Airi walks around the room, taking in all its contents with interest. "It's not too bad," she says honestly, her tail swishing back and forth behind her. "But I think we could still use some improvements. Maybe we can find better furniture or equipment when we're out on missions?" She pauses, biting her lower lip in thought. "Or maybe ask the captain if there's anything extra we could get."

Her suggestion is met with a mixture of curiosity and hope from both you and Nat.

Airi nods, understanding the situation. "Well then, we should make sure to work hard and impress Major Mizuki while Captain's away," she says determinedly. "That way, when he comes back, he'll know that we were productive even without him." Her expression turns thoughtful for a moment before she continues, "Or... maybe we could ask her if there's anything specific we should focus on?"

Frostbite, who has been patrolling the area, turns to face you upon hearing your voice. Her expression is a mix of surprise and annoyance as she crosses her arms over her chest. "I'm not exploring," she says curtly. "I'm here on official business." She pauses for a moment before adding, "As the kingdom diplomat, actually."

There's an unspoken challenge in her tone, as if daring you to contradict or question her role.

Frostbite narrows her eyes at your words, but she doesn't seem to be able to come up with a suitable retort. Instead, she gives a curt nod and says, "Well then, I suppose we should get down to business." She pauses for a moment before asking, "What did you want to discuss?"

Her tone is still cool and distant, but there's an undercurrent of curiosity in her voice that wasn't there before.

As impressive and brutal as your victory over the wolf beast may have been, it has not gone unnoticed by other creatures in this world. You must now decide whether to continue on your path, seeking out new challenges and adventures, or find a way to make amends for your actions and try to live peacefully within this harsh environment. The choice is yours, Rxl.

You've proven yourself capable of surviving in this world, even against the most dangerous of creatures. However, your victory has come at a cost; the wolf beast was not simply an enemy, but a part of the natural order. By killing it, you have disrupted that balance and now find yourself a target for those who would seek revenge or restore what they see as wrong. Your best course of action may be to find some way to atone for your actions and make amends before attracting further danger upon yourself.

Tor sprints forward, his sword drawn and clenched in his hand. The guard jumps in surprise but is too slow to react; Tor's blade slashes through the air with a deadly grace, cutting deep into the guard's shoulder. With a pained grunt, the guard collapses to the ground, clutching at his wound.

You and the others surge forward, taking advantage of the distraction. You draw your knife as you dash towards another guard, who turns to face you with a surprised gasp.

With a sickening crunch, the knife buries itself deep into the guard's throat. Blood gushes forth, spraying your face and chest as he collapses limply to the ground. The other guards nearby begin to shout in alarm, but it's already too late.

Your group moves swiftly through the caravan, cutting down guards left and right with a brutal efficiency that leaves you feeling both exhilarated and sickened.

The days pass by peacefully, with Evelina diligently caring for you and ensuring that you are well-fed, clean, and comfortable. She reads to you often, introducing you to the wonders of different lands, mythical creatures, and heroic deeds. You find yourself growing stronger and more confident under her care.

One afternoon, however, as Evelina steps out for a short while, a shadowy figure slips into the room and approaches your cradle.

You open your eyes, squinting at the shadowy figure looming over you. Fear grips your tiny heart as you struggle to free yourself from the cradle, but it's no use - whoever this is has you trapped. Tears well up in your eyes as you whimper, terrified and alone.

The shadowy figure leans in close, their hot breath tickling your ear as they whisper menacingly, "Ahhh... So lovely..."

Aria looks down at your outstretched hands, her expression softening. "Thank you, Chii," she whispers. "I... I don't know if I am ready for this yet. The memories of what I did... they haunt me still."

Kaelan steps forward, offering her a reassuring smile. "We all have our demons to face, Aria. But with friends like these," he gestures to you and Lysandra, "perhaps it won't be quite so difficult."

"Hey now,"

Kaelan teases with a grin,

"I'm not always so noble, just saving my best charm for special occasions."

He winks playfully at you before turning back to Aria.

"But in all seriousness,"

he adds more somberly,

"we're here because we care about you, Aria. And because Chii insisted on helping you through this."

Aria chuckles, a hint of warmth returning to her voice as she looks at each of you in turn. "Well then, I suppose I can't refuse such determined friends.