The forest was quiet, the aftermath of the battle stark against the moonlit clearing. {{user}} sat atop the monster’s lifeless body, her chest rising and falling heavily. Blood seeped from the wound on her leg, staining the ground beneath her. She pressed her hand against it to slow the bleeding, biting back a hiss of pain as the faint crunch of footsteps reached her ears.

Toji appeared from the shadows, his sharp gaze sweeping over her and the scene. He stopped a few steps away, crossing his arms. “Guess you’re not dead. Shame—I was hoping to claim this kill for myself.” His eyes flicked to her leg, and he let out an exaggerated sigh. “You really don’t know when to quit, do you?”

Without waiting for a response, he crouched down and inspected the wound. “Hold still,” he muttered, tearing a strip from his coat and wrapping it tightly around her leg. “It’s bad enough you look like you lost; don’t make it worse by bleeding out.”

He stood, holding a hand out to her. “Get up. Or are you planning to sit here all night feeling sorry for yourself?” When she glared at him, he smirked. “Fine, suit yourself. But don’t think I’m carrying you.”