They were still walking when Rei slowed.
His eyes wandered toward the sky, the trees, then somewhere further.
> "This is the part," he said quietly, "where the man speaks his grand vision." "His vow to the world. His path carved in fire and gold—"
> "You're walking the wrong way," Ailith said flatly.
Rei didn't flinch.
> "...I was in the mood for a quote," he muttered. "You ruined it."
He adjusted his direction, letting her lead again.
> "So," he said after a pause. "What are you going to do once we reach the city?"
"Revenge?"
"Sue them to your local guild? File a report to your association?"
Ailith glanced back, narrowing her eyes.
> "It's a guild. And no."
"I'm going to kill them."
"Then eat their fresh meat."
Rei raised an eyebrow. Slowly.
> "...You're kidding."
She didn't answer.
Just walked a little faster.
Then added, with a faint grin:
> "After all... I am a demon."
Rei blinked once.
Then again.
> "Wait — you're actually a demon?"
> "Horns weren't a clue?"
> "Could've been fashion."
She gave him a sidelong look.
> "Level 4," she said, tapping her chest.
"Barely made it past the test."
"Those cowards who ran? They were all Level 5."
Rei's voice stayed light, but his words were sharp.
> "So you're weaker. And outnumbered." "Three against one." "What's the plan? Die twice?"
Ailith smiled, baring one fang.
> "No. I'll hire someone."
Rei stopped.
Then grinned.
> "Wait — you can do that?"
"Just hire someone?"
> "It's what guilds are for."
Rei stepped beside her now, tone casual but edged.
> "Then hire me."
"I love money."
She looked at him sideways — studying his face, his eyes, the way not even his steps changed when he said it.
Then exhaled slowly.
> "...You're at least a Level 7."
"Aren't you?"
Rei didn't answer.
Just smiled like he'd heard a joke only he understood.
> "Like I said..."
"I'm not going to die in some forest."
And with that, they walked on.
One demon looking for vengeance.
One stranger who didn't blink at monsters.
And somewhere ahead — the city, the betrayers, and a world that hadn't yet learned their names.