After returning to the capital and receiving our compensation, my party and I decided to take a few days off. The break wasn't just for rest—it was a chance to prepare for a long-awaited exploration. I'd seen little of the world beyond Exium, and the forest to the south had always intrigued me. The girls, as enthusiastic as ever, were more than eager to join.
We started our day by heading into town to gather supplies. Forgoing a carriage, we opted for a more thrilling ride—on Kyoko's back—straight to the heart of the forest, where our adventure would begin. This wasn't just about sightseeing. Our recent battle with the Devours proved that mid-tier monsters were no joke. I needed to improve, and this journey would be part of that growth.
The sun bathed the forest in golden light as we ventured deeper. Yura led, map in hand, while Shina and I followed closely.
"I guess this trip will help us build chemistry too. We should aim to be the best party ever," Shina said with a small smile.
"Hmm, you're right," Yura nodded, folding the map just as something caught her eye.
"First mission of the day—lunch," I grinned, pointing to a massive crab blocking the trail.
It towered over us at nearly twelve feet tall, its jellyfish-like torso perched on eight armored legs and two monstrous pincers. We moved instinctively—Yura upfront, Shina and I flanking. At her signal, Yura used her earth magic to sink the creature halfway into the ground. Shina and I leapt from above, each severing a pincer in perfect harmony. A crack of lightning pierced the air as Yura finished it off with surgical precision.
"Won't lightning ruin the meat?" I asked, raising a brow.
"I controlled it. Only stunned it—hit the frontal lobe. The meat's fine," Yura smiled as she joined us.
"You two are incredible. Yura, your magic is next-level. And Shina, we really need to spar sometime," I chuckled, storing the crab in my magical inventory.
We continued deeper into the forest, with Kyoko keeping watch from above. I stretched my senses, searching for danger.
"Say, is summoning a universal ability?" I asked.
"It depends on bloodline and affinity," Yura explained. "Even if Shina and I were twins, our abilities would still differ."
"Basically, it comes down to individual potential," Shina added. I nodded thoughtfully.
Not long after, we stumbled upon a serene waterfall pouring into a clear, shallow pond. The water shimmered a radiant blue under the sun.
"This place is gorgeous," I breathed, wishing I'd brought Sanguine to enjoy it too. But I'd left him to guard the house and relay messages to Híroÿ if needed.
We decided to relax and enjoy the scene. Soon, the girls emerged in swimsuits, blushing at my teasing glance before retaliating with splashes. A playful water fight ensued, laughter echoing through the trees. As the sun dipped low, we gathered around a campfire, preparing dinner.
But then, a rustling in the trees caught my attention.
"I'll check it out," I said, slipping away.
There, amidst the underbrush, I met a girl with mint-green hair and matching eyes, bow in hand.
"Ooh, an elf!" I said excitedly.
She clicked her tongue and fired an arrow without hesitation. I dodged.
"Don't call me that," she snapped. "I'm no long-eared peasant."
"Okay, okay! So what are you?"
"I am Hera, heiress to the elven throne," she said coolly, lowering her bow.
"Ah, an elv. That explains the short ears," I muttered—until she raised her bow again. "Sorry! Honest mistake."
She sighed. "I was hunting, but I found nothing. If you're making dinner... I'll accept your offer."
We returned to camp.
"Who's this elv you brought, Shiro?" Yura asked.
"You didn't call her an elf?" I blinked.
"Her magic's way beyond that. And her ears? Obvious," Shina said, giving me a look.
Introductions followed. Hera bowed formally, and both girls knelt in respect.
"Please, don't. We're out in the wilds," Hera said, gesturing for them to rise. We shared stories and food by firelight, then set up tents for the night.
"I'll summon a night guard," I said, drawing a circle and pouring in magic. A lizardman emerged, standing vigil. Sleep claimed me moments after I lay down.