Fenric and Kuro drove back to the house as the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of amber and blood.

  "So what's your answer?" Fenric asked, pushing open his front door.

  Kuro said nothing, still thinking.

  "Well, think fast. She goes on the hunt tomorrow morning."

  They stepped inside—and froze.

  Ella sat on the couch, watching the television and munching on something from a bowl in her lap. She didn't look up.

  "Great. Come on, Ella." Fenric's voice carried more exhaustion than anger. "How many times have I said not to enter my house without my knowledge?"

  "Yeah, yeah." Ella's eyes remained fixed on the screen. Then they darted from Fenric to Kuro. "So what's the answer? Hm?"

  "You're one stubborn bitch, aren't you?" Kuro remarked flatly.

  "Dude!" Fenric shouted, panic clear in his voice.

  Heat shimmered around Ella, her grip on her sword tightened.

  "You bastard—" She rose, screaming, her hand flying to her sword. "That's it! I'm done drowning in shame! I'll just kill you with my Moonreaper and make amends for it!"

  She moved fast—blindingly fast—closing the gap in a heartbeat. Moonreaper swung in a straight arc.

  Mosvmora met it in a perfect block.

  The impact sent a shockwave rippling outward, pushing furniture across the floor and sending Fenric stumbling backward.

  The swords remained locked, neither warrior backing down.

  "Wow." Ella's voice carried genuine surprise. "You actually blocked my attack. Impressive." Her eyes narrowed. "I was already sure, but now I'm certain—you're the one who killed Ravmor. And the Hrungnir Queen too."

  Kuro's arms shook from the strain of holding her blade at bay. He confirmed what he'd suspected: She's not a pushover. She's a threat.

  "Are you just going to babble all day," he grunted, "or are we fighting?"

  "Oh? Challenging me?" Ella's smile turned sharp. "Fine. As you wish."

  "Guys, please stop!" Fenric threw himself between them, arms spread wide. "Anything but my house! It's not properly built—it'll crumble if you clash again! Please, calm down! Let's talk like adults, okay?"

  He turned to Ella, desperate. "You're A-rank now. Don't you think you should act more mature than the rest of us? Don't give in to his taunting!"

  Then to Kuro: "And you—please stop picking on her, man! Guys, I'm begging you!"

  His tail swayed frantically.

  Both warriors remained locked in their standoff, swords pressed together, neither yielding.

  A full minute passed.

  Then, simultaneously, both pulled back.

  Fenric nearly collapsed with relief. "Thank Molly. Thank you. Please, let's just sit down, have some beer, and talk peacefully, okay?"

  He positioned himself between them like a living barrier.

  Silence.

  "...Fine." Ella sheathed Moonreaper with a sharp motion. "But if he insults me again, it's game over. I warned you."

  "Of course! Of course!" Fenric gestured frantically toward the couch. "Please, take your seat. And Kuro—please, you heard her. And of course I know you won't listen, so I'll do the talking while you just sip your beer. Okay?"

  Kuro let out a small sigh.

  "Great! Now let's drink."

  Fenric sat in the middle, with Ella on his right and Kuro on his left.

  After two glasses, Fenric finally broke the tense silence.

  "So, Ella... before, you said you were drowning in shame. What did you mean?"

  Ella stared into her drink. "It means exactly what it sounds like. I'm ashamed that not once, but twice, I've had to lie. To deceive. To get awarded and praised for something I didn't do. Something I don't deserve. I—"

  "But Ella, the orc thing was our request!" Fenric interrupted gently. "You were actually helping us. You don't have to feel shame—it was—"

  "No shit. But that doesn't mean I'm proud of it." Ella's voice hardened. "But mainly, more than the orc king, it's the one with Ravmor that shames me the most. And I don't have any excuse for that. Now do you get why I'm angry?"

  She turned to glare at Kuro.

  "It's not because of his insults. It's because this bastard doesn't accuse me of robbing his kill. Doesn't question my actions. Doesn't make me regret what I did."

  She was fuming, breathing heavily.

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  "I... uhm... I mean, that's just how he is," Fenric tried weakly. "It's just being human, okay? It's no—"

  "Shut up." Ella's voice went cold.

  Fenric gave up immediately. "Yes. Let's keep drinking."

  "I'm not dancing again," she muttered.

  "Hm-mm." Both Fenric and Kuro nodded in unison.

  More silence stretched between them, broken only by the sound of drinking.

  "Is that bastard going to speak or what?!" Ella finally shouted, irritation breaking through.

  Fenric turned to Kuro, his expression pleading.

  Kuro sighed.

  "Idio—Ella." He caught himself. "You said you feel shame, but why are you taking the entire blame?" He turned to face her directly. "Is it not your group's fault—the Dragonbloods—for taking the credit?"

  Ella blinked. "I mean... yes. But how are you sure?"

  "It's obvious. You left the group, didn't you? That's reason enough."

  "Wait, what?" Fenric gasped, genuinely shocked.

  "How—how do you know?" Ella stammered. "Even Master Rhanes doesn't know!"

  "I'm pretty sure he knows," Kuro took another sip. "But to answer your question: it's simple. You don't have your group crest. I saw it in the guild photo near Ravmor's heart—the dragon emblem. And you came here alone proves it."

  "Wow." Fenric stared at Kuro with open admiration. "I thought I was good at detective stuff, but you, partner—you take the cake." He turned to Ella. "So?"

  Ella looked down at her drink. "I left the group, yes. Because I don't like the way they've become. But even though they're the main reason for stealing the credit, I was still part of them then." She lifted her eyes to Kuro. "So what are you trying to say?"

  Kuro was silent for a long moment. Then he sighed deeply.

  "I... forgive you." He whispered it. "If that's what you want."

  Ella's eyes went wide. She stared at Kuro, who was now looking at the television, deliberately avoiding her gaze.

  Slowly, she covered her face with both hands.

  "Thanks," she whispered back.

  It was all she'd wanted. The word resonated through her like a bell.

  She stood abruptly, took a small walk around the hall, then jumped loosely in place, shaking her head as if trying to clear it.

  Fenric leaned toward Kuro. "What are you seeing?"

  "Hm? Ah... a drunk bitc—woman—running around crazy."

  "No." Fenric smiled. "A drunk woman being happy. She's happy. Thanks, partner."

  "Hm. Whatever. I just spoke what I thought, that's all."

  Ella returned to her seat, her face still carrying a tint of blush.

  "So now that's out of the way..." She straightened, focusing on Kuro with renewed intensity. "About tomorrow—you're joining me, right? You basically admitted you're the one who killed Ravmor. I know about the Queen too, and I literally witnessed the Crown Horn fight. So, I'm pretty sure you'll be a big help hunting Morvane."

  She paused, then added quickly: "It's not that I need help. But it'll be easier with you. What do you say?"

  "Before that," Fenric interrupted, "how do you know about the Hrungnir Queen?"

  "Oh, it's nothing. I actually arrived here five days ago and did some research the body is still there partially. Met Mr. Evandrous—he talked shit—but his granddaughter Nina was happy to help."

  "That scissor-tongued brat," Fenric cursed under his breath.

  "So?" Ella turned back to Kuro, demanding. "What's your answer?"

  Kuro fell silent.

  Finally, he spoke. "I'll give you my answer tomorrow morning."

  "What? Why not now?"

  "I'm drunk."

  "So?"

  "Come on, the man is tired!" Fenric intervened. "He'll give you the answer tomorrow, okay? You can even sleep here if you want—you can take my bed."

  Kuro kicked Fenric's leg hard.

  "Ouch!"

  Ella crossed her arms, thinking. "Fine. I'll come early morning. Be ready."

  "Of course."

  She stood and headed for the door.

  After she left, Fenric turned to Kuro, rubbing his shin. "What was that for?"

  "Be grateful she didn't agree to sleep here."

  "What? Why?"

  Kuro just gave him the look.

  Fenric's confusion slowly transformed into sharp understanding. No, you won't.

  Early Morning

  Knock, knock.

  No answer.

  Knock, knock, knock.

  Still no answer.

  Ella opened the main door of Fenric's house and stepped inside, looking around.

  Empty.

  No one was home.

  Her eye began to twitch.

  On the Road to the Tall Forest

  "Partner, are you sure about this?" Fenric asked, gripping Beretta's handlebars as they sped down the dirt road.

  Kuro sat in the sidecar, expression set. "Hundred percent. That bird is my kill, and I'm not sharing. There's a possibility the bird who cursed me is Morvane."

  "But like I said, it's not like any other beast you've fought before. I think partnering up with Ella would be a good idea."

  "That's for me to decide. You just drive."

  "I don't like this," Fenric whined.

  VROOOOOM.

  An engine roared behind them—then beside them.

  Windwaker pulled up alongside Beretta like it was standing still, engine growling with predatory power.

  The side window slid down, revealing Ella.

  "I can't believe this!" she shouted over the wind. "You lying bastards! And you, Fenric—my old friend—you too?!"

  "Sorry, Ella! I didn't have any choice! Please understand me!" Fenric begged.

  "Yeah, yeah, whatever." She turned her glare on Kuro. "And you—I get your answer loud and clear. If that's how you want to play it, then so be it. Let's see how you find Morvane's lair. As for me? I know exactly where it is."

  She smiled sarcastically.

  "Byeeee!"

  Windwaker's engine roared. The wagon shot forward, throwing dust in their faces as it disappeared down the road.

  "That bitch." Kuro's jaw tightened. "Tch. Fenric, what are you doing? Pick up the speed!"

  "You know this is Beretta's top speed! Just sit tight—we'll get there... eventually."

  "Tch."

  An hour later, Beretta came to a stop before the edge of the Tall Forest.

  "Why are you stopping?" Kuro asked.

  "It's dangerous to drive inside. The sound will wake unnecessary obstacles." Fenric paused. "And..."

  "Fine. Just stay here. I'll go alone." Kuro climbed out of the sidecar. "That idiot probably already woke the entire forest anyway."

  Fenric's ears drooped. "Thanks, partner. I won't be much help, but I'm rooting for you. Please come back in one piece. I'll pray for you."

  He hesitated, then added: "And Kuro—Morvane is located in the Sunless Depth, deep in the forest. I don't know the exact way, but I'm sure you can find it."

  Kuro didn't answer. He simply nodded and walked straight into the forest.

  I'm back where I started. Let's see how I hold up now.

  Kuro walked past giant trees, their trunks wider than houses, their canopies disappearing into mist above. He moved deeper and deeper.

  The scenery was familiar.

  After wandering for a while, his curse mark suddenly throbbed—a sharp, insistent pulse.

  Kuro changed direction immediately, as if he knew exactly where the high beast waited.

  He kept walking until he could no longer see the forest clearly.

  He had reached the Sunless Depth.

  Here, the giant trees grew in odd, twisted patterns, their branches interweaving so thickly above that sunlight barely penetrated. It created an illusion of perpetual night—a darkness so complete it felt like dusk had fallen hours ago.

  Kuro sharpened his focus. His body tensed. His right hand moved to Mosvmora's handle.

  Step by step, he advanced through the gloom.

  Then—

  Something moved.

  So quickly Kuro didn't have time to process.

  A giant beak came like an executioner's axe, aiming to snip his head from his shoulders in one clean motion. It snapped shut with a sound that promised decapitation.

  Kuro's hat fell backward off his head.

  Silence.

  The beak pulled back.

  Kuro stood frozen, his head and body tilted at an impossible angle—escaping death by a hair's breadth.

  His eyes had gone pale with shock. Then color flooded back. He blinked hard, darting his gaze around, processing what had just happened.

  Slowly—very slowly—his head turned left.

  Eye met eye.

  The monster's eye size of his Head was completely black, with an ocean-blue pupil that framed it like a gemstone set in obsidian. It stared directly at him, unblinking.

  Intelligence glimmered in that gaze.

  Recognition.

  A small, almost unnoticeable smile formed on Kuro's face.

  "Found you," he whispered.