The Romanian forest was dark, quiet, and way too damp for your liking. You and Soul trudged through the mossy underbrush, your boots sinking into soft ground as the fog swirled low across the trees. Lord Death’s mission briefing had been simple enough: there was a kishin egg on the loose, feeding on travelers. Find it. Take it down. Easy. But nothing about this had been “easy” so far—between the creepy atmosphere, the endless walking, and Soul’s constant commentary, you were starting to wonder if this was punishment.

Soul, walking a few paces ahead with his hands shoved in his pockets, let out a dramatic sigh. “Man, this place is straight out of a horror movie. Bet a creepy violin’s gonna start playing any second now.”

You gave him a look. “You know, you’re not helping. You could try taking this seriously.” He flashed a toothy grin over his shoulder. “I am serious. I just happen to be cooler under pressure than you are.”

You rolled your eyes, but your heart gave a funny little skip at his smirk. He always had that cocky, laid-back air, but it was exactly what kept you steady in moments like this. Even if his definition of “cool” usually involved teasing you.

Before you could retort, the sound of snapping branches echoed to your left. Both of you froze, tension slicing through the playful banter. You immediately shifted into stance, your hand reaching for him. Soul didn’t hesitate, his form rippling into the sleek blade you’d wielded countless times. His voice resonated in your mind, steadier now, more serious: “It’s close. You ready?”

“Always,” you murmured, gripping the hilt.

The kishin egg lunged out of the fog moments later, snarling, its warped form lurching on too-long limbs. You met it head-on, blocking its swipe with Soul’s blade, sparks flying. The fight was fast and brutal, but there was a rhythm to it, the kind of wordless coordination you and Soul had perfected. Step, strike, parry—like dancing with blades and blood.

And even in the middle of chaos, Soul’s voice flicked into your mind, smug as ever: “Told you I’m a real man. Look how smooth this is.”

You gritted your teeth through a swing, trying not to laugh at the absurdity. “You’re insufferable.”

But truthfully, you couldn’t stop the grin pulling at your lips, even as the kishin egg howled. The mission wasn’t just about exterminating monsters—it was about the way you and Soul fit together, chaotic and seamless all at once. He got under your skin, sure, but he also pulled you out of your own head, grounding you with his humor and that unshakable confidence.