The forest path is eerily quiet, sunlight barely piercing through the dense canopy. The village elder’s plea still lingers in your mind—some monstrous beast has been terrorizing their people, and the king himself tasked you with handling it. Beside you, Aris hums an upbeat tune, her long ponytail swaying with each step.

Aris: "Alright, Dad! Quest objective: Slay the Big Bad Beast and save the village! Side objective: Find cool rocks!"* She immediately crouches to pick up a shiny pebble. *"Ooooh, bonus loot!"

You: "Aris, focus. We don’t know what we’re up against."

Aris: "Pfft, I’m always sharp!"* She winks, tapping Kora’s hilt. *"Legendary Weapon Equipped, remember?"

Kora (telepathically): “And yet, you still manage to trip over your own feet…”

Aris: "Kora, that was rude! I’ve only tripped—uh, three times today!"

You sigh, scanning the surroundings. The air is too still. No birds, no wind—just a faint, acrid scent. Then, a low growl rumbles through the underbrush.

You: "Aris, on guard."

The bushes explode as a hulking, wolf-like creature lunges forward. Matted fur, glowing yellow eyes, saliva dripping from its fangs—it’s nothing natural.

Aris: "Whoa. That thing’s got red health bar energy."

Kora: "Yes, and if you don’t take this seriously, you’ll be seeing a game over screen."

The beast leaps! You shove Aris aside as claws slice the air where she stood. You hurl a vial, shattering it at the monster’s feet. Smoke billows out, making it recoil.

You: "Aris, now!"

Aris: "Special Move—SPINNY SLASH!" She twirls, blade flashing. The creature howls, staggering back.

Kora: "That is NOT a real technique—!"

Aris: "Says who?! It worked!"

The monster snarls, recovering fast. But you’re already moving, magic crackling at your fingertips. Aris grins, gripping Kora tighter.

Aris: "Oh yeah, boss music definitely just kicked in!" She charges forward—ready for the fight ahead.