Lyasis’s friendly demeanor toward outsiders was exactly what Suran had expected.

She was perfectly playing the role of a “human mage.” In this guise, she no longer needed to uphold the Night Demon clan’s neutrality—she could freely make friends.

And kindness, it seemed, was simply Lyasis’s way of connecting with others.

After restocking supplies, the trio introduced themselves: the male warrior was Hushang, the male priest was Bati, and the female elf mage was Ruby.

“We met and formed a team two months ago,” Hushang said cheerfully, sitting cross-legged by the campfire. “Our goal is to pass the Adventurers Guild assessment and become official adventurers!”

“We’ve worked hard for this. Feeling ready, we headed to Lobet City to take the test.”

“But tonight, while searching for a campsite, we accidentally startled that ‘Elite-level’ magic bear… Nearly didn’t make it. Thank goodness you saved us!”

“Hmm… What tier is an ‘Elite-level’ monster?” Lyasis asked curiously.

“Ah! So you *are* a rookie adventurer,” Hushang chuckled. “I noticed earlier—you wear a mage’s robes, but your every gesture screams ‘young lady.’ Zero adventuring experience, huh?”

“To leave a comfortable life behind and journey out with just a maid… That takes real courage!”

“Adventurer ranks go F, E, D, C, B, A, AA, AAA, S. ‘Elite-level’ monsters are usually E-rank targets. F-rank teams need at least five people to handle one.”

“As you saw, we’re aiming for F-rank. No way we could’ve beaten that thing.”

“Sister Maid took down that ‘Elite-level’ bear in one move! You must be at least C-rank, right?” Ruby gazed at Suran with starry-eyed admiration.

“I am not an adventurer,” Suran replied calmly, seated beside Lyasis. “Merely an ordinary maid.”

“Eh? R-really… ahaha…” Ruby laughed awkwardly, *This “ordinary” maid is anything but…*

She’d assumed Suran was a high-tier adventurer hired by a noble house—serving, accompanying, and protecting the young mistress.

After a few more casual exchanges, fatigue set in. They settled down to rest.

The night passed peacefully.

…

Lobet City—the largest multi-racial metropolis in Ohamar Duchy.

From above, it resembled a perfect circle wrapped in concentric walls. The Lobet River sliced through west to east like a blade of azure.

Emerging from the forest, Suran’s group reached the south gate. Knights bearing the Solflare Legion insignia stood guard.

As always, outsiders without permits faced inspection.

The trio went first and cleared entry swiftly.

Suran had passed such checks countless times before while procuring supplies—always as human. No concern there.

The real test was Lyasis.

Though nearly indistinguishable from humans—only her ears slightly pointed—her pure Night Demon blood carried a detectable demonic aura.

Suran had prepared.

After returning from Earth, she visited the Thicket of Thorns. First, she gave the Black Hare—who’d provided the “dud” formula—a stern lesson. Then, she had the Black Hare brew a potion to mask demonic auras.

“Milady Suran! I swear this potion works—*absolutely*! If it fails, punish me however you wish!” the Black Hare had insisted.

Testing confirmed its effect.

Now came the true trial.

Lyasis, having taken the potion that morning, glided past the knights with elegant grace. Their insignias remained inert. She passed inspection smoothly—success.

“Saviors,” Hushang said as the group regrouped at the gate, “we’ll head straight to the Adventurers Guild to register. What about you two?”

“We’ll explore the city first,” Lyasis replied, eyes bright with anticipation—her first step into a world beyond the demon realm.

“Then we part here! Thank you again for saving us. May our paths cross once more!” Hushang bowed deeply, then tugged his companions toward the city.

“Suran, shall we go in too?” Lyasis turned to her with a soft smile. “I’ll leave the tour in your hands.”

“The honor is mine, milady.” Suran bowed respectfully, took Lyasis’s hand, and they stepped through the gate together.

A wave of vibrant life greeted them.

Inns and shops lined bustling streets. Humans, elves, dwarves—and many mages—moved on foot (the city’s no-fly rule enforced).

“Wow…”

Lyasis’s crimson eyes sparkled as she took in every detail. Having spent her life within the Crimson Garden, this roaring world felt like a caged bird’s first flight beneath an endless sky.

Suran’s heart swelled with tenderness.

“Suran… the outside world is beautiful. You’ll show me more places like this, right?” Lyasis tugged gently on Suran’s sleeve, hope glowing in her gaze.

“Of course, milady,” Suran smiled.

Truth be told, Suran had seen little of Loren Continent’s beauty herself.

As a “player,” she’d spent days clashing with others, taking contracts, moving fast—never pausing to admire the scenery.

Now, she could slow down. Walk hand in hand with Lyasis. Witness wonders together.

“Where to next, Suran?”

“Milady,” Suran’s smile deepened, “let me share a universal truth.”

“No matter the nation or city… there is one place every traveler *must* visit.”

“Oh? What place?” Lyasis leaned in, curiosity alight.

“That place…” Suran said, “is the tavern.”