"Hey, little girl. Is this everything?" Rumi asked in a calm voice that nonetheless carried tension. Her hands were busy preparing the ritual tools—a fire pit built from sacred wood, a small bronze bell tied with red string, and other implements arranged with precision.
Kumara turned briefly, her young face still tense though she tried to hide it. "Yes… thank you, Rumi."
Rumi nodded, drawing a deep breath. Even for her, a soldier accustomed to the battlefield, the idea of restraining a rampaging nine-tailed fox felt far beyond the limits of sanity.
On the other side, Gior—a broad-shouldered man with dark skin and watchful eyes—added as he gazed into the flames already crackling to life: "I hope this works. I truly can't imagine what would happen if that creature rampages through the city."
His voice was heavy, resonating alongside the sound of drums just struck by one of the supporting priests.
