The morning dawned gently over Amiria the capital of the island kingdom of Ednia.
Before embarking on this perilous day.I indulged in a moment of relaxation in the grand onsen of the royal palace.
The vast chamber was adorned in white and gold, its walls decorated with the crest of the kingdom at its center lay an immense bath of elegant design reminiscent of the baths from my former world.
Heated by energy stones a novel invention credited to Sienna Cerkol this bath had become a soothing hot spring, providing a pleasant temperature.
Immersed in the hot water, I let my muscles unwind. "One must care for oneself to protect others," I thought. a maxim from my world echoed in my mind: "A sound mind resides in a sound body." This calm before the storm was necessary.
Once rested, I headed to my study to review reports. I deliberated over the composition of our team for this expedition.
A large garrison would have been excessive, and the terrain called for a more discreet approach. As I pondered the roster, the door opened.
Raelia her beautiful chestnut hair and striking orange eyes alight with resolve, entered dressed in a military outfit followed by her loyal maid Nilyna a stunning woman with fiery red hair dressed in a maid's uniform.
I smiled at both of them.
"Perfect timing, you two. Nilyna, I've decided that you'll accompany us on this expedition."
The young woman's expression shifted to surprise as she pointed to herself.
"Me as well, Majesty?"
I nodded confidently.
"You performed very remarkably during the Ouroboros eradication. Your skills will be indispensable."
Nilyna bowed slightly her tone steady.
"As you command, Majesty."
Thus, our team was finalized: Raelia, Nilyna, Gilbert, Kaylen, and myself. At dawn, we boarded a carriage driven by Gilbert, heading toward a village at the heart of the Forest of Izulte.
During the journey, we discussed the challenges ahead. Kaylen, seated across from Nilyna, broke the silence:
"The villagers report nocturnal animal attacks, but due to the danger, construction in these areas is only done during the day. These assaults seem linked to seasonal changes."
Intrigued, Nilyna posed a question that drew our full attention:
"Could we encounter High Beasts?"
I considered this for a moment.
High Beasts were formidable creatures, far more powerful than ordinary animals.
Most of the time, they remained dormant in the mountains of Lusfor.
Though rare there were occasions when they descended, drawn by easy prey or environmental disruptions.
Raelia, seated to my right, responded calmly:
"It's unlikely, but we must remain vigilant. We cannot dismiss the possibility."
The journey continued in a silence laden with anticipation until we arrived at the village.
It consisted of around thirty hut-like homes arranged around a central clearing where several campfires burned.
Tents had been erected nearby, a testament to the precarious state of the residents.
Upon our arrival, an elderly man with a cane approached Gilbert, likely mistaking him for our leader his face was etched with worry: "P-Please help us the animals have taken over our fields and attacked us this morning we've had to retreat into the village."
I surveyed the scene thankfully, no villagers appeared gravely injured.
However, the weary faces and anxious eyes spoke volumes about the fear gripping them.
Kaylen stepped forward, his tone firm.
"We will handle it these creatures could not only destroy your crops but also attack the village or even reach Amiria."
I nodded in agreement.
"We'll set out immediately."
We departed the village, venturing into the dense Forest of Izulte.
Towering trees stood like silent sentinels, their interwoven branches forming a natural canopy. The sounds of the forest, at times soothing and at times unsettling enveloped us.
With caution we advanced along the path, hands on our weapons, prepared to face whatever dangers lay ahead.
Our mission was clear: to neutralize the animals terrorizing the land and safeguard the kingdom of Ednia.
Yet deep down, I knew the forest of izulte with its mysteries and shadows might hold far more than mere wild beasts.