Rebecca and her group were traveling to the Kasmo Empire. Though the journey was long with no convenient transport, this world had griffins—fast-flying magical beasts tamed by many races for years. There was also quicker teleportation magic. But it required powerful mages, who were scarce. So, teleportation circles were usually set up by multiple skilled mages in major cities, with steep fees. Now, Rebecca’s party headed toward Lisang City, a key southern stronghold of the Kasmo Empire.

Rebecca had been away from the Dark Forest for four days. They’d been roughing it, mostly on horseback. Though her physique kept her from tiring easily, she’d never endured such a long trek, especially by horse. Even resting against Lilia’s ample, soft bosom couldn’t ease the bone-jarring saddle bumps. By now, Rebecca truly admired this world’s people. Forced by circumstance—no cars, trains, or planes—they relied on horses, and she found herself impressed by this constant equestrian life.

The journey was dull. Even Lilia, the chatterbox, fell silent after two days. After that, the five of them spoke little on the road. Only at camp, when everyone rested, would Lilia start chattering again...

“...It’s going to rain. We need shelter fast, or we’ll get soaked,” Lilia said, the first to notice the darkening sky. She’d always been a bit impulsive.

Laura, leader of their squad, checked the sky, nodded, and pulled out a map. “Caves at that mountain’s base. Let’s hurry.”

“Laura, is that mercenary-bought map accurate? What if there are no caves? That’d be bad...” Lilia quipped.

“Shut your mouth. You chatter like Kami’s annoying parrot!” Laura snapped, pursing her lips.

“Oh, dear Laura, how can you say that about my parrot?” Kami said with a perpetual squinty-eyed smile.

Lilia didn’t reply. Instead, she made a face at Laura. Laura spurred her horse forward, leading the way to the nearby mountain base.

Rebecca had seen these girls bicker endlessly over the days. Though the dull journey made them conserve energy and talk less, squabbles still flared up now and then. As a spectator, Rebecca treated it like a show. These moments brought a rare trace of ease and joy to her, who’d spent endless days training and researching due to her background.

Bickering aside, the others followed Laura’s lead to the mountain base. Sure enough, they found several medium-sized caves halfway up the slope.

“Well? Still doubting my map?” Laura couldn’t help showing off again.

“Alright, alright, you’re the best~ Check for beasts inside and chase them off. Tonight, I’m sleeping with Rebecca~” Lilia dismounted and lifted Rebecca off her horse. Soft and petite, Rebecca was light and easy to carry.

“I feel sorry for Rebecca, squeezed in your arms all day. That must be awful...” Laura shook her head.

“You’re just jealous~” Lilia boasted, holding Rebecca close.

“Hmph!” Laura turned away, drew her greatsword, and strode toward the pitch-black cave. Despite their squabble, team spirit kicked in for Lilia. She told Rebecca to stay put and followed Laura inside.

“Rebecca, aren’t they fun?” Kami suddenly appeared beside her, smiling warmly.

“They... get along... very... well...” Rebecca stammered out her thoughts.

“Rebecca, you’re such a perceptive child~ But Lilia’s right. Laura is jealous. A pretty, cute girl like you—I want to hold you too~” With that, Kami wrapped her arms around Rebecca.

“Uh...” Rebecca froze. She’d thought Lilia just liked pretty things, like herself. But Rebecca, who’d never left the Dark Forest and had met few humans, realized she was surprisingly popular—many wanted to hold her. Still... it felt nice~

“Ahhh! Damn you, Kami! You stole Rebecca while I was gone!” Lilia stormed out of the cave, shouting. Laura followed, her face dark with displeasure...

Beautiful, lovely Rebecca was hugged by someone else again—I haven’t even held her yet! Laura fumed inwardly...

“No beasts in the cave?” Kami asked off-topic, not letting go of Rebecca.

“None!”

“Alright then, let’s go in. It’s about to rain~” Kami chirped.

“Let go of Rebecca! She’s mine!” Lilia grabbed one of Rebecca’s hands.

“She’s not an object to give away,” Kami smoothly took Rebecca’s other hand.

“Mine! I’m sleeping with Rebecca tonight!”

“Oh dear, you should ask Rebecca~ Rebecca, do you want to sleep with this cow? Oh? No? Perfect~”

“Damn you, Kami! Rebecca didn’t say anything!”

“You just didn’t hear her!”

“Enough!” Laura suddenly roared, glaring at them. “This is wilderness, full of beasts and maybe demons. Stop fooling around! Lilia and Emily, set traps at the cave entrance. Kami, prepare dinner!”

Laura’s shout silenced Lilia and Kami. Unusually, they didn’t argue back and quietly got to work. The captain’s authority was clear—Rebecca saw it for the first time. She realized this seemingly lazy team was actually strict and meticulous; crossing the Dark Forest wasn’t luck. But... when everyone left to work, and Laura pulled her into the cave with a smug smile, Rebecca knew she’d been wrong...

Laura wanted to get close to Rebecca too...

People adore beautiful things, especially a stunning, delicate girl like Rebecca, who sparked protective instincts. Over the days, though silent, Rebecca had quietly observed the four girls. Laura, as captain, maintained a leader’s pose. But at seventeen, she was too young; no matter how she acted mature, it felt forced. Simply put, her leadership wasn’t natural yet—she was still learning the ropes...

So, after shooing everyone away with feigned sternness, she got precious time alone with Rebecca and got carried away. Before this, Laura’s dignity as captain kept her from being too affectionate, though she desperately wanted to hold Rebecca like Lilia did. But as leader, she couldn’t lose all decorum...

“Rebecca, I couldn’t give you good food on the road. Make do for now. When we get home, I’ll treat you properly~” Alone, Laura showed rare warmth, dropping her usual cold facade.

Rebecca didn’t speak, just nodded faintly. But Laura didn’t mind the coolness. She was excited, almost itching to act...

She was still a kid—seeing something beautiful and cute, she wanted to claim it and hold it tight. But now, her last shred of restraint held her back. She hesitated, searching for an excuse to hug Rebecca.

Rebecca turned away, oblivious to Laura’s inner turmoil. She scanned the medium-sized cave, dreaming of a Demon Potion recipe in the Kasmo Empire to fix her condition. Once she regained her manhood, she vowed to pin Lilia down—the one who treated her like a doll—and give her a thorough rubbing!!!

As Rebecca fantasized, Laura behind her transformed into a ‘demon,’ ready to pounce. Rebecca remained completely unaware.

“Laura~ Traps are set from the cave entrance to two hundred meters out. We’ll have time if trouble comes... Huh? Laura, what are you doing?” Lilia stared oddly at Laura, who had her arms raised high.

“N-nothing. My arms are sore...” Lilia’s sudden return snapped Laura back to reality. She awkwardly shook her hands.

“Sore arms?” Lilia asked, puzzled.

“Yeah... Anyway, let’s eat dinner. It’s getting late. Sleep after, and we ride early tomorrow,” Laura waved off.

Just then, Kami walked in. “The instant rations are ready. Dinner time~”

“Mhm~ Dinner~” Laura hurried over first.

Lilia watched Laura’s odd behavior curiously. Kami smirked at Laura’s back...

After dinner, everyone slept soundly under the protection of traps and magical barriers. But a small figure silently approached the cave entrance...

The night’s heavy rain masked its footsteps... A flash of lightning briefly illuminated the small figure, oozing terrifying dark energy...

“Crack!” A thunderclap boomed. The short, dark figure crept into the cave. In the pitch black, a pair of eerie, red-glowing eyes flashed on its face...