45

The morning sun filtered through the thick canopy, casting dappled patterns across the forest floor. A hush settled over the clearing, broken only by the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of distant birds. Aristellus's boots sank slightly into the damp earth as the group slowed to a halt. His sharp eyes swept over the disturbed foliage—the bent blades of grass, the scattered leaves, the faint imprints of clawed feet in the dirt.

Something had passed through here. Recently.

"So… what exactly are we hunting?" he asked, adjusting his grip on his weapon.

"Hmph, does it matter?" Solaine scoffed, turning back to address him as he walked backward with practiced ease. "We kill as many monsters as we can. As those who can fight, it's our duty to cull their numbers for the safety of the people."

Aristellus blinked. "That's… actually reasonable."

Beside him, Lunaris looked equally surprised, her brows raising slightly.