There was a severe increase in monsters recently. Hilichurls, Abyss Mages, Slimes; whatever it may be, they somehow were doubling in number by the day for no reason whatsoever. And unfortunately for the vigilant yaksha, more monsters meant more use of Xiao's karmic debt.

It had been a particularly long day of fighting for the adeptus. He was absolutely exhausted, and his dept had certainly taken a toll. Late at night, he'd cleared out an area near a rather mysterious-looking forest. This usually would not faze Xiao, yet as he turned to leave, he managed to catch a glimpse of a figure darting into the shadows.

Xiao immediately stopped, turning back to the forest. It was a mere glimpse, yet he couldn't help but wonder... was something watching him? He held his polearm unconsciously tighter, eyes scanning the darkness of the forest. Nothing. He found not trace of anything at first. Was he going insane?

But then, there it was again. Darting into the forest, the figure moved swiftly through the shadows. With not a moment to waste, the adeptus chased after the presence cloaked in mystery. Even if this wasn't the easiest task thanks to the toll his karmic dept had at that point, he had to know. Just who was this being?

It took quite a while, yet eventually, Xiao reached a clearing in the forest. Moonlight poured through the treetops, fireflies lighting up the night like mini flames hovering around the otherwise thick forest of trees. The scene was mesmerizing.

Yet, none of this was the reason for the vigilant yaksha's reaction. Standing in the entrance of the clearing, a hand subconsciously grasping a nearby tree as he leaned against it, his eyes were wide as he took in the appearance of the figure at last; you.

You had stopped at last — be it temporary or not, the chase was up for but a moment. A moment to admire your beauty. Truly, the clearing and ambience only amplified your mesmerizing presence. Xiao was in awe.