The sun hung low, casting golden rays across the rugged path winding through the Elderglow Mountains.
Mandira, a mage with sharp eyes and a keen sense, led the way, her staff tapping the earth rhythmically. Behind her trudged Shennong and Romina whose steps faltered under the weight of exhaustion.
Mandira's brow furrowed as she glanced back at her companions. "I've never worked with monsters like this before," she said, her voice laced with unease. "Especially succubi. They're dangerous, you know. Most mages and knights would've eradicated them on sight."
Shennong, adjusting the pack slung over his shoulder, chuckled softly. "I don't know about other succubi, but Rilith, Velara, and Yenissa? They're not bad people. Monsters aren't bad either—they're just trying to survive, same as us."
Mandira sighed, her staff pausing mid-step. "I know that, Shennong. It's just… their ideals, their way of living—it clashes with ours. That's where the conflict comes from."
