"Are you going to kill the Aberration?"

Alusa’s face lit up with excitement at Albel’s words. If anyone else had said this, she wouldn’t have believed them—but this black-haired boy? He might actually pull it off.

"But that Aberration has a combined rating of twenty stars," the Elder said, his voice tight with worry despite his own excitement. The Forbidden Forest’s Aberration wasn’t just powerful; its abilities were completely unknown.

"*Twenty stars?*"

Albel’s jaw nearly hit the floor. Twenty-star monsters existed in this world? *Shit. Did I just overplay my hand?* He’d never fought anything above fifteen stars. His special effects were reliable, sure—but against a monster five tiers higher? Who knew if they’d even work? *I’m not ready to die over this. That’d be a terrible trade.*

"Let’s discuss sealing it inste—"

Albel started, rethinking his rashness. Charging blindly into every fight would make him a dumb brute.

"Pfft! Al’s Demon Sword can wipe out entire battlefields in seconds! A measly Aberration? No problem at all! Right, Al?"

Before he could finish, Alicia slapped his shoulder hard, beaming as if bragging about herself.

Albel’s mouth hung open. Slowly, he turned his head toward her. His eye twitched.

*What the hell are you spouting, you idiot? You’re painting me into a corner!*

"Then we leave it to you, Albel! Please eliminate the Aberration!"

Alusa remembered how he’d once cut down an entire army with a single swing. She pressed her palms to her knees and bowed deeply. *This boy might truly save the elves.*

"Hold on, that’s not what I—"

Albel tried to backtrack, but—

"Yes, Sir Albel! Save us, I beg you!" The Elder cut in, his aged voice trembling with devotion. *Alicia… you vicious woman.* Albel clenched his fist, glaring at her smug face. *Damn it. How can I refuse after that?*

*No. My life matters more than pride.*

He gritted his teeth. Even if everyone called him a coward, he’d refuse this suicide mission.

"Will you do it?"

Alusa lifted her head, lips pressed tight with hope as she searched his face.

"Of course."

Albel forced a smile and nodded. *Why can’t I say no to a pretty girl?* *Screw it. Whatever this Aberration is—if it stands in my way, I’ll cut it down.*

"Thank you, Albel!" Alusa beamed, her gratitude genuine.

"You are the elves’ savior, Sir Albel! The Holy Maiden’s prophecy was true!" The Elder’s joy was beyond words. *After a thousand years, this curse ends today.*

"But I don’t know where the Aberration is. I’ll need someone who knows the path to guide me."

Albel’s mind raced. *This is a raw deal. No rewards, just a dangerous unknown monster.* Then his eyes landed on Alusa. *Perfect.* He feigned confusion. *If she guides me, I can use her kiss to summon Levatin… and maybe win her heart after slaying the beast. One monster, one elf bride? Worth it.*

"Only the Elder and I know the Aberration’s location," Alusa began softly, "but the Elder can’t travel, and I’m not fully healed yet—"

The Elder frowned, oblivious to Albel’s scheming. *How could I forget this?*

Albel stayed silent, watching Alusa from the corner of his eye. *She’ll volunteer. She always does.* He pictured their future together. *This Holy Maiden’s too naive. An elf wife is smarter.*

"I can—"

"Pfft! No big deal! Just tell Al the location—he’ll find it himself! Alusa should rest and wait for his triumphant return!"

Alicia slapped Albel’s shoulder again, waving off the concern.

***SLAM!***

Albel’s palm crashed onto the table.

"Sir Albel? Are you unwell?" The Elder flinched. Alusa’s eyes widened in confusion. *Is he angry?*

"Nothing. I just need a private word with *her*."

Albel’s smile was strained as he dragged a bewildered Alicia out under their puzzled stares.

"Alicia. We need to talk."

He backed her against the wall, his expression dark.

"About what?"

She still didn’t sense the danger.

"Do you know what happened to the fifteen Holy Maidens before you?"

Time to lay it bare.

"I-I heard… the Demon King captured them?" Her voice wavered. *Is he going to take me too?* But… he was handsome. Rich. Powerful. Kind to her. *Marrying him wouldn’t be so bad. No horns or fangs—he’d pass for human.*

"Hey, Al, will you take me—"

"*Captured?* They became sex slaves."

Albel’s voice turned icy, shattering her daydream.

"S-Sex slave?"

The words choked her. *He’ll use me… then throw me to his demons.* She imagined being swallowed by a horde of monsters and shuddered, shrinking back.

"Don’t worry. I *planned* that at first. But I’ve changed my mind. Alusa is far better than you. I want *her* as my bride. But you keep ruining my plans." He pressed closer, jabbing a finger at her nose. "If you interfere again and I can’t take her home? I’ll take *you* instead to satisfy my needs. Understood?"

Alicia could only nod frantically, tears welling.

"Interrupt me again, and I’ll shut your mouth *permanently*."

Albel spun on his heel and strode back inside.

"Little Gray… he’s scary. So scary…"

Alicia crumpled against the wall, hugging her Fire Drake and whimpering.

"Now then," Albel said, smoothing his expression as he returned to Alusa’s bedside. "Where were we? You were saying—"

She silently handed him a parchment map marked with a red circle.

*Oh no.*

A cold dread washed over him.

"This is the Forbidden Forest," the Elder explained, tracing a red line to the marked spot. "The Aberration dwells in the ruins at the foot of the Sacred Mountain. This is the quickest route."

*How thoughtful.* Albel’s smile felt like cracking ice. *Why does this always happen to me?*

"Alusa…"

He pinned his last hope on her.

"Thank you, Albel. Meeting you was a blessing."

She took his hand, her touch warm and gentle.

"The elves’ hope rests on you, Sir Albel," the Elder added.

"Don’t worry. I’ll return victorious."

Albel pocketed the map, forcing cheer. *If Alusa won’t come… I’ll need Alicia’s kiss to summon Levatin.* He turned to find her still trembling in the hallway corner, clutching her Fire Drake.

"Alicia… what I said earlier? It was a lie."

He crouched before her, voice soft.

"*Mmmph!*"

She shook her head violently, refusing to speak.

"Talk to me. Seriously—I was just scaring you. Do I *look* like a villain who’d make girls sex slaves?"

He kept his tone gentle.

"Yes."