Makoto and Airi moved cautiously through the outskirts of the Moonlit Forest. The tension from their earlier encounter still lingered, and the faint sounds of the forest—rustling leaves, distant howls, and the occasional bird call—did little to ease their nerves.
Airi's footsteps faltered as she glanced at Makoto. "You didn't have to intervene back there. They might've turned on you instead."
Makoto offered her a calm look, his voice steady. "And if I hadn't, what would've happened to you?"
Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn't argue. Instead, she tightened her grip on her satchel. "Thank you. But why are you out here? You don't seem like someone who's here for mere herbs."
Makoto chuckled softly. "Let's just say our missions align in some ways. I'm gathering herbs too, though my task keeps me on the outskirts. Unlike yours, which clearly brought you much deeper into danger."
Airi looked away, her expression conflicted. "I didn't realize how far I'd wandered. My sect will reprimand me for this."
The two continued walking, their conversation turning lighter as the distance between them and the earlier danger grew. Airi spoke of her life in the Ethereal Blossom Sect, a sect renowned for its expertise in alchemy and cultivation techniques tailored for women.
"We specialize in nurturing spiritual energy and refining unique medicinal pills. But because we focus so heavily on inner strength, many underestimate our martial prowess," Airi explained, her tone tinged with pride.
Makoto nodded thoughtfully. "It's no easy task to balance both paths. Your sect's reputation is well-earned."
Airi glanced at him curiously. "You seem different from most disciples I've met. Less... arrogant."
Makoto smirked. "I've had my share of lessons in humility."
Their conversation was cut short by the sudden snapping of a branch. Both of them tensed, their hands instinctively moving to their weapons.
Out of the shadows stepped a beast—a massive Shadowfang Wolf, its glowing yellow eyes fixed on them. Its dark fur shimmered under the moonlight, and its sharp fangs glistened as it growled lowly.
Airi's face paled. "A Shadowfang... This far out?"
Makoto positioned himself between Airi and the beast, his sword drawn. "It must have strayed from its pack. Stay behind me."
The wolf crouched low, preparing to pounce. Makoto's grip tightened on his sword as he analyzed its movements. Fast, but predictable.
When the wolf lunged, Makoto sidestepped and slashed upward, his blade slicing through its flank. The wolf yelped but quickly turned, its claws swiping at him. Makoto ducked, his movements fluid and precise.
Behind him, Airi began chanting softly, her hands glowing faintly with a green light. A small Healing Barrier enveloped Makoto, enhancing his stamina and soothing his minor cuts.
"Nice trick," Makoto muttered, glancing back at her.
Airi smirked. "Just don't let it bite you."
The wolf growled again, its movements becoming more erratic. Makoto saw his opening and dashed forward, his blade piercing the beast's chest. The wolf let out a final, pained howl before collapsing.
As the wolf's body stilled, Makoto wiped his blade clean and turned to Airi. "Are you okay?"
She nodded, though her hands trembled slightly. "I didn't expect to face a Shadowfang today."
Makoto glanced around the area. "It's unusual for them to roam this close to the outskirts. Something's driving them out of their territory."
Airi hesitated. "Could it be related to the rumors? About the Lunar Essence Orb?"
Makoto's eyes narrowed. "You've heard of it too?"
She nodded. "It's said to have formed deep within the forest under a rare celestial phenomenon. The Lunar Essence Orb is an ancient relic believed to amplify cultivation by leaps and bounds. Many sects are sending disciples to search for it. Its power could shift the balance of strength between factions."
Makoto's thoughts drifted to Ren and the others. So that's what they were after.
Their conversation was interrupted by the faint sound of shouting. Makoto and Airi exchanged glances before hurrying toward the noise. As they approached, they saw a group of Azure Sun Sect disciples cornering a lone figure.
The figure was a young man, his robes tattered and his face bloodied. He held a broken staff, his stance unsteady but defiant.
"Just hand it over!" one of the disciples barked. "You're no match for us, and you know it."
The young man spat at their feet. "Over my dead body."
Makoto's jaw tightened. He recognized the leader of the group—it was Ryo, accompanied by another disciple from the Azure Sun Sect.
Without hesitation, Makoto stepped forward. "What's going on here?"
Ryo turned, his expression darkening. "Makoto? What are you doing here?"
Makoto's voice was cold. "I could ask you the same thing. Aren't you supposed to be on a mission for the sect?"
Ryo sneered. "This doesn't concern you. Stay out of it."
Makoto ignored him and turned to the young man. "Are you hurt?"
The young man looked at him warily but nodded. "They're after my findings. I stumbled upon something they want."
Makoto's gaze hardened as he turned back to Ryo. "Bullying a fellow disciple? That's low, even for you."
Ryo stepped forward, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "You're really pushing your luck, Makoto."
Before things could escalate, Airi stepped out from behind Makoto. "Enough. Fighting among disciples is forbidden, or have you forgotten the rules of the sect?"
Ryo hesitated, his eyes narrowing. "Who are you to lecture me?"
Makoto smirked. "She's right, you know. Unless you want to explain this to the elders, I suggest you leave."
Ryo glared at him but eventually stepped back. "This isn't over, Makoto." With that, he and his group retreated into the forest.
Makoto turned to the young man. "You're safe now. What were they after?"
The young man hesitated before pulling a small, glowing orb from his satchel. "It's a fragment of the Lunar Essence Orb. I found it near the edge of the forest."
Airi gasped. "That's incredibly rare. No wonder they wanted it."
Makoto nodded. "Keep it hidden and head back to the sect. The forest isn't safe right now."
The young man bowed. "Thank you. I owe you both my life."
As he disappeared into the trees, Makoto turned to Airi. "We need to find out more about this Lunar Essence Orb. It's causing too much trouble."
Airi nodded, determination flickering in her eyes. "Agreed. But we'll need to tread carefully. The deeper we go, the more dangerous it'll get."
Makoto smirked. "Danger doesn't scare me. Let's move."
Together they went deeper