Lisa Ronal, the daughter of the ancient Ronal family, was a skilled chemist and a member of the prestigious Shield Organization. By a stroke of luck, Lisa stumbled upon information about ancient ruins hidden within the monster's kingdom. Intrigued by the promise of discovering valuable artifacts, Lisa embarked on a quest to locate these ruins.
After three arduous months of searching, Lisa found herself in a camp situated at the base of a majestic mountain. Inside a spacious tent, she sat across from a young man in his thirties, sporting blonde hair.
"Young lady, we've been here for quite a while. It's time we returned to the family," the man named Leo said.
"Leo, if the information is accurate, these ruins date back half a million years. Their historical significance and potential worth are immeasurable," Lisa replied, her eyes gleaming with determination.
"But young lady, we can't be certain if the information in that book is reliable, and you're aware of how much the family needs you right now," Leo reasoned.
Lisa's expression turned somber. "You're right," she conceded. "Give me one more month. If we don't make any progress on the western side, we'll head back."
Although a month seemed like a substantial period, Leo couldn't bear to see Lisa disheartened. "Alright, young lady, one more month it is."
Before they could delve further into their conversation, a voice interrupted from outside the tent.
"May I come in young lady?" a knight called out.
"Enter," Lisa responded, curiosity piqued.
The knight entered and informed Lisa of the presence of people in close proximity to their location.
"What? Are they humans?" Lisa inquired.
"Yes, but we haven't seen them. Our explorer sensed their presence through his spiritual senses," the knight explained.
"Where exactly are they?" Leo asked.
"They're situated on the western side," the knight replied.
"The west side?... Prepare a group of knights to accompany us. We shall pay them a visit," Lisa commanded.
"Very well, young lady," the knight acknowledged before leaving the tent.
"Why must we visit them? They could pose a threat," Leo voiced his concerns as soon as the knight departed.
"As long as they are human, they won't dare to harm me, even if they are dangerous," Lisa asserted confidently.
An hour later, Lisa and her team arrived at a simple camp resembling their own. A large tent was surrounded by seven formidable knights.
"Have you noticed?" Lisa whispered to Leo while observing the camp from a distance.
"Yes, these knights are highly skilled, and there's someone inside the tent who possesses tremendous power," Leo replied.
"Not many individuals can command such a formidable force. The person inside the tent must be of great importance," Lisa deduced.
"If that's the case, he must be acquainted with you, young lady, which means they won't be a threat to us," Leo reassured.
"You're right. Let's approach them," Lisa decided.
After a few minutes, Lisa and her team cautiously closed the distance between them and the camp.
"Who are you? Identify yourselves," the knights guarding the tent demanded, weapons at the ready.
"My name is Lisa, a member of the Ronal family. We come in peace. May I have an audience with your leader?" Lisa spoke calmly and slowly.
"Allow her entry," a commanding voice resonated from within the tent.
"Proceed," the knights granted Lisa passage, parting to make way for her.
Lisa entered the tent, her eyes widening in surprise as soon as she saw the familiar figure before her.
(Fray!!!!) As Lisa stepped into the tent and locked eyes with Fray, a myriad of thoughts and emotions swirled within her mind. Her eyes widened, reflecting a mixture of surprise, curiosity, and a touch of lingering resentment. Memories of their shared history flashed before her, each moment etched with both fondness and frustration.
"Fray, what are you doing here?" she exclaimed.
"Hello, Lisa," Fray responded in a cold tone.
Within the tent, Lisa discovered Fray and Elisa from the Parada family.
"Greetings, Mr. Fray. Hello, Lady Elisa," Leo greeted them.
"Hi, Leo," Fray acknowledged briefly.
"Hello, Mr. Leo," Elisa chimed in.
"Fray, I demand to know what you're doing here," Lisa demanded, her anger evident.
With a nonchalant shrug, Fray replied, "It's none of your concern."
The coldness in Fray's voice stung, amplifying Lisa's frustration, and reminding her of a lot of bad memories. Thus as her eyes narrowed, her tone sharpened with intensity. "You haven't changed one bit, have you?"
Ignoring her remark, Fray remained stoic and distant. "Leo, let's go," Lisa declared, turning away from him.
"Okay, young lady," Leo acquiesced, following Lisa out of the tent.
And so, Lisa and her team walked away from Fray's camp, their steps filled with frustration and resentment.
Lisa's departure from the tent was accompanied by a mix of emotions that played across her face like shifting shadows. Anger simmered within her, its flame fuelled by Fray's cryptic responses and his unwelcome intrusion into her expedition. Yet, beneath her frustration, a lingering sense of curiosity gnawed at her, tempting her to uncover the hidden motives behind his enigmatic presence.
As she stepped out into the wild expanse, the surroundings enveloped her with their awe-inspiring grandeur. Towering mountains loomed overhead, their jagged peaks reaching toward the heavens. The air carried a crispness that invigorated her senses, mingling with the earthy scents of moss and damp foliage. The gentle whisper of the wind rustled the leaves of ancient trees, their presence a testament to the enduring strength of nature.
Lisa's gaze swept across the landscape, absorbing the intricate details of her surroundings, As she said with a serious expression "Leo, we must relocate our camp here as soon as possible,".
"Understood, young lady," Leo replied.