Just as they were strategizing on how to approach the mound-like nest of the beasts, Evander's mental scanning picked up something unfamiliar. A group of consciousnesses, separate from the ambient animal minds, and more structured than the muffled presence of the beasts.

Humans? Here?

The closer he delved into those minds, the clearer it became that these were human women approaching. Not just any women. I recognize these patterns. He realized that they were some of the women from the other family they were traveling in convoy with.

"What is it?" Seraphina whispered, noticing Evander's sudden pause and the subtle furrow of his brows.

"We have company," Evander replied softly, not taking his eyes off the direction of the approaching group. "The women from the other family are on their way here."

Lily tilted her head, a small frown marring her brow. "Why would they venture into the beast territory, especially now? It's too risky."

Amara's hand went to the hilt of her blade. "Whether they're here for aid or adventure, we need to prepare. Anything can happen out here."

The group moved quickly, taking defensive positions. Joy and Arckit secured the perimeter while Seraphina and Emma provided a lookout. The tension was palpable; the once familiar forest now an unknown battlefield.

Minutes felt like hours as they waited in anticipation. The rustling of the leaves grew louder, and then the women from the other family came into view. They were armored similarly to Evander's group, their gear showing signs of recent combat.

A tall woman with raven-black hair stepped forward, her blue eyes locking onto Emma 's. "We didn't expect to find you here," she said, her voice slightly breathless.

Emma's stance relaxed a fraction, but she remained alert. "And we didn't expect company," she replied, raising an eyebrow. "What brings you out here?"

The forest was thick with tension, a tangible force that one could almost touch. Two groups of women stood facing each other amidst the dense canopy, each armored and ready for battle. Amidst the company of women he had been journeying with stood Evander, feeling more exposed than he ever had.

"Where is your man?" Elara, the leader of the newly arrived group, demanded, her gaze sweeping over the assembled group. She wore an expression of disbelief, eyebrows raised in a silent challenge.

Lara, from Elara's group, her face reflecting concern, added, "We went to check on your vehicles and found them deserted. Hearing the distant sound of gunfire, we feared the worst and hurried here."

Seraphina, a beacon of calm amidst the charged atmosphere, replied, "Our man is safe. He's right here with us."

Confused glances were exchanged among Elara's group. Elara, her blue eyes narrowing, clarified, "A man? Alone, with you, in these perilous woods?"

Lily, always one to wear her heart on her sleeve, responded with a touch of annoyance, "He's not helpless, you know. He can fend for himself."

"They need our protection," Elara countered, her voice dripping with both concern and condescension. "It's our duty to ensure their safety."

Evander sighed internally. The world has certainly turned upside down.

Emma, ever the diplomat, tried to quell the escalating tension. "Evander is more than capable of taking care of himself."

"But he's a man!" Lara exclaimed, pointing at Evander, "In this dangerous forest, fighting alongside you?"

Evander could feel a wave of scrutiny washing over him. Time for some clarification. He removed his helmet, revealing his face to the other group. "Yes, I am the man you speak of. And I'm here by choice."

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The surrounding women from Elara's group murmured among themselves, shock evident on their faces.

A younger woman, her raven-black hair contrasting sharply with her pale armor, spoke out, "Perhaps you'd be safer with us. We would ensure your protection."

The air grew even heavier as the women of Evander's group closed ranks, their collective protective instincts rising to the fore. Seraphina, her voice clear and sharp, countered, "Evander is one of us. He’s here because he wants to be, not because we forced him to be."

Amara, eyes ablaze, added, "We neither coddle him nor underestimate him."

A tense stillness settled over the forest clearing, the canopy above blotting out the light and casting dappled shadows on the two groups of women below. Birds seemed to hold their song and even the wind seemed to hesitate, as if awaiting the outcome of this standoff.

"Men need care and protection," began one of the women from the newly arrived group, a tall woman with a commanding presence, her voice firm and clear. "Coddling them is what's supposed to be done. It's the natural order of things."

Elara, with her raven-black hair cascading down her back, stepped forward. As the leader of her group, she carried an aura of authority and her words carried weight. She looked past the ring of women surrounding Evander, her piercing eyes settling on him. "Young man," she began, her tone dripping with condescension, "it's clear to me that you've been thrust into a world not meant for you. Monster hunting? What reputable woman would expose a man to such dangers?"

Evander could feel the tension rise in the air, a palpable force. The women of his group, faces flushed with anger, shifted and whispered amongst themselves.

Seraphina, always the first to defend their choices, took a step forward. "Evander is with us out of his own choice."

Elara's lips curved into a smirk. "An equal?" she echoed mockingly. "You mean to tell me you let him fight these beasts without any qualms? Tell me," she continued, her gaze never leaving Evander's, "do they 'respect' you or simply use you… "

Evander clenched his fists, fighting the urge to retort. Before he could respond, Joy, her eyes flashing, stepped in. "Elara, you've no right to question our bonds or actions."

Elara’s gaze never wavered. "Come with us, young man," she said, her voice softening slightly. "We can offer you the protection you deserve."

Amara snorted, her grip on her weapon tightening. "Protection? Are you trying to steal him from us?"

Evander could feel the tension in the air thickening like a storm brewing. Weapons were subtly unsheathed, the metallic sound cutting through the stillness.

Lily, her voice laced with sarcasm, remarked, "Oh, how noble of you, Elara, offering protection. Tell me, is the man in your group treated like a helpless child?"

Elara's eyes darkened, her face hardening. "They're treated as they should be – cherished and guarded."

Seraphina, always a sparkplug, stepped forward, her posture defiant, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Isn’t it just so like Tier 2 women to be so forward, thinking they can simply waltz in and claim a man for themselves?” She tossed her hair, a glint of amusement in her eyes despite the gravity of the situation. “You know, once we're back in the city, such audacity could land your entire family in a heap of trouble.”

Evander glanced over at the women of Elara’s group, noting the subtle change in their posture. She’s got them, he thought, impressed.

Seraphina continued, her voice rising in confidence. "Your family signed an agreement with our Tier 1 women. Non-intervention, especially concerning the men. You’d do well to remember that."

Elara, however, was not one to be easily cowed. She raised an elegant brow, her face a mask of condescension. "This situation is special," she stated coldly. "Any court would rule that you've been negligent in your responsibilities towards this man. Frankly, it’s clear he’s in desperate need of better care."

Evander felt the familiar prickle of frustration. Enough is enough. He cleared his throat, drawing the attention of both groups. "Ladies," he began, striving for diplomacy, "I propose a solution – a bet, if you will."

Murmurs of curiosity rustled through the crowd, punctuated by a few skeptical glances.

"If I can conquer the monster’s hill," Evander continued, "then I earn the right to invite your man on a hunt. Of course," he added with a smirk, "we'll ensure it's a careful hunt, befitting of someone of his delicate stature."

Some of the women in his group stifled chuckles, clearly enjoying the turn of the tables.

Elara looked momentarily taken aback, clearly not expecting such a challenge from Evander. But she quickly masked her surprise with a derisive snort. "And if you fail?"

Evander sighed, meeting her gaze evenly. "Then you may lodge all the complaints you want to the authorities regarding my so-called ‘mistreatment.’"

Whispers and speculative murmurs filled the clearing, but Elara held up her hand, signaling for silence. She studied Evander for a long moment, clearly weighing her options.

"Do you really believe you can take that hill?" she finally asked, a hint of genuine curiosity in her voice.

Evander nodded confidently. "I do."

Elara's lips quirked into a half-smile. "Very well. Challenge accepted. But remember, young man, this isn’t a game. You're wagering more than you realize."

Evander squared his shoulders, determination evident in his eyes. "I’m well aware of the stakes, Elara. And trust me, I have every intention of winning."