The ancestors of House Dewell forged the family’s legacy on the battlefield. Ever since, every generation has placed immense emphasis on martial training. From the moment a child could walk, rigorous instruction in swordsmanship and rune magic began—failure meant shame upon the family name.
Torina was no exception. Reluctant as she was, her parents forced her to complete every drill. Blessed with natural talent, she excelled. Though she’d slipped into coasting mode after leaving home, her combat skills never dulled—without that edge, she’d never have dared claim the captain’s seat.
A hint of strength was enough to impress the team. Honestly, aside from Annawiel, who here could even challenge her one-on-one?
As for the four she’d just threatened…
“You… threatening *me*… for *her*? Tch!”
Annawiel gritted her teeth, shooting Mylora a venomous glare—but fell silent.
“Wow, flashy! Haven’t seen you move like that in ages—still legendary! Fine, I’m in!”
Ranifi’s praise was genuine. A true strength-worshipper, she respected power above all. Earn her acknowledgment, earn her loyalty.
“Eep… don’t glare at me! I’ll do it, okay? Ugh, such a hassle… tch…”
Naji grumbled but instantly backed down. Trouble-averse by nature, she never provoked anyone stronger.
“So scary… I’m wide awake now. Did you *have* to get this angry…?”
Lindas, jolted fully alert, stammered nervously.
Thus, while Annawiel simmered with resentment, the other three had already fallen in line.
And the rest?
“I fully support the captain’s wise decisions! And for the record—I’ve *never* bullied Mylora-chan~” —Patti
“Captain, your gloves look dirty. May I wash them for you?” —Lachesis
“I support it! Really! Everyone… should just get along peacefully!” —Ji Xue
“…” —Mylora
No objections. Mylora stayed silent, her expression tight.
*The troublemaker’s gone. Mylora must like me more now,* Torina reasoned. *Time to raid the dungeon!*
“Team! After so long—let’s revisit Amana Forest! To strengthen our bonds!”
“Ooooh…” (a chorus of flat, skeptical murmurs)
“Strengthen bonds”? The excuse felt off. Shouldn’t they be hunting the dungeon lord? Rumors of his whereabouts were already circulating… Was Torina *actually* making it up to Mylora? What cosmic shift had happened in her head over seven days?
(Mylora, Mylora…)
Ji Xue gently poked Mylora and whispered:
“(Don’t you think the captain genuinely wants to get along? This is a good thing!)”
“(…Doubtful. With her? The sweeter the act, the shadier the motive.)”
“(But what if she just… wants peace?)”
“(Impossible.)”
Mylora shot Torina a wary glance. Torina noticed—and winked back (with a beastly gaze). A cold shiver shot down Mylora’s spine.
*Why does the captain’s stare feel so… predatory?*
…
…
One hour later—
Led by Torina, the Shepherd Moon Adventurers, now reduced from eleven to nine, marched back into the dungeon.
Amana Forest, blessed by Nurgle, god of compassion and life, sprawled before them. Twisted flora coiled everywhere; fungi layered thick as carpets. Humid air clung like gelatin. An endless sea of green in every direction made disorientation inevitable.
Monster strength varied wildly: weak mobs, cunning elites, and the dungeon lord—still undiscovered. Yet herbs flourished here, and monster drops were valuable for potions or meals. Low risk, high reward. No wonder adventurers flooded in daily.
Naji, the Radiant Priestess, and Lachesis, the Holy Word Mage, anchored the team. Their barrier repelled venomous bugs, leeches, and tiny snakes. Normally, slacking-off Torina lingered safely near the rear (last time, Mylora’s unsanctioned absence left drowsy Torina exposed—griffin to the unprotected head). Today? She walked shoulder-to-shoulder with Mylora at the very front.
Mylora, the Scout—specializing in recon and hit-and-run—usually bore the grueling front-line duty: triggering traps, scouting danger. The most thankless role. Yet today, Torina stood right beside her.
“Hi, Mylora~”
“…What do you want?”
“I kicked out the ones who bullied you, see?”
“…Oh.”
Mylora stayed guarded. To everyone—including herself—Torina’s behavior made zero sense. *This villainess has to be scheming. Who harasses a fifteen-year-old girl like this at dawn?*
“Um… I *really* kicked them out for you!”
“…‘Thanks’?”
“So cold… No worries! Feeling hot? Ice rune cooldown?”
“You’ll freeze me solid…”
“Neck stiff? Lightning rune electro-massage!”
“That’ll *kill* me…”
“Burns stubborn fat too! Perfect figure!”
“You can *do* that!?”
“Tempted~?”
“N-no way!”
Mylora edged back slightly, murmuring inwardly:
*(Is she… trying to please me?)*
[System analysis: Behavior suggests appeasement. Historical pattern indicates high probability of scheme or twisted amusement. Do not trust. Trust no one.]
*(…Wasn’t planning to.)*
Reinforced by the system, Mylora scrutinized Torina’s face for micro-expressions of deceit—
*So beautiful.*
She hated admitting it: Torina was stunning enough to captivate anyone, regardless of gender.
*(NO. Focus! I have ambitions—don’t fall for this villainess’s pretty face!)*
[System: Correct. Vigilance maintained. Trust no one.]
*(I KNOW.)*
Clearing her throat, Mylora stiffened her expression.
“So, Captain. Orders? Scout traps? Bait enemies? Shoo flies?”
“Let’s enjoy a picnic together!”
“…Huh?”
Torina pulled a tray, teapot, cups, and cute pastries from her spatial waist pouch. A flicked rune—levitation. The teapot poured two steaming cups. Another rune—ice. A personal cooling bubble bloomed around them, banishing the sticky heat.
“Here~ Premium Beast Brand black tea.”
“…”
*Mylora scratched her head.*
*(System… what is this act?)*
[System: Do not consume. Possible sedative. One sip = no waking up.]
*(…Valid point.)*
