Right now, a minotaur stood surrounded by armored human soldiers. His towering frame remained visible even from afar. Fury twisted his face as he gripped the massive axe unslung from his back, roaring incoherently. The encircling troops tensed, weapons raised in wary formation.

*What’s happening now? Did this minotaur break some law?*

Mushiyu frowned in confusion. Grace tugged her toward a street stall, snatched a few items, and tossed gold coins to the vendor.

"Hey, uncle," Grace called casually while waiting for change, nodding toward the commotion. "What’s going on over there?"

The vendor didn’t look up, counting coins. "What else? Hmph. Another one trying to leave the city."

Grace’s breath hitched—then smoothed instantly.

"New rules for entering or exiting the city?"

"You two must be new to Suxi City," the vendor said, handing back her change. "Days ago, notices went up: all non-humans banned from entering or leaving. Some thief stole royal treasures and’s hiding among us. Gates are locked down—even skyships get searched. Resist? Straight to jail. See? Another one caught."

"Oh, I see," Grace nodded, passing a pouch of candied fruit to Mushiyu before steering her away.

"...Barbarians, dwarves, pointy-ears—none of ’em good for anything..." The vendor’s muttering followed them.

—*Barbarians meant beastkin. Dwarves were obvious. Pointy-ears? Elvenkind.*

Mushiyu felt an odd irritation, wanting to defend the elves. Then she scoffed inwardly. *Ridiculous. From personal experience? Elves really weren’t likable.*

*Was she a masochist? Suffering Stockholm syndrome?*

She shook her head hard, shoving a large chunk of candied fruit into her mouth.

*Hiss—so sweet...*

Grace glanced at her. "Like it?"

"Tasty! Try some!" Mushiyu offered a piece.

Grace’s eyes flickered. She lifted her mask, bent down, and took the fruit from Mushiyu’s fingers with her lips. Her tongue brushed the sugar-dusted fingertips—just for a trace of a second.

Mushiyu paused, withdrawing her hand. "Well?"

"Mmm. Delicious." Grace savored the syrupy sweetness melting on her tongue, and that other faint, exquisite flavor woven within.

Only after Grace looked away did Mushiyu dare peek at her own fingers. Her face burned. *Did she notice? Probably not...*

She fumbled for a cloth to wipe her hand—when Grace suddenly turned back. Mushiyu jolted, shoving another piece of fruit toward her own mouth. Their eyes met. She forced a calm smile.

Under Grace’s "warm" gaze, Mushiyu "naturally" popped the fruit in...

A hint of amusement sparked in Grace’s eyes.

A thunderous roar shattered the moment. The minotaur swung his axe, glaring at the soldiers. "Move, or I’ll carve a path through you all!"

"Insolence!" A mustached officer slammed his sheathed sword against the cobblestones—*clang!* "This is the Imperial Heartland! Non-humans don’t dictate terms here!" His stern face and ringing voice commanded authority.

"Seize him!"

At his wave, soldiers surged forward. Spears thrust from all sides—dozens of icy points lunging at the minotaur’s chest!

Mushiyu squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for gore. Instead—*BOOM!* The ground shuddered. She peeked: the minotaur stood in a cratered depression, spiderweb cracks radiating beneath his hooves. Every soldier lay sprawled, scrambling up in undignified heaps.

"Whoa! War Stomp!" Mushiyu’s eyes lit up.

*War Stomp—the minotaur’s racial skill. Earthshaker. Strong ones could shake mountains; weaker ones still toppled foes. And a herd charging together? Unstoppable in team fights. No one dared face them head-on.*

*So this is how it looks in reality... Even cooler than I imagined!*

Watching the humans flail, Mushiyu snorted a laugh.

Grace shot her a surprised glance at the outburst, then turned back to the scene.

"Last warning!" the minotaur bellowed at the standing officer. "Step aside, or I lose control!"

The soldiers hesitated, glancing at each other. Only after the officer’s nod did they retreat.

"Good. I respect your spirit," the officer admitted, admiration clear in his eyes. "Rules forbid non-humans passage—but I’ll grant you a chance." He stepped forward, drew his sword with a *shink*, and tossed the sheath to a subordinate. Steel flashed as he slashed the air.

"Defeat me. Pass freely."

The crowd erupted. Excitement flared in their eyes—street duels were rare, especially human officer versus minotaur brute. *Let the show begin!* Besides, seeing their soldiers flattened by a "non-human" stung their pride. This officer’s challenge? Perfect.

"You said it, human!" The minotaur hefted his axe.

"I swear on my name—Dean, Royal Court Knight!" The man’s voice turned solemn. "My word holds."