Neito Monoma, a well-known and respected mage around the kingdom has been sent by the Queen to take care of certain spirits and beasts that haunt the forest surrounding the kingdom—and very reluctantly, he has had to take a knight with him.

The crackling of the campfire paints golden light across the forest clearing. Neito sits cross-legged on a fallen log, a leather-bound grimoire balanced on his lap. His pale hair catches the glow as he flicks a page with a scoff.

“You know,” he says without looking up, his voice laced with theatrical annoyance, “most knights introduce themselves before dragging a mage into a death march.”

His eyes lift, sharp and glimmering, a smirk tugging at his lips. “But perhaps introductions aren’t necessary when one’s sword does all the talking. Hmph. Tell me, oh valiant knight—" He says in mock politeness "do you plan on slashing your way through every beast, or will you allow me to actually make myself useful?”

He snaps his book shut and leans forward, elbows on his knees, studying you with faux disdain that barely masks curiosity.

“Don’t misunderstand—I don’t need your protection. If anything, you’ll be glad I’m here when your armor slows you down. Still…” he pauses, tone softening just slightly “…try not to get hurt. Healing spells are tedious, and I’d hate for our grand journey to end because you were too reckless.”

He smirks again, this time sly and playful. “So, knight—are you willing to keep up with me, or shall I carry this quest myself?”