The roots encircling the Spirit Tree’s chamber unfurled to reveal the path ahead. As Sera, Zoha, and Valor stepped forward, the roots bowed slightly, acknowledging their passage.

Aermo stood nearby, leaning heavily against a sturdy tree trunk. His eyes were closed, and his breaths were deep and steady as he somehow fell asleep while standing.

Valor was the first to dart forward. The greater thornling rushed up to Aermo, its momentum carrying it forward with surprising speed. The sudden impact of Valor’s enthusiastic greeting caused Aermo to jolt awake, a sharp yelp escaping his lips as the thornling collided with him.

"Shit!"

While Valor moved back excitedly, Aermo rubbed his arms, wincing slightly as he eased away from the tree trunk. His expression initially twisted in mild irritation, but it swiftly morphed into one of surprise as he fully absorbed the sight of Valor’s transformed state. "Whoa, what happened to you?"

Sera stepped gracefully beside the greater thornling. "Valor is its name, and I must admit, he seems to have taken quite a liking to you."

Aermo’s lips curved into a tentative smile, his initial surprise giving way to a subtle warmth. However, as Valor bounded towards him once more, the beastkin raised a hand in a gentle gesture of restraint. "Sorry, buddy, let's take it easy, yeah?"

Valor’s enthusiasm dimmed noticeably, the vibrant glow in its red eyes fading to a softer hue. The thornling’s posture slumped slightly, and it moved back towards Sera with a subdued, almost dejected demeanor.

Sera knelt down and gently rubbed the leaves on the greater thornling. "You should go with Brave and return to the rest of your friends."

The greater thornling shuffled around hesitantly, its movements noticeably slower and more subdued than before. The creature's vibrant red eyes flickered with an almost reluctant light as it took a final, lingering glance at Aermo. It then turned to join Brave, their forms melding into the shadows of the forest.

Zoha's soft chuckle broke the quiet as she observed the interaction. "What did you do to make them like you so much?"

Aermo scratched the back of his ear briefly, brushing through the thick fur with an almost absent-minded motion. "Just fed ‘em some fruits and nuts I found around here. They’ve kinda grown on me, to be honest."

"Regardless, I've mostly settled the things I needed to do here before heading out. How about you both?" Sera said, eyeing the demoness and the beastkin.

"Boss, this might not be a good time, but can I ask you something'?"

Sera observed him for a moment, her head tilting slightly to the side. "That depends, but say what you want."

"I, uh, was wondering if you or Zoha could give me some proper clothes and equipment."

"Is that all you require?"

"Yeah, just felt like I could use something better."

Sera let out an amused snort as she glanced at Zoha. "Do you have anything to give him?"

The demoness turned her gaze towards Aermo, eyes narrowing slightly as she sized him up. She circled him slowly, her keen eyes assessing his build and stature with meticulous care. After a moment, she shook her head, a slight frown tugging at the corners of her lips. "No, Mistress, I do not have any gear that fits his size. His build is too different from the humans I usually kill."

"Could you make something for him instead? I’ve noticed the threads you were using earlier."

Zoha's eyes flickered with a reluctance. She sighed softly, the sound almost imperceptible. "I can fashion something simple, Mistress,"

She then turned to Aermo, her gaze sharp and expectant. "What are your preferences?"

Aermo scratched his head, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "I'm not really sure. I'm fine with anything, really."

"Fine with anything? Do you have any idea how infuriating that is for someone creating custom gear?"

"I, uh, just need something practical, I guess. Durable and comfortable."

Zoha let out an exasperated sigh, rolling her eyes. "Fine. Durable and comfortable it is."

Zoha took out a needle from within her cloak. Then, she closed her eyes for a brief moment as threads of various colors materialized around it like wisps of smoke. She then immediately weaved the threads with deft precision, moving with a fluid grace that spoke of either unparalleled talent, years of experience, or perhaps both.

First, the demoness crafted a sturdy pair of trousers, the fabric thick and durable. Next came a tunic, designed for ease of movement, with reinforced stitching along the seams to prevent wear and tear. Zoha added several hidden pockets, their openings seamlessly integrated into the design.

As she worked, Zoha's irritation was slowly replaced by a focused determination. She added a green colored cloak as well as a pair of boots as the final touch to the whole ensemble.

Soon, Zoha stepped back, examining her work with a critical eye before handing the ensemble to Aermo. "There," she said, her voice carrying both hints of satisfaction and residual annoyance. "Try it on."

Aermo chuckled as he took the outfit from Zoha. "Thanks," he said, slipping into the trousers and tunic with ease. The fabric felt surprisingly light yet incredibly sturdy against his skin. He moved around a bit, testing the flexibility of the boots and the fit of the cloak. "This is perfect."

Zoha acknowledged Aermo with a slight nod,. "Just don’t ruin it too quickly."

Sera shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "I need something from you as well. A mask, to avoid being recognized in Marwood again. Do you have anything suitable?"

Zoha frowned slightly. "I only have one," she said, reaching into the depths of her cloak. After a moment, she pulled out a mask crafted to resemble a deer’s face, intricately detailed with delicate antlers and lifelike features.

Sera took the mask, examining it closely. "Where did you get this?"

"My brother gave it to me," Zoha said quietly, her fingers brushing against the mask's edge as she handed it over. "He didn't need it anymore."

Sera measured the mask against her own face, but quickly realized it was too large. She handed it back to Zoha, a thoughtful expression on her face. "It's beautifully made, but it's too large for me. However, it did give me an idea."

The elder dryad stepped back and spat a small seed onto the ground. The seed sank into the earth, and within moments, a slender green shoot emerged, growing rapidly. The plant twisted and turned, its leaves rustling softly as it shaped itself into a mask. The final product was a delicate yet sturdy deer mask, perfectly sized for Sera.

She picked up the mask, examining its intricate details. The natural patterns and textures of the plant had seamlessly transformed into a beautiful and functional piece. She then broke off her antlers with a practiced motion before putting on the mask, adjusting it carefully until it sat comfortably on her face.

"What do you think?" she asked, turning to face Aermo and Zoha.

"Looks good to me, Boss."

"It should suffice as a disguise, Mistress."

Sera nodded, satisfied with their responses. "We should leave for Marwood soon, but before that, I want to ask you a few questions, Zoha."

The demoness inclined her head. "Of course, Mistress. What do you need to know?"

Sera tilted her head slightly, eyes narrowing thoughtfully behind her mask. "First, will people really not find my mask conspicuous?"

Zoha chuckled softly. "Mistress, there are far stranger things in Marwood than a woman in a mask. Your mask will draw a few glances at most, but nothing more than that."

"And what about Aermo? Won't people question why he is following me around?"

"They'll likely assume Aermo is a slave or a servant. It's not uncommon in Marwood, and no one will pay much mind to it."

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

"I see, that's good to hear."

"But is there anything specific you need me to do aside from watching over the dungeon, Mistress?" Zoha asked.

Sera considered this for a moment, fingers lightly drumming against her thigh. "Do you think there's a risk of strong adventurers venturing into the dungeon while we're gone?"

"It's unlikely, Mistress. Your dungeon is very new and likely hasn't yet been promoted by the adventurer's guild."

"Does the adventurer's guild keep records of all dungeons?"

"Yes, Mistress. They do keep detailed records."

"In that case, I would prefer it if you could erase or edit the records for our dungeon so that people won't know about it for the immediate future. But at the same time, I don't want the dungeon to be defenseless."

"I can always leave some of my flies in the dungeon to keep watch while I'm away. If there are any strong intruders, I can teleport back immediately."

"Excellent. Do you know where the records for the artificial dungeon cores are kept?"

Zoha nodded and smiled. "Yes, Mistress. I do know, and it shouldn't take long to cover up the existence of your dungeon."

With that, Sera turned to Aermo, her expression inquisitive. "Any last-minute concerns?"

Aermo shook his head, his expression determined. "Nope, ready as always," he said, adjusting his new outfit with a grin.

Sera gave him an approving nod. "Good. Let's get ready to move out. We have a lot to do in Marwood."

***

Sera and Aermo emerged from a swirling cloud of flies into the grimy alleyway. The transition was sudden and disorienting; one moment, they were surrounded by the buzzing chaos of Zoha’s flies, and the next, they found themselves in the squalid confines of the narrow passage.

The elder dryad adjusted her hooded cloak, pulling it tighter around her shoulders as she took in her surroundings. The alley was narrow and grimy, its walls marred with graffiti and old, peeling posters. Trash littered the ground, while a few stray cats prowled the area. "This place reeks of human misery."

Aermo adjusted his boots, nose wrinkling in disgust. "Sounds about right, everything smells like piss."

Sera turned to Zoha,"Who or what should we look for?"

The demoness reached into her cloak and handed a journal to Sera. "I've prepared some directions in this journal, Mistress, you’ll need to find a broker to get into the underground arena."

Sera took the journal and briefly read through the pages. "Thank you, Zoha. And remember, your task is to erase the records of my dungeon from the guild’s archives."

"I won’t forget, Mistress." With that, Zoha vanished into a cloud of flies, leaving Sera and Aermo alone in the alley.

Once Zoha had disappeared, Aermo stepped beside Sera, ears twitching as he scanned the alley for any signs of danger. "Anywhere we're going in particular?"

Sera pulled out the journal Zoha had given her and flipped through the pages again, scanning the detailed notes. "It says here that we should look for a red gate, and barring that, we should try to catch the attention of one of Vito's men."

Sera closed the journal and tucked it back into the folds of her shadowy cloak. "Aermo, stay close and inform me if you see anything of note."

"Got it, Boss."

Sera and Aermo walked through the streets, the air thick with the scent of sweat, refuse, and desperation. Struggling humans and beastkin alike lined the grimy alleyways, their faces etched with hardship and fatigue.

Sera's gaze flitted over the scene, her expression remaining completely neutral. "Aermo," she began, her tone calm and detached, "does seeing your fellow beastkin in such dire straits stir any particular emotions within you?"

Aermo's ears twitched as he glanced around. "I feel for them, sure. But I can't help everyone, Boss. I've got to pick my battles."

"And what of the humans? What are your sentiments towards them?"

"I don't hate them, if that's what you're asking. But I don't like them much either, not after what they did to my people. It's hard to forget, you know?"

"What if we were to eventually find ourselves in conflict with other beastkin? What are your thoughts on that?"

Aermo shrugged, his expression nonchalant. "That might be a step too far for me, but it depends on the context. If it's for survival or if they pose a real threat, then I'd have to consider it. It's not ideal, but the world isn't exactly kind to us."

Sera's eyebrows rose slightly in surprise. "Your views are rather pragmatic, Aermo."

"The world sucks. If I want to make it, I have to think a bit more bluntly. Idealism doesn't get you very far when you're constantly fighting to survive."

"Pragmatism is a valuable trait. It's good to know where you stand."

As the two continued walking, Sera's keen senses pricked with awareness. She noticed a subtle rustling behind them, the faint sound barely perceptible. Sera glanced back once, eyes narrowing as she scanned the surroundings.

Her gaze settled on a broken crate. To her surprise, a little beastkin girl with blue hair and fur was hiding behind it, with her eyes peeking out cautiously.

Sera immediately stopped walking. Aermo, noticing her sudden pause, furrowed his brow. "Why are we stopping, Boss?"

Sera gestured subtly towards the crate. "We're being followed," she murmured, nodding in the direction of the girl.

Aermo squinted his eyes, and soon, his expression shifted from confusion to recognition as he focused on the young beastkin girl. Her blue hair and fur were unmistakable. "Faye?"

The girl flinched at the sound of her name, darting her eyes between Sera and Aermo. But, seeing Aermo's familiar face, she slowly emerged from her hiding spot.

Aermo turned to Sera with an earnest expression. "Do you mind if I talk to her for a moment?"

"That depends, why is the girl so important to you?"

"She was from the same village as me. I’m… surprised to find her here."

Hearing this, Sera nodded. "Very well. You may speak with her, but do not take too long."

Aermo approached Faye, his steps careful and deliberate. Sera followed behind, maintaining a respectful distance. The girl remained shy, but the sight of a familiar face gave her some courage.

He crouched down to Faye's level, offering a reassuring smile. "It's been a while, Faye. Are you okay?"

Faye's eyes filled with tears as she nodded, her small hands trembling. "Uncle Aermo, I didn't know where else to go. I've been so scared."

Aermo placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It's alright. I'm here now. Can you tell me what happened?"

Faye sniffled, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "A lot of the people from the village... were locked up. I was lucky to escape."

Aermo's jaw tightened. "Do you know where Auntie Alpa is?"

Faye nodded slowly. "Um, last time I saw her, she was being taken away by some men in red robes."

"Did those men have Black Eagle symbols on their clothes?"

"I-I think so."

Aermo took a deep breath, fists clenching tightly as he struggled to contain his anger. His knuckles turned white with the effort, veins standing out starkly against his skin. He turned to Sera, eyes filled with desperation and determination.

"Boss, there is a chance that my wife is in the underground arena."

He paused, the weight of his words hanging in the air. Aermo's heart pounded in his chest, the silence stretching painfully long before speaking again.

"Please," he finally continued, his voice breaking slightly. "If you see her, save her. I beg of you."

Sera nodded curtly. "I promise you that I'll do my best if I find your wife. However, what do you plan on doing with the beastkin girl?"

Aermo glanced down at Faye, his eyes softening. "Do you have anywhere to go, Faye?"

Faye shook her head, her small frame trembling again. "N-not really. I've just been getting by however I can."

Suddenly, Faye's stomach grumbled loudly. "Do you have any food?"

Aermo frowned. "I'm sorry, don't have anything on me right now."

Without a word, Sera stepped forward and spat a seed onto the ground. The seed quickly grew into a small bush, its branches heavy with ripe, glistening berries. Faye jumped back at the sight, her eyes wide with surprise.

Aermo placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It's alright. The berries are safe."

Sera presented the bush to Faye, her face impassive. The girl hesitated, looking up at Aermo for reassurance. He nodded encouragingly. "Go ahead, they're for you."

Faye reached out tentatively, plucking a berry from the bush and popping it into her mouth. Her eyes lit up with delight as she tasted the sweet fruit. She quickly began to eat more, her hunger overtaking her caution.

While Faye ate, Aermo turned to Sera, his expression one of surprise and gratitude. "I'm surprised you would do such a thing for her."

Sera shrugged, her tone pragmatic. "I could tell that your mind would be burdened if she went hungry. Feeding the girl was a pragmatic choice on my end."

"Thanks, Boss. It means a lot to me regardless."

"It's nothing, no need to think much of it," Sera replied, her voice cool and detached.

Aermo patted Faye gently on the shoulder, his touch reassuring. "Do you have any friends or someone to look after you, Faye?"

Faye nodded lightly, her eyes still shining with the excitement of the sweet berries. "I know a few other kids. We stick together, but it's just us."

Sera sighed softly. With an almost impatient motion, she lifted her mask slightly, revealing just enough of her face to spit a handful of seeds into her palm before handing the seeds over to Aermo. "Give these to the girl."

"What are these for, Boss?" Aermo asked, glancing up at her.

Sera's eyes flicked to Faye. She then returned her gaze to Aermo. "If she feels threatened, she can throw them. They'll sprout quickly and provide some protection."

Aermo nodded and turned to the beastkin girl, his voice softening. "Keep these safe. If you ever feel in danger, throw them. They'll help protect you."

Faye's wide eyes sparkled with gratitude as she reached out to take the seeds from Aermo. Her hands trembled slightly, the seeds rattling softly in her grasp. "Th-thank you."

She then looked up at Sera, her blue fur bristling with fear and admiration. "And um, thank you, Boss. I... I'll keep them safe."

Sera gave a curt nod, turning her head away to hide the flicker of emotion that threatened to break through her composed facade. "Let's get a move on, Aermo. Say your goodbyes quickly."