The Kingdom of Swords, ruled by the God of War, Eudon, was one of few countries basking in riches yet was more rural than developed. All its cities had more trees than buildings, more beasts than citizens, and as many dungeons as streets. Tamed and wild monsters alike cluttered the cobbly roads, and the skies always shimmered full of fireworks and light shows exhaled by flying reptiles trying to eat each other. As a result, the kingdom had always been quite popular with adventurers from all over the world. So much so that warriors from other nations even choose to move over to continue their journeys there instead.

One fine example of those said warriors would be Kirin Torisetti! A fresh graduate from the Academy of White Knights in the Kingdom of Armor.

Despite being from a prestigious institution that has raised the most brusque and knightly heroes there are, he's one small trap that none would ever even suspect to be a warrior had he not owned a sword hanging by his waist. His long luscious rose gold hair flailed in the wind. His silver, busted chest plate sheened under the sun. His sword and armor's steel skirt clinked, swaying forward and backward as he catwalked through Bladewood City's streets.

"Quite a beautiful day today, isn't it, lady knight!?" greeted a staunch man, tipping his hat. He had a crumpled face and gray hair, and was standing right in front of a stall selling swords.

From the sky, a fireball plummeted and demolished a house by the shop.

"B--" Kirin cupped his mouth. "Beautiful day indeed!"

That was a rather pleasant explosion.

The man's stomach jiggled as he let out a burst of laughter. "Fret not! That's just my house. I see you're new here. Do you need help with directions?"

"U-Um. It's impressive how unfazed you are after what just happened." Kirin twisted to pull out a scroll from a sack hanging with his sword. "Well, I am quite lost. But I'd feel bad bothering you, seeing as there'd be enough you'd have to be worrying about."

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A winged scaly lion crashed into the house, besprinkling splashes of sparks and crumbling stone. Then a levitating snake, with fangs ready to jab, descended to the flaming rubbles shortly after.

"No worries." The man turned to see the wreck. "This happens all the time."

"What?! Why do you even stay?!"

"Well, well! Elsewhere could never be as eventful. Isn't that why you're here?" A knowing smile went upon his face.

"Oh. I... guess you're right." Kirin unrolled the scroll. "Bet it's expensive needing to repair everything all the time though."

"Ah!" The man waved his hand dismissively. "We don't have to worry about that. All our properties are insured by the king."

"How generous."

"He has to be. After all, it's directly his fault why we need to live like this." The man scratched the back of his head. "Anyways, where were you heading?"

On the map Kirin has opened, the lines were dancing. Although not literally. They were just that difficult to read.

"I'm looking for the guilds Coreiseuse and Excalibur." Kirin let his finger trace the paper's glossy surface. "If you could kindly point me to an apartment too, that'd be much appreciated."

"Wonderful! You plan to join those guilds!" The man brandished a balled fist. "What a brave lady. Very well! You can head straight. After you pass Eudon's statue, take the road right. That will lead you to Coreiseuse. You can ask for directions to Excalibur from there."

"Clear as air!" Kirin rolled the map back to a cylinder and shoved it in the sack. "Thank you so much!"

"You're most welcome, my lady. Take care!" The man tipped his hat once more, watching Kirin wave goodbye as he walked on.

"You do the same!" Kirin gave the burning house's debris one more look before setting his gaze up ahead the paved path.

The way to Coreiseuse.

According to news, it was the biggest, most powerful guild in Bladewood. If Kirin would, by Animus' will, be able to join, he's sure to be on the most dangerous quests in no time!

Dangerous quests. Yes.

Dangerous. Perilous. Painful.

Painful, painful quests.

The thought of those alone was enough to send a warm tingle along Kirin's spine!

"Lady knight, watch out!" From behind, the man's voice cracked the air.

Kirin whirled, and, finding that a fireball was merely a foot away from engulfing him, his eyes grew reflecting the bright orange flames.

Gradually did the heat come upon him.

The flame licked his skin. Then it wrapped itself around Kirin as if it was a gentleman ravishing the trap in arms.

Kirin gasped.

Pleasure surged through his body, permeating his muscles, nerves, and veins.

Pleasure? Perhaps I meant agony?

No.

Pleasure it was.

Immense! Immense! Immense amounts of pleasure!

Because Kirin... was a masochistic trap.