"From this point forth, this is my territory! Take a single step, and I'll end you, meow!"
...This little black kitten is actually speaking, and it's seriously trying to intimidate us.
I mean, running into a magical creature on our first step—what's up with that?
And sure, it looks exactly like a Midnight Aegis, but... Haha, I can't believe it.
"Lady Serena, what's the plan?"
"The Midnight Aegis monster is supposed to be a massive lion-like creature. Also, even though it's a magical being, dealing with such a small kitten feels a bit... inappropriate."
With her sapphire eyes gleaming, Serena gazes at the kitten, seemingly enamoured with it and even considering taking it home.
"I can't allow it. Even if it's a kitten, it's still a magical creature. As it grows, it could pose a threat to us."
Mir, unusually serious, gives her opinion. It's a bit jarring to hear her speak so earnestly, but considering she's been glancing at the kitten, it seems she's eager to avoid taking it home.
"Ugh... Mir, you're so stubborn."
"Milady, please show a bit more restraint."
Serena seems peeved, but she doesn't challenge Mir, reluctantly abandoning the idea.
However, even Mir, seemingly against her will, is biting her lip. If I encourage Serena, she might just scoop it up and take it home. But, if something goes wrong, it'll all be my fault.
"Hey! I'm strong, meow! Terrifying, meow! Be even more scared, meow!"
The kitten energetically swings its forelegs, desperately trying to impress us. Each time it does something, it captivates Serena's heart.
"Elysion, how about taking this kitten with us?"
No, no, wait a minute, please!...don't give me those cat eyes Serena…
"Just kidding. I thought it would be interesting to see how much more I could tease you."
She teases me even in situations like this... Why is she so mischievous?
"Ugh... don't scare me like that."
I let out a sigh of relief.
"By the way, do you know what I want to do, meow?"
"Huh? What is it?"
"...If you promise not to attack me, meow, I'll guide you to a rare item, meow."
A rare item? Really?
"Is it genuinely a rare item?"
"Meow, you doubt me, meow? But it's a really good item, meow. Do you believe me, meow?"
What should I do? Should I trust it? But if it's just a prank, we might waste time.
"I trust you."
Before me, Serena replied with no help, I just nodded my head
"Meow, good choice. Follow me, meow!"
The little kitten starts leading the way.
"Where are you taking us?"
"Meow, it's a secret until we get there, meow!"
And so, we follow the kitten deeper into the forest. What is this strange turn of events?
"...If you listen to meow, I won't mind giving you the 'Midnight Aegis shield.'"
This guy... for a kitten, he's making such a wicked face.
But to get the 'Midnight Aegis,' I have no choice but to either listen to this guy or defeat him... there's no other option.
"So, what do you want in return for your 'offer'?"
"Oh, it's simple, meow. Just tear apart the intruders who dared to encroach on Midnight Aegis-lord's territory."
What he's saying sounds dangerous, but his appearance as a kitten lacks the intensity. Well, despite the playful demeanour, Midnight Aegis's eyes, shining in golden brilliance, seem to exude a sense of tragedy.
So...
"I refuse."
"Why, meow!? Why, don't you want the 'Midnight Aegis'!?"
"Well, I do want it, but..."
Although it looks like this, a small kitten, the Midnight Aegis is considered a dangerous entity in this world, enough to become a legend spread in the Silvercrest Kingdom. Even though it's just a mid-boss in 'Engage hundred times,' it could still be a formidable opponent.
Despite that, to ask for assistance from mere humans like us implies that there's something... beyond his capabilities. There's a possibility of facing an adversary that could be a raid boss-class threat.
Moreover...
"Lord Elysion...?"
I don't want to expose, this doll-like creature, Serena to danger.
"P-Perhaps, you think the 'intruders' are humans? If that's the case, you can rest assured. It's a magical creature, so there's no problem!"
Seeing my lack of enthusiasm, Midnight Aegis desperately tries to convince me. Also, it seems to have misunderstood that I'm concerned about the possibility of the adversary being a human.
However, given its tone and reaction, the possibility of it being a dangerous magical creature has increased.
"Lord Elysion. How about checking what kind of being he refers to as 'intruders' first?"
"Yes. Although it may sound arrogant, if it's milady and me, handling a... magical creature shouldn't be an issue."
The two, captivated by the cuteness, side with Midnight Aegis.
"No, it could be dangerous."
"Prince…please, have faith in me. I will get the weapon for you."
"No..allright, I believe you." I can refuse her, after all she said.
Well, if it looks dangerous, we can always retreat.
"Haa...But, if we find it too much to handle, we'll turn back immediately. Is that fine?"
"Meow! Sure, but I'll only give you the 'Midnight Aegis shield' once you defeat that magical creature!"
With a sigh, I find myself on the side of Midnight Aegis, which is beaming with joy. Given its reaction and the potential rewards, it's evident that the magical creature is quite formidable.
"Follow meow!"
Happily leading the way, the magical kitten moves away from me. I sigh once again.