Nora's adventuring party sensed the abnormal surroundings and grew extra vigilant. Nora was woken up, looking utterly confused. She rubbed her eyes and mumbled, "Is it dawn yet?"

Ferrero heard her and smiled slightly. "Not yet. Something's off around us. I woke you first."

Nora perked up instantly, scanning the area warily. She turned to Lucy beside her. "Sister Lucy, if danger comes, I'll protect you."

Lucy felt a brief flicker of embarrassment but recovered quickly. "Okay."

Nora missed Lucy's expression shift. She called to Angelo and Angjuro. "Brothers, you gotta give it your all too!"

Angjuro stayed silent, just nodding. Angelo replied smoothly, "Of course we will. We'll keep you safe."

His words were hollow. Inside, he schemed how to steal Nora's weapon.

Ferrero, the mage, addressed the group. "I'll summon a hawk to scout the area."

Hawks shared their master's vision—a handy magic. Some preferred this over perception spells, using animals to sense threats.

Everyone had private thoughts, but survival united them. Ferrero's hawk had saved them before, spotting dangers early for detours.

Ferrero focused, his vision soaring high above. He couldn't see the ground below.

Faintly, he spotted a bright light rushing toward them in the distance. He didn't know what it was, but dread flooded him. At that speed, it'd arrive in under a minute.

Just as he moved to recall the spell, a sharp pain stabbed his chest. He realized too late—the trio had struck while he was defenseless. Ambushed now, he was dead. Next would be little Nora.

His consciousness snapped back to his body. He saw Nora confronting Lucy and the others, fury on her face but holding back. She might not beat all three, and Ferrero needed protection.

Nora gripped Ferrero, shouting angrily, "What are you doing? Why attack Uncle Ferrero?"

Ferrero stared at the three. Their faces were cold, silent.

He choked out, "Nora... my fault. I didn't warn you. These heartless traitors want your weapon. They'll kill you for it."

Nora couldn't believe it. "Why? If you want the weapon, kill me! Why hurt Uncle Ferrero?"

Lucy finally spoke. "This old fool refused his share. So he gets nothing."

Ferrero coughed weakly, blood gushing from his mouth. Death was near.

Nora loved treasure, but loyalty ran deeper. Ferrero had cared for her. She'd avenge him.

She whipped out the Colossal Sword from her back, activated a skill to boost her level by five, and gripped the blade, ready to fight to the death.

Lucy's group wasn't afraid. Three against one? Easy.

Tension crackled—then a sharp whoosh split the sky. Everyone looked up. A sinister-faced man hovered midair, gazing down imperiously.

His voice was icy. "How do you want to play this?"