Makima stepped through the rippling void, disoriented as colors and shapes blurred around her. The stillness of the void dissolved into a cacophony of life chirping insects, rustling leaves, and the distant cry of an animal she couldnt name. The air was damp, the ground beneath her feet soft and uneven.

Her golden eyes adjusted to the dim light filtering through a dense canopy of trees. A soft breeze carried the earthy scent of the forest.

She raised her hand, pointing at a tree.

“Bang.” -she said

But nothing happened.

“Hm.” She examined her hand thoughtfully “So, the contracts I had with other devils are gone.”

Her fingers lingered in the air for a moment before she lowered them. A small smile played on her lips as her gaze sharpened. Focusing, she began to hear what the creatures around her heard... skittering, rustling, whispers of the forest.

And not far away, the faint sound of voices.

___

The campfire crackled, casting dancing shadows on the surrounding trees. Three figures sat around it, their faces drawn with fatigue.

A man stabbed at his meal with frustration. “Im so done with this. The king is cutting everyones payment again... We almost died on this mission! And what do we get? Thirty gold coins. Thirty.” -his voice trembled with anger

The woman beside him placed a calming hand on his shoulder.

“Aiyin, I know. Were all upset. But we cant change it. Lets just eat and rest, okay?”

Aiyin sighed, setting his food aside.

“Fine, Nino. Fine. But this is the last time we are putting our life on the line for scraps.”

The third member of the group, Kleto, leaned back against a tree.

Nino looked at him, and said.

“We cant afford another fight like that. We need a healer. Did you ask your priest friend about joining us?”

Kleto shook his head.

“No. We cant afford another party member, not with the pay were getting.”

Nino scratched her head, exasperated.

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“I know, but—”

The sound of a twig snapping silenced her.

All three turned, hands instinctively moving to their weapons. Emerging from the darkness, Makima stepped into the firelight. Her posture was calm, her hands behind her back. Her golden eyes shone unnaturally in the dim glow.

Aiyin was the first to react, drawing his sword.

“Who the hell are you? And what do you want?”

Makima tilted her head, her expression unreadable.

“Im just here for answers.”

she said, her voice smooth and measured. She smiled faintly.

“You can call me Makima.”

“Answers?” -Nino asked, her hand tightening on her bow

Makima nodded.

“Yes. Im unfamiliar with this place and its... workings. Im a traveler...” -her tone was friendly as she lied

Aiyins eyes narrowed, his sword unwavering.

“From far away then, huh? If youre a traveler, why arent you dirty? No dust, no equipment on you... nothing.”

Makimas smile deepened, an almost imperceptible challenge in her gaze. She let the silence linger.

“Does that really matter?” -she replied finally

“Thats not an answer!” -Aiyin snapped, stepping closer

Before the tension could escalate further, a sharp cry pierced the air. All four turned their eyes skyward.

A shadow swooped through the trees, its shriek splitting the air. The adventurers stumbled, clutching their ears against the sound.

“A harpy!” -Kleto shouted, his voice strained as he reached for his sword

Feathers, sharp as knives, rained down. Aiyin cried out as one pierced his throat. He collapsed to the ground, gurgling, his hand twitching toward his weapon before going still.

“Aiyin! No!” -Nino screamed, scrambling to dodge the razor sharp projectiles, while Kleto got hit too

The harpy descended with a screech, claws extended. Its target was Makima, who stood motionless, her expression serene.

“Move!” -Kleto yelled, his leg bleeding as he struggled to his feet

But Makima didnt flinch.

The harpy halted mid-air, its claws mere inches from her face. Its body trembled as if paralyzed. Golden eyes met the creatures feral gaze, and for a moment, the forest seemed to hold its breath.

“Sit.” -Makima commanded

The single word, spoken softly yet laced with unyielding authority, sent the harpy to the ground. It sat, wings folding against its body, its wild eyes locked on her.

Kleto and Nino stared in disbelief.

“Good girl.” -Makima murmured

She approached Aiyins fallen body, retrieving his sword with a casual motion. Without hesitation, she brought the blade down, severing the harpys head in one swift strike. The creatures body slumped to the ground, lifeless.

Makima let the sword fall from her hand, her expression unchanging.

Kleto trembled as her golden eyes turned to him. Makima felt that... Kleto acknowledged her power in himself.

She saw her chain extending from her to Kleto.

A wave of submission swept over him, crushing his will.

And after that, Kleto had an emotionless, cold expression on his face.

Nino looked at Kletos face, she knew something was off. Her bow slipped from her hands as Makima turned her gaze toward her.

With a strangled gasp, Nino turned and bolted into the darkness, her footsteps frantic and uneven. Her heart beating like there is no tomorrow.

Makima watched her go, unmoving. Then she turned her attention back to Kleto, her voice calm and steady.

“Youll be useful.”

Her golden eyes flickered as a small smile touched her lips.