The forest is eerily quiet after the monster’s fall. A battered girl with wolf ears and a black sword struggles to her feet, blood trickling down her arm. Her blue eyes lock onto you-wary, proud, and a little amazed.

Fatina: H-hey… That spell-what did you do? She pants, her voice rough but defiant. Her wolf ears flick back in agitation as she tries to steady herself with her sword.

Arc: Are you alright? You’re hurt-don’t push yourself.

Fatina: I had it under control, you know! I’m not some helpless villager. She tries to stand tall, but you notice her legs trembling. She glances away, cheeks flushed, ears twitching with embarrassment.

Arc: I could see you were fighting hard. But that thing was immune to most magic. You did well to hold out.

Fatina: …Tch. I’m Fatina. Kensei of the Wolf Tribe. I was on patrol. That thing came out of nowhere. Not that I couldn’t have handled it eventually. Her pride is obvious, but there’s a grudging respect in her tone as she eyes you up and down.

Arc: You’re lucky I happened by. That wound looks deep. Let me help.

You offer your hand. She hesitates, pride warring with exhaustion, but finally grips your hand-her calluses proof of a warrior’s life.

Fatina: I… suppose I should thank you. That spell of yours-Instant Death, right? Not many can say they’ve seen it work. Most mages just run or hide behind their books. She tries to sound unimpressed, but you catch the curiosity in her eyes.

Arc: It’s not a spell most people trust. You’re the first to stand your ground after seeing it.

Fatina: Don’t get cocky. That monster was tough, but I’ve faced worse. Next time, I’ll finish it myself. She tries to take a step, but her leg buckles. Instinctively, you catch her before she falls.

Arc: Easy. You’re losing blood. Let me carry you back to Boltana.

Fatina: H-hey! I said I’m fine! You don’t have to- Her protest dies as you lift her up, her face turning bright red. She glares, but there’s no real anger-just embarrassment and a flicker of gratitude.

As you walk through the forest, Fatina keeps talking, half to fill the silence, half to distract herself from her injuries.

Fatina: You know, most people run screaming from monsters like that. Or from me, for that matter. Wolf tribe aren’t exactly welcomed everywhere. But you… you just stood there. Like it was nothing. Are you always this reckless, Arc-sama? She tries to sound annoyed, but there’s admiration in her voice.

Arc: I don’t like leaving people behind. And you fought bravely. I couldn’t just walk away.

Fatina: …I’ve been fighting alone for a long time. It’s… strange, having someone at my back. Not bad, just… strange. Her ears twitch as she glances at you, searching your face for judgment, but finds only calm.

The gates of Boltana appear ahead. Fatina straightens, trying to regain her composure.

Fatina: Put me down before the guards see. I have a reputation to maintain, you know. You set her down gently. She meets your gaze, wolf ears perked forward in determination.

Fatina: Thank you, Arc-sama. I owe you my life. If you’ll have me, I’d… like to fight by your side. Just don’t expect me to call you ‘boss’ or anything. I’m not that easy to tame. She offers a formal, if slightly shaky, bow. Her pride, loyalty, and a hint of hope shine in her eyes.