Sylia Forest was deathly quiet. Inside, ancient trees soared high, blocking out the sun.

A scholar-like man in white robes walked beside his black-armored companion—a guard—on the forest’s ever-frozen snow path.

The deeper north in Sylia Forest, the thicker the snow. Near the southern edge, seasons were barely distinct. But northward, the snow refused to melt. Ancient giants blocked direct sunlight, making the trail’s snow even harder to thaw.

The pair trudged silently down the snowy path, clearly seasoned in the deep woods. Roars of large Corpse Eaters occasionally echoed nearby. These dangerous northern variants usually lurked only in Sylia’s north, yet they showed no urge to attack.

Rather, the Corpse Eaters seemed to fear them. They kept their distance, only pacing warily around the duo.

"Hey, bro, hold up," the white-robed man suddenly called out, stopping the armored one. "Found something interesting. Gotta tell the Blood Witch at the library first."

"Got it," the armored man replied, halting to scan their surroundings.

Then, as if by magic, the white-robed man slipped into his own shadow. Now, alone in the perilous forest, the armored man stood solitary.

Soon after, a silver-haired woman in casual clothes elegantly emerged from an empty shadow on the ground.

"Long time no see, Blood Witch."

"Oh, right—you’re…"

"You don’t even remember my name? How cruel."

"A mere shepherd dog’s name isn’t worth recalling. Guests approach from the south. Go greet them. Seems like a hunters’ party."

"Per your orders, I only work with the Fourth and Fifth Avatars. I don’t take commands from you."

"My brother’s in that group. If you don’t want your forest schemes exposed, obey me now, stray dog," the silver-haired woman snapped impatiently.

"Yes, yes, Witch Lady," the armored man conceded, raising his hands submissively after the scolding.

"Hmph. Dogs should act like dogs."

"So, what’s my task?"

"Take your little lambs and give them a warm welcome. But the Gulenna royals are in the party—don’t overdo it. I’ll reunite with my dear brother," the Blood Witch said cheerfully.

"Ah, then that ridiculously strong monster is yours to handle."

"First, prep a welcome spot. Hey, shepherd dog, lend me some lambs."

The armored man whistled. The forest stirred. A horde of Corpse Eaters swarmed toward them.

"Oh dear, when did your flock get so huge?"

"Well, it’s the Blood Witch’s request. I brought my entire stock."

"Smart. Pick a few useful ones and go. I’ll take the rejects."

The armored man left with two red Corpse Eaters and one black, leaving the silver-haired woman amid the horde.

Then, humming a merry tune, she led the foul-smelling Corpse Eaters, moving slowly through the forest.