In a room filled with people talking and the scent of roasted meat, a young cloaked woman sat quietly, eating her food. Around her, laughter and conversation mingled with the clinking of cups. A group of men and women in sultry, revealing clothes lounged near her, giggling and flirting shamelessly with her.
Once she finished eating, she rose from her seat as she made her way toward the door. But just as she reached for the handle, a familiar voice called out behind her.
"So, are you going to search for what you're looking for again?"
She turned her head slightly, her dull purple eyes meeting the gaze of a young man with fluffy blue hair. He wore a long skirt-like robe that swayed lightly as he stepped closer, curiosity in his eyes.
"Yeah, I am," Mina sighed, scratching her head. For a moment, the light from a nearby window caught her face, revealing her features, a gorgeous, brown-skinned woman with dull purple eyes, long green hair that shimmered like leaves in sunlight, and scars that traced across her arms and neck. A faint dragon-shaped birthmark was visible near her collarbone. Her armor gleamed faintly beneath her cloak.
"Why not tell us what you're looking for anyway?" another man chuckled, standing by the door and carefully applying his lipstick, his tone playful.
"It's something important, alright? Telling you would only make people come after you," Mina replied, her voice calm but firm. "But then again… I know I'm close to finding it."
"Alright then!" they both said at once, exchanging a grin before waving her off.
Mina smirked faintly beneath her hood and left the inn, her cloak fluttering with the evening breeze.
_____
The next day. The road ride was a long one. She was currently sitting in a small merchant carriage.
"Lady, we're almost at Lulu City," the owner of the carriage called out, holding tightly onto the reins.
"That's good," Mina replied calmly. Her eyes, however, narrowed as she sensed movement in the distance. "But… it seems we have company."
The coachman blinked. "Guests?"
"No," Mina said, her expression hardening. "Monsters."
From beneath the ground, dark shapes burst forth, creatures crawling rapidly toward them. Their grotesque bodies slithered across the dirt, their wide mouths opening to reveal rows of jagged teeth.
"The Igniods!" the coachman shouted. "Run, faster!"
The horses neighed wildly, pulling the carriage at full speed. Inside, the coachman's young son clung to his seat, trembling. His wide eyes darted to Mina.
Mina stood up suddenly, massive scythe appeared in her hand, its blade glowing red.
"W-where did that come from?!" the boy gasped.