Riki leapt high into the sky, landing with ease on the thick branches of towering trees. His eyes sharpened as he scanned the forest below, each movement graceful yet precise.

"No prey… no enemies… tch. I’ll keep searching. Aria should be fine for now."

Meanwhile, at the camp, Aria clasped her hands and whispered an incantation. A faint light shimmered, and a small, adorable chibi-like version of herself appeared, sitting cross-legged near the campfire to keep watch.

“Stay here and keep an eye on the pot,” Aria smiled softly at her creation before walking deeper into the woods.

She picked herbs and fruits, her gaze drifting to the lively surroundings. Strange, otherworldly creatures moved about, some with glowing eyes and translucent wings. Aria inhaled deeply, her chest tightening.

“…I miss being at the estate. Waking Master Riki in the mornings, eating together… always being protected by him. Over and over… it was so comforting.” She pressed a hand against her chest, her voice barely above a whisper. “But… I need to build my own resolve.”

Her feet carried her to a river, its crystal surface rippling gently. Magical spirits danced across the water, splashing playfully. Aria froze.

Her body tensed, memories of her cursed lineage weighing heavily. I’m a dark elf… from the Demon Lord of the West’s bloodline… they’ll be afraid of me. Or worse…

Her breath shook as she dared to step into the shallows, the water cold against her ankles. Lost in thought, she didn’t notice until—

“Eh…?”

A soft touch rested on her shoulder. She turned, wide-eyed, to see a tiny water spirit smiling warmly at her. Another circled her wrist, giggling like a child.

“…You’re not afraid of me?” Aria whispered, trembling.

The spirits only laughed and danced brighter, as if trying to reassure her.

Aria’s heart swelled, her mind recalling Riki’s voice. “You don’t judge someone by another’s actions. Just because one person does wrong doesn’t mean the entire race is the same.”

Her lips curved into a smile as she laughed freely for the first time in a long while. “Thank you, Master Riki. You’ve… freed me from my shackles.”

Far away, Riki crouched low, eyes on the forest floor. He spotted footprints that weren’t Aria’s—or his.

“…Tch. These are fresh.” His jaw tightened. “From here to camp… ten minutes at best. Damn it—I’m coming, Aria.” He launched himself into the trees with blistering speed.

Meanwhile, unseen eyes watched from the shadows near the riverbank.

A rough voice muttered, “Heh. Look at her… laughing with spirits. Let’s use what that man gave us.”

Another figure chuckled, gripping his weapon as a faint, sinister aura leaked from it. “Yeah… let’s put on a show they’ll never forget.”

The three cloaked men stepped forward, weapons glinting faintly in the dim light, their malicious grins spreading wider.