The dense forest loomed around us, its shadows deepening as the sun began to set. The air was thick with tension, every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs setting my nerves on edge. We had tracked the monster to this secluded part of the wilderness, and I could feel it watching us from the darkness. This was no ordinary beast; it was a manticore, the apex predator of the C-ranked quests.
I signaled to Sylvanna—Elara, in her true name—who nodded in understanding. Her bow was already drawn, an arrow nocked and ready. Beside me, the magma bear, our latest ally, growled softly, its molten eyes scanning the surroundings. This was its debut as a member of our team, and I needed it to perform flawlessly.
