*Chapter 9: A Shocking Decision*

With the monster defeated, It fall to the ground closing the entrance, that was made. Astaria worried rushed towards the Crab, but Kagami emerged from its mouth before she was even halfway, covered in its guts and insides. Both Charlotte and Astaria were shocked by Kagami's audacious act. But Charlotte was quick to voice her displeasure about him stealing the prey from her, Kagami didn't care much, he promptly threw the short sword back at Charlotte.

"I believe this is yours. Do another stunt like that, and it won't be the monster you have to worry about," Kagami warned, his tone icy. And the look on his face change.

Charlotte didn't retrieve the sword but instead used her magic to summon two light magic swords to her hands. Kagami's expression shifted, yet again. And became Even more darker than before, sending a chill down Astaria's spine. She rushed to intervene, not wanting this to escalate and anticipating trouble.

"Hey, Charlotte, if you don't stop... If you don't stop, I will tell the guild master that you were causing us trouble," Astaria asserted firmly.

Charlotte, clearly displeased shivered a bit, dispelled her magic took the sword, and resumed walking ahead, pretending as if nothing had happened. She gestured for the two to follow her. And to not stall.

Astaria glanced at her and said, "She sure is a pain," her tone now warmer. She then turned to Kagami, who was still covered in monster guts, frowned at him, and inquired, "What were you thinking? I know I should praise you for helping her out, but what were you going to do with that dark look on your face?"

Kagami touched his face and hesitated. "A... dark look?" He paused, squatted down slightly, and confessed, "I'm sorry. I guess I got excited for a second there." Astaria couldn't quite grasp his meaning but continued to nag him until she felt satisfied and Happy enough to continue the journey. (After kagami cleaned himself of course).

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Charlotte resumed her position at the front, followed by Kagami, and finally, Astaria, who had a moment to catch her breath after stopping the two. She had felt on the verge of vomiting from the fear of the situation she had prevented. Looking at her she looked just like a scarred girl, with nothing godly about her at all. A girl that knows she almost was eating alive.

Kagami noticed Astaria unease and tried to calm her with some praise, but she snapped at him, demanding his silence and to be left alone, telling him "Who's fault do you think this is?" while her eyes welled up with tears. She had no desire to face such situation ever again.

As they continued to advance, Charlotte's reaction to encountering monsters was consistent—grinning and attempting to charge toward them. However, each time she heard the threat of "We will tell the guild master," it was enough to stop her. Kagami and Astaria felt as though they were in the presence of a predator that couldn't control itself. And it was a pain to deal with.

Kagami decided to ask her about her fear of the guild master. "What is it that makes you so scared of the guild master? Is she that terrifying?" But Charlotte chose to ignore him, prompting Kagami to pester her further. Trying to know more about the person that could be keeping an eye on them in this journey.

"SHUT UP! Shut up, Shut UP! You are nothing but annoying. I am not afraid of her; I just…" Charlotte began shouting at Kagami, who didn't seem overly bothered. She struggled to find the right words and finally confessed, "I respect her. Yeah, I just respect her, you hear?"

Kagami and Astaria exchanged glances, telling Charlotte they genuinely believed her. She didn't say much but appeared content with their response. And continued forward leading the way.

They continued their journey and stumbled upon a peculiar red button in the midst of the forest. A note nearby warned, 'Don't press me. Like seriously don't.'

"It's a trap," Astaria said.

"DEFINITELY a trap," Kagami concurred.

"Yeah, who would put such a thing here? I mean, who's stupid enough to—" Astaria was cut off mid-sentence as Charlotte, who was standing closest to the button, staring at it with her predatory eyes pressed it. without much of a thought.

Before the two could fully process what had occurred, the ground beneath them gave way and opened up, and all three were swallowed into the dark depths below.

(Never to be seen again???!!)

To be continued...

------------------------

Thank you for reading!