Before Ash could argue further, Queen Gidri rose from her throne chair and walked up to the stage. 

When she joined Teshbi, the two of them held hands like close friends who hadn't seen each other for a while.  

The queen turned to the audience, hands clasped in front of her. “Defeating Tardar will be no easy task. However, it is the only way to put an end to this deathly cycle and restore peace in Kengir.” Her voice was solemn. 

Ash nodded. That bit is clear. 

“The king of Melancholia is known for having extraordinary strength and impregnable defenses. I saw him on the battlefield, slashing people by the dozen in one swing of his giant sword. And while he was on the front lines, he remained miraculously unscathed.”

Murmurs rose from the crowd. Ash shrank back in her chair. 

“But he is not invincible.” Gidri’s brown-green eyes sparkled as her lips twitched up at the corners. “We found the source of his power: his most loyal subjects called the ‘negaters’. It seems they act as catalysts that reinforce his strength and defense.”

“What do we know about those negaters?” Ash asked. 

The monarch shook her head slightly. “We do not have much information. The only thing we can confirm is that there are six of them. We believe that if we eliminate the negaters first, it will be easier to defeat Tardar.”

“So, instead of going on a suicide mission to kill one guy, I’m going on a suicide mission to kill seven?” 

There were new murmurs mixed with nervous snorts and chuckles. Some onlookers nodded and spoke to each other, throwing up their hands and shrugging. The chatter started to pick up.

Queen Gidri cleared her throat and the crowd grew silent. “You shall not go alone, Chosen One. You will be accompanied by the six bravest warriors of Joyia.” 

Hallelujah. Ash breathed. 

“These first-class fighters were chosen among thousands of contestants, after a drastic selection process overseen by General Skarlag herself.” She paused for a few seconds. “It is my honor to introduce you to the Valiant Six!” 

Six cloaked silhouettes walked up the stage under a round of applause. The queen stepped aside and held her arm high at them. 

A tall thin figure stepped forward and took off her hood, revealing a young woman with short chestnut hair, big brown eyes, and an androgynous physique. She seemed unperturbed by what was going on. 

“Saga Forewinds is one of the finest black mages and archers in Joyia. She possesses prodigious intelligence, extensive knowledge on all topics, and great wisdom.”

The townspeople clapped as she stepped back. Women and men alike sent her infatuated glances, whispering to each other. 

A shorter woman stepped forward. She had messy peroxide blonde hair, cheerful sky-blue eyes, and rosy skin. She waved at Ash with a beaming smile, greeting her with a singsong voice. Ash smiled back at her, feeling cheered up. 

“Larkin Stormgazer, the queen of thieves, is an expert at twin dagger combat and stealth operations. She can make her way out of the trickiest situations. Being born in Melancholia, she knows the geography and their customs and will therefore serve as a guide.”

More claps emerged from the crowd as she returned to her spot.

An alluring woman swayed to the front. She had long silky brown hair, almond-shaped honey eyes, an athletic but delicate figure, and smooth beige skin. Before the queen could even introduce her, loud claps and whistles rose from the background. 

“Calista Rosewood is not only an expert in knife throwing, but she is also one of the most powerful healers in Joyia. She is the only one who can bring Irene back to her normal state when she goes berserk.”

Calista gave Ash a soft smile before returning to her initial spot.

Queen Gidri went on, “Speaking of Irene, please welcome our renowned beast tamer.” 

“I think it’s my turn,” the silhouette said with a feathery voice before taking off her hood. 

A sylphlike woman with wavy metallic-rose hair came forward. She winked at Ash with a disarming smile. She had a peaceful demeanor, deep blue eyes, and a cute nose, with flowers and soft leaves enhancing her lush hair. 

There was a loud clamor and renewed whistles coming from the audience. 

“Irene Mooncreek summons the mightiest beasts during battles. She also has a fearless berserker form who can defeat any enemy with her greataxe.”

That’s pretty cool, Ash thought. 

Irene waved at the crowd before stepping back. 

The atmosphere shifted when a tall hunky woman with sienna skin approached the center of the stage. She took off her hood, revealing a sculpted face with fiery cognac eyes circled with kohl. Her undercut was carved with straight lines forming intricate motifs. She ran her fingers through her black hair, boasting the tribal sleeves that were tattooed on both her forearms. 

Ash jumped at the sudden deafening squeals raging from behind. She turned and saw the women in the audience shrieking, bouncing, and waving toward the stage. 

Did that girl just faint?

Queen Gidri had to speak louder. “Rhyder Gloryfist is one of the strongest martial artists in Joyia and second in command of the Valiant Six. She’s an unstoppable storm of fists and kicks during battles, crushing her enemies with overwhelming strength and unshakable bravery.”

Rhyder flashed a magnetic smile and waved at her groupies before stepping back. The queen waited until they could hear each other again. 

“And last but not least—” 

A slender figure slowly walked to the center with a light metallic sound. She wore polished ornate armor made of silver and gold, on top of a light brown leather tunic and impeccably white trousers. A cerulean cloak with golden threads was flowing behind her pauldrons. Her hood was shrouding half of her face. 

“—Myra Bluevale, the leader of the Valiant Six!”

Thunderclaps and whistles erupted from the crowd. Women, men, and children alike were cheering and gasping in awe. 

Queen Gidri continued, her voice laced with unmasked pride, “Myra excels in both swordfighting and martial arts. She is also an accomplished healer. Her intelligence, wisdom, and tactics are unparalleled in the field.”

The woman named Myra stood silently, her gloved hand resting on the pommel of her sword, as the cheers went on. 

Then, the rest of the Valiant Six placed themselves behind their leader in a triangle formation. They went down on bended knees and bowed ceremoniously. 

Ash turned to the queen. “We’re having an all-girls team, for real?”

“We selected each of the Valiant Six based on how outstanding and relevant their abilities are, not because they are women,” the sovereign explained. “Could this be an issue?” she asked guilelessly. 

“Not at all,” Ash replied, stressing each word. 

As they were speaking, Myra Bluevale rose. The leader of the group of warriors raised her hand and slowly took off her hood. Her long golden hair fell gently on the collar of her blue cloak. 

Ash gasped. 

She jumped from her chair, mouth agape and dumbfounded. 

She instantaneously recognized the woman with striking ocean-blue eyes. It was the mysterious intruder from the night before. 

The only sound she could manage was a scrambled stutter. 

The confused townsfolk turned their heads and blinked at the sudden and unexpected reaction from Ash. Then, they looked at Myra as she spoke for the first time that morning. 

“The Valiant Six are honored to serve Joyia and go on the quest to defeat Tardar. We entrust you with our lives, esteemed Chosen One. Our swords are yours to command,” she said with her soft-spoken but resolute voice.  

Queen Gidri walked up to Myra and rested her hands on her shoulders. “I am so proud of you, my daughter.”

“Sorry, what?!” Ash blinked. 

“Myra is my eldest daughter. We are sorry she couldn't greet you sooner.”

Elnys was observing the scene from under the canopy, arms crossed, with an expression that showed conflicting feelings. This translated into a slightly pouty mouth and a frown directed at her older sister and Ash. 

Princess Myra bowed low. “My deepest apologies for my discourteousness, honorable Chosen One.” 

“But, wait a minute—” 

“Have you two already met one another?” the queen interrupted, raising one eyebrow. 

“We have not,” Myra replied without batting an eye. “Shall we?” She took her mother by the arm and led her off the stage. 

As she walked past Ash, the princess leaned slightly toward her and whispered, “I’ll explain later.” She gave her a cryptic smile and left. 

Elnys and Nessia had been warily observing the interaction between the two. They caught each other’s eye, noticed that they had been doing the same thing, and looked away, red-faced.