The Burrow Master exhaled, his expression grave, as if weighing his words carefully before continuing.

  Thayren: Our village has been struggling with a dangerous problem as of late. A giant serpent has taken up residence near the riverbanks where we draw water for our people. We have tried to drive it away… but to no avail.

  His shoulders sagged slightly, the burden of the situation clear in his voice.

  Thayren: We were preparing to send for aid from the nearby settlements. But the roads are treacherous, and we’ve already lost too many. So I’ll take this chance and ask you—can you help us?

  Chase’s brow furrowed. Something about this problem felt oddly familiar. His mind drifted back to the bunny child’s innocent excitement earlier. “Yay! We’re safe from the bunny-eating serpent!!!” At the time, he thought it was just a local folktale—one of those scary stories told to keep children from wandering too far.

  But now, it seemed all too real.

  Chase: I see… Do you want it dead, or do you need it captured alive?

  The burrow master blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Chase’s question. Then, after a pause, a deep chuckle rumbled from his chest, his tension easing slightly.

  Thayren: Hohoho! You speak with confidence. Good. The serpent’s fate is yours to decide—kill it or capture it, whichever you see fit.

  He stroked his chin thoughtfully before continuing.

  Thayren: Should you need assistance, please visit the Barracks. I will inform the guards to provide any aid you require.

  Before Chase could respond, Selena grinned, her sharp canines flashing as her tail swayed with anticipation.

  Selena: Oh? And here I thought this trip was all talk. Looks like we’re getting some action after all.

  Chase glanced at her, a wry smile tugging at his lips.

  Chase: Someone’s excited.

  Selena chuckled, eyes gleaming.

  Selena: (Giggle) You know me, Chase.

  After leaving the Visitor’s Hall, Chase and Selena made their way toward the village barracks.

  Hareveil Village - Barracks

  The wooden structure stood sturdier than most of the burrow’s homes, reinforced with thick beams and adorned with simple carvings of the moon and harvest—a symbol of protection. Inside, a handful of bunny warriors were tending to their equipment, sharpening spears, restringing bows, or engaged in quiet conversation.

  As they entered, a stern-faced officer turned to greet them.

  Officer: Ah, adventurers. The Burrow Master informed us of your task. You’ll need a guide, then?

  Chase: That was quick.

  The officer smirks at his remark then turned, scanning the room. His gaze landed on a young bunny man standing awkwardly near the weapon racks, his large ears twitching at the sudden attention.

  Officer: Bennek! You’ll accompany them.

  The young bunny nearly dropped the spear he had been adjusting.

  Bennek: M-Me, sir?

  Officer: (Nod) You know the riverbanks better than most. And you’ve been with Lirien for most of the time—you’re the perfect candidate for this task.

  Bennek swallowed hard, gripping his spear tighter. His eyes darted between Chase and Selena, then back to his superior.

  Bennek: B-but L-Lirien said…

  Officer: Didn’t she just leave the barracks a while ago? Her mission will take time, and you still have time to wait for her before she comes back.

  Bennek: I… Y-Yes, sir…

  Selena crossed her arms, watching the exchange with mild amusement.

  Selena: (Smirk) Nervous, little one?

  Bennek straightened, his ears perking up despite the hesitation in his stance.

  Bennek: N-No! I can handle it!

  Chase offered him a reassuring nod before glancing toward the exit.

  Chase: Then let’s move. The sooner we handle this, the earlier you can come back to wait for her, right?

  Bennek: R-right!!!

  And with that, the trio departed, stepping toward the forest’s edge, where the true challenge awaited them.

  Riverbanks

  The air was thick with damp earth and the scent of something predatory. Chase and Selena stood at the edge of the forest, scanning the undergrowth, while behind them, Bennek fidgeted nervously. His small frame was stiff with tension, hands gripping his spear like a lifeline.

  Bennek: Uh... I-I'll stay close, but not too close! You won’t need me until you need me, yeah?

  Chase: Relax, Bennek. We can handle this. Just be ready when we you see an opportunity to use your abilities.

  Bennek swallows hard.

  Bennek: R-right. Totally reassuring...

  The trio ventured deeper, the forest closing around them. Selena led the way, her ears flicking at the faintest of sounds, nose twitching as she caught the shifting scents in the wind. Chase followed just behind, hand resting on his weapon. Bennek, despite his best efforts, was several steps behind, his grip on the spear shifting with every nervous glance.

  Selena took this chance to tease Bennek.

  Selena: Bennek, are you shaking? I thought bunnies were good at keeping still when danger’s nearby.

  Bennek: Th-that’s different! Hiding doesn’t come with giant snakes involved, alright?!

  Chase: (Smile) You’re doing fine. Just stay behind us, and you won’t have to deal with a giant snake.

  Bennek: I’m holding you to that!

  Then, Selena stopped. Her entire body tensed, ears angling forward.

  Selena: Something’s close... I hear slithering.

  Bennek froze, catching his breath.

  Bennek: It’s already slithering?! That’s bad, right? Super bad?!

  Chase draws his sword and shifts into a combat stance. Selena closes her eyes, focusing on even the faintest sound. As for Bennek… well, he's already shaking, hiding behind a tree at the back.

  Selena: ABOVE!!!

  A glint of movement—a shimmer of black and green scales coiled on top of a tree directly above them. The serpent was monstrous, its massive body stretched several meters, winding tightly around the thick branches. Its head shifted, tongue flicking, tasting the air. It was listening. Waiting.

  Then, with terrifying speed, the serpent struck. Its jaws unhinged, diving straight for Selena, intent on swallowing her whole.

  She twisted to the side, dodging by mere inches as a gust of wind from its lunge rustled her fur. Before the serpent could recover, Chase retaliated, his sword flashing in a swift horizontal slash. But the creature was just as fast—it recoiled in an instant, evading the strike and slithering back into the canopy.

  A second later, it lunged again, this time targeting Chase. He barely managed to sidestep, but before his boots could touch the ground, the serpent halted its momentum midair and redirected its attack—striking at the exact spot where he dodged, while he was still vulnerable.

  Chase's eyes widened. He was caught mid-air, nowhere to land.

  But Selena was faster. With a sharp swipe of her claws, she traced a glowing glyph in the air—an Air Jump glyph. Chase’s foot found solid force beneath him, propelling him sideways and out of the serpent’s deadly path. The fanged maw snapped shut just below him, missing by a hair’s breadth.

  The moment Chase’s foot touched the ground, he burst forward, slashing upward in a vertical arc. The serpent recoiled, twisting its body to avoid the strike while keeping its predatory gaze locked onto him.

  Its head snapped forward, fangs poised to strike—but Chase reacted first. A swift horizontal slash with his right hand forced the serpent to retreat slightly, halting its attack before it could fully commit.

  In that same motion, his left hand shot to his waist, drawing his dagger in a reverse grip. Without hesitation, he flicked his wrist, sending the blade hurtling toward the serpent’s eye.

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  The serpent recoiled violently, its head snapping back just in time to avoid a direct hit. The dagger scraped past its brow, drawing a thin line of blood—but more importantly, it sealed the creature’s attention on him.

  Selena saw her opening. Her sharp eyes locked onto the serpent’s coiled body on top of the tree. This was her chance.

  With a powerful leap, she propelled herself upward, sailing above the serpent’s monstrous body. As she reached the peak of her jump, her claws traced a glowing sigil in the air—an Air Jump glyph, but this time, she placed it above herself.

  Then, with effortless grace, she twisted midair, her body rotating as her feet met the glowing platform. For a split second, she was suspended upside-down, the world flipped, her golden eyes narrowing as she lined up her strike.

  A second later—she launched.

  The glyph pulsated as she kicked it off, rocketing downward like a meteor. Wind howled around her as she rotated her body once more, momentum surging through her muscles. Her leg snapped into position, every fiber of her being coiling into one devastating blow.

  Then—impact.

  Her heel slammed into the serpent’s coiled body with bone-crushing force. A deep, reverberating crack echoed through the air as the thick branch beneath the creature snapped like brittle kindling.

  The beast plummeted, its massive form crashing through the foliage below. A shockwave of dust and splintered wood erupted as it hit the ground with a deafening thud, sending tremors through the earth.

  A guttural, ear-splitting hiss tore from its throat—raw, enraged, and laced with pain. Its enormous tail lashed out wildly, slamming into a nearby trunk with enough force to shatter bark into splinters.

  The ground trembled beneath them. Leaves and debris rained down from above.

  Then—silence.

  Only the faint rustling of disturbed branches remained.

  But the victory was fleeting.

  The serpent’s head snapped upward, its slit-pupiled eyes burning with fury. It reared back, jaws gaping wide—

  And from deep within its throat, a thick, sickly green mist began to spill forth, rolling toward them like a creeping, toxic fog.

  Chase’s grip tightened on his sword.

  Chase: Poison gas… Back up!

  Both he and Selena leaped away as the mist spread. The air turned acrid, the very leaves curling from the venom’s potency.

  Bennek took a shaky breath. This was his moment.

  His fingers trembled, but he lifted his hands—and in an instant, he cast Detoxification Field. A large emerald glyph ignited at the center of the poison mist, and his magic surged outward like a gust of cleansing wind. The mist dispersed almost immediately, leaving the air crisp and clear.

  The serpent recoiled, its body tensing in surprise.

  Selena didn’t wait. In a golden blur, she surged forward, vaulting off a nearby tree and slamming down onto the serpent’s head. Her claws dug deep, locking it in place as she drove its skull into the earth with sheer force. The ground cracked beneath the impact.

  Chase didn’t hesitate. He jumped high above the serpent’s neck, his sword shimmering mid-air as he activated Weapon Enhance. Energy crackled along the blade’s edge.

  As he descended, he brought his sword down in a clean, powerful arc—cleaving deep into the serpent’s nape. A violent shudder rippled through its entire body before it finally collapsed, its lifeless coils sagging into the dirt.

  Silence.

  Then, Selena hopped off the serpent, dusting herself off.

  Selena: Well, that was fun.

  Bennek: (Tremble) Fun?! That’s your definition of fun?!

  Chase: You did good, Bennek. Thanks for the assist.

  Bennek flusters upon hearing the compliment.

  Bennek: Y-you’re welcome. But let’s never do that again, okay?!

  Selena crossed her arms, her tail flicking impatiently behind her. She didn’t say a word, but the way she stood—chin slightly raised, ears perked—made it very clear she was waiting for something.

  Chase blinked, then sighed in amusement as he finally caught on.

  Chase: ...You too, Selena. Good job.

  She didn’t move. Not even a twitch. Only her tail gave her away, lashing a bit more, like she was expecting something better. Chase exhaled through his nose, shaking his head with a quiet chuckle.

  Chase: You were... amazing.

  That was enough. Selena smirked, puffing out her chest with unmistakable pride.

  Selena: Of course. I am your lioness, after all.

  The words were smooth, teasing, but Chase knew exactly what she was doing. His lips parted for a moment, then shut as his mind scrambled for a response. He wasn’t sure if she was just messing with him—she always does after all.

  In the end, all he could do was sigh, a faint, helpless smile tugging at his lips.

  Chase: ...Let’s all go back.

  As they turned back toward the village, Bennek muttered something about “staying home next time when Lirien is out”—but despite his grumbling, a small, proud smile tugged at his lips.

  Hareveil Village - Visitor’s Hall

  The trio returns to the bunny village at dusk. The warm glow of lanterns flickers across the burrows and homes carved into the hills, casting a serene atmosphere over the settlement. As Chase, Selena, and Bennek approach the Visitor’s Hall, the distant hum of villagers murmuring about their return reaches their ears.

  Moments later, the burrow master arrives, his expression easing with relief.

  Thayren: You’ve returned safely. Thank goodness.

  Chase: News travels fast around here, huh?

  Thayren: Hohoho! You have no idea. I was right to seek your help.

  Chase: Yeah. Now I get why your people were struggling. The way it positions itself above the trees, it’s attacks—

  Thayren: You’re right, child. It always attacked from above. We bunnies can run fast, but we can’t jump high. And our arrows barely scratched its scales.

  For a moment, his gaze darkens, the weight of past sacrifices pressing upon him. So many had been lost before they could rid themselves of the monster’s threat.

  Then, he exhales slowly.

  Thayren: But now, we can live in peace again—without fear of being eaten.

  His ears perk up slightly, a small smile returning to his face.

  Thayren: I’ve already asked the innkeeper to prepare a place for you two. But before that, please, join us in a simple feast to celebrate your victory.

  Chase: Sounds like you knew we’d win, Burrow Master.

  Thayren: Hohoho! Of course. I could tell you two were more than capable the first time I saw you.

  Before Chase could say more, a sharp voice rang out.

  Female Bunny Warrior: Bennek!

  Bennek barely had time to react before a blur of white fur rushed toward him. A female bunny warrior, dual daggers strapped to her sides—Lirien. She lunged at him, placing both her hands at Bennek’s shoulder while simultaneously scolding him.

  Chase instinctively stepped back, giving them some space.

  Female Bunny Warrior: Why did you leave without me?!

  Bennek: L-Lirien?

  Then it hit him—he was supposed to wait for her in the barracks earlier. He panics after.

  Bennek: I-I’m sorry! Officer Brindle told me to come with them and—

  Lirien: (Huff) Even so! What if something bad had happened to you?

  Watching the scene unfold, Selena’s tail flicked in amusement. She leaned toward Chase, her grin sharp.

  Selena: Isn’t this scene… familiar?

  Chase: (Chuckle) Don’t remind me.

  Bennek, still flustered, hurriedly introduced Chase and Selena to Lirien, recounting everything that had happened.

  Lirien crossed her arms, listening intently. Her expression was unreadable at first, but when Bennek finished, her ears twitched in irritation.

  Lirien: I see… So much for training myself to fight it. But at least it’s gone... finally…

  Her fingers tightened around her daggers as her voice dropped into a bitter tone.

  Lirien: If I knew this would happen, I should’ve stayed and came instead. I wanted to see its head severed! I wanted to drive my daggers right into its eyes and gouge them out!!!

  For a moment, her usual fire dimmed. Her ears flattened slightly.

  Bennek: L-Lirien…?

  Lirien exhaled sharply, pushing the emotion aside. She turned back to Bennek, forcing a smile.

  Lirien: Don’t worry, Bennek. I’m fine.

  Selena’s ears perked up, clearly entertained.

  Selena: (Grin) Oh! I like this little one.

  Thayren let out a deep sigh, placing a hand on Lirien’s shoulder.

  Thayren: We all wanted to see that monster dead, Lirien. But thanks to these outsiders, they did what we could not.

  He then turned to Chase, his tone filled with gratitude.

  Thayren: I truly appreciate your help. While I may not be able to aid you in your mission just yet… know this—should the time come when you need refuge, do not hesitate to seek us.

  Chase: That’s kind of you, Burrow Master. Thank you.

  Then, he gestures toward the Communal Hall, where a modest feast awaits—steaming clay pots filled with hearty stew, fresh vegetables, and fruits laid out on wooden trays. The hall hums with life as villagers gather, their faces bright with gratitude and relief.

  The trio takes their seats beside the chief, the warmth of the celebration surrounding them. Yet, even amid the cheerful chatter, Chase’s focus lingers elsewhere.

  The Inn

  The night was calm, the distant chirping of crickets blending with the gentle rustling of wheat fields swaying in the breeze. The air was crisp, cool, carrying the faint scent of freshly tilled earth. The farm fields stretched into the horizon, bathed in soft silver light beneath the full moon.

  Selena sat in a wooden chair by the small garden table outside their inn, her arms crossed behind her head, gazing out at the quiet landscape. The glow of lanterns flickered behind her, casting a golden light that barely touched the edges of her fur. She looked serene, as if she belonged in the wild night, a creature of grace and untamed beauty.

  Chase stepped outside, his boots pressing lightly against the wooden porch. He had been looking for her, though he wasn’t sure why—perhaps because he couldn’t rest, or perhaps because something in him urged him forward, pushing him toward her.

  He asked, his voice softer than usual.

  Chase: You’re not sleepy yet?

  Selena turned her head slightly but didn’t look at him.

  Selena: No. Just… looking. The view is nice.

  Her golden eyes flickered in the moonlight, glancing at the vast farmlands beyond.

  Chase hesitated.

  Chase: Mind if I sit?

  Selena: Go ahead.

  He pulled out the chair across from her, the wooden legs scraping lightly against the stone floor. Sitting there, with only the table between them, Chase felt the weight of the moment pressing against his chest.

  Selena glanced at him, one ear flicking.

  Selena: Do you need something?

  Chase opened his mouth—then quickly closed it. Before he could shake his head, Selena’s voice cut through the quiet night.

  Selena: You know, I was wondering. Back at the Visitor’s Hall, you had the perfect chance to push for an alliance with the Burrow Master by helping them get rid of their problem. But you didn’t. Why?

  Chase blinked, caught off guard. He exhaled through his nose, leaning back in his chair.

  Chase: Because it didn’t feel right feel right using their problem as leverage.

  Selena tilted her head slightly, studying him.

  Selena: You know, a predator takes advantage of every opportunity.

  Chase: (Chuckle) And I’m not a predator.

  Selena: (Smirk) I know.

  Her gaze lingered, something unreadable flickering in her golden eyes—something quiet, certain.

  Selena tapped a claw idly against the table, her golden eyes never leaving him. Then, with a soft hmph, she leaned back.

  Selena: That’s just like you.

  She didn’t say it with mockery or disapproval—just certainty. Like she had already known his answer long before she asked.

  Chase leaned back, staring up at the sky, but his thoughts weren’t on the stars. They were on her. On the words he wanted to say but couldn’t bring himself to voice.

  It would be so easy to just say it. To tell her what he felt, what had been growing inside him for so long. But what if… what if she didn’t feel the same?

  Would she laugh? Brush it off? Act indifferent?

  No, Selena wasn’t cruel. But rejection wouldn’t need cruelty to hurt.

  They were friends, traveling together through the unknown, relying on each other in battle and beyond. If she didn’t return his feelings, if things became awkward between them, would she pull away? Would the dynamic between them change? Would she leave…?

  He swallowed, his heart tightening at the thought.

  His gaze drifted back to her. The moonlight caught the edges of her fur, outlining her strong shoulders, her calm posture. There was something effortlessly captivating about her, the way she sat there like she belonged to the night itself. Chase felt his chest tighten, the words rising up again, reaching the edge of his lips.

  But then—his heart betrayed him.

  A sudden rush of nerves seized him, his pulse pounding wildly in his ears. His throat went dry. He opened his mouth… but nothing came out.

  Selena turned her head, her golden eyes meeting his with quiet curiosity.

  Selena: What’s the matter?

  Chase inhaled sharply, his grip tightening on his knee beneath the table.

  Chase: …Nothing.

  Selena studied him for a moment but didn’t press further. Instead, she leaned back in her chair, exhaling slowly as her gaze returned to the landscape.

  And just like that, the moment passed.

  Chase remained there, sitting across from her in silence, staring out at the same view—but seeing none of it. Only feeling the weight of the words he couldn’t say, lingering heavy in his chest as the night stretched on.