S2 - Chapter 17
From the Shadows
Stepping through the mirror felt like plunging into pure darkness. The moment they passed through its liquid-like surface, an eerie sensation wrapped around them, as if reality itself had bent and twisted to accommodate their presence. Though their bodies remained in motion, the space around them was void of any detail. A tunnel of pure black stretched endlessly in either direction, yet the openings on both ends remained visible, anchoring them between two locations.
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Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the journey through the mirror ended. One by one, they stepped out and the moment they emerged, a wave of oppressive heat struck them. The temperature was suffocating, far more intense than anything any of them had felt before.
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Above them, what looked like a sky, was a chaotic blend of deep green and purple hues, its unnatural glow casting an eerie illumination over them. Below, the land stretched out in an endless expanse of barren rock, jagged spires of blackened stone jutting out from the ground like broken teeth. They had arrived in Carrion Coven.
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The group stood partway up on an immense ancient stairs that led to the imposing castle above. It loomed above them, its structure a mixture of obsidian-black stone and bone-like material, stretching high into the sky. From their view, the entirety of the domain lay out before them.
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“Well…” Kurohime muttered, rolling her shoulders as if shrugging off an old, familiar weight. “This is something I haven’t missed at all.” Unlike the others, she seemed entirely unbothered by the overwhelming heat, her body naturally acclimated to it.
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Morye, however, wore an expression of quiet unease. Her eyes scanned the land, a strange sadness flickering beneath their usual determination. “My home…” she murmured, her voice heavy with emotion. “I didn’t think I’d be back here this soon.”
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While Kurohime and Morye remained composed, the rest of the group did not handle the environment well.
Akiko, Nila, Kasumi, and Eve were already drenched in sweat, their breathing labored as they struggled against the unbearable heat.
Akiko tugged at her clothing, fanning herself desperately. “My gods… I guess when we say ‘hot as hell,’ we really mean it now,” she groaned, her ears flattening in discomfort.
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Ember, in contrast, barely seemed affected. Being a fire dragon, she was naturally resistant to extreme temperatures, though even she could tell that this heat was something beyond the natural world. “It’s manageable,” she said, watching the others struggle.
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However, it was Kurami who had the most alarming reaction.
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After about five minutes of stepping out of the mirror, her legs began to buckle beneath her, and she collapsed onto her knees. Her skin turned an unhealthy shade of pink, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Unlike the others, her water-based nature made her completely incompatible with this environment.
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"Kurami!" Ember yelled, kneeling at her side in an instant, gripping her shoulders as she tried to support her.
“Shit, this is bad, her body’s reacting badly.” She pulled out a water flask, only to watch in horror as the liquid inside evaporated instantly the moment she uncorked it.
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“You can’t stay here,” Ember said urgently, tightening her grip on Kurami’s shoulder. “You won’t last long. You need to go back through the mirror. Sunder and Akame are still on the other side.”
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Before they had entered the portal, Sunder had stopped Akame, wanting to talk with her in private. Knowing the group could handle the transition without her, Akame had told them to go ahead and that she would catch up shortly. Now, Kurami needed to return before it was too late.
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Morye looked over to Kurohime, leaned in and whispered quickly, “Do you think you still have Hell’s Authority?”
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Kurohime’s eyes widened slightly at the question, but she immediately understood.
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Hell’s Authority was an ability given only to those recognized by the Demon King as true rulers of their kingdoms in Hell. If you were unfit for ruling, the ability was stripped away. But if you possessed it, you could grant individuals the ability to survive in Hell’s environment. However, there were drawbacks. It did not make someone immune to the heat, it only prevented them from dying from it. In Kurami’s case, it would help her immediate problem, but it wouldn’t delay it for long.
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“Let me try.” Kurohime said, moving to Kurami’s side. She placed a firm hand on Kurami’s shoulder and closed her eyes.
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Muttering in the ancient demonic language, the words were almost uncomfortable to listen to, foreign to everyone but Morye, who was the only other person in the group who could understand them. The effect was immediate as soon as Kurohime finished.
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Kurami gasped as a wave of relief washed over her. The unbearable suffocation lessened, her body stabilizing, though the heat still clung to her. She was no longer in danger of dying, but she was far from comfortable.
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Kurami exhaled slowly, wiping the sweat from her face. “Thank you… but Ember is right,” she admitted weakly. “Even with this, I don’t think I can handle it for long. I need to go back.”
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Kurohime, however, was only half paying attention to Kurami. Her mind was elsewhere. Her ability to still use Hell’s Authority meant one crucial thing, that the Demon King knew she was alive.
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Realization slowly hit her. “Why didn’t he revoke it…?” she wondered to herself. After all these years, after everything that had happened, why was she still acknowledged as a Queen?
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Kurami sighed and reached into her satchel, pulling out the remaining potions she had brought with her. She handed them off to Eve and Ember. “I’ll return now,” she said, shaking her head at the sheer insanity of this place. “Be safe… all of you.” With that, she turned and stepped back through the mirror.
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The moment Kurami vanished, Morye turned back to the rest of the group. "We can’t wait around too long," she said. "Let’s keep moving forward."
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As the group ascended the massive stairs, a heavy silence settled over them. Despite the grim atmosphere, it wasn’t exactly the wasteland they had been told about growing up. The ground wasn’t littered with tortured souls, nor were they surrounded by rivers of fire. Instead, at least where they were right now, were towering bone-crafted structures that loomed in the distance.
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Akiko, Nila, Kasumi, Eve, and Ember walked in silence, their expressions showing a mixture of awe and discomfort. Something about the idea of being the first people from the surface world to actually step foot inside hell, held a strange meaning to them.
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Kurohime, leading the group alongside Morye, noticed a shift in Morye’s expression. Her demeanor, which had been one of determination, had now changed into concern. She kept glancing to the west, toward the landscape beyond the stairs, her eyes narrowing as unease settled over her.
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“Morye?” Kurohime asked, slowing down her pace. The rest of the group followed suit. “What is it? Something’s bothering you.”
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Morye remained silent for a few moments, still looking out to the west. Then, as she turned to Kurohime, true concern was visible on her face. "Why are they all empty?" she muttered.
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Eve, who had been walking closest behind her, followed her line of sight but saw nothing immediately unusual. “Why is what empty, Miss Morye?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.
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Then, as she continued to look, Eve noticed it.
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Scattered across the barren landscape were dozens of colossal bone cages perched atop towering black obsidian pillars. Beneath them, even more cages lined the floor. All of them were open and empty.
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“What is all of this?” Ember asked, her voice tense as she was trying to understand what she was seeing.
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Morye clenched her fists, her body visibly trembling. "This is the Legion holding cells," she answered, her voice laced with a rising sense of dread.
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"The what?" Akiko asked, her tail flicking uneasily.
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Morye turned to the group, her face now pale. "These cages are supposed to contain the demonic undead that serve no one except the declared ruler of Carrion Coven."
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Morye’s voice wavered as she spoke her next sentence. “We have no declared king. Where are they?” She turned to Kurohime, her expression now filled with genuine anxiety.
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Two days prior, the village of Redcrest was peaceful under the night sky, a canvas of stars stretching endlessly above. It was one of those rare, perfect nights where the air was crisp, the wind gentle, and the moonlight bathed everything in a wonderful glow. The entire village had long since settled in for the night. Among those who were still awake was Crystal, who soared high above. A faint trail of frost followed her in the sky, creating a shimmering arc against the moonlight as she made her routine scouting rounds.
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Below her, within the steamy cloud of the guild hall’s outdoor hot springs, the quiet of the night was interrupted by soft giggles and the unmistakable sounds of kissing. The rising steam created a thick hazy veil that concealed who was within.
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"Are you sure no one will see us?" Yuzuki asked, her voice filled with playful nervousness.
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Suzuran giggled, wrapping her arms around Yuzuki’s neck and pulling her closer. Their bare bodies pressed together beneath the water, warmth enveloping them in more ways than one.
“I told you, no one can see us,” Suzuran whispered, brushing her lips along Yuzuki’s.
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She tilted her head back slightly, glancing toward the sky, though the thick steam made it difficult to see anything beyond the soft glow of the moonlight.
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Yuzuki couldn’t help but have a seductive smile before effortlessly lifting Suzuran into her arms. Instinctively, Suzuran wrapped her legs around Yuzuki’s waist, clinging to her as she waded toward the center of the spring.
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“Oh?” Suzuran purred, leaning back just enough to arch her body against Yuzuki’s, fully aware of the way her movements made water droplets fall down her skin. “Are we going to try a new position?”
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Yuzuki’s eyes darkened with lustful hunger as her gaze drifted lower, watching the water trail down Suzuran’s breasts. “Yeah…” she murmured, her lips parting slightly as she licked them. “Let’s try something new.”
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She tightened her grip around Suzuran’s thighs before whispering, “Close your eyes and hold on tight.”
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Suzuran obediently shut her eyes. For a moment, she expected Yuzuki to press their bodies even closer together, but instead, she felt herself being lifted upward. Yuzuki’s hands gripped her hips firmly, holding her steady, while Suzuran’s legs instinctively clamped around Yuzuki’s shoulders. Before she could question it, her breath hitched sharply as she realized where she had been positioned. The sudden sensation of warm breath against her crotch sent a jolt through her entire body.
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“Yuzuki! H-Hey, what are you—” She was quickly cut off by her own sharp gasp as Yuzuki’s tongue slipped inside her, the heat from her mouth contrasting against the cool night air.
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The giggles from earlier were nothing compared to the moans that now filled the air. Suzuran’s back arched, her fingers tangling into Yuzuki’s hair as waves of pleasure crashed over her. Every slow, deliberate movement of Yuzuki’s tongue made her tighten her grip, her legs trembling around Yuzuki’s head.
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“Yu…zuki… oh gods… this is… amazing,” Suzuran panted, her voice growing breathless. “Don’t stop…”
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Yuzuki had no intention of stopping. She continued her slow rhythm, savoring every reaction, every shudder, every desperate grip of Suzuran’s fingers digging into her hair. The way Suzuran’s body twitched against her only encouraged her to go faster. Minutes passed, the world beyond them ceasing to exist. And then, with a final, expert flick of her tongue, Yuzuki sent Suzuran over the edge.
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Suzuran let out a pleasure filled moan, her entire body tensing as waves of pure ecstasy consumed her. Her thighs clenched impossibly tight, and she convulsed in Yuzuki’s grasp, riding out the most intense orgasm she had ever felt. The pleasure was overwhelming, sending her into a near-senseless state, her breath ragged as she collapsed forward.
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Her entire body was trembling as the aftershocks coursed through her, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. “I have never… felt anything like that… before,” she whispered, a satisfied smile forming on her lips.
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Yuzuki smirked as she pulled back, licking her lips clean. “I’m glad you liked it.”
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Suzuran let out a breathless laugh, her body still struggling to recover. As Yuzuki lowered herself to let Suzuran stand, the moment she put weight on her legs, they buckled beneath her. Yuzuki caught her effortlessly, chuckling as she carried her toward a small stone ledge within the hot spring. Settling down, Yuzuki placed Suzuran onto her lap, keeping her arms loosely wrapped around her.
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Suzuran leaned into her, still catching her breath. “Where… where did you even learn that?” she asked, her voice laced with exhaustion and curiosity.
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Yuzuki hesitated for a moment before admitting, “From Yukari.”
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Suzuran’s brows shot up. “From Yukari?” Her eyes narrowed playfully, a bit of jealousy crept into her expression. “Did she show you that position?!”
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Yuzuki let out a nervous chuckle. “Not like that, Suzu… It was from a book she gave me.” Her face reddened slightly. “It had… um… some really naughty sex positions.”
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Suzuran’s smirk widened as she leaned in, brushing her lips against Yuzuki’s ear. “Got any others you want to try?” she whispered. “Maybe I can do them on you?” She pulled back, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
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Yuzuki giggled, her blush fully obvious. “I’ll show you them when we get back to our room,” she promised, stealing a quick kiss. “We can try another one once we’re in bed.”
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Suzuran let out a delighted hum, nuzzling into Yuzuki’s neck. “I can’t wait.”
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As the night continued their giggles filled the air. Wrapped in each other’s arms, the world outside the hot springs faded away, leaving only the two of them to bask in the night.
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Crystal soared through the night sky, her wings cutting through the cool air. Below, Redcrest lay in peaceful slumber, the stone paved streets illuminated by the moonlight and the dim candle lit lanterns. Tonight, the sky was exceptionally clear, the stars shimmering with an almost mesmerizing brilliance. It was the kind of night that made her patrols feel wonderful, her body gliding weightlessly through the endless expanse above.
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After circling the perimeter of the village, she angled herself downward, making her way toward the western wall. She had left a small snack for herself earlier, knowing that flying for hours would eventually work up her appetite. Her stomach gave a tiny grumble as she landed.
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Reaching into the small basket she had stashed away, she pulled out a half-eaten loaf of bread and took a bite. The soft texture was enjoyable as she leaned forward against the stone edge, watching the horizon. However, just as she was about to take another bite, something in the far distance caught her attention.
A section of the forest in the distance had suddenly shifted. At first, it was subtle, barely more than a flicker of movement, but then she saw it again. Trees swaying unnaturally, not from the wind, but from something large pushing through them. Her ability to see well at night immediately honed in on the area, tracking every movement. A faint rustling followed, as if something massive had disturbed the landscape before suddenly going still.
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Without hesitation, she stuffed her bread back into the basket and took off. As she neared the area, she slowed her approach, circling high above. From her vantage point, she could see a clearing where several trees had been pushed aside or broken, their trunks splintered from the force of whatever had passed through. The ground was littered with crushed foliage yet there was no sign of movement now. No tracks leading away. No lingering figures in the darkness. It was as if the forest had been disturbed by something and it vanished.
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She remained airborne for several minutes, gliding in slow, deliberate loops, scanning the land below. The eerie silence of the area unsettled her. There was no breeze, no chirping of nocturnal insects, only the distant sound of the lake’s water to the northeast. Something was wrong.
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Deciding to get a closer look, she tucked her wings and descended, landing softly in the heart of the clearing that was formed. Her sword was in her grip before her feet had even touched the ground. The scent of damp earth mixed with a faint but undeniable trace of blood.
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The vegetation had been crushed under something heavy, but the scattered impact points suggested multiple creatures had moved through here rather than just one. The spacing of the flattened brush was uneven, inconsistent, as if they had been moving erratically.
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She followed the signs of destruction further, weaving between trees until she entered another small clearing just beyond the break in the foliage. Soon she found several dead animals that laid sprawled across the ground, their bodies unnaturally twisted.
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She knelt beside one of the bodies looking at the gruesome wounds. Deep, jagged claw marks ran through its flesh, but what caught her attention were the precise puncture wounds, as if something had impaled them cleanly before tearing them apart.
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She exhaled, about to rise to her feet when she felt a presence. A flicker of movement in the shadows that she could see out of the corner of her eye. Crystal’s instincts flared. In one swift motion, she stood, sword raised, her voice steady despite the unease now curling in her chest.
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“Who’s out there?” she called, her sharp eyes scanning the darkened underbrush.
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For a moment, there was no answer. Then, behind her, the bushes rustled. Her grip on her sword tightened, preparing to strike, but before she could, a familiar figure appeared. Nova stepped forward, his nose sniffing the ground with focus.
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Crystal lowered her sword slightly. “Nova? Did you do all this?” she asked, though she already knew it was a stupid question to ask.
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Before she could get a response, a second figure stepped through the trees. Gelina appeared behind Nova, her movements were careful as she scanned the area.
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“He couldn’t have,” Gelina answered calmly, her voice smooth yet laced with curiosity. “Nova has been with me all night.”
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Crystal turned fully to face them, her shoulders relaxing just slightly. “Then what happened here?” she asked, motioning to the dead animals around them.
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Gelina’s eyes narrowed as she crouched beside one of the carcasses, carefully examining the wounds. Nova remained alert at her side, his ears twitching at every minor sound.
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“I’m not sure…” Gelina murmured, her fingers tracing over the jagged claw marks. “Nova sensed something strange in the air earlier. That’s why we came here.” She glanced at the trampled ground, scanning the chaotic patterns of destruction. “Whatever was here, it wasn’t alone. There were multiple creatures.”
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“Then where are they now?” Crystal muttered.
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A heavy silence followed. The longer they stood there, the more unnatural the stillness became. The forest should have been alive with sound.
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Crystal let out a slow breath, forcing herself to remain composed. “If we can’t track them, then our only hope is that whatever it was has moved far from here.” She flicked her tail slightly, preparing to take off. “I’ll keep patrolling from the sky. Maybe I’ll spot something further out.”
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Gelina gave a small nod, rising to her feet. “I’ll have Nova stay in the forest to keep an eye on things.”
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With that, Crystal spread her wings and launched herself into the sky, her form disappearing into the night. Gelina took one last glance at the eerie clearing before vanishing into the shadows, Nova walking silently beside her.
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But even as they left, something remained in the shadows. Hidden in the depths of the forest, something lurked in the darkness, its gaze followed them with quiet, chilling intent.
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The warm glow of lanterns flickered within the guild hall, casting soft, golden light along the wooden walls as Yuzuki and Suzuran stepped inside, both of them wrapped only in their towels. Their damp hair still held the faint scent of the floral oils used in the hot springs.
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As they made their way toward the main stairs leading up, a voice drifted out from the library.
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“Yuzuki?” The familiar, sultry tone sent a small shiver down Yuzuki’s spine.
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She glanced toward the open doorway of the library, brows furrowing slightly. At this hour, nearly everyone was asleep. She hadn’t expected anyone to still be awake.
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“Miss Yukari?” she called back.
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“Come in here, sweetheart,” Yukari’s voice was smooth as silk. “I have something to show you.”
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Suzuran, who had been holding Yuzuki’s hand, immediately pouted, her lips curling into a mock frown as she folded her arms. “Is she going to show you more sex positions?”
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Yuzuki playfully yet nervously groaned, rubbing her temples. “Love… I told you that’s not what it was!” She sighed, squeezing Suzuran’s hand before lifting it to her lips, pressing a tender kiss against the back of her palm. “I have no idea what this is about. I’ll meet you in the room in just a few minutes, okay?”
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Suzuran stared at her for a moment, clearly reluctant to let go, before sighing dramatically. However, her pout quickly faded, replaced by a teasing glint in her eyes. “Don’t take too long, alright?” she purred, turning to head up the stairs. Just before she disappeared, she lifted the bottom of her towel ever so slightly, flashing Yuzuki a glimpse of her butt. “I still have enough energy for another round.”
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Yuzuki bit her lip, her entire body tensing at the sight. Shaking her head with a small chuckle, she turned around and made her way toward the library, pushing the door open and stepping inside.
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The air was thick with the scent of parchment and ink, the towering bookshelves casting deep shadows across the dimly lit room. The library had grown significantly in the past few months. What had once been a space with mostly empty shelves had now become a massive archive, with only a small section left unfilled. Yukari had been relentless in expanding her collection, acquiring texts from all over Valralor and slowly expanding into Solvarra and Zyrdralis.
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“Miss Yukari?” Yuzuki called out, stepping between books that were piled high amongst each other on the floor. “Where are you?”
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A soft chuckle came from right behind her. “Right here, darling.”
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Yuzuki whirled around, her body instinctively shifting into a defensive stance, but as soon as she saw the mischievous glint in Yukari’s eyes, she exhaled, dropping her guard.
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“Don’t scare me like that!” Yuzuki protested.
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Yukari smirked, tilting her head. She leaned in ever so slightly, her breath warm against Yuzuki’s cheek. “You just ate out your girlfriend, don’t be so tense.”
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Yuzuki’s face burned instantly, her mouth opening in complete shock. “H-How do you know that!?”
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Yukari let out a soft, melodic giggle, reaching up to gently pat Yuzuki’s head. “Sweetheart, I could hear her moaning from here.”
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Yuzuki’s eyes widened in horror, her hands flying up to cover her face. “Oh gods… oh no.”
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Seeing Yuzuki’s embarrassment, Yukari sighed, shaking her head. “Relax. I knew you’d be testing out those positions tonight. You looked so excited after I gave you that book.”
She snapped her fingers, and a faint, shimmering sound echoed through the room—like glass breaking in the air. “I preemptively cast a barrier around the guild hall’s grounds before nightfall. Your little performance never made it past the walls.”
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Yuzuki let out the biggest sigh of relief, her entire body deflating.
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Yukari’s smirk widened as she folded her arms. “The only ones who did hear everything… were the usual people, who at this point are used to it by now.”
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Yuzuki groaned, burying her face in her hands. “You’re not really helping…”
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Yukari chuckled. “Anyway, let’s talk about why I called you here.” She motioned toward a small cabinet nearby and pulled out a cloth-wrapped bundle, tossing it toward Yuzuki.
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Catching the package, Yuzuki blinked, her curiosity piqued. “What’s this?”
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“Fae and I have been working on something for you,” Yukari replied, leaning casually against a nearby table. “Open it.”
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Yuzuki carefully undid the knot and pulled out what was inside. The moment her fingers brushed against the material, a wave of familiarity washed over her. It was soft yet durable, the fabric holding a sleek, comfortable weight. She lifted it fully, her eyes widening in realization.
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“This is… your outfit from Alderford,” she murmured, recognizing the designs immediately. The same one she had retrieved from Yukari’s old belongings.
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But as she studied it more closely, she noticed subtle differences. The design had been altered and the outfit had been adjusted to fit her specifically.
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She glanced up at Yukari in confusion. “Wait… isn’t this your outfit?”
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Yukari smiled softly, stepping closer. “It’s based on mine,” she explained, gently wrapping her arms around Yuzuki in a comforting hug. “But this one was designed for you.”
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Yuzuki’s eyes sparkled with happiness, her fingers gripping the outfit a little tighter. She wasn’t even sure what to say, but she could already feel the care that had gone into making it.
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Yukari chuckled, pulling back slightly. “I can see you already want to try it on.”
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Yuzuki nodded eagerly, barely containing her excitement.
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“Go on up to your room and test it out when you have time,” Yukari encouraged, stepping back toward the bookshelves. “Remember, Suzuran is patiently waiting for you in bed.”
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The moment Suzuran’s name was mentioned, Yuzuki’s mind snapped back to what she had been wanting to do beforehand. Without another word, she turned around quickly and bolted for the door.
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“Thank you!” she called over her shoulder as she raced out of the library and up the stairs, clutching the outfit tightly against her chest.
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Yukari watched her go, shaking her head with an amused smile. “Those two are so full of energy…” she mused, turning back to her massive collection of books. With a small sigh, she settled into her chair, flipping open the text in front of her.
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The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the guild hall, casting warm golden rays across all of the floors. Dust particles danced lazily in the beams of light, illuminating the stillness of the rooms. In one of them, Yuzuki and Suzuran lay entangled together.
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The sheets barely covered their naked bodies, Suzuran snuggled up against Yuzuki, her head resting on Yuzuki’s breasts, with one leg sprawled over her body. Yuzuki’s arm remained firmly wrapped around Suzuran’s back, fingers lightly tracing along her spine in slow, absentminded motions. The gentle rise and fall of their breaths filled the quiet air.
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With the main group gone on their expedition, the guild hall had been eerily silent over the past few days. Though Crystal still patrolled at night and Azure, Scarlet, Luna, Fae, and Gelina remained behind, the absence of Akame, Kurohime, and the others had left the massive home feeling empty.
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For Yuzuki and Suzuran, however, this was the perfect opportunity. The third floor was practically theirs alone, and with Crystal away most nights on guard duty, they had taken full advantage. Indulging themselves over and over again, no longer needing to keep their voices down.
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Of course, this came at the expense of the other four members who still resided in the guild hall. Azure and Scarlet were usually too exhausted from their daily routines to hear much of anything, but Luna was a different story. While she didn’t mind the noises, she found herself growing sexually frustrated after the first couple of days. It wasn’t exactly easy to focus on chores when loud, passionate moans echoed through the upper floors every single night.
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By late morning, the remaining members gathered for breakfast at the long dining table, the scent of freshly made vegetables, roasted meats, and warm bread filling the air. Fae, seated at the head of the table, skimmed through a written report that Crystal had left behind from her patrol the night before.
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“So Crystal found remnants of animals that were killed by something unknown?” Suzuran repeated.
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“That’s what her report states,” Fae confirmed, setting the parchment down.
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“She was right to assume something attacked them,” Gelina interjected as she entered from the front door, Nova following silently behind her. “But I don’t think this was some random beast.”
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Suzuran, who had been sitting on Yuzuki’s lap, suddenly stood up, pacing back and forth as she processed the information. “Did Nova find anything else?”
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Gelina nodded but crossed her arms, clearly troubled. “Just more dead animals. The problem is, whatever did this… didn’t eat them. They weren’t killed for food. They were just… torn apart.”
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Yuzuki, who had also stood, walked toward the large windows of the dining hall, gazing out into the distance. “I’ll go ahead and scout tonight as well,” she decided, gripping her wrist thoughtfully. “If there’s something prowling the outskirts, I’ll try to pick up on it.”
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With breakfast concluded, the members went their separate ways, determined to investigate the disturbances. Fae and Gelina took it upon themselves to question the villagers who lived on the outskirts of Redcrest, hoping to find anyone who had seen or heard something unusual. However, with the recent influx of merchants and travelers, Fae was soon forced to return to her usual duties, leaving Gelina to continue the investigation alone.
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Meanwhile, Yuzuki and Suzuran patrolled through the central streets, speaking with villagers who had been outside the night before. But their efforts quickly returned nothing, no one they spoke to had noticed anything strange. With no new leads, they decided to check one last place before giving up for the day.
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“Hana!” Suzuran called out as they approached Hana’s shop, the clang of a hammer against metal echoing through the air.
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“Suzu!” Hana called back. She stood over an anvil, repairing a dented piece of armor belonging to an adventurer passing through. “What brings you here?”
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Suzuran wasted no time. “Have you heard of anything strange happening last night? Any unusual behavior with in the village? Or anything off with the animals?”
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Hana tilted her head slightly, tapping the hammer against her palm as she pondered the question. “Hmm… nothing comes to mind.” She returned to her work, hammering at the armor. “Aside from the usual dog or two barking randomly, but that happens all the time.”
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Suzuran and Yuzuki exchanged glances, both letting out small sighs. It seemed like another dead end.
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Just as they were about to leave, Hana suddenly snapped her fingers. “Wait… actually, now that I think about it, something did happen.”
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Yuzuki’s ears perked up, immediately focusing on her. “What was it?”
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Hana kept hammering, her voice casual. “It was Kaori, she had a nightmare. A bad one. Woke up looking terrified.”
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Suzuran blinked. “A nightmare?”
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“Yeah, something about a disfigured shadow monster walking outside our house.” Hana shrugged. “She said it had red eyes… and that it looked right at her.”
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The moment the words 'red eyes' left Hana’s lips, Yuzuki and Suzuran’s expressions darkened. They turned to each other, wordlessly exchanging concern, before abruptly stepping away from the shop.
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“Hey! Where are you two going?” Hana called after them, confused by their sudden urgency.
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Yuzuki quickly glanced over her shoulder. “Miss Hana, keep your weapon ready today… just in case.”
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Hana frowned, watching them disappear down the street. “Keep my weapon ready?” she muttered to herself with a confused look.
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Stepping away from her anvil, she peered inside her home, where Kaori sat at the dining table, her hands curled into fists against her lap. Even now, hours later, her expression remained uneasy. She hadn’t spoken much since waking up, and the fear in her eyes told Hana that whatever she had seen… she believed it was real.
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The main southern entrance of the village saw the arrival of a middle-aged human woman, walking past the wooden signpost that marked the boundary of Redcrest. She had traveled here after hearing rumors of a quiet, growing settlement that housed the famed guild responsible for defeating Abyss.
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“So, Crimson Moon is located here, huh?” she murmured to herself, glancing around as she continued walking. Her eyes took in the lovely wooden homes, the stone-paved roads, and the villagers bustling about their daily routines. “This is… a nice village. I hope the commander doesn’t mind me taking some time off to see what this place is all about.”
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She wore a military-style casual outfit often worn by off-duty guards during training exercises or days of light patrol. No armor, no weapons were visible on her, only the trained posture and keen awareness of a seasoned soldier.
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Making her way further into the heart of the village, she found herself standing at the stone stairs leading up to the guild hall. The building loomed impressively before her, constructed with a mixture of wood and stone, its banner gently fluttering in the morning breeze.
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She paused at the top step, her hand hesitating just inches from the door. Instead of knocking, she turned back to take in the breathtaking view the hill provided. The local garden and farmland was beautiful, with dense forests lining the outskirts. Birds soared high above, their songs carried by the gentle wind.
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“With a view like this, who could deny that living here would be… peaceful.” she mused aloud. A small smile played on her lips before it quickly faded. “I just hope the guild here is also peaceful.”
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Finally, she turned back to the door, squared her shoulders, and knocked firmly. Silence. She frowned slightly. Thinking perhaps her knock had been too light, she tried again, this time a bit louder. Yet again, there was no response.
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She took a step back, glancing around. From what she had seen while walking through Redcrest, the village was lively, with merchants setting up stalls and villagers tending to their work. It was a small settlement, but well-kept and growing.
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Surely, someone should be inside the guild hall, every guild had a manager. Feeling slightly uneasy, she knocked one last time, this time much louder. A few moments passed, then…
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“I’m coming! I’m coming!” A female voice called from within, followed by the hurried sound of approaching footsteps.
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The large doors swung open, revealing Fae, who stood in the doorway with messy hair. She rubbed at her eyes sleepily, her expression somewhere between drowsy and apologetic.
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“I’m sorry for not answering sooner,” Fae mumbled, covering a yawn with the back of her hand. “I didn’t realize I had… fallen asleep at my desk.” She blinked a few times before straightening up, attempting to regain her usual composure. “So, what brings you here, Miss…?”
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The woman gave a small nod in greeting before responding, “Oh! My name is Morrigan. I actually came to visit after hearing about Redcrest. Everyone’s been saying this place is a hidden gem. And after just a short time here, I’m already considering purchasing a home.”
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Fae’s eyebrows lifted slightly, though she wasn’t entirely surprised. Ever since Akame’s duel in the capital, more and more travelers had come to Redcrest, drawn by its reputation and the presence of Crimson Moon.
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“You can absolutely purchase a home here,” Fae said, though there was a slight frown on her face. “But our guild leader is currently away on an expedition, and she’s the one who approves those decisions.”
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Morrigan tilted her head slightly. “I see… so I’d have to wait for her return?”
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“For official approval, yes,” Fae confirmed, though her tone turned a bit warmer. “That said, you’re more than welcome to stay at our inn for a few days. That way, you can see for yourself if this village is truly what you’re looking for.”
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Morrigan’s lips curled into a small smile, and she bowed her head slightly. “Thank you, Miss Fae. I’ll do that.”
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Just as she was about to turn away, something crossed her mind, making her pause mid-step.
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“There was one thing I wanted to ask before I go,” Morrigan said, her voice taking on a slightly more serious tone.
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Fae nodded. “What is it?”
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Morrigan’s gaze flickered toward the streets of Redcrest. “I noticed your village doesn’t have guards. Is that by design… or do you intend to hire any in the future?”
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Fae met her question with a calm response. “Seeing that we’re an S-Rank guild, we currently don’t see the need for dedicated guards. Even though our main group is away right now, we still have highly capable members here to defend Redcrest.”
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The answer was logical, yet it clearly wasn’t the one Morrigan had hoped for. A flicker of disappointment crossed her face.
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“I see,” she said quietly. There was a pause, before she straightened her posture once more.
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“Well, if Redcrest ever does feel like it needs guards,” she continued, her voice carrying a bit more weight, “please reach out to me. I’m stationed at the eastern barracks in the republic capital.”
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Fae gave a polite nod. “Of course, Miss Morrigan. Enjoy your stay here.”
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With that, Morrigan turned, making her way down the stone steps leading back into the village. A heavy sigh left her lips as she walked. She had been holding on to some hope that this place, this small, peaceful village, might be the opportunity she needed to get away from the chaos back in the republic. She had served as a guard for years, yet she had never been promoted. Not because she lacked the skills but because of politics, corruption, and jealous captains who refused to let her advance. Leaving the capital had been something she considered for a long time, but there had never been a real alternative. Until now. She wanted to live here and start new.
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The grumbling of her stomach quickly derailed her thoughts. “I better find something to eat before heading to the inn.”
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Before she could finish her sentence, a sweet aroma drifted through the air, causing her nose to twitch. Her head snapped up, her eyes locking onto a bakery just a short distance away.
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“Freshly made sweet bread…” she murmured, practically salivating at the thought. “I must have some.”
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The enticing aroma of fresh sweet bread guided Morrigan straight to the village bakery, her stomach practically roaring in anticipation. As she stepped inside, the warm scent of baked goods wrapped around her like a comforting embrace, momentarily washing away her previous disappointment.
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There was already someone in line ahead of her, a wolf demi-human girl stood by the counter, something about her presence immediately caught Morrigan’s attention. She was about the same height as Morrigan, though her wolf ears made her appear slightly taller. Her tan skin contrasted with her assassin-like attire, an outfit that Morrigan seemed to quick as it was a bit on the revealing side.
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“One of the local guild members?” Morrigan pondered, watching the girl closely.
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“Oh, Miss Yuzuki! Perfect timing!” the baker, a cheerful kitsune woman, called out from behind the counter. “Your order of apple-filled sweet bread just finished!”
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A woven basket full of freshly baked bread was placed onto the counter, and without hesitation, Yuzuki grabbed one and immediately took a large bite, her tail swaying behind her.
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“Thanks, Miss Tiana! These are Suzu’s favorite so far!” Yuzuki mumbled through a mouthful, her ears perking up as she chewed enthusiastically.
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Morrigan watched the exchange with mild amusement, though her focus remained on the basket of bread. Then, Tiana turned to her with a warm smile, but what she said felt like a death sentence.
“Hey there, sweetie! If you’re here for sweet bread, Yuzuki just took the last batch for the day.”
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Morrigan’s heart sank. “Oh no…!” she groaned dramatically, bending forward in despair. As if to mock her suffering, her stomach let out a massive growl.
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Yuzuki, noticing her immediate devastation, paused mid-chew. She reached into her basket, tapping Morrigan on the shoulder.
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Morrigan looked up to see one of the warm, golden-brown sweet breads being offered to her.
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“Here you go…” Yuzuki said casually, still chewing on her own bread.
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Morrigan’s eyes widened, her mouth opening slightly as she hesitated. “Oh… I couldn’t. You purchased them, so it would be wrong of me to take one.”
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Yuzuki waved off her protest as she quickly finished the last of her own bread, finally speaking clearly.
“Please, take it. My girlfriend won’t notice. I’ll just say I ate an extra one.”
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Morrigan eyed the bread hungrily, and though she still felt a bit awkward, her stomach made the decision for her.
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“T-Thanks. I appreciate it.” She hesitantly took the offered bread, the soft warmth of it practically melting against her fingertips.
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But before she could take her first bite, Yuzuki casually handed her something else, a small parchment scroll with a seal stamped onto it. “Oh, and take this too. It’s for a free meal at the tavern.”
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Morrigan blinked in confusion, staring at the parchment, then back at Yuzuki. “Wait, why are you giving me this?!”
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Yuzuki was already walking toward the door, clearly unbothered by the question. “Think of it as a welcoming gift since you’re new to Redcrest.” She lifted a hand in a casual wave before stepping outside. “Enjoy your stay!”
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Morrigan stood there for a moment, completely caught off guard, unsure how to even respond to such unexpected generosity. Once Yuzuki was gone, she slowly turned back to Tiana, still holding the sweet bread in one hand and the voucher in the other.
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“Is it… always like that for new people here?” she finally asked.
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Tiana chuckled as she leaned onto the counter, wiping her hands on a small cloth. “It depends. We’ve been seeing a lot of new faces recently, and Crimson Moon wants to make people feel welcome and enjoy their time here. So, they tend to do stuff like this a lot lately.”
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Morrigan exhaled slowly, still trying to process everything.
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Stepping outside, she felt the warm sun against her face and finally took a bite of the sweet bread, the soft apple filling practically melting in her mouth. She hummed with satisfaction, savoring the rich, sweet flavor.
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“Gods… this is good.” Morrigan took another bite, her pace slowing as she let herself wander through the village, taking in the sights.
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Even though things hadn’t gone exactly as she had planned, she had to admit, this village was definitely different from anywhere she had been before.
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As the afternoon sun bathed Redcrest, the village had begun to settle into a peaceful lull. Merchants wrapped up their stalls, villagers finished their errands, and the gentle chatter of townsfolk filled the streets. Everything seemed calm, until it wasn’t.
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The shift was subtle at first, an unnatural stillness creeping into the air. Then, a cold wind swept through the village. It carried a sharp unnatural chill, biting through the warmth of the day. The sudden gust rippled through the streets, rattling wooden signs and sending loose parchment fluttering across the cobblestones.
Crystal, who had just woken up, stretched out with a soft yawn as she sat up in bed. She had planned to head downstairs for breakfast, but the moment her feet touched the floor, she froze. Her senses immediately reacted to the unnatural shift in the air.
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Her eyes narrowed as she turned toward the window in her room, staring out into the village. She wasn’t the only one who noticed.
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Across from her room, Yuzuki stood in front of a full-length mirror, tilting her head slightly as she admired the new outfit she had received from Yukari the night before. The fabric hugged her body perfectly.
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Behind her, Suzuran lay sprawled across their bed, lazily nibbling on a piece of sweet bread, the warm scent still lingering in the air.
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Yuzuki smirked as she adjusted her outfit, “I think this actually might be my new favorite thing to wear.”
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Suzuran chuckled, licking a stray crumb from her fingertip. “You look amazing in it,” she purred, her voice laced with playfulness. “But I think I’d still prefer you wearing nothing.”
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Yuzuki couldn’t hide the amused grin forming on her lips. She turned, ready to tease her back. Then, she heard it. Yuzuki’s ears twitched, her body instantly going rigid. Her tail bristled as she turned toward the open window, her sharp eyes scanning the village below.
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“Yuzuki?” Suzuran asked, propping herself up on her elbows, confusion flickering across her face. Yuzuki didn’t answer. Her gaze was locked on something outside, her instincts were screaming at her.
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Barking could be heard outside, but it didn’t sound playful, it sounded fearful and urgent and she recognized it instantly. It was Nova and something was clearly wrong and it was coming from the west side of the village.
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Yuzuki’s breath caught in her throat as she turned sharply toward Suzuran.
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“That’s Nova barking,” she said, her voice laced with urgency. “And those aren’t playful barks. That’s fear and it’s coming from the west.”
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Suzuran’s entire demeanor changed in an instant, her lazy playfulness vanished. Without hesitation, she flung aside the sweet bread, jumping off the bed as she hurried to gather her things.
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Yuzuki was already moving. She grabbed her weapon and tossed Suzuran’s blades toward her. Suzuran caught them midair, quickly strapping them in place as the two of them rushed for the door.
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“Miss Fae! Miss Yukari! We have trouble, there’s something bad happening to the west of the village!” Yuzuki’s voice echoed through the guild hall.
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A moment later, Yukari and Fae appeared at the bottom of the stairs on the first floor. Fae’s expression was still groggy, likely from a nap she had taken earlier, but Yukari’s was already sharp and alert, immediately assessing Yuzuki’s and Suzuran’s distressed expressions.
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Suzuran didn’t waste a second. “I’m going to warn Akiko’s and Hana’s families!” she called out over her shoulder, already sprinting down the stairs and out the entrance before anyone could stop her.
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Meanwhile, Yuzuki turned to Yukari, her breath coming in slightly uneven from how fast she had rushed in.
“I think this is what Akame warned Suzuran about,” she explained. “She had a bad feeling something was going to happen while they were gone. If shes right… we might be under attack in a few minutes.”
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Yukari immediately turned to Fae. “Gather the girls. Have Luna lead the villagers to safety. Once everyone is secure, have them join us in the west or eliminate any threats they find.”
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Fae nodded sharply, already turning to sprint toward the back of the guild hall. “Understood, ma’am!”
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Yukari took a deep breath, glancing out the window. She could sense something was clearly off.
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Before Yuzuki could leave, Yukari reached out, grabbing her wrist gently. “Be careful,” she said, her voice softer than usual. “Keep the village safe. Once we know the civilians are secure, I’ll join you.”
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Yuzuki nodded firmly. There was no hesitation in her eyes and without another word, she turned and rushed outside.
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As Yuzuki ran through the emptying streets, she could hear the sound of frantic voices. Luna and the others were already working to evacuate the villagers. The tavern owner was guiding patrons out, parents were hurrying their children toward safer areas, and a group of adventurers visiting the village were already preparing their weapons.
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Everything was moving quickly but Yuzuki had no time to focus on that now. She sprinted past the tavern, heading toward Hana’s shop. Then, something in the sky caught her eye. She froze mid-step, her breath hitching as she looked up. Her eyes widened in horror.
Suzuran, having just finished warning the Akiko’s and Hana’s families, arrived at Yuzuki’s side, still adjusting her weapons as she caught her breath. “We need to get to the western gate!” Suzuran urged. “We don’t have time to—”
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But she stopped mid-sentence, following Yuzuki’s gaze, as she saw it too.
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Above the western forest just outside the village, soaring in eerie formation, were over two dozen undead wyverns. Their massive, rotting wings beating against the sky, carrying their grotesque forms.
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Even from this distance, Suzuran could see the decay of their flesh, the exposed bone and muscle. For a moment, neither of them spoke.
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Then, Suzuran shook Yuzuki by the shoulder. “Yuzuki, snap out of it! We have to go—now!”
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Yuzuki blinked, shaking off the initial shock. She had fought powerful creatures before, but this was something else entirely.
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Regaining focus, the two darted through the streets, their footsteps pounding against the stone paths as they made their way to the western wall.
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They reached the western wall in record time, wasting no moment as they scaled it effortlessly. From their new vantage point, they could finally see the full extent of the threat beyond the gates.
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Below them, standing just beyond the gate was Gelina. Just beyond her, waves of undead crawled out of the forest, their grotesque forms bathed in the dimming light of the setting sun. Behind the first wave, more horrific forms emerged.
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Some had open rib cages filled with gnashing teeth, their stomachs splitting into grotesque, gaping maws. Others had elongated limbs, disjointed movements, their heads tilted at unnatural angles as if their necks had been broken multiple times over.
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Yuzuki and Suzuran leapt down from the wall, landing beside Gelina.
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"I’m glad you two are here…" Gelina exhaled in relief, though her tone was still laced with tension.
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Suzuran didn’t hesitate, drawing her blades in a swift motion. "Where did all of these undead come from?"
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Gelina, still surveying the slowly advancing horde, quickly shook her head. "I believe these are connected to what Crystal and I were investigating last night. But this... this is far worse than what we expected. How are there so many?"
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As she spoke, the undead continued their relentless march forward, their soulless eyes fixed on the village like mindless predators drawn to fresh prey. The ground trembled slightly from the sheer amount of undead present.
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Then they stopped and the horde suddenly split down the middle. From within the sea of shambling corpses, a tall, grotesque figure emerged. The creature was... wrong.
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Its body was demonic in nature, yet something about it felt unnatural. Unlike the lesser undead surrounding it, this one radiated power. A twisted, malformed aura of something far worse than a simple reanimated corpse. Its skin, or what remained of it, peeled in places, revealing patches of rotting muscle beneath. Its limbs were elongated, its claws twice the size of its hands, and its eyes burned with an unnatural green and purple glow.
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Gelina’s breath hitched as she immediately recognized what she was looking at. "An... Abomination?!" she gasped.
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Yuzuki and Suzuran exchanged quick glances before looking back at Gelina, concern etched on their faces.
"What's an Abomination?" they both asked in unison.
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Gelina took a deep breath, forcing herself to regain composure. "I only know about them from ancient texts… long-forgotten knowledge about the darker beings of hell." Her voice was steady.
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"They are demonic in nature, but they’ve been mutated by a higher being. A small number of demons have some natural way of reaching the surface world, whether through specific conditions or existing portals."
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Her eyes narrowed as she watched the it’s movements. "But Abominations are different. They are one of the few demons that can force their way to the surface."
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As if sensing their conversation, the Abomination suddenly stopped in its slow, menacing advance. It tilted its head slightly, its eyes locking onto the three of them.
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It was watching them.
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Gelina's expression darkened as she pieced together the reality of their situation. "If this thing is here, then it's leading this attack. If we want to stop this invasion, we need to kill it before it reaches the village."
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Suzuran stepped forward, her blades gleaming under the dimming sunlight. "Get back inside the village. Yuzuki and I will handle this. Evacuate everyone to the east."
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Gelina hesitated for a moment, she knew Suzuran was right. If they failed here, the village would fall. Someone had to make sure the civilians got to safety.
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With a nod, she turned and rushed back into the village, immediately calling out to the remaining villagers near the western gate. "Everyone, move! Head for the eastern gate now!"
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As Gelina led the evacuation, Yuzuki and Suzuran turned their full attention to the advancing horror before them, the undead horde was still closing in. But the Abomination did something that sent chills down their spine.
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It smiled.
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Back toward the center of the village, Azure and Scarlet moved quickly, guiding families through the streets to the east. The lingering adventurers still in town had quickly taken up arms, forming a defensive line near the eastern edge of the village.
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Meanwhile, near the guild hall, Luna and Fae coordinated everything, ensuring that no one was left behind. The urgency in their movements mirrored the chaos unfolding around them, yet they kept their focus, determined to see every villager to safety.
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At that same moment, across the village due to the commotion, Morrigan had just stepped outside the inn. What was supposed to be a peaceful afternoon changed as soon as she laid eyes on the sky above, any sense of calm shattered instantly.
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The undead wyverns were overhead now, their monstrous forms circling lower and lower, swooping through the village streets. Parents and their three children were caught in their path. The mother and father were desperately trying to shield their children, dodging and weaving as sharp claws swiped down at them.
Morrigan's stomach twisted. She had faced battles before, but never unarmed, never this helpless. Her equipment was back in the capital, and all she had now was a sinking feeling in her chest as she watched the family struggle to survive.
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She refused to stand by and watch. Sprinting forward, she shouted at the children. “Run to me! Hurry!”
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The three children, terrified but still able to move, turned and bolted toward her. But before they could reach her, one of the wyverns dropped down right behind them, its massive wings kicking up dirt and debris. It craned its grotesque neck back, green flames pooling in its mouth before it unleashed a stream of fire straight toward them.
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Morrigan's heart pounded. It was going to kill them and she was too far to get to them. They were going to die…
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In an instant, a wall of ice erupted between the flames and the children, blocking the attack just before impact. Steam hissed from the sudden clash of fire and ice, clouding the area in a misty haze.
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Morrigan barely had time to register what had happened before a voice called out from above. “If you can fight, protect them!”
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Looking up, she spotted the source of the ice magic, a dragonoid girl with glistening blue wings and an icy tail, soaring through the sky. Without hesitation, the girl hurled a spear down toward Morrigan, landing perfectly into the ground.
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Before she could thank her, the girl had already darted away, three more wyverns snapping at her from behind.
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Morrigan gripped the spear tightly. The ice wall wouldn’t last forever, but she could tell the family had put enough distance between themselves and the wyverns now. The parents had also managed to escape around the long way, circling toward their children. There were only two wyverns in front of her. She could hear one of the wyverns preparing to use its fiery breath again.
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Without wasting a second, Morrigan took a stance, tightening her hold on the spear. She could see the flames already hitting the wall as the center started to melt. Then, with all her strength and timed just perfectly, she launched it. The sheer force of her throw cut through the air, whistling as it shot forward. Just as the ice wall began to crack apart, the spear burst through the newly formed opening, striking the first wyvern clean through the skull. Its head shattered into fragments, and its body crashed to the ground in a heap of decaying flesh and bone.
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Morrigan didn’t stop moving. The icewall in front of her now fully collapsed, she sprinted and jumped toward the spear embedded in the corpse, she slid across the dirt, gripping it once more just as the second wyvern flared its wings. It opened its mouth, flames beginning to gather.
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But before it could unleash its breath, another sharp blast of ice shot from above, freezing its mouth shut. Morrigan barely glanced up before reacting. The dragonoid girl was still covering her from above.
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Morrigan gave a firm nod of gratitude before leaping forward. With her momentum carrying her upward, she vaulted onto the wyvern’s back and, with a single decisive strike, drove her spear straight through its skull. The force of the blow sent tremors through its body before it erupted apart on impact, its limbs scattering in every direction. Morrigan landed gracefully, breathing heavily.
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A moment later, the dragonoid girl touched down beside her, barely making a sound against until her metal boots touched the ground. Now that Morrigan had a proper look at her, she seemed far younger than expected, almost too adorable to be a warrior of any kind. But the way she carried herself, the calmness in her eyes despite the battle raging around them, told Morrigan otherwise.
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"Thank you for the support and the weapon earlier. You helped me protect that family," Morrigan said, bowing respectfully toward the dragonoid girl.
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"I'm glad you sprang into action. Most of the visiting adventurers were too afraid to stay in the village and help. Luckily, my guild oversees this place," the girl replied.
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"You’re a part of Crimson Moon?" Morrigan asked, amazement clear in her voice.
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"Yes! I’m Crystal." She extended her hand with a friendly smile. "Nice to meet you."
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"I'm Morrigan," she responded, shaking Crystal's hand firmly.
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The two shared a brief but genuine smile before a distant clash of metal echoed from the western side of the village.
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"I need to get going and help the others." Crystal nodded toward Morrigan, her expression turning serious.
"Please continue to rescue and escort any villagers you can." Without another word, she took off into the sky, her wings sending a flurry of frost into the air as she soared toward another battle.
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Morrigan wasted no time, sprinting in the direction of the nearest sounds of distress, determined to find and aid anyone in need.
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Back at the western entrance of the village, Suzuran and Yuzuki were deep in combat, cutting through an onslaught of undead. The weaker ones fell easily, but their numbers alone threatened to overwhelm them. The sheer exhaustion from nonstop fighting was beginning to take its toll.
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As they finally cleared the immediate area, a brief moment of rest presented itself. Both girls were breathing heavily, gripping their weapons tightly as they looked to see what was still coming at them.
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"This is insane," Yuzuki panted, crouching slightly to catch her breath. "We might be dead before the stronger ones even get to us."
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"Hopefully, the others can clear the village and get to us soon," Suzuran replied. But before she could say anything more, the sound of approaching footsteps caught their attention.
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They turned, weapons still in hand, but then froze in place, stunned. It was Yukari and she was wearing her original assassin’s guild outfit.
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"Well," Yukari mused as she adjusted the straps draping over her barely contained breasts, "Either I’ve put on a bit of weight, or my ladies up front just can’t be restrained anymore."
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Suzuran and Yuzuki both let out deep sighs of relief.
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"Glad you could join us" Suzuran said, finally allowing herself to kneel down and rest.
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"You two take a breather," Yukari instructed, stepping forward casually. "I’ll handle things for a bit."
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Yuzuki and Suzuran exchanged glances before collapsing onto the ground beside each other, watching Yukari advance with a confidence neither of them had the energy to question.
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As she walked, both of them noticed something unusual. Two large, single-handed scythes strapped to her back.
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Suzuran leaned toward Yuzuki, whispering, "I thought most assassins used daggers?"
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Yuzuki shrugged slightly, eyes still locked on Yukari.
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Then, as if sensing their curiosity, Yukari reached back and pulled both scythes free in one smooth motion, twirling them at her sides before breaking into a full sprint.
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What awaited her was an entirely different level of enemy than the mindless zombies from earlier—a two-headed undead ogre, an undead behemoth, two heavily armored death knights, and at least two dozen ghouls, all emerging from the forest’s depths.
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In the blink of an eye, Yukari vanished. Laughter echoed across the battlefield, sending chills down the spines of those who heard it. The first five ghouls that had rushed in to engage her were reduced to nothing but twitching chunks of flesh, their bodies diced into grotesque slivers. The air itself seemed to vibrate with the sheer speed of her strikes, and a sickening squelch accompanied the rain of dismembered limbs hitting the ground.
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Suzuran and Yuzuki stood frozen, unable to look away from the carnage unfolding before them. Yukari wasn’t fighting like an assassin, she was fighting like a monster.
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“So this is the real Demon Assassin...” Yuzuki murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, completely in awe of what she was witnessing.
Her feet moved almost on their own, standing up and walking closer. Suzuran followed, gripping Yuzuki’s wrist lightly, keeping her close, but neither could tear their eyes away from what they were watching.
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Yukari’s slaughter of the remaining ghouls was brutal. She moved like a shadow, her body weaving through everything, her scythes dancing in wide arcs. Decayed flesh split apart like brittle parchment beneath her blades, and the stench of rotting corpses thickened, forcing Suzuran and Yuzuki to gag, covering their noses.
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Yet Yukari remained completely unphased. Her wild, erratic movements and attacks only grew more ferocious. The moment the last ghoul was reduced to a pile of twitching remains, her eyes locked onto her next target, the behemoth. The hulking undead creature loomed ahead, its massive, grotesque form shifting on all fours as it growled at her. It had been waiting for its turn, but it did not move until the Abomination standing behind it gave the order.
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As if answering the call of battle, the behemoth roared, shaking the ground, and charged forward, flames already building at the back of its throat. At the same time, two armored Death Knights stepped into formation beside it, their rusted greatswords dragging against the earth.
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Yukari didn’t slow down for a second. She appeared behind the Death Knights before they could even react. Their bodies jerked violently as their limbs were cut off. Both of them collapsed to the dirt, their armor clattering, their severed torsos writhing as they hissed and growled, dragging themselves forward using only their faces.
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The Abomination watching from afar let out a annoyed snarl. It waved a clawed hand, signaling for the undead ogre to join the fight.
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Yukari’s lips curled into a wild, sinister grin. The more enemies thrown at her, the more exhilarated she became. Her eyes gleamed with pure, intoxicating bloodlust as she dashed into the trees, using the branches to propel herself like a shadow.
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The behemoth, undeterred, opened its maw and released a wave of scorching green fire. The air crackled as the inferno swallowed Yukari’s last known position, consuming everything in its wake. A deep growl rumbled from the beast’s chest, as if it believed it had won.
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But something dashed through the flames. A black silhouette flickered into existence beneath the behemoth’s head. Before it could react, Yukari drove one of her scythes straight through the bottom of its jaw, pinning its mouth shut. The beast let out a muffled, choking noise, flames still trapped inside its throat. With a brutal, upward swing, her second scythe carved straight through the top of its skull, splitting its head apart in a shower of blood.
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The behemoth convulsed violently before its head detached completely, rolling across the dirt. Its body followed seconds later, crashing to the ground like a felled titan.
​
For the first time since the battle began, the Abomination hesitated. It felt something it shouldn’t have, fear. Though Yukari’s eyes were fixed on the undead ogre charging toward her, the Abomination could feel her presence bearing down on it instead. That stare. It was as if her gaze saw through it, right into its very core.
The ogre roared defiantly, raising its spiked club, but Yukari was already in motion.
​
Suzuran and Yuzuki had followed the trail of corpses, catching up just in time to see Yukari tearing through the ogre’s body like a beast playing with its food. Unlike the others, this one put up more of a fight. It was stronger, tougher, more resilient, but it didn’t matter.
​
Yukari systematically sliced through its tendons, crippling its movement, severing its limbs one by one. Her attacks were too fast, too precise, as if she was prolonging its suffering on purpose. Suzuran and Yuzuki hid behind a tree, watching in stunned silence. They were witnessing something terrifyingly beautiful.
​
Then, Yukari made her move. She vaulted onto the ogre’s flailing body, scaling its massive frame with impossible agility. In one smooth motion, she flipped onto its shoulders, balancing herself effortlessly. With a snap of her wrists, her scythes locked together, forming a single, dual-bladed scythe.
​
Yuzuki’s breath caught in her throat. “Wait!? Her weapons are actually just a single dual scythe?” she blurted out, struggling to process what she was seeing.
​
Suzuran, just as bewildered. “I thought her using one-handed scythes was strange enough, but now a dual scythe? My head hurts just thinking about how she fights with that.”
​
As the ogre let out one final desperate roar, Yukari grinned wickedly and made her move.
​
It continued to flail, desperately trying to shake Yukari off its head, she spun her now-connected scythes with an almost hypnotic speed. The razor-sharp edges blurred as they cut through the air, and in a single, seamless motion, she sliced through both of the ogre’s thick necks. The two grotesque heads tumbled to the ground, crashing with a sickening thud that sent tremors rippling through the earth. A moment later, the massive corpse followed suit, its bulk collapsing into the dirt, shaking the ground with enough force to rattle the surrounding trees, causing a cascade of leaves to flutter down.
​
Still standing atop the lifeless husk, Yukari threw her head back and laughed. "Oh, this is wonderful!" she exclaimed, tapping her scythe against her shoulder. "I haven’t let loose like this in over a century!"
​
Her wild energy sent a chill down the spines of both Suzuran and Yuzuki as they cautiously stepped forward. But what struck them even harder was the sight of the last remaining enemy, the Abomination, frozen in place.
​
A demon was actually afraid, undead or not, it showing fear.
​
Suzuran narrowed her eyes. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen an undead monster hesitate before…”
​
Yuzuki nodded. “Yeah, neither have I.”
​
Yukari’s gaze locked onto the Abomination. She took a slow, deliberate step forward, a smirk curling on her lips.
​
"Now, now…" she purred, voice dripping with mockery. "You can’t possibly be afraid after attacking our village first. That wouldn’t be very fair, would it?"
​
The Abomination twitched. Its instincts screamed at it to run, but its body remained frozen.
​
Yukari took another step forward, then another, until she stopped. She signaled for Yuzuki and Suzuran to come over to her with a playful flick of her wrist.
​
"Well, girls, why don’t we have a little fun with this one?" she suggested. "Since it was the one leading this little invasion, why don’t we make a game out of it?"
​
Suzuran’s curiosity got the best of her. "What kind of game?"
​
Yukari grinned, her eyes flashing with mischief. "Simple. First one to land the killing blow wins."
​
Yuzuki immediately perked up, her tail swishing excitedly. "Ohhh, I like this game!" She shifted into her battle stance, ready to lunge forward at any moment. "What do we get if we win?"
​
Yukari tapped a finger to her lips, pretending to think. Then, her gaze slid over to Suzuran, and a knowing smirk spread across her face.
​
"Hmmm… Well, if I win, I get an amazing kill. But if you win, Yuzuki…" She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice into a teasing whisper. "I’ll teach you a technique that’ll make Suzuran orgasm in mere seconds."
​
Yuzuki’s ears shot straight up. “Wait, WHAT?! Yes! Please do!” she blurted out, beaming with excitement.
​
Suzuran, on the other hand, was surprised at what was just said. "You would what?! You can’t just—!"
​
Yukari waved her off playfully before turning toward Suzuran, giving her a teasing grin. "Oh, don’t look at me like that, darling. I’ve got something for you too."
​
Suzuran folded her arms, still glaring suspiciously. "Oh yeah? And what exactly do I get if I win?"
​
Yukari’s smirk widened. "How about a dozen new sets of lingerie to surprise Yuzuki with? And maybe a custom-forged blade suited just for you?"
​
Suzuran paused. “…Deal.”
​
Yuzuki grinned. “I’m winning this. I have to!”
​
Yukari let out a playful chuckle. Her eyes darkened, the bloodlust surging back in full force. She turned back to the Abomination, her grip tightening on her scythe.
​
“Well then, girls…” Her voice dropped into a hungry growl. “Let’s have some fun.”
​
The three exploded into motion.
​
The Abomination snapped out of its fear, realizing it was in serious danger. Instead, it turned and bolted, casting dozens of curses along its path.
​
Then, it spun back around, preparing to ambush them as soon as they fell victim of the curses.
​
But they never did. The forest fell silent. The Abomination’s eyes darted around, searching for the trio. Then a light tap on its shoulder caused Its body to seize up in sheer terror.
​
Slowly, it turned, only to be met with the chilling gaze of Yukari. Her expression was predatory. Behind her, perched in the trees were Suzuran and Yuzuki waiting, their weapons gleaming in the dimming light.
​
Yukari leaned in slightly, her voice dripping amusement. "I don’t think those little curses you left behind did much of anything."
​
The Abomination flinched, then chaos erupted. It vanished in a blur, desperately trying to escape, but Yukari was already on top of it, her scythes slicing through the air with merciless precision.
​
Suzuran and Yuzuki struck next, slipping into the gaps between Yukari’s relentless attacks, each one attempting to land the final blow. Slowly damage was being done to the Abomination, it was hardly getting away, escaping death but not unscathed.
​
The chase had stretched on for minutes, but finally, the Abomination's movements began to slow. It had spent too much time running, dodging, and desperately trying to escape the trio. Trees closed in around it, the dense forest blocking any further retreat.
​
Realizing it was trapped, the creature whirled around, its grotesque form coiling as it prepared to make a last stand, only for Yukari’s scythes to come flying straight at its head.
​
But in a moment of sheer desperation, a dark portal flickered open behind it. The Abomination fell backward, tumbling into the void just before the blade severed its head, barely escaping decapitation. The portal snapped shut, but only to reappear just a few feet behind them.
​
Suzuran reacted instantly. She spun around, eyes locking onto the Abomination as it staggered after falling out of its portal. Without hesitation, she whipped one of her blades forward. Her blade embedded itself directly into the back of the creature’s head.
​
It froze, a sickening gurgle escaping from its throat as putrid blood ran in thick, blackened rivers down its deformed shoulders. The blade protruded from the front of its skull, twitching slightly as its body failed to process what had happened.
​
Suzuran walked forward as she reached for the hilt of her blade. Before the body could collapse, she yanked it back, holding the creature upright for just a moment longer. Then, with one clean motion, she brought her second blade across its neck, severing its head completely.
​
The lifeless corpse slumped to the ground as Suzuran raised the decayed, disfigured head high for Yuzuki and Yukari to see.
​
"I get lingerie and a blade now, right?!" she declared triumphantly, grinning ear to ear, completely unfazed by the foul blood dripping from both her hands and blades.
​
For a moment, Yuzuki and Yukari just stared. Then, they exchanged amused glances before breaking into small giggles, the tension of battle finally beginning to fade into relief.
​
"Lets head back to the village," Yuzuki suggested, wiping the sweat from her forehead. "Hopefully the others have cleared the remaining undead."
​
Yukari and Suzuran both nodded, and together, the three of them began their trek back toward Redcrest.
The moment they arrived at the village, it became clear that Redcrest had taken a hit, but it had survived. The western side bore the brunt of the attack, with damaged walls, shattered windows, and charred patches of earth where fires had once raged.
​
However, the flames had already been extinguished by the village workers who had returned just moments earlier.
​
Suzuran scanned the damage, her expression turning thoughtful. "This is… worse than I expected."
​
"It’s not as bad as it could have been," Yukari remarked, brushing off some stray dirt from her outfit. "A few repairs and it’ll be like nothing ever happened."
​
They made their way through the village streets, noting the occasional overturned cart, the lingering scent of smoke, and the signs of struggle etched into the ground. Eventually, they arrived at Hana’s shop, which had sustained only minor damage—a few scorch marks near the forge, but nothing that would keep her from working.
​
Gathered outside were Hana, Fae, Azure, and Scarlet, standing amidst the remnants of the battle.
​
Suzuran approached first. "Is everyone okay here?"
​
Hana and Fae turned to greet them, their faces a mix of exhaustion and relief.
​
"Yes, Miss Suzuran, we’re fine," Fae answered, though her voice carried the weight of the night’s chaos.
​
Hana suddenly beamed with pride, nudging Fae in the side. "Suzu! Fae killed her first enemy!"
Suzuran’s eyes widened in surprise. "You did?!"
​
Fae nodded, reaching into her skirt and pulling out a small but bloodied blade. "Azure and Scarlet have been training me," she admitted, a small, proud smile forming.
​
Azure and Scarlet cheered, both immediately pulling Fae into a tight hug.
​
Yukari, who had been scanning the area, turned back to them. "Where are the rest of the girls?"
​
"Luna and Gelina are preparing to bring the villagers back soon," Hana replied, folding her arms. "Crystal was flying around just a moment ago, I saw her circling the area."
​
As if on cue, Crystal appeared from around the corner, walking toward them. Another figure walked beside her, the two engaged in conversation until Crystal caught sight of the group.
Her face immediately lit up with relief. "I’m glad you’re all safe!"
​
"Did everything look clear from the sky?" Yukari asked.
​
Crystal nodded, but the sigh she let out was heavy. "It’s all clear now. There were a few stragglers, but Luna was handling them before meeting up with Gelina."
​
"Looks like we made it through without losing anyone," Suzuran said, turning her attention back to Crystal.
Her eyes then flicked toward the stranger standing beside her. "By the way, Crystal… Who’s this?"
Crystal gave a small smile before motioning toward her companion.
​
"This is Morrigan," she introduced, "She helped protect some of the villagers and assisted me in clearing out the remaining undead on the eastern side."
​
Crystal continued, “I saw her near the tavern heading towards the center of the village. Not only did she save a family, but she also managed to take down two of the wyverns with nothing but a spear.”
​
Morrigan, clearly not used to receiving so much praise, shifted uncomfortably under the group’s attention. “I only did what anyone would’ve done,” she said modestly, rubbing the back of her neck.
​
Of all the people gathered, Fae’s expression was the most intense, her gaze fixed firmly on Morrigan. “Miss Morrigan, do you think you could stick around for another week or two?”
​
Morrigan blinked, visibly caught off guard by the request. Her brow furrowed slightly as she considered it, but there was also a hint of concern in her eyes.
​
“I… don’t know if I can,” she admitted, shifting her stance slightly. “I only came here while off-duty from the capital, and I have to leave tomorrow.”
​
Fae leaned in and whispered something to Azure, who immediately nodded before dashing off toward the guild hall without hesitation.
​
“We’ll send money to your captain to make sure your position is covered while you stay here,” Fae declared.
Morrigan’s eyes widened, clearly flustered by the sudden offer. “W-Why would you do that?”
​
Fae folded her arms, unwavering in her decision. “Because after what Crystal just told us about what you did, I think Akame needs to hear you out.”
​
There was genuine determination in Fae’s voice, and something about it struck Morrigan deep.
Slowly, a small smile formed on her lips, and she gave a respectful bow. “Thank you. I’ll stay and help with repairs, then.”
​
With that, the tension fully lifted, and the group began making their way back to the guild hall. Azure and Scarlet chatted about preparing a late dinner, their usual bickering over ingredients bringing some much-needed lightheartedness after the chaos earlier.
​
As they reached the steps of the guild hall, Luna and Gelina arrived, leading back some of the evacuated villagers. Relief spread through the group—while some people were still shaken, Redcrest had endured.
Before stepping inside, Yukari pulled Suzuran and Yuzuki aside, her gaze sharpening with a mixture of authority and concern.
​
“I need you two to do scouting rounds for the next few days,” she instructed. “We need to make sure we’re actually safe. I’ll stay on guard tonight with Crystal and Luna.”
​
Suzuran nodded without hesitation. “We can do that.”
​
With that settled, the trio stepped inside the guild hall.
​
Suzuran and Yuzuki made their way upstairs, their bodies aching from the sheer intensity of the day’s events. As soon as they entered their room, they stripped off their blood-soaked clothes, tossing them carelessly into a basket.
​
Neither spoke as they moved into their bath, the warm water soothing their skin, washing away the grime, and their sweat.
​
Their bodies pressed close, the water cascading over them, fingers tracing familiar paths… But then, reality settled in. As tempting as it was to give in to their desires, this wasn’t the time. The village was still on edge, some villagers were too shaken to sleep, and despite the temporary peace, they both knew danger may still linger.
​
Instead, they simply held each other, sharing slow passionate kisses, hands wandering just enough to bring comfort. Eventually, once they were clean and dressed, they collapsed onto their bed. Suzuran lay on her back, staring at the wooden-framed ceiling, while Yuzuki curled up beside her, an arm draped over her chest.
​
“I still can’t believe Akame’s feeling came to pass,” Suzuran murmured.
​
Yuzuki’s ears twitched slightly, her voice soft. “You mean what she said before she left?”
​
“Mhmm.” Suzuran exhaled deeply. “A gut feeling that actually turned out to be right. We should pay attention to those from now on.”
​
If Akame’s intuition had been this precise once… what else could she sense before it happened? Before they could dwell on it too much, the sound of Azure and Scarlet calling for dinner snapped them out of their thoughts.
​
Gathered in the dining hall, the atmosphere was more relaxed. Over plates of warm, cooked food, Suzuran shared her concerns about Akame’s premonition with Yukari.
​
Meanwhile, Crystal finished her meal quickly, standing up just as she placed her empty plate aside. “I’ll fly around tonight to see if I see anything else.”
​
Yukari nodded approvingly. “Good. Let’s stay on alert for now.”
​
Dinner ended without much further discussion, and soon, everyone went to their rooms, seeking what little rest they could get. While the others slept, Yukari, Crystal, and Luna took up their watch, patrolling the village and making sure nothing unexpected lurked in the darkness.
​
For hours, Crystal soared overhead, her eyes scanning the forest beyond the village walls. At first she really didn’t see much of anything, just the carnage that was left behind from the fight outside the village walls.
But then, a shimmer of something strange caught her eye in the moonlight. Crystal immediately descended, her wings folding slightly as she glided down toward the trees. There, nestled between the twisted roots of a damaged tree, lay something eerily familiar.
​
A control crystal. But unlike the one found before, this one shimmered with two distinct colors, green and red.