“For you, we will make an exception,” the woman said. She had long grey hair and appeared to be the same age as Aisha. “We all know that normally, they would be killed or imprisoned forever.”

  A black man beside her nodded. “In fact, considering they want to train, how about they help with the last three Orgas? They’ve currently become quite a problem.”

  “I will talk to them and return,” Aisha said, making her way out of the chambers.

  “The food in here is quite different,” Sky remarked as she walked out of the restaurant.

  “Yeah, you're right. Even I think so,” Dakota agreed. She was wearing a pink dress that seemed a bit small.

  Sky looked down at the hem of the dress, which barely touched Dakota’s knees. “I’ve noticed you’re becoming taller by the day. It might be time to get you some new clothes.”

  “Well, let’s head back then,” Anjali said as the group moved along the road. “Ben was left alone, but I think Aisha will be back soon.”

  As they walked, they noticed a mix of reactions from the locals.Some gave them "bad eye" contact, while others quickly looked the other way. Despite the tension, it seemed like a normal town—except for the shops displaying piles of bones. Miraen was like a small capital; it had everything it needed. The ground was paved, and while there were no massive infrastructures, the style suited its residents perfectly.

  Aisha’s house was different from the rest. It sat on a small hill surrounded by patches of green grass. When they arrived, Aisha was already there.

  “Oh, you’re back!” Anjali called out.

  “Yes. It worked out... but not totally,” Aisha replied, patting the stairs for them to sit.

  “What do you mean?” Sky asked.

  “Mmm, they agreed, but only if you help with some Orgas,” Aisha explained.

  “Wait, Orgas?” Dakota asked, tilting her head.

  “Yes, that’s what the council said.”

  Anjali pointed out, “Well, that means she’s already trained with the Orgas before.”

  Aisha turned to Sky. “So, what’s your take?”

  “We can do it,” Sky said firmly. “But we want some money on top of the request.”

  A smile spread across Aisha’s face. “That’s possible. We will empty those pockets,” she added, laughing.

  “But where’s Ben?” Dakota asked.

  “Ben went to the lake. I told him about the Huskars in the water...” Aisha began.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Sky sighed. “I’ll go get him. I just hope he doesn’t overdo it.”

  “Then we’re coming with you,” Aisha said, looking at Dakota, who was now smiling from ear to ear. “What do you say about eating Huskars tonight?”

  “Let’s go then!” Anjali added.

  They found Ben exactly where they expected. He was standing in the water up to his shins, a handmade spear gripped in his hand.

  “So, how many have you caught?” Sky asked.

  “Two. These ones are clever,” Ben replied without looking up.

  Dakota stepped closer to inspect the catch. “These ones are big!” The Huskars were 1.2 meters long with reddish stomachs, sharp teeth, and black, leathery skin.

  “Well, we’re here to join in. Let us help,” Anjali said, picking up slices of bread to use as bait.

  By dusk, everyone was gathered around the table. They feasted on fried and boiled Huskars, hearty soup, and rice.

  “About the Orga situation—can we do it tonight?” Sky asked. “I wouldn’t like to put on a show for the people.”

  “But... but...” Dakota started, but Anjali cut in.

  “It’s dark, why not now?”

  Aisha looked concerned. “Are you sure? This could be a bad idea.”

  Sky turned to Ben. “Ben, do you oppose?”

  “Mmm. It might be dangerous, but I trust your decision-making. I’ll be there, right?” Ben replied.

  “Yes. It’s three oversized monsters; of course you’ll be there,” Sky said.

  “I’ll tag along,” Aisha decided. “Anjali and Dakota, you stay here.”

  The two girls argued briefly, but by the end of the meal, they understood the decision was final.

  “Stay safe out there,” Anjali said, standing at the doorstep with Dakota.

  “Don’t worry, we plan on returning,” Sky said, patting Dakota reassuringly.

  Into the Shadows

  They began the trek to the other end of Miraen. Midway through the walk, Aisha paused. “Give me a minute. It’s best I tell one of the council members that we’re starting.”

  Sky and Ben waited by the road, looking at the lights. “Magic,” Sky whispered. She was dressed in soft jeans and a long-sleeved shirt; Ben wore the same style, both dressed in all black.

  The streets weren't entirely dark, and even Miraen had its "nightlife" situations. Sky held Ben’s hand tightly, catching the eye of any woman who looked at him with flirting intent.

  “Let’s go,” Aisha said, returning to them.

  They passed more lights, faces, and shops until they reached the edge of town. Sky and Ben knew the drill: to leave Miraen, they had to hold the hand of a resident who was willing to let them pass. Once they were outside, Aisha cast a barrier to protect them from prying eyes.

  “Aisha, please keep...” Sky whispered. Ben only caught the first part, and Aisha’s reply: “We are alive because of you, I’ll...”

  Observations from the Roof

  Nearly an hour passed. High on a rooftop, a lady with a pale complexion and black hair shivered at what she was seeing.

  “What... what have you done, my friend?” she whispered, clutching her chest. “I can’t stop...”

  --------

  Rheis sat upright on a bed, taking deep breaths. “Mmm, wait. Some spirits want to... but that’s against the law.”

  She paused, listening to the air. “Who is Terry? Those of the Realms? But it’s a little different with these spirits.” She shook her head. “No, I was once told that is specific to areas outside of normal human habitats.”

  She looked toward the door. “That’s nice. You should have started with that. I’m not leaving,” Rheis muttered to herself.

  “Sis! Mom is calling you!” a girl’s voice shouted from downstairs, breaking the silence.

  ---------

  It was just one of those days. "People are dying, Joe. A month in and these monsters are still on the loose. How many are even in Veilwood?” the Guild Master asked. He didn't wait for an answer before continuing. “Let’s do this—considering it’s an adventurer's job to handle such things, let’s just smoke them out today. We reduce the numbers, then everyone can take it from there at their own pace.”

  The next day was on, every adventurer called and ready for the guild master.

  He stepped toward the center of the gathering.

  “Unfortunately, we don't have lots of time, so." The guild master said, taking a breath before continuing.

  "We split up! No casualties! We also have some help, and remember: stay in groups!” the Guild Master shouted, his voice booming as he disappeared back into the crowd.

  In the wake of his command, whispers broke out among the adventurers.

  “Can he even fight?” a guy in the crowd asked.

  “Careful, bro. Have you ever heard of a Guild Master who can’t?” another warned.

  A third friend chimed in, bumping into his shoulder. “Yeah, but have you ever actually seen one fight?”

  “Well...” the guy trailed off, unable to answer.

  Joe was with the gang, the group laughing and joking with each other despite the tension.

  “That’s that. Now we split,” the Guild Master said, turning back to Joe. “Try to cover as much area as you can.”

  “I’ve heard that Veilwood never ends,” Reed remarked, looking toward the treeline.

  “Everyone has heard that,” Lana replied with a small smile.

  As they prepared to move out, someone passed close to Joe. The proximity made him whip around instantly.

  “You. I’ve seen you before,” Joe said, locking eyes with the man. The stranger was white, marked by a distinct scar.

  “Is that a problem?” the man asked coldly.

  “No, not a problem. Yeah... you’re the guy,” Joe said, his eyes narrowing. “That smell—why do you have it?”

  “Which smell?” the man replied, his expression unchanging.

  “Huh. Okay then. We will meet again. I can never forget that smell,” Joe stated.

  The man didn't respond further and continued walking. The two were of similar height, though the stranger was slightly taller and significantly more buff.

  “Joe?” one of his friends called out, noticing his distraction.

  “I saw him when that Sky Darmian thing happened,” Joe replied, still watching the man’s back. “He’s got a specific scent to him. I just forgot to ask about it the first time.”