Night had already fallen, draping the Vermelion palisade in a muted cloak of mystery.
Alex's gaze darted between Aiko and Haru, determination burning in his eyes.
"Aiko, let's move toward the Crimson Thicket. The saints from the Theocracy have likely already left by now."
She nodded firmly, the steel in her voice matching his resolve.
"I'm ready. Let's go."
Grim and focused, Alex glanced skyward, noting the looming threat of rain.
"We need to be swift. Looks like a storm is coming."
With that, the trio burst forward, feet pounding the earth as they raced toward the whispering shadows of the Crimson Thicket forest.
Entrance to the Wood
Aiko's senses rippled like the wind.
"Alex, I'm picking up a heavy surge of mana coming from deep within the forest."
Alex shook his head in surprise.
"Impressive. I don't feel a thing."
She offered a knowing smile.
"Perhaps it's because I'm a demi-human—more attuned to the flow than you."
"Could be," Alex agreed, quickening his pace.
Aiko's finger traced an arc through the air as a plan sparked in her eyes.
"Hey, what if we skirt around the back of the forest? That way, we can avoid the main trail, slipping out near the stream that separates the Crimson Grove from the Verdant Wastelands."
Alex nodded, inspired by the strategy.
"Perfect. We'll come out right where the rippling waters mark the border."
They followed the edge of the wood, weaving through underbrush and thorn. But as they pressed forward, a foul stench rooted them in place.
Aiko scrunched her nose.
"Ugh, it smells putrid. Something's dead nearby."
Alex inhaled deeply, the decay grating at his nostrils.
"I smell it, too."
Haru, his golden eyes narrowing, sent a silent warning through telepathy.
Master, I sense an aura—a faint, harsh pulse. Orc. It's close.
Alex's grip tightened on his sword.
"Let's pick up the pace—danger's near."
Aiko straightened her stance, a spark of steel in her eyes.
"Right behind you."
With hearts pounding, they moved faster, shadows stretching long as they neared the source—an unsettling tableau met their eyes.
The Fallen Flesh
A broken human body lay slumped across the crimson-streaked earth, ravaged and cold. Nearby, a lithe orc tore at the flesh hungrily.
This orc was different—a youth by its build, slender but not gaunt, skin a dull gray, eyes glowing red with savage hunger. A black miniskirt clung to its form, and a jagged spear rested heavily in its grip.
Alex's mind raced. This smell—the death's been here for days. Probably not this orc's kill.
Steeling himself, he turned to Aiko.
"Can you handle this one?"
Her grin was fierce.
"Of course."
Haru leapt down from Aiko's shoulder to perch on Alex's, alert and watchful.
Alex glanced at her, curious.
"You want my sword? Wait, where's yours?"
Aiko laughed, balling her fists.
"Don't need one. My strength is in these hands—bam, bam!"
"R-right..." Alex swallowed his surprise.
A grunt cut through the night. The orc snapped,
"Shut up! I'm eating!"
Alex and Aiko exchanged shocked looks, speaking in unison:
"It talks!"
Aiko scoffed, unbothered.
"Doesn't matter."
She sprang forward, fists raised, aiming a powerful punch.
"Aaaaaaah!"
The orc surged up in response, stabbing the spear at her. Aiko slipped nimbly out of reach, their battle erupted beneath the spreading branches of the Crimson Thicket.
Clash of Wind and Shadow
Black aura coiled and snarled from the orc like dark smoke, while Aiko shimmered with vibrant blue light, her spirit answering in kind.
The orc lunged, spear slicing left, then right—but Aiko twisted and dodged with practiced grace.
Then, with a roar, she vaulted forward—her fist smashed into the orc's face, sending the creature staggering backward.
Alex's breath caught.
"That hit harder than I expected."
Haru's thoughts echoed his awe.
Same here, Master.
Aiko bore down, charging again. The orc leaned on its spear, rising slowly.
"Come on! You think you can beat me without weapons? Orcs sure have gone soft!"
The creature's red eyes flared.
"Shut up, you stupid cat-girl!"
The orc charged anew, but Aiko's voice rose in chant:
"Dance of the Cutting Wind..."
A blazing magic circle bloomed beneath her like a storm's eye, ripping currents of razor wind swirling.
The orc dodged desperately, but the blades of air found their mark, slashing deep wounds across its body.
It collapsed, gasping—still alive but broken.
"That was amazing," Aiko said, eyes gleaming,
"but it's over now."
"Alex, throw me your sword!" she called out.
"No. Let me finish."
Alex couldn't bear the thought of ending the orc so swiftly—its abilities could prove valuable later.
Aiko fell back onto the ground, feigning exhaustion.
"I'm wiped out."
Alex sighed, letting her rest.
Approaching the wounded orc, sword drawn, Alex noticed a faint pulse of mana swirling at its neck.
Was it controlled? That might explain its strange behavior... but now's not the moment.
With a steady strike, Alex plunged the blade into the orc's heart.
Newfound Power
A cold voice rang inside Alex's mind,
Abilities acquired:
Physical Resistance
Orc Intimidation
Night Vision
Utility unlocked. Now, night held no terror, and weaker foes would tremble before his aura. His body could endure more hardship yet.
Vermelion Palisade – Baron Jevran's Chambers
Inside the noble's dim chamber, Baron Jevran bowed low before King Magnus, sweat beading on his brow as unease gnawed at his heart.
The king—a sturdy man of average build, his brown skin glowing beneath white-and-yellow holy vestments crowned with a cross—settled into Jevran's armchair, legs crossed leisurely.
"No need for formality," King Magnus began, eyes sharp beneath heavy lids. "Sit. Let's speak plainly."
He folded his hands contemplatively.
"After the upheaval with Cidinei's coup, I've learned something vital: people crave recognition. Cidinei had power, respect, and yet still thirsted for validation. I missed that."
He leaned forward.
"I intend to value smaller fiefs more—like yours—to safeguard against future betrayals."
Baron Jevran's lips twitched into a forced smile.
"How do you intend to do this, Your Majesty?"
"Reinforcing the palisades," the king replied.
"Increasing forest purifications to once a week instead of monthly, to keep monsters from crossing the border. For now, that's the plan."
A brief pause.
"And I want these lands to become a beacon—tourism with coliseums, inns, markets."
Jevarn's heart sunk. No turning back now. I'm entangled with Alex. Betraying him means death.
The king's gaze sharpened.
"Are you well, Baron? You look faint."
Startled, Jevran stood.
"Yes! Yes, I'll fetch tea for you and the lady."
The holy attendant shook her head graciously.
"No, thank you."
A guard burst in.
"Your Majesty—a man named Kaito seeks audience. Shall I admit him? I can eject him forcefully if you prefer."
King Magnus smiled slightly.
"Kaito is from the Assassins' Guild. Let him in. Bring him to this chamber."
Kaito entered, kneeling low.
"Your Majesty, I have news of Chucro's death at the inn. Witnesses heard screams during the night."
Magnus frowned.
"That can't be. I saw Chucro's still-warm body early this morning."
Kaito continued,
"I questioned Alex. He claims no knowledge. He came by before dawn, retrieved his familiar from the room, and spoke with Chucro."
Holy spoke soberly,
"I met Alex upon arrival. He uses stealth and claims loyalty to us, but something feels off."
The king considered.
"If Alex saved Chucro once, why kill him later? It doesn't add up."
At that moment, Baron Jevran entered with the tea tray. Hearing the name 'Alex,' he froze, paralysis gripping him.
"Jevran—are you all right?" King Magnus asked, concern threading his voice.
Jevarn shook his head as Holy jabbed his forehead playfully.
"Oww! What was that?"
The king sighed.
"Enough. Tea, please—before it gets cold."
Rising, Magnus gathered a letter and handed it to Kaito.
"Deliver this to Alex. Tell him to report to the Palace upon return. I'll reward him personally."
Crimson Thicket's Edge
Alex, Aiko, and Haru pressed forward, shadows nearly behind them.
"Almost there," Aiko breathed, eyes bright. "I can see the forest's end."
Emerging above the treeline, a sprawling vista unfolded.
Alex's gaze swept downward—waves gently kissed the shore beneath a small town nestled along the coast.
Aiko pointed.
"Looks like that town belongs to the Empire."
Alex's eyes caught the fluttering banner—the unmistakable sigil of the Royal Empire.
A thin smile spread across his face.
I came looking for copper… but found gold instead.