached with a grin, her expression amused yet thoughtful. “That was a side of you I haven’t seen in a long time, Akame.”

​

“You mean what just happened with Nila and Kasumi?” Akame raised an eyebrow.

​

Suzuran chuckled. “It reminded me of something you did many years back in our village—defending Kurami, if I remember correctly.”

​

Akame’s gaze grew distant, her eyes reflecting a rare spark of nostalgia. “Oh, yes… I do remember that.” She seemed to drift for a moment, a flicker of her past life in her expression.

​

“Would you like to take a quick walk with me?” Suzuran gestured toward the door, her smile softening.

​

Akame nodded, following Suzuran outside and down the stairs into the courtyard. The two sisters walked side by side, moving from the village’s main path toward the lush farmlands. They soon reached the garden where Gelina had been tending a variety of plants for the past month, transforming it into a vibrant tapestry of greenery and blooms. Together, they wandered through the garden, enjoying a rare sisterly moment.

​

They passed rows of vegetables and herbs in comfortable silence until Suzuran spoke up, a fond look on her face. “Akiko is going to be so appreciative of what you did for her friends. She’s grown quite fond of Nila.”

 

Akame gave a faint smirk. “It felt right. Those two have been visiting frequently, and if it brings a little happiness to Akiko, then I’d say it’s worth it.”

​

Suzuran raised an eyebrow, her curiosity evident. “So… do you have a plan for this duel?”

​

At that, Akame surprised her with a deep, rare laugh. “A plan? No. This was all pure impulse.”

​

Suzuran’s eyes widened as she looked at her sister in disbelief. “You… decided on this just for Akiko?”

​

Akame gave a slight shrug. “You were the one who just said she’d appreciate it.”

​

Suzuran sighed, though a soft smile tugged at her lips. “Akame… what am I going to do with you?” She let out a gentle laugh as she nudged her sister’s shoulder.

​

They continued further into the garden until they reached a small grove of fruit trees, the branches casting a dappled shade that lent the area a peaceful, almost forest-like feel.

​

Akame glanced at her sister, her expression softening as they walked. “How are things between you and Yuzuki? Are you happy here with her?”

​

Suzuran’s eyes lit up with a happiness Akame rarely saw. “I’m… more than happy. I never thought I’d be somewhere like this, starting a life with someone like her. It feels unreal.”

​

Akame smiled, genuinely glad to hear it. “I have to admit, I didn’t expect you to fall for someone so quickly. You’ve always been so reserved.”

​

Suzuran nodded thoughtfully. “I didn’t either. But there’s something about her… We both have our own painful histories, our own ways of dealing with them. And… well, she has a way of surprising me with her affection.” Her face turned a bit pink as she continued. “I think that’s what won me over.”

​

As they continued to walk beneath the trees, Suzuran turned, a sly grin appearing on her face. “And what about you, Akame?” she asked, her voice playful. “Are you ever going to settle down with someone?”

 

Akame shook her head with a smirk. “I have no intention of getting involved with anyone. Honestly, I don’t see what benefit it would bring me.”

 

Suzuran narrowed her eyes, leaning in with a mischievous grin. “Not even a casual fling? Just something to relieve yourself for a bit?”

 

Akame gave her sister an unamused look. “Are you… trying to get me to hook up with Kurohime?”

 

Suzuran burst into laughter, clutching her stomach as her amusement echoed through the quiet garden. “Hey, I mean… she has been offering, hasn’t she?”

 

Akame’s gaze softened, but she gave Suzuran a look of complete exasperation.

 

Suzuran managed to compose herself, her laughter fading into a more serious look. “I just want you to be happy, Akame. Truly.”

 

Akame met her gaze with a reassuring warmth. “I am, Suzu. Happier than I’ve been in a very long time.”

 

Suzuran searched her face with an affectionate look. “Promise?”

 

Akame reached over, giving her a gentle pat on the head. “Promise.”

 

As the sun continued to sink toward the horizon, they strolled through Gelina’s garden, letting the peace of the moment settle around them.

 

Meanwhile, back at the cave, Kurohime and Akiko had woken up Eve to take over their watch. The sky was already darkening, and it was time for Kurohime and Akiko to get some rest.

 

“Eve,” Kurohime said before settling in, “do you have any detection skills?”

 

Eve nodded. “I do. I can set up a barrier that covers the whole area, and I can keep it up even while moving around normally. It’s not difficult for me to maintain.”

 

“Impressive.” Kurohime looked intrigued. “And if something triggers it, does it alert only you or can it alert us as well?”

 

In response, Eve touched each of their shoulders, leaving a faint, hex-shaped mark that shimmered momentarily before disappearing. “Now it’ll alert all of us. If you’re asleep, it’ll wake you instantly, and you’ll be able to sense the direction of the disturbance.”

 

“Good to know,” Akiko murmured, casting an approving glance at Eve. “Let’s hope we won’t need it.”

 

Eve nodded before slipping quietly through the waterfall, taking her position outside. Kurohime motioned for Akiko to join her as they settled onto their bedding inside the cave. The sound of water created a gentle, calming backdrop as Kurohime settled back.

 

“You know, Akiko…” Kurohime began, her voice softer than usual.

 

Akiko blinked, looking over curiously, slightly on edge. “Yes, Miss Kurohime?”

 

Kurohime let out a sigh, rolling her eyes. “Relax. I’m not about to try anything. I just want to… talk, like two women would.”

 

Akiko softened, nodding. “Alright. What did you want to talk about?”

 

Kurohime gazed thoughtfully at her. “The more I watch you, the more you remind me of my youngest sister.”

 

Akiko’s eyes widened, intrigued. “Really? In what way?”

 

A warm smile crossed Kurohime’s face, an uncharacteristic hint of tenderness in her eyes. “Hikari was bold and confident, even as a child. She knew she’d grow into a beautiful woman, and she wasn’t afraid to show it. She learned a lot from watching my mother and me.”

 

“Were both of your sisters like that, or was it just Hikari?” Akiko asked, her voice gentle.

 

Kurohime chuckled. “Shirahime was the opposite. She was caring, loving, and the friendliest person you’d meet. Even as a teenager, she was almost too kind.” Her gaze dropped, a hint of sorrow clouding her expression. “I can only hope she’s still that way… if she’s still out there.”

 

Akiko felt a pang of sympathy. “Hey.” She leaned forward, her tone resolute. “We’ll find them, Kurohime. All of us in the guild—we’ll find them.”

 

Kurohime looked up, a smirk breaking through her sadness. “Looks like I should stop calling you ‘little fox’ if you’re going to be the one making me feel better.”

 

They exchanged smiles, a small laugh bubbling up between them. Kurohime picked up the small candle flickering between them, dimming it with a flick of her hand.

 

“Let’s get some rest,” she murmured, settling down. “We’ll need to be ready in case Eve needs us.”

 

The two drifted off to sleep as the sound of the waterfall lulled them into peaceful slumber.

 

Now the sole guardian of their camp, Eve had already cast her barrier, a silent field that would alert her to anything living or dead approaching their location. Her range surprised her—it had been a long time since she last summoned it, and she hadn’t realized how far it would stretch. Anyone who crossed it would give her a full fifteen-minute warning, even if they were sprinting toward the camp. To further slow any potential threats, she cast a few hexes around the perimeter, each one designed to create resistance against any entity crossing its path, buying her even more time to react.

 

With her preparations in place, Eve made her way back toward the lake, the sound of the waterfall inviting her. She felt a sudden urge to slip into the water herself, to bathe in the refreshing quiet. She set her staff firmly into the ground at the lake’s edge. Slowly, Eve began to undress, folding each piece of clothing with care, a gentle smile curving her lips as she enjoyed the rare, simple freedom of the moment. Cool air met her skin, and she shivered pleasantly, easing herself into the lake until she was nearly neck-deep in the water’s embrace.

 

A sudden thought struck her, and she waded back to shore, feeling the crisp night breeze dance across her bare skin. She reached for her staff, tapping it lightly, and watched one of the skulls on it begin to emit a soft, protective glow.

 

“This should keep any prying eyes away,” she murmured to herself with a slight smirk.

 

The spell she cast cloaked her form from view, blending her into the shadows like a faint, hazy silhouette. Anyone attempting to watch from afar would see only a shadowy outline, easily dismissed as part of the darkened scenery unless they knew exactly where to look.

 

Satisfied, Eve returned to the lake, her steps graceful as she slipped back beneath the waterfall. Cool water cascaded down over her body, and she tilted her head back, letting the water rush over her as she traced her hands over her skin, savoring each refreshing touch as she bathed slowly. Her fingertips moved slowly over her arms, then moved to her chest, her palms grazing over the smooth curves of her breasts. She allowed herself to linger, enjoying the gentle thrill as her hands skimmed down her waist, over her hips, and along the curve of her butt. For thirty quiet minutes, Eve allowed herself to drift in the privacy of her spell, immersing herself fully in each moment.

 

When she finally felt clean, she moved back into the deeper part of the lake, floating on her back. She looked up, her purplish-green eyes mirroring the stars above as she gazed into the night sky, a sense of tranquility washing over her. There was something almost dreamlike about the experience, and Eve found herself feeling weightless, her mind and body completely at ease. She almost drifted to sleep, floating there in the dark, starlit waters.

 

Reluctantly, she realized it was time to return. She waded to the shore, feeling the cool night air again on her wet skin. Reaching for a cloth, she began to dry herself, her movements unhurried and unconsciously seductive, as if someone might be watching, though she knew she was alone. A wry smile curved her lips, her thoughts briefly drifting to a hope.

 

"Maybe one day, I can do this for someone,” she thought with a gleam in her eyes.

 

With that final, lingering thought, Eve dressed, extinguished her staff’s protective glow, and took up her watch, the peaceful solitude of the lake now a memory she’d carry through the night.

 

Eve tapped her staff to deactivate the spell and refocused on her barrier. She walked through the trees for a while, surveying the area, until something abruptly stopped her in her tracks. Her eyes glowed an intense green and deep crimson as she spun around, looking upward with alarm. Her barrier had been triggered, alerting her to something fast approaching their location.

​

Eve moved swiftly back to the clearing by the lake but paused at its edge. She looked up toward the cave opening, where she could see Kurohime and Akiko already awake and on guard.

​

"Good, the alert reached them as well," Eve murmured, relieved.

​

Akiko and Kurohime had been jolted awake moments before. They sprang up from their bedding, which was slightly damp from the cave’s moisture, grabbed their equipment, and moved to the cave’s opening. They spotted Eve at a distance near the clearing, speaking to something beside her.

​

The wisp Eve had been talking to suddenly phased into view before them, carrying her voice. “Something big is on its way here, and it’s fast. Expect it to arrive soon.”

​

"Is it something alive or dead?" Kurohime asked, sending her voice to the wisp. The wisp vanished, darting back over to Eve, who spoke to it again. Moments later, it reappeared beside Akiko and Kurohime.

​

"It’s undead, for sure…" Eve’s voice echoed from the wisp, pausing before continuing, “…and there are two of them."

​

Just as the words left the wisp, a loud, monstrous roar erupted in the distance. Looking toward the source, they saw a dark shape flying low above the treetops, closing in fast. Kurohime squinted as it came into view, recognizing the forms, and a grim look crossed her face.

​

"An undead rider?" she muttered, summoning her scythe in a swirl of dark mist from the palm of her hand. Kurohime knew what this meant—an undead knight astride an undead dragon, a fearsome pairing. Such creatures only existed in hell and shouldn’t be on the surface world, wielding a dark energy and tactical intelligence that made them formidable opponents.

​

She braced herself to strike, but before she could act, the dragon’s maw began to glow with dark energy, a red-and-black flame swelling inside its jaws, lighting up the night sky.

​

“Look out!” Kurohime shouted, her heart dropping as the fireball rocketed toward Eve’s hiding spot.

The explosion shook the area, the blast sending tremors through the cave as small rocks tumbled from the walls and ceiling.

​

“Eve!” Akiko cried, instinctively starting forward.

 

Fueled by a surge of fury and panic, Kurohime launched herself with a powerful leap, tearing across the clearing as she aimed directly for the dragon’s head. Her scythe was at the ready, but before she could strike, the undead knight swung his blade, blocking her mid-air and deflecting her blow downward. She hit the ground hard, a crater now below her feet.

 

The knight followed her down with a thunderous impact, sword raised and prepared to counter her. Kurohime moved to strike again but found herself immediately deflected. She quickly realized this knight wasn’t mindless, his calculated movements and the precision of his counters made it clear that he was highly intelligent, fighting with the tactics and prowess of a seasoned warrior.

 

Kurohime strengthened her stance, striking back at the knight with renewed focus. Each move she made was expertly blocked, the knight’s shield deflecting even her scythe’s sharp edges. She’d fought countless foes in her time, but the sheer skill and discipline of this undead knight kept her on guard, pushing her to match his every maneuver.

 

Meanwhile, the dragon circled in the clearing, hunting for signs of movement below. Akiko had darted out of the cave and raced toward her guildmate’s last known position. As she reached the tree line, a dark bolt of necrotic magic shot out from the smoke, striking the dragon with enough force to stagger it and bring it crashing to the ground. She had managed to put up a barrier just in time, though parts of her clothing were torn and skin bore the marks of the blast.

 

Akiko, seeing her friend still standing, felt her spirits lift. She darted around the dragon, slashing at its legs and wings to keep its attention divided. The dragon’s decomposed body was tough, making her attacks seem ineffective, but together with Eve’s dark magic, she kept the creature occupied.

 

Taking advantage of the dragon’s momentary vulnerability, Eve chanted a spell, summoning shadowy skeletal hands from the ground beneath the dragon, their bony fingers wrapping tightly around its legs and body. The dragon struggled and snarled, but the restraints held, giving Akiko a chance to assess the situation. She hacked away at its body, though it was already in a tattered state, she wondered if she was causing any real damage.

 

Suddenly, the dragon exhaled a vile, putrid gas that spread over the ground, blackening the plants and withering the grass. Akiko and Eve were forced to retreat, shielding their mouths from the toxic fumes. Akiko, unfortunately breathing in a tiny amount, as they fell back to a safe distance. They watched as the dragon broke free from Eve’s skeletal restraints and regained its balance.

 

Back with Kurohime, her scythe clashed against the knight’s shield repeatedly, each blow harder than the last. But the knight’s defenses held, and his every movement was sharp and disciplined. Kurohime was forced onto the defensive, her frustration mounting with each expertly deflected strike.

 

Determined to break through, Kurohime summoned her wings and tail, embracing her full power. She launched another attack, swinging her scythe in a deadly arc. The knight raised his shield to block her strike, but this time, she lashed out with her tail, coiling it around his legs and yanking him off balance. With a fierce pull, she hurled him into a nearby rock face near the lake’s edge, where he hit with a tremendous impact.

 

Taking advantage of the moment, Kurohime used her tail again, this time seizing his shield they laid on the ground and flinging it into the lake, far out of his reach. The knight scrambled from the rubble, lunging forward with a blade aimed at her. She barely dodged, countering with a brutal swipe of her scythe that caught him by the neck. She ripped his head clean off, before grabbing his body and tearing it apart with her bare hands.

 

As the knight’s severed body fell to the ground, a dark crystal tumbled from his insides, its surface flickering with eerie green light. Kurohime’s eyes narrowed as she picked it up, recognizing it immediately.

 

“A control crystal!?” she muttered, her grip tightening on the ominous gem. This crystal, she knew, was used by one of Hell’s kingdoms to control its minions. Usually used to control primal demons without any intelligence to do a kingdom’s biddings.

 

A sudden blast erupted from across the clearing, jolting her back to the battle at hand. The dragon was on its feet, and Akiko and Eve were faltering, being pushed back by the creature’s relentless attacks. Akiko was barely standing, her skin marred by dark purple, bruised patches from the poisonous breath. Eve was desperately trying to maintain her barriers, but they were starting to weaken.

 

With a powerful beat of her wings, Kurohime shot into the air. Akiko, barely conscious, cast one final spell, imbuing Eve with energy to strengthen her last barrier. The dragon exhaled another black fireball, which collided with Eve’s barrier, shattering it in a fiery explosion that threw both Akiko and Eve backward.

 

Eve, injured and disoriented, managed to look up, only to see Akiko lying beside her, her breathing slow and shallow. Her friend’s face was pale, and a dark purple poison blotched her skin. Eve crawled to her side, gently shaking her.

 

“Akiko, please wake up,” she pleaded, her voice breaking. “You have to fight and stay alive…”

 

The dragon’s shadow loomed over them as it advanced, ready to crush them with a final blow. Eve looked up in despair, only to spot Kurohime diving from above, her scythe gleaming as she plunged toward the dragon. The scythe struck first, cleaving the dragon’s head from its neck, and she landed atop its massive corpse as it fell, the impact carving a crater in the ground beneath it.

 

Kurohime reached into the dragon’s chest, pulling out another control crystal double the size of the one she had found in the knight. Its dark surface pulsed with the same malevolent energy, using her strength she crushed it into pieces.

 

“Kurohime! Akiko is in bad shape!” Eve cried, her voice frantic. “She’s been badly poisoned!”

 

Kurohime’s eyes widened, her face tightening with worry. She jumped off the dragon, running over and knelt beside Akiko, her heart sinking as she saw the dark poison spreading through her veins.

 

“This is beyond anything we have…” she murmured, her tone grave. “If we don’t find a proper cure, she won’t survive much longer.”

 

Akiko’s eyelids fluttered, and she looked weakly up at Kurohime, reaching out with a trembling hand. “Tell… Nila… I wish…” she whispered, coughing up blood, “I wish… she were here… so I could say goodbye…” Tears welled in her eyes, her breath rattling in her chest.

 

“Akiko, no…,” Eve choked out, her own eyes filling with tears. “Don’t give up. Please, hold on!”

 

Kurohime lifted Akiko, preparing to carry her back to the guild hall. “I’ll try to get her home in time,” she said, though doubt crept into her voice. “But it might already be too late…”

 

Just then, a rustling sound came from the trees. Kurohime put Akiko back down then whipped around, scythe ready, as she scanned the shadows. Her sharp eyes caught the outline of a figure watching from the cover of branches, its features obscured by shadow.

 

“Your friend will die soon if she doesn’t rid herself of that poison,” a calm, female voice drifted over to them.

 

Kurohime detected no hostility, but she remained wary, lowering her weapon only slightly. “Can you help her?” she asked, a note of desperation slipping into her tone.

 

The figure leapt gracefully down from the trees, revealing herself as a dark elf, her gaze calm and assessing the situation. She looked no older than a human in their early twenties, her expression composed as she tossed a vial to Eve.

 

“Fellow elf,” she acknowledged, her sharp gaze lingering on Eve’s features, “she needs to drink the entire vial for the poison to be neutralized.”

 

Eve nodded in understanding, quickly administering the antidote by gently pouring it into Akiko’s mouth. “Please, Akiko, drink it,” she whispered, watching anxiously as Akiko swallowed.

 

Akiko’s body went limp, and both Eve and Kurohime’s faces drained of color, panic surging through them.

 

“Calm yourselves,” the dark elf said. “The antidote puts her into a coma-like state so her body can focus on purging the poison.”

 

Kurohime checked Akiko’s pulse, relieved to find it steadying, though her breathing remained shallow.

 

“How long will she need to recover?” Kurohime asked, still on edge.

 

“That depends on her,” the elf replied. “She’ll need time, and a safe place to rest.”

 

Kurohime’s gaze sharpened, studying the elf. “Who are you? And why were you here?”

 

The elf folded her arms, her expression unreadable. “Who I am doesn’t matter right now. Let’s just say I was tasked with tracking that undead creature. It had been plaguing our village for some time. But you three solved the problem.” She gave a slight smirk. “Consider that antidote payment for helping our village”

 

Eve looked between Kurohime and the elf, her brow furrowing. “You want something else in return don’t you?”

 

The elf nodded. “I don’t give without expecting something back. Someday, I’ll come to claim a favor from you.”

 

Kurohime inclined her head, her expression serious. “We’ll honor that when the time comes. Thank you for saving her life.”

 

“I’ll find you when I have need of you.” With a final glance at Akiko, she leapt back into the trees, her silhouette vanishing as leaves fluttered in her wake.

 

Kurohime took a steadying breath, watching until the elf was out of sight. She turned back to Eve and Akiko, relieved to see the color gradually returning to Akiko’s face, the dark poison fading from her skin.

 

“Eve, recast your barrier,” Kurohime instructed, her voice steadying. “We’ll stay here for another day, until Akiko has fully recovered.”

 

Eve nodded, driving her staff into the ground and casting a new barrier. Kurohime carefully lifted Akiko, carrying her back into the cave and laying her gently on her bedding. She adjusted the bedding around her, making sure she was warm and comfortable.

 

“I almost lost you, little fox…” Kurohime murmured, brushing a strand of hair from Akiko’s face with a gentleness she rarely showed. Eve settled onto her own bedding nearby, exhausted.

 

Sitting beside them, Kurohime reflected on the battle, the crystal she’d found, and the narrow escape they’d managed tonight. Why were there two control crystals here on the surface world, what in the world is going on?