-Arc 1-

  Chapter 19

  “Velna, Village of Nightmares”

  *?*?*?*

  To Eris physically, she was weightless. But despite that, Sera’s body was the heaviest thing she had ever carried. If she looked down at her face that was far from peaceful, she could feel her rune beginning try to claw out again. It was painful to try and stay conscious, since it required Eris to inflict physical harm on herself to stay present, so she had to avoid looking as much as possible.

  The door to Sera’s room was slightly ajar, and Eris pushed her way in. She couldn't recall ever being in her room, so this was her first time. It was surprisingly empty.

  Eris gently placed Sera’s body on her bed. She was far from presentable. Her gown was tattered and blood soaked. The axe was still in her stomach, since Eris could not bear to take it out. Her scarlet hair was a mess, matted with crimson, and her face was likewise filthy with tears and blood.

  Eris: “Sera…”

  Collapsing by the side of her bed, Eris pressed her face into the mattress. She could only let out another groan. There was nothing she could do. That helplessness drove her mad. Rage and confusion were a deadly combo, and Eris’s hands began to cramp with the amount of force she was squeezing the sheets with.

  Spitting blood out of her mouth, Eris wrapped Sera into her arms again, holding her as tight as she could without breaking her fragile body.

  Eris: “I’m not leaving, Sera… I’ll come back… But I have to help the others.”

  Gently laying the unresponsive Sera back down, Eris stumbled backwards. Using her hand on the wall as support, she made her way to the door. She wasn't injured in her legs, but walking was still difficult.

  Glancing back at Sera, who could be mistaken as sleeping, Eris gently shut her door.

  Eris: “Uuuugh…”

  Gripping the fabric of her blouse near her stomach, Eris let out another groan. It was the only thing that she felt could alleviate the feelings inside her, but it didn't.

  —*—

  The manor had been turned into a battlefield. Throughout the halls, corpses were piled up and blood was spilled. The manor itself had taken a beating as well. Windows were shattered. Some walls had been damaged or collapsed all together.

  The steady flow of mindless robed soldiers eventually slowed, and eventually, none more came.

  Caelia: “This has gotten quite exhausting.”

  Not trying to hide the irritation in her voice, Caelia finally spoke. There had been no conversation between the two maids in quite some time.

  Aqua: “Sera. I have to find Sera!”

  Earlier, when Aíma joined the group, Seraphine began to worry about Eris. Aíma had been the one to accompany Eris when they split up, and seeing Aíma arrive without her, even Caelia grew concerned for Eris’s life.

  But apparently, Eris had not died. She split off from Aíma to find Petra, who before split off to find Mirra.

  Cealia: “It’s as if none of us have self-preservation.”

  When Caelia said that upon hearing the whole story, she remembered Eris’s hysteric words in the Room of Records.

  Eris: “Kill… —me…”

  Was Eris trying to die here? If so, Caelia thought it was terrible timing, and she should pick a different time to do so.

  It wasn't that she wanted Eris to die, but on one hand, it would make her job a lot easier. Aqua, Seraphine, Petra would not be happy, and maybe Mirra would also get upset. Caelia couldn't lie to herself and say she would feel nothing either, but Eris was dangerous.

  Aqua: “Cae, aren't ya gonna help look for them?!”

  Flicking her two fingers, Caelia released a blade of wind towards the ground. A writhing Red Right Hand on the floor, both of their legs severed, was struck by the blade. Their head rolled away from their body like a marble as wind made a clean cut through.

  Caelia: “It would be safer to stay here and wait. We cannot be sure this is the last of the Red Right Hand.”

  Aqua: “But… It ain't just Sera… Petra, Eris, Mirra… I’m sure Aíma’s fine, but…”

  Caelia: “Aíma left to find them. Going after them would not only be reckless, but unhelpful.”

  Aqua’s long blue hair, stained by blood, blew in the breeze entering from the shattered window. Her face was contorted with anger, but she bit her lip and lowered her gaze.

  Caelia: “——”

  Caelia took Aqua’s bloody sleeve and pulled her through the hallways. She made sure to check every corpse they passed to be safe, but none were alive.

  Taking Aqua into the Grand Hall, which like every other room was now a battlefield, Caelia searched for any signs of the other maids. This was the original agreed upon rendezvous point, but nobody had gathered yet.

  Aqua: “Nobody’s here! We should look for ‘em!”

  Caelia: “Aqua, do not be emotional in these situations. We need to wait for Aíma.”

  ???: “There is no need to wait.”

  Caelia suddenly spun around. Standing in the doorway behind her was the petite Aíma. Attached to her hands were the traumatized looking Petra and Mirra.

  Caelia: “Good work. I’m assuming that none of you have gotten injured?”

  The maids nodded, but as Petra opened her mouth to speak, she was suddenly interrupted by Aqua.

  Aqua: “Where is Sera?! Have you seen her? And… what about Eris?!”

  Both of the demons remained silent, so Petra stepped forwards.

  Petra: “Eris… She saved me and Mirra in the Room of Records… There was Red Right Hand, and—”

  Caelia did feel a bit of surprise, but she didn't let it show on her face. For the old Eris, this wouldn’t be so out of character. But the post-amnesia ‘Eris’ seemed to be cowardly and lacking in perseverance.

  Actually, that wasn't entirely the case. Caelia didn't consider her Scarlet Rune as a factor, since it was not Eris nor pre-amnesia Eris. But in the forest outside Velna, she had at least played some role in ‘defeating’ the demon-beast. Of course, Rory was the one who dealt the blow from what she had heard, but Eris tried to protect the children.

  Aqua: “—Where is Sera?!”

  Cutting off Petra again, Aqua took a step forwards towards the green haired maid. Caelia put a hand on her shoulder, but she didn't restrain her.

  Petra: “That, I don't know… Sorry, Aqua. After Aíma arrived, Eris suddenly left to go look for her.”

  Aqua: “——”

  The only two maids that were yet to rejoin the group were Eris and Seraphine, so there was no doubt there had been some kind of trouble.

  Mirra: “Aíma… can you look if anyone is bleeding right now?”

  Whispering that question, the demon with vibrant eyes lowered her gaze.

  Aíma: “There are many bleeding corpses around, and I cannot distinguish whose blood is whose without contact.”

  Petra, Mirra, & Aqua: “Oh…”

  As Aíma spoke of the limitations of her blood magic, a side door in the Grand Hall suddenly opened.

  Caelia and Aqua snapped to attention. Caelia readied herself to launch another blade of wind, but she quelled her mana once her eyes laid on who had entered.

  The maid with white hair and crimson eyes leaned against the doorway. Her snow-like hair was disheveled. She was bleeding from her mouth. Her eyes sunken and her face stained with tears and blood. Her maid uniform was missing the apron and was generally bedraggled, soaked in crimson. Her hands, stockings, and shoes, too, were all soaked in blood. She had a sword sheathed at her hip, which would not have been surprising a few weeks ago, but with her current situation, it was out of place.

  Eris: “——”

  Petra: “Eris?!”

  Releasing Aíma’s hand, Petra sprinted across the Grand Hall to Eris’s side, who was barely standing.

  Petra: “Are you hurt? You don't look so good.”

  Aqua, who had been avoiding Eris for the past few days, also took a few steps towards Eris's direction, but did not close any significant distance.

  Aqua: “Eris…?”

  Muttering under her breath, Aqua kneaded the edge of her skirt until her knuckles were white.

  Eris: “Sera…”

  Aqua: “——”

  Petra: “Eris, you…—”

  Eris: “Sera is dead.”

  —*—

  Petra: “H-Huh?”

  Immediately, there was a thud as Aqua fell to her knees. Collapsing like a piece of paper, she looked like a puddle on the blood splattered floor.

  Eris: “I…”

  Petra’s hands wrapped around Eris, but like everyone else, her eyes were on Aqua.

  Eris: “I tried to— I tried to save…”

  Eris brushed the tears away with the heel of her hand, her eyes stinging from the blood on them.

  Eris: “She told me not to leave—”

  Eris was interrupted by a wail. It was the most horrible sound she had ever heard. Worse than Seraphine’s crying. Worse than the sound of her sword cleaving through a skull and ending a life. Worse than Caelia and Aqua’s interrogation, her own screams and gasping.

  It was an agonizing sound. It scarred the ears and tugged at the heart. Eris's stomach tightened. She didn't know if she could continue to bear it. But it didn't stop. Aqua continued to scream and howl into the floor, echoing in the corpse filled room.

  Eris: “——”

  Eris didn't make this kind of sound when Sera died in her arms. Why hadn't she? Did she not care about Sera enough? She started to pity Sera, who died with Eris and not Aqua, who clearly would have given a more suitable reaction. What had Eris done? Not enough.

  Clasping her bloody hands around her ears, Eris pressed her face into Petra’s shoulder. The sound of Aqua’s wailing was sending her down another unhelpful rabbit hole. She started to feel the loss of self from her rune. Letting out a scream of her own. Half to keep her consciousness and half for the agony of Sera. Even now, Eris understood it was only a fraction of what Aqua must be feeling.

  She could feel Petra's arms squeeze around her head, drowning out the world and even Aqua’s wailing seemed to deafen.

  Caelia: “Seraphine? We shouldn't have let her go by herself…”

  Mirra: “I can't believe it…”

  Aíma: “——”

  Caelia hesitantly kneeled beside Aqua, placing a hand on her back. She had stopped screaming by now, but her sobs still filled the Grand Hall.

  Aqua: “Don't touch me…”

  Caelia: “Aqua, we—”

  Aqua shoved Caelia backwards, causing her to stumble onto her buttocks. Using that momentum, Aqua rose to her feet and stumbled towards Eris.

  Eris suddenly felt a pair of hands wedge between her and Petra. Even with her vision obstructed by Petra’s body, Eris knew they were the soft hands of Aqua. She could not mistake them. She was shoved back and lost her footing, collapsing like Caelia did.

  Aqua: “Why?! Why didn't ya save her?! Why didn't ya take ‘er to me?! I coulda saved ‘er!”

  Aqua fell to her knees again, straddling Eris. Picking her up by the collar, Aqua pressed her forehead into Eris’s while screaming.

  Aqua: “Why didn't ya protect ‘er?! Did ya kill her?! Did Carlos tell ya to?! Was it you?!”

  Eris was practically limp as Aqua shook her about. Even after being slammed back into the floor, Eris didn't react. Aqua’s dialect was barely audible when she was screaming.

  Aqua: “No, ya did kill ‘er! You did! You let her die! You could have saved ‘er and ya let ‘er die!”

  Petra: “Aqua…”

  Aqua: “Say somethin’! Do somethin’! Ya can't run from this one!”

  Petra’s arms scooped under Aqua’s shoulders, pulling her backwards. Aqua writhed desperately, screaming incoherently, but Petra put her all into not letting her go.

  Aqua: “Lemme go! Lemme go! Let me go, bitch!”

  Petra: “Aqua, please!”

  Holding Aqua into herself from behind, locking her arms around her, Aqua eventually stopped squirming.

  Aqua: “Why… didn't ya take her to me…?”

  Staring at Eris’s crimson eyes, Aqua only felt more rage build inside her. They weren't looking at Aqua. They weren't looking at anything. Eris had fallen into her own world. She couldn’t bear to hear what Aqua was saying, so she shut herself out again.

  Petra released Aqua, and she slid to her knees on the floor.

  Petra: “Aqua, of course you’re upset… We all are… But, it's not Eris's fault.”

  Aqua: “How do you know? How would ya know? Ya wouldn't.”

  Mumbling accusatory words with her gaze cast to the floor, Aqua’s hands clenched against the marble tiles.

  Aqua: “You don't know anythin’, Petra.”

  Petra: “——”

  Eris continued to lie there, staring at the ceiling.

  Petra: “I do. It's not Eris's fault.”

  Aqua curled up her legs and hugged her knees, shaking her head.

  Aqua: “You don't know anythin’.”

  Petra: “It’s not her fault. It’s nobody’s fault.”

  Aqua: “——”

  Pressing her face into her own knees, tears began to drip down her legs. Petra didn't know of anything else that would help in this situation, so she hugged Aqua as well.

  Mirra: “Um… e-excuse me…”

  Suddenly speaking up above the silence, Mirra's shy voice was barely enough to take the attention of Caelia, who was right next to her.

  Caelia: “What? If it’s not something extremely important, then hold your tongue.”

  Mirra: “U-Um… well, it is…”

  Saying that a bit louder, she got the attention of Petra and Aíma as well.

  Mirra extended a finger towards the blasted open wall that was once the doorway into the manor.

  Caelia: “That's…”

  Petra: “Oh… no.”

  Caelia: “I should have expected this.”

  In the distance, only visible from the moonlight peaking through the encroaching storm clouds, was Velna.

  Smoke curled into the sky as the warm glow of fire shimmered, illuminating the Village of Dreams.

  The maids, excluding Eris and Aqua who were unresponsive on the floor, gathered around the hole in the wall.

  Petra: “Do you think it's the Red Right—?”

  Caelia: “Do you need to ask such a question? It is obviously the Red Right Hand.”

  Petra: “——”

  Mirra: “Wh-what do we do?”

  Caelia stepped through the destroyed doorway outside. Striding over debris and bodies, she glanced behind at the others who were still frozen in place.

  Caelia: “I understand that for Petra and Mirra, there would be no reason for them to go to Velna until after the battle. However, there is no reason that Aíma is not following me. Not to mention, Eris has proved herself combat capable. Aqua should be present as well.”

  Aíma: “Is this necessary? The manor is already defended.”

  Caelia brought a finger over her chin, squinting at the blood mage.

  Caelia: “Yes, it is necessary. As servants of the Schwartzhardt household, we, by extent, carry our master’s vow of protection over this village. If there is something that compromises the well-being of Velna’s citizens, it is our responsibility.”

  Repeating that vow, Caelia’s audience remained silent.

  Caelia: “However, now that I think about it, there is the issue of your race.”

  Aíma tilted her head slightly, while Mirra only turned her eyes towards the floor.

  Caelia: “It would not be ideal to have Aíma and Mirra be seen in public. So for now, Aíma shall remain at the manor in case the Red Right Hand returns.”

  Aíma: “Understood.”

  Caelia then turned her head towards Aqua and Eris, who were still motionless on the floor.

  Caelia: “Both of you. I understand you are grieving, but that must be pushed aside until Velna is secure.”

  Aqua, who was hugging her knees, suddenly turned her head back to face Caelia. Her eyes had grown red and swollen. Tears streaked her cheeks, yet she wasn't crying anymore. She had an air of melancholy around her. The way she looked dead and moved sluggishly reminded Petra of Eris for the past few days.

  Speaking of Eris, she slowly sat up as well, rubbing the back of her head which was slammed against the floor by Aqua.

  Aqua: “Why must I go?”

  Caelia: “Do not be foolish either, Aqua. You must go because you are the only healer for miles.”

  Aíma: “I also can—”

  Surprisingly, Aíma shut her mouth as Caelia shot her an icy glare.

  Being chastised by Caelia, or perhaps regardless of it, Aqua rose to her feet sluggishly. Pushing her hair behind her shoulder, she turned to face the others and slowly made her way to Caelia’s side.

  Caelia: “Eris, you as well. You have proved yourself with that sword.”

  Eris: “——”

  Caelia: “This is not a matter of your feelings, this is the matter of the lives of everyone in Velna.”

  Momentarily, the faces of Eitz and Rory flashed through Eris's hazy mind. Indeed, they were in danger right now. Maybe they had already lost their parents. Maybe they were dead themselves.

  Aqua visibly scowled as Eris continued to lie on the floor.

  Caelia: “——”

  Petra: “I’ll go too.”

  Wiping her own eyes on her sleeve, Petra returned to the side of Eris. Laying her eyes on Petra's soft features, a bit of warmth returned to Eris’s face.

  Eris: “Petra…”

  Sitting up using her elbows, she stared into Petra’s eyes for a moment that dragged on. Finally, she looked over at the other maids gathered around the door for her.

  Eris: “Why?”

  Caelia: “You are needed to combat the Red Right Hand.”

  Eris shook her head. Slowly at first, she quickly gained momentum.

  Eris: “I can't…”

  Crossing her arms, Caelia glanced behind her at the burning village.

  Caelia: “Whatever insecurities you may have, this is not the time.”

  Eris: “I can't do it… I can't.”

  Aqua: “Don't do this shit again! You—”

  Caelia physically held her hand out over Aqua to prevent her from any more yelling.

  Eris: “I couldn't save Sera…”

  Aqua pushed Caelia’s arm from her face, taking a firm step forwards.

  Aqua: “So you’re just gonna do nothin’?! It gets hard and ya give up?!”

  Eris: “If I wasn't enough to save Sera, how could I save anyone else? If I fail, I’ll just… You’ll…”

  Clasping her hand over her mouth as the red room flashed in her mind, Eris rolled onto her side, holding herself up by her palms.

  Eris: “There's nothing I can do. I can't do anything. It’s not enough. It’s not enough. It’s not enough. I can't do it. I can't save anyone…”

  Aqua: “This isn't about you—”

  Caelia: “Aqua, enough.”

  Eris: “I can't do anything.”

  Aqua: “Ya think if ya cry n’ tell yourself it was so hard and ignore the problem that it’s gonna get better?!”

  That was exactly what she had done. In the bathhouse, she wept because she felt overwhelmed and trapped. Outside the dining hall, she sobbed into Aqua’s chest because she was full of emotions she couldn't bear. But had she ever done anything about them?

  Eris: “No…”

  She hadn't. She cried and tried to end her own life. She never tried to make anything better. She never tried to make amends or find the source of the problem or heal anyone’s pain. She pitied herself because she was looked at as a replacement, but she never tried to make herself worthy of ‘Eris’s’ position. She saw herself as useless, but never actually tried. She cried and said it was so hard, but what had she done to change?

  Understanding that, Eris slowly began to rise as Petra watched with her mouth ajar. Stumbling forwards, Eris extended a bloody finger towards Aqua and Caelia, the other hand kneading into her blouse.

  Even though she understood this all, she didn't care. Knowing was only half the problem. Understanding her own flaws: that the world was not at fault, but herself. It only angered her.

  How could she turn her anger towards herself, when the one who seemed to be at the bottom of it all was right before her?

  Eris: “Why didn't you just kill me?! You wanted to! You should have! You could’ve!”

  Aqua: “What?”

  Caelia closed her eyes, crossing her arms and averting her gaze.

  Eris: “I begged you to kill me! If you hate me so much, why didn't you?! Wouldn't it have been so much easier?! If I died, all your problems would have disappeared, right?!”

  Petra: “Aqua, what is she…?”

  Eris: “It would be so much easier, right?! If I died, you’d have nothing to worry about! If you killed me, Sera wouldn't be dead!”

  Aqua: “Shut up! You don't know anythin’! Don't try ‘n blame me for your own failure! It ain’t my fault! It ain’t my fault! You have no idea what's actually happenin’! If you did, you wouldn't have agreed to Carlos’s little plan! Don't be selfish! Are you even thinking of Sera right now!”

  Eris: “Of course I—”

  Petra: “Enough!”

  For the first time, Petra saw rage on Eris's face. Her blood splattered, beautiful features, pale and hollow, were contorted with rage.

  Seeing such a horrible expression on Eris, who seemed to never show this side of herself, Petra almost gasped.

  Aqua had fallen silent due to Petra’s command, and Eris had lowered her accusatory finger to the floor. Seeing an opportunity, Petra slipped in front of Eris and placed her hands on her shoulders.

  Petra: “Eris.”

  Eris’s eyes were, like usual as of late, staring through her like she wasn't even there.

  Petra: “Eris, look at me, please…”

  With a hint of desperation in her voice, Petra gave Eris a gentle shake. Swallowing hard as Eris's eyes focused onto her, she smiled softly despite the despair.

  The circumstances were terrible. The Red Right Hand had attacked the manor and the village. Seraphine was killed. Something terrible happened between Aqua and Eris. But she would not let the manor— her family— be torn apart by any of those things.

  Petra: “Eris, you should go to Velna.”

  With the firmest voice she could muster without sounding angry, Petra told Eris her opinion.

  Eris: “But…”

  Petra: “Seraphine died… but you can't do anything about that. We can't bring back the dead. You can't turn back time, and if you could, I’m sure you already tried your best.”

  Eris: “My best wasn't enough…”

  Petra: “In the Room of Records, the Red Right Hand had a knife to my throat. Mirra’s too. I was so scared. I was so scared and I thought I was going to die.”

  Eris: “——”

  Petra lowered her gaze, taking a deep breath, before locking her eyes back with Eris's.

  Petra: “I was so-so-so scared… But then the robed guys got distracted by something.”

  Eris was shaking her head slowly again, but Petra didn't stop.

  Petra: “They were acting really frantic. Scared. They were scared. And when you showed up from the staircase, I…”

  Petra took a deep breath, trying to remain steady despite the heat building in her face and the tears reforming in her eyes.

  Petra: “I couldn't believe it. I felt so relieved. I knew that I was safe.”

  Eris: “I…”

  Petra: “You saved me… You saved me. And Mirra too. I was so happy. I knew that everything was going to be fine when you rushed down those stairs with that sword in your hands.”

  Eris: “But—”

  Petra leaned forwards, her hands slipping from Eris's shoulders to around her back.

  Petra: “I don't know what you and Aqua are arguing about, or what happened between you two. I don't know what's going on in your head, but… To me, you’re the only one who can help Velna.”

  Eris: “H-Huh?”

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  Petra: “You’re the only one here who saved anyone.”

  Eris: “No, no… I—”

  Petra: “I’m alive because of you, Eris. Mirra, too.”

  Eris: “You’re alive…”

  Indeed, Petra was alive. She was alive in Eris’s arms, and for some reason, that awakened a heat inside of Eris. Despite the heaviness in her stomach, something light and euphoric washed over her, understanding that Petra was alive.

  Eris: “You’re alive, aren't you?”

  —*—

  For as long as he remembered, Eitz wanted to be a hero. He didn't tell many people of that specific dream of being a ‘hero,’ since oftentimes that word came with the negative connotation of being a falsified product of legend.

  The word ‘hero’ was only used when speaking about his dream to those close to him. More often than not, he’d declare his desire to be a ‘very important person.’

  He admired the stories and legends of ancient heroes, but he did not believe in them. He knew they were exaggerations at best, or completely made up at worst. Still, there were lessons to learn from those stories, and because of them Eitz grew the desire to help and save people.

  Of course, he rarely had the opportunity to do so. He jumped at the opportunity when it arose to him, but in a quiet village like Velna, the only real dangers were demon-beasts, which were completely out of his league.

  Eitz knew his limits. He knew he could not defeat a demon-beast, and he knew he was but a child. That did not stop him from doing his best to help and become stronger, though.

  But in situations like this, where one’s best was insufficient, the best— no, the only option, was to cut your losses and retreat. To survive was the only way to ensure that you can try again. If he did not survive, he could not help anyone, and he could not be a hero.

  That’s why Eitz decided to run. The mysterious attackers which were raiding the village were not demon-beasts. They were significantly worse because they were human. Humans under black robes, hiding behind faceless masks.

  Slipping between two houses, Eitz pulled the collar of his shirt over his nose to protect his lungs from the black smoke that lingered like dense fog.

  In addition to attacking the villagers without regard for combatants or civilians, they were burning down everything they could. For what reason, he did not know.

  Eitz: “Mom…”

  Of course, his mother was his biggest concern. But knowing her, she was probably off fighting somewhere, worrying about him as much as he did for her. His mother was capable, and Eitz had complete faith in his mother’s ability to protect herself and the others.

  So as much as he wanted to recklessly search for her, calling out “mom, mom!”; he would not do so.

  Besides, trying to find her would put Eitz in more danger since she would be on the frontline. But that did not mean he was going to cower and hide. Even if he was just a boy, he had promised his friends he was going to be a hero.

  Eitz: “The person I’m worried about the most is Rory…”

  Rory had a slight advantage due to his fear, which might make him less likely to do anything reckless.

  Eitz: “No, that’s not right.”

  The fact that he was so scared would make him act more irrationally. But the real reason why Eitz was particularly worried about him over the others was because Rory was naturally more frail.

  There were others like Lui and Nellie, but they were capable in their own way, so Eitz felt comfortable looking for them after finding Rory.

  With his shirt still pulled over his face, Eitz peaked out of the crevice between the houses. The night sky was lit up by an amber light, broken up by inky splotches of smoke.

  The sound was deafening: screaming, burning, magic being cast, and death.

  It was a horrifying sight. The so-called Village of Dreams reduced to a sight of bloodshed and warfare. The village militia could only do so much, but Eitz was confident that the Holy Knights would arrive sooner than later. Not to mention, the maids of Count Schwartzhardt's manor would also come to their aid, right?

  Taking advantage of the panic around him, Eitz sprinted across the road. If his goal was to find Rory, then he would have to find the store that his family owned. It wasn't a guarantee that Rory would be there, but it was the only logical place to start.

  Crouching down, Eitz tried to hide his already small figure as he jogged. Taking cover behind a well, the main row of shops fell into sight. Of course, the General Store was at the far corner.

  Just a little further.

  His pink hair stuck out among the other people running around, but Eitz figured that wouldn't make him any more of a target since the robed attackers didn't seem to have a preference. They swung their weapons wildly and without regard for themselves. He saw one chase someone into a massive fire.

  Darting across the muddy road, Eitz pressed himself against the wall of the General Store. Immediately, his heart sank.

  The windows were smashed open, and the door was broken off its hinges. It wasn't much different from the other buildings, but it meant that Rory and his parents were not spared from the chaos.

  Creeping in through the broken door, Eitz squinted through the darkness. The shop’s lanterns were out, and the only light coming in was from the fires outside.

  Eitz: “Gah!”

  As he stepped through, his forehead collided with the ‘Closed’ sign.

  Clutching the ache, Eitz moved behind the counter. The door to the staircase into the Firmin’s home was also broken.

  Eitz: “Rory? Mister Tiek? Missus Firmin?!”

  Come to think of it, Eitz had never met Rory’s mother.

  As soon as he called their names, the floorboards above him began to shake with heavy footsteps.

  Eitz: “Mister Tiek?”

  Taking a hesitant step up the stairs, Eitz called again. There was no response. Realizing that, Eitz’s heart began to race. If it was Mister Tiek, he would have responded by now. He had never met Missus Firmin, but she assumed it to be the same way. Rory himself was a different story, but the footsteps were too heavy to be his anyway.

  Of course, the heroic thing to do would be to go upstairs and try and save Rory and his family, assuming they were up there. But Rory was not a hero yet. He would do heroic actions, but he was ultimately not strong enough to throw himself into fights recklessly. Eitz knew this. If he did not survive, he could not help anyone, and he could not be a hero.

  Understanding this, Eitz quickly spun around to retreat. It was likely that the Firmins left their home when the attack started anyway, so Eitz could justify it.

  But upon turning to face the door, Eitz’s racing heart seemed to stop. His stomach filled with butterflies, and panic immediately flooded into his muscles.

  Standing in the doorway was a figure in baggy, worn robes and a black featureless mask. The figure was armed with a large wood-axe, and already had it poised to strike.

  Backing up until he hit the wall behind him, Eitz tore his eyes from the figure to look around for any other exits. But he had been in this store many times, and he knew the only exit was the front door.

  To exacerbate things, the footsteps upstairs had gotten louder, and they were now coming from the staircase.

  Trying to run, he only tripped from the panic. Flipping himself over onto his back, he watched the figure emerge from the stairs. This one had a heavy sledgehammer over their powerful shoulder, and in the other hand was a torch that lit up the room in flickering gold.

  Eitz: “No…”

  The fear was exponentially worse than when he faced the demon-beast. Even staring the massive creature down, he knew Miss Eris was with him. Here, he was alone.

  He was not a hero. He knew he was not a hero. Even if Eris said he was heroic, it didn't make him a hero. It wasn't discouraging to not be a hero, since he knew he could become a hero one day, but right now, he was not a hero. And since he wasn't a hero, there was nothing he could do in this situation.

  The two figures, armed with massive weapons, closed in on Eitz’s position without hesitation.

  Eitz: “Stay back!”

  Their emotionless masks hid their faces, but behind them, illuminated by the torchlight, were soulless eyes that stared at Eitz. They lacked bloodlust in their gaze. They lacked anything. They were not the eyes of a person who knew what they were doing. They were the eyes of a monster.

  The axe was lifted over his head, and Eitz shielded his face with his hands, knowing the blade would cleave straight through.

  As he realized the futility of raising his arms, the dark room seemed to explode. The blast wasn't a spectacular display of heat and light, but a sudden splash of one color.

  Crimson.

  Crimson had spilled out all over him. Crimson was falling from the robed figure with the axe. It seemed like crimson was falling from the sky itself, only he was inside.

  The axe-wielding robe was suddenly thrown backwards, revealing the detonator of the explosion.

  Even the soulless sledgehammer-user holding the torch seemed to reel in surprise, witnessing the glorious figure which had plunged a sword through the heart of that who was about to end Eitz’s life.

  A white haired girl, clad in beautiful and gentle features, yet stained with blood. Her crimson eyes burning with rage and something like regret. They were not the eyes of somebody who did not understand what they were doing by killing.

  Eitz: “E-Eris?!”

  The Maids of

  Count Schwartzhardt's Manor

  Immediately, Eris threw herself backwards as the sledgehammer swung at her. The floor was smashed apart, the massive head of the hammer wedged between the pieces.

  Taking advantage of that, Eris brought the sword’s hilt near her chest and charged forwards. The blade sunk deep into the black-robed figure, but it didn't react with pain. With both their weapons stuck in something, it was only a matter of who could ready the next blow first.

  The sledgehammer was ripped from the floor, the gloved hand of the Red Right Hand gripping with intent to kill. But Eris’s raw strength made her task easier. Instead of pulling the sword out and facing resistance that could cost her her life, she pushed it to the side using her raw strength and let the sword rip through the robe’s abdomen, nearly cutting them in half.

  Blood poured so fast that it hit the ground with a thud. Blood was even leaking out of the bottom of their mask. With the impact of being torn apart, the torch in their hand fell to the floor.

  The golden flames immediately spread onto the floorboards, spreading quickly throughout the shop.

  Eris lifted up Eitz from the ground, carrying him in one arm.

  Eitz: “Ah— E-Eris?!”

  Eris: “Sorry, Eitz! Please don't be traumatized!”

  She leapt over the spreading flames. The robe was trying to pursue, but the damage to their body was too severe and they collapsed. Immediately, their robe was engulfed in the spreading inferno.

  Black smoke began to fill the shop, devouring the clean air and scorching their lungs. Eris finally released Eitz outside the shop, coughing the smoke out as she did so.

  Eitz: “But, Rory! Rory and his parents!”

  Eris: “Huh? Oh, this is Rory’s house, isn't it?”

  Seeing the young boy nod, Eris faced the burning shop. At this rate, she would only have a couple minutes to search before the entire building was ashes.

  Eitz: “Let me come with you! I know where he might be!”

  He only knew where Rory might be assuming that he was here at all. But he would not take the chance that he wasn't, and let him burn alive.

  Taking Eris’s hand in his, he pulled her back into the burning store. Dodging fire and heat, they raced up the stairwell that was filling with smoke.

  The door into the Firmin home was already off its hinges, so they were able to enter with ease.

  Eitz: “Rory! Mister Tiek! Missus Firmin?!”

  Eris: “Rory?!”

  Eitz raced through the house, even as the hot air began to become painful on his skin. The fire had not spread upstairs yet, but heat and smoke were leaking through the floorboards.

  With Eris following him, Eitz crashed into Rory’s room. Diving onto the floor, squinting through the smoke and darkness, he saw the faint outline of the red-headed boy.

  Eitz: “Rory! Rory, come out! It’s me, Eitz! And Eris is here!”

  Rory: “Miss Eris…?!”

  Eris: “Rory, come out! We have to go!”

  Rory began to shift, but as he weaseled out, he suddenly stopped.

  Rory: “I— I’m stuck—”

  As Rory shouted that, the bed suddenly flew off him. Eris had flipped it over like a table after losing a boardgame.

  Rory: “——?!”

  Eitz scrambled to his feet, snatching Rory's hand in his, and started for the door. However, the blurry crimson glow of flames had reached the second floor, spreading throughout the hallways.

  Eitz: “We can't get out through there…”

  Eris slammed the door shut and raced to the window. Finding it not to be the type that could open, she smashed it apart with the hilt of her sword and cleared out the shards with the blade.

  Eris: “Come!”

  The two boys ran to Eris, looking down at the drop below. It was only a one story fall, but recklessly throwing themselves out had a high risk of causing injury.

  Eris suddenly pulled both of them in her arm at the same time, easily lifting them as if they were a load of laundry. Bracing herself on the window, she too looked at the drop.

  Glancing at the two startled boys in her arm, she leaned out of the window and precariously lowered them as far as she could. They were yet to touch the ground below, but the fall had minimized from dangerous to a small drop.

  Gently releasing them, they found their feet on the muddy street below.

  Eitz: “Eris! Come down quick!”

  Hearing the pink-haired boy’s plea, Eris did the same to herself. Lowering herself from the window, dangling her body out of it, she touched the ground safely.

  Taking only a few steps away from the burning shop, the entire structure began to collapse. She yanked the boys backwards, shielding them from falling debris and embers.

  Rory: “Why…”

  Golden hues flickering in his eyes as he watched his home literally burn to the ground, Rory began to shake his head.

  Rory: “Why? Why? This can't…”

  Eris: “Rory…”

  She may have been able to save him from the Red Right Hand and fire, but she could not protect his heart.

  Rory: “Father…”

  Eitz: “Ah-”

  Rory: “Where is my father? Did you find him? Did you see him in the house?!”

  Gripping Eitz’s hand with tears filling his eyes, she looked up at Eris.

  Eris: “I——”

  Rory: “Dad! Dad!”

  Eris: “He wasn't there…”

  Rory: “Dad…”

  —*—

  Petra stroked the boy’s red hair, looking at Eris with a helpless expression. Eris took Rory to Petra, since she had no idea how to console the boy with words. She thought Petra could, but seeing her face, Eris started to regret her decision.

  Rory: “Did you see him? His body, I mean… Did you see if he died?!”

  Eris shook her head. Placing her hand on his hair, she mustered the best smile she could. It was not reassuring to Rory with the burning village behind her.

  Eris: “I didn't see his body, so he's still alive. Right?”

  Eitz: “We're gonna look for him, okay?”

  Rory wiped his face in Petra’s apron, slowly nodding.

  Rory: “Please…”

  Eris then turned to the pink-haired boy, who was sharing a similar expression to Petra.

  Eris: “As much help as you’d be, Eitz, can you stay here?”

  She wanted, as much as possible, to prevent Eitz from getting in any more danger. The outskirts of Velna were not entirely safe. However, it was better than bringing Eitz into the heart of the village where he would be subject to the Red Right Hand and horrors no boy his age should see.

  Eitz: “No way! I’m coming with you, Eris!”

  Eris: “Eitz, please—”

  The boy shook his head vehemently.

  Eitz: “If I’m going to be a hero, I have to save people! I know I can do it if you're with me, Miss Eris!”

  Taking a deep breath, Eris looked at Petra, who had remained mostly silent since she was distracted with comforting Rory. Naturally, following her gaze, Eitz looked over at Petra too.

  Eris: “Eitz…”

  She stared into his amethyst eyes with a sincere expression.

  Eris: “I know you can. You’re already a hero. You saved Rory, remember?”

  Eitz: “But—”

  Even though he started to protest, Eitz visibly perked up at Eris's words,

  Eris: “So I need you to stay here to keep him safe. Petra too.”

  Petra: “Huh, me?”

  Eris put her hand on the boy’s shoulder. Not on his head, but his shoulder, recognizing him as an equal.

  Eris: “She’s really, really precious to me, so I need you to keep her safe as well, okay?”

  Eitz’s eyes glimmered with passion, a huge smile forming across his cheeks. Placing his hand over his chest, Eitz performed a small bow.

  Eitz: “It would be my honor to protect someone precious to you, my lady!”

  Eris herself could not stifle her giggle. Feeling the smile on her face which was not a product of force, but rather her body’s true expression of her feelings, she widened her eyes with surprise.

  She was smiling.

  Eris: “Thank you, Eitz.”

  Petra: “H-huh? Precious? Is that what you said?”

  With the smile still on her face, Eris looked over at Petra, whose cheeks were pink.

  Eris: “If there is danger, call for me or Caelia.”

  Petra: “I— err, yes…”

  Drawing her sword from her sheath again, Eris started off towards the village again.

  Her smile was fading now. It was inevitable. She knew it couldn't last forever, but it was still a bit upsetting.

  Patting herself on the cheeks, Eris gathered herself. She had to find Rory’s father, dead or alive, but she also was planning on saving everyone she could.

  Even if she was covered in blood. Even if she hated herself. Even if she had to kill. Even if she died, she would save everyone she could.

  Eris suddenly came to a harsh stop as she heard a shrill scream. Snapping her head to the direction of the scream, she saw nothing. Granted there was fire, smoke, and chaos everywhere, so seeing one specific thing was very hard.

  Her legs moved without command, rushing towards the sound. Turning down the street, Eris saw a group of Red Right Hand gathered around a collapsed house.

  Springing to action, she moved without thinking. She had not become a sword master. She had not developed any real skills with the weapon at all. But at the very least, the blade no longer felt so foreign in her hands.

  She cut through the first with ease, hot blood splattering across her cheeks. The second in her way was armed with a club. Watching it being swung at her, Eris lowered herself, thrusting the sword forwards into the robe’s hip. She felt the sword suddenly jolt as she hit something hard. Watching the blade come out the other side of the robe, she understood the resistance was caused by their spine.

  Pulling the sword back, the clubber fell forwards into the mud, the ground beneath them turning into wet, shining crimson.

  Aware of the presence of the third robe, Eris suddenly spun around to confront them. They had a spear, and it was already close to her. She tried to decide whether to attack or dodge, but in her deliberation, she hesitated.

  Eris: “Aaagh!”

  The cold blade made contact with her, but the only sensation she could feel was heat. Burning heat in her side, soaking into her clothes, spreading through her whole body.

  The perpetrator, the spear-user, had put their entire body into lunging forwards, relying on the force of plunging their weapon into Eris to stabilize their momentum. But no counter balancing force came, and they stumbled forwards.

  Despite the pain that blurred her vision, Eris noticed their blunder. She brought the sword down, and the Red Right Hand’s head was severed as their neck fell helplessly onto the blade.

  The decapitated body tumbling to the floor, Eris dropped her sword and inspected the source of her pain.

  Her blouse was shredded at her side. Rolling it up, she could see her wound. Thankfully, the blade had not impaled her. The sharp head of the spear only grazed her, causing a deep cut across her, but nothing that damaged her insides.

  She had already given up her apron to stop Sera’s bleeding. Without any other option, she ripped part of her sleeve off, wrapping it around her wound. Touching it made searing pain shoot up her body, but it was better than losing blood.

  Suddenly hearing panicked voices from inside the collapsed house, Eris was reminded of her purpose here. Tearing the sword out of the ground, she ran towards the collapsed house, the source of the noise.

  Eris: “Hello? Is anyone there? I’m not a Red Right Hand. I’m here to help.”

  ???: “Ah— ah!”

  Eris: “Can you come out? My name is Eris. You can trust me.”

  ???: “Ah— E-Eris? Miss Eris?”

  ???: “H-Huh?”

  The voices were unfamiliar. Two little girls, maybe Eitz’s age or younger. Being addressed like that— ‘Miss Eris,’ she knew that they probably knew ‘Eris.’

  Eris: “Y-Yes, it’s me. Can you come out?”

  ???: “I-I can't!”

  ???: “She’s stuck! Please, help!”

  Without thinking, Eris rushed into the wreckage, pushing collapsed debris aside as she searched for the girls.

  Eris: “Where are you?”

  ???: “Over here! Miss Eris, we’re over here!”

  Following the voice, Eris slipped through two pieces of wreckage. She was met with the sight of two young girls with blonde hair. One was wedged between a collapsed beam and a section of fallen roof. If the roof had not collapsed there, the beam would have fallen on the girl completely, and she would have been crushed. The other girl was crouched at her side, and was trying desperately to lift it off of her to no avail.

  Wincing as she walked, Eris made her way to the side of the girl under the debris.

  Eris: “I’m going to lift it off you. Tell me if it hurts, okay?”

  The girl clutched at the wooden beam atop her, nodding slowly. Wrapping her hands under it, Eris braced herself. Lifting it slowly, it wasn't very heavy for her, but it still hurt the wound on her side.

  The girl gasped as it was lifted off of her. Throwing the beam aside, Eris helped the girl off the ground.

  Eris: “Are you hurt anywhere? Take deep breaths, does it hurt?”

  Girl “Lui! Lui, are you okay?”

  The girl obeyed, taking in big gulps of air. She didn't cry or wince or scream, which relieved Eris greatly.

  Lui: “It doesn't hurt…”

  Eris: “Good. Let's get out of here, okay?”

  Girl: “But Miss Eris, you’re…”

  Looking at the ripped sleeve wrapped around her wound, the girl who wasn't Lui squeezed Eris’s hand.

  Eris: “Oh, eh… Well, it’s not very serious. I just cut myself.”

  Girl: “But—”

  Lui: “But there's a lot of blood…”

  Eris: “Let’s get out of here first, okay?”

  Navigating through the debris, the girls began to sniffle. Finally making it back onto the road, they were crying completely.

  Eris: “What's wrong? Does something hurt after all?”

  Lui covered her dusty face, her olive eyes filling with tears. The other girl, who she was yet to learn the name of, was also crying, though she did not cover her face.

  Eris: “Oh no.”

  She was not good with consoling people. Especially not people who she didn't know. Eitz was a bit easier since she could appeal to his goal, but she knew nothing about these girls.

  Eris: “Can you tell me what's wrong?”

  Watching their surroundings, she patted their heads gently.

  Girl: “I’m… you…”

  Lui: “Miss Eris…”

  Eris: “——”

  Girl: “You came… Miss Eris… you came for us…”

  Lui: “Thank you so much, miss Eris!”

  She had run across the village to find them. Not specifically these girls, but to save that who was screaming. She came for them.

  Eris: “I— I did. I came to help you.”

  They pressed their faces into Eris, wrapping their arms around her. They were careful not to touch Eris's wound. Surprised at both their considering attitude and the way they reacted to Eris, Eris felt her lips curl into a faint smile again.

  Eris: “Can you…”

  She was going to ask the girl for her name, but considering that they knew ‘Eris,’ maybe even being close with her, she did not want to break their hearts and ruin the moment with amnesia.

  Eris: “I’m going to take you two back to my friend Petra, okay?”

  Lui: “Miss Petra?”

  Girl: “She’s here, too?!”

  —*—

  Petra: “Oh, Lui, Nellie!”

  Petra still had Rory attached to her leg, with Eitz standing proudly beside her, but she held out her arms for the girls anyway.

  Lui & Nellie: “Miss Petra!”

  Running into Petra’s arms, the girls hugged her as well.

  Eris: “Nellie is her name, then…?”

  Muttering quietly so she would not hear, Eris nodded to herself.

  Rory: “Miss Eris, have you found my dad?!”

  Eris took a deep breath, gathering herself. She looked at Rory in the eyes and solemnly shook her head.

  Eris: “I haven't, but I won't stop until I do, okay?”

  Rory only stared back intensely. She understood that she had taken on the duty of finding him, that she had promised to Rory.

  Eris: “I’m going to find him, okay?”

  Backing away from the growing group of those she had saved, Eris looked to Petra.

  Eris: “If there is danger, call for me or Caelia.”

  Petra squeezed Lui and Nellie in her arms as Eris said that.

  The problem with finding Rory’s father was the fact that she had no idea where to look. If she had a grasp of his personality and how he acted, she might be able to come up with a plan. However, the only interaction that she had with him was in the General Store. That he loved his son.

  Admirable, but it was not helpful for Eris. Obviously, the first place to look was the General Store itself. Since it had been burnt to the ground, it was not an option. But perhaps somewhere nearby? If Mister Tiek was anything like his son, then he would be mistrustful and cautious.

  The main street where the General Store once was was deserted. Most of the fighting by the village’s militia against the Red Right Hand was happening near the far south end of the village.

  Cupping her mouth, Eris began to call out.

  Eris: “Mister Tiek?! Mister Tiek?!”

  If he was like his son, just calling his name was not enough to get him to come out— assuming he was alive at all.

  Eris: “Your son, Rory is looking for you!”

  Stopping for a moment in the muddy street, she was not given a response.

  The General Store was still smoldering, but there was not much left to burn. It was mostly embers and gray smoke now.

  Eris: “Mister Tiek?!”

  ???: “Ooh, perhaps you are looking for somebody?”

  Eris: “Huh?”

  A theatrical voice called out to her from behind. Spinning around and drawing her sword, she was met with a somewhat familiar face.

  ???: “Wow, that is a scary look you’ve got! It kind of reminds me of my wife when she’s all focused. Ah, you’re all bloody! Don't tell me you’ve joined up with those dreadful raiders?”

  His long, blonde hair was swaying in the wind. His crystalline blue eyes had an air of cordiality and flamboyantness.

  Eris: “No, I haven't. Your wife… Alexander, was it?”

  Despite the urgency she felt, Alexander’s presence had taken her off guard enough to make her speak with him.

  Alexander: “Wow, oh wow! You remembered my name! It’s an honor, it is. If I wasn't happily married, I’d be in trouble!”

  Eris: “——”

  Alexander: “Hey, hey. You mentioned you were looking for somebody? As it happens, I’m looking for somebody too!”

  Eris: “You are? Ah, your wife, right?”

  Alexander pointed a slender finger towards Eris, grinning pristine white teeth at her.

  Alexander: “That’s exactly right! You’re so clever! You read my mind! My wife is the same way, she always knows what I'm thinking!”

  Losing himself with the memory of his wife, he shakes his head to ground himself.

  Eris: “Does she also live in this village? If that's the case, it’s urgent—”

  Alexander nodded along with Eris’s words, closing his eyes and crossing his arms.

  Alexander: “I agree, I agree, Miss Eris. It is the most urgent of matters! The only matter! The only thing that matters!”

  Eris: “That's…”

  Alexander: “I’m going crazy! Manic! The stress! I can't find my wife!”

  Eris had not gotten that impression of him yet. He seemed to be acting as his usual self until now, despite the circumstances.

  Eris: “Uh, c-calm down, Alexander! We’ll find your wife! I’ll help you… just, hey, wait— Didn't you give me and Eitz a bunch of advice on how to search for someone? Can't you use your wisdom now that you’re also looking?”

  Alexander widened his eyes. He clutched the chest of his silk coat as if he had been stabbed.

  Alexander: “Oh, you’re exactly right! I did say all kinds of things like that, didn't I? That’s troublesome, because I was only mimicking my wonderful wife! I don't actually have any idea what I'm doing in the real situation!”

  Eris: “You’re saying… you were just telling us whatever?”

  Alexander immediately began to shake his head passionately.

  Alexander: “Absolutely not, Miss Eris! I’d never! My wife’s words are not ‘whatever,’ they are truth! Gospel! Ah, but… I’m helpless when it comes to putting it into practice…”

  Eris rubbed the bridge of her nose. Speaking with this man gave her a headache. But regardless of whether she found him annoying or not, she would still help him.

  Eris: “Okay, okay, I get it. We’ll find your wife, okay?”

  Alexander: “Oh, you’ll help?! Wow, oh wow! You remind me of my wife, she’s always helping eeeeeveryone she can!”

  Eris: “——”

  Without responding anymore, knowing that it would only send Alexander into more ramblings, Eris turned away from the blonde and continued down the road, assuming he would follow.

  She tried to recollect her mind, her train of thought completely derailed.

  She was originally going to prioritize finding Rory's father, but with another burden placed on her, she decided that whoever was in front of her— Rory’s father, Alexander’s wife, a child, an adult— she would protect them first. It will come when it comes. Such is the nature of all things.

  Eris: “You’ll probably spot her before I do, but can you describe your wife to me so I know who I’m keeping an eye out for?”

  Alexander: “Describe her?”

  Perking up with blush rushing into his cheeks, Alexander begins to smile.

  Alexander: “She’s the most wonderful—perfect—kindest—amazing—bravest—hottest—cutest—sweetest—awesome—extraordinary—beautiful—stunning—magnificent—breathtaking—...”

  Alexander continued to ramble. She should have expected him to not be useful. Eris was forced to tune him out, though, as something more pressing came to her senses. Scanning her surroundings, the smoke was coming in thick, and it obstructed some of her vision and scent. However, even between the acrid smell of iron, dirt, smoke and magic, there was a rotten smell. Like bad breath.

  Eris: “Could it be…”

  Alexander: “—lovely—enchanting—intelligent—out-of-this-world— ah, did you say something, Miss Eris?”

  Blinking her eyes which had started to sting from the smoke, Eris’s walking turned into a sprint as she followed the scent.

  Reaching this side of the village, there were more corpses. She tried not looking at them. Of course, they reminded her of Sera. But they also screamed at her as ones she could not help, ones she failed to save.

  But Eris understood that she could deal with those self-flagilating thoughts later. Right now, she had to focus on who she could save.

  Alexander: “Miss Eris, wait! You’re so fast, ah!”

  The smell of rot was only intensifying. It was getting so bad she had to plug her nose, which also helped with the smoke a bit.

  To her right, a distance away, the battle between the town’s militia and the Red Right Hand was still raging on. Caelia and Aqua were over there too. She thought about joining, but she figured saving those in danger would be more helpful to Velna than pure combat, which she was not confident in her ability to do anyway.

  Alexander: “Miss- Eris…”

  Panting with his hands on his knees, Alexander looked very distressed.

  Alexander: “Did you find my wife? Did you see her or something? I’m ashamed that I wasn't the first to see her! Dear wife!”

  Suddenly calling out to his beloved, Eris shook her head.

  Eris: “No, Alexander. I haven't found your wife. There’s something terrible approaching.”

  Alexander: “Something terrible, you say? Ah, is that perhaps why you are plugging your nose? You must have a good sense of smell, like my wife does.”

  Eris: “I don't think my sense is better than the normal person’s, just— ah, wait! That doesn't matter. Alexander, I think a demon-beast is coming, so please take cover! Try to warn others!”

  Alexander: “A demon-beast! You can smell them? My wife also can smell them! Isn't that interesting?!”

  As Eris was about to scold him for getting distracted, he suddenly bowed.

  Alexander: “Yes, reliable Miss Eris! I’ll warn everyone! Please don't get injured, as you seem to be very good at finding people!”

  Eris: “Reliable… Miss Eris, huh?”

  Watching him rush off with his silk robe flapping in the smokey wind, Eris noticed the ground had begun shaking. Puddles of water rippled. The trees rustled. Collapsed debris shifted. Even the fighters down the street seemed to notice.

  The smell had gotten even more intense. So intense that, breathing through her mouth since she was plugging her nose, she could taste the smell of the demon-beast on her tongue.

  Taking a step back and finally releasing her nose to get a sufficient supply of oxygen, the forest seemed to break apart. The high mud wall exploded open, sending chunks of shrapnel flying.

  There was a horrible roar. Eris tried to plug her ears, but with the sword in hand, she could only cover one, making the unprotected ear ring painfully.

  The dust and debris settling, she was met with the sight of a massive creature.

  Silky white fur, glassy eyes, and enormous horns on its head. Its huge, muscular body was like a bear’s, walking on all four of its tree-like legs. Mouth hanging open, pouring steaming saliva onto the ground, rows of razor sharp teeth the size of kitchen knives were lined up.

  Eris: “Again…”

  This one was very different from the previous demon-beast, yet similar in distinctive features. The first was like a horse. This one, a bear. Or rather, they were monstrous imitations of them. They shared features like white fur, horns, glassy eyes, and being far larger than any creature should be.

  The rabid eyes of the beast locked with Eris.

  Eris: “Attracted to the strongest enemy, huh?”

  Remembering Caelia’s lesson about demon-beasts in the forest, Eris readied her sword with shaking hands. It was better than running around and using her fists.

  The beast snarled, lowering its muscle-clad head, and bared its monstrous teeth.

  But something caught both Eris and the demon-beast’s attention.

  ???: “RAAAAAGH!”

  A man with red hair and tattered clothes was charging directly at the monster with a makeshift spear in his hands. Immediately, Eris recognized him. His square face was the distinctive feature that told Eris who he was.

  Eris: “Mister Tiek?!”