(Author’s Note:)

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  tinyurl./ganteodiscord

  ***

  Ats found himself on volic terrain, surrounded by charred trees and rivers of molten va. The heat was intense—nearly unbearable—and for a moment, he half-worried his hair might actually catch fire.

  Was it a mistake to e here?

  Karian immediately drew his greatsword, readying himself for battle.

  The ndscape around them resembled a scorched forest, with sparse, burrees and active va flows. It was definitely a hostile enviro; Ats couldn’t help but feel relieved that his own isnd wasn’t like this.

  A distant roar echoed through the air, and suddenly, creatures appeared from all dires—a rge pack of dog-like beasts with molten rock skin.

  [Lava Hound Lv. 56]

  [Lava Hound Lv. 61]

  [Lava Hound Lv. 48]

  Ats swallowed hard. Aren’t these levels a bit too high? Among his team, only Manna’s level came close to matg these monsters.

  He gnced over at Manna. Surprisingly, she sat quietly beside him, resting against his shoulder with an unreadable expression.

  Wasn’t she avoiding him before? Now she’s leaning on him like this?

  The Lava Hounds sheir molten jaws dripping with heat. But before he could fully process their threat, a loud buzzing sound filled the air, growing closer by the sed.

  From multiple dires, more creatures emerged—a swarm of beetles, huge beetles! Their shells hardened into va-like armor.

  [Lava Beetle Lv. 48]

  [Lava Beetle Lv. 53]

  [Lava Beetle Lv. 49]

  Despite the oppressive heat, Ats felt a chill run through him. They were surrounded by hostile monsters, and the odds didn’t look good. This could turn dangerous fast.

  Karian moved toward the edge, readying himself to jump into the fray.

  “Karian, are you sure about this?”

  “My Lord, I ha,” Karian replied fidently, then leaped down, immediately swarmed by the Lava Hounds from all dires.

  Before Ats could react, Edrik jumped down as well. Wait, doesn’t he still ck a on?

  Meanwhile, Lyrassa lifted her hands, casting a skill that ed vines around their bodies, blooming with small flowers.

  So, this must be her healing aura, he thought, already feeling a slight recovery effect.

  Then, out of nowhere, Manna leaped down, her scythe materializing in her hand. Ats stared in shock as she didn’t strike at the monsters but instead kicked Karian, sending him sprawling forward.

  What the hell is she doing?!

  “Get out of my way, you idiots! Yoing to get yourselves killed!” Manna excimed.

  ***

  Amidst the clouds, a floating carriage drifted—a crystal carriage with intricate silver and gold engravings. Its transparent opy and plush blue seats inside lent an air of both fort and elegance.

  I two young women, no, but teen girls, each distin her own way—one in blue, the other in red.

  Luna, dressed in a deep navy-blue gown, stood gracefully, her long silver hair casg down her bad a crest moon tattoo ad her cheek.

  “Ember, are you sure about what you’re saying? A beastkin—a bunny girl? Stranded on the worst possible nd? That’s heartbreaking. We have to do something, Ember.”

  Ember, a red-and-bck asymmetrical outfit with fme patterns, raised her crimson sniper rifle and peered into the distanbsp;

  "See for yourself, Luna…" She adjusted her aim. "I spot her from here—yes, a poor bunny girl, all alone on a barren isnd. And I’m certain that floating isnd is no more than two days old."

  Luna, her expression growing more worried, nodded. "Let’s see what we find there, Ember. Because… if what you’re saying is true, then we o help her. This is far too cruel for a beastkin, as you described."

  “Yeah, Luna… so far, we’ve saved ten young female Lords in simir situations. At least we’ve given them a fighting ce, and yes, all of them have survived so far. And as the leaders of this alliance, we kly what o be done.”

  The carriage now hovered closer to the desote floating isnd. There was a small fortress in the ter of the isnd—not bad—but what was the girl doing out there? Gardening?

  Luna stood up, waving her hand toward the isnd, though she couldn’t get through the protective shield.

  “Hi… there!” she called out, raising her voice.

  The bunny girl, busy tending tarden, perked up at the sound, her rabbit ears twitg as she looked over at them.

  Ember suddenly gripped Luna’s arm tightly. “Luna… that girl…”

  She’s too cute! they both whispered in awe.

  The bunny girl ran over with aed expression, her eyes bright and i as she looked up at them. She waved enthusiastically. “Hi… hello! My name is Mira… hi!” she greeted, her smile pure and cheerful.

  Luna clutched Ember’s arm, barely able to tain herself. “Ember!”

  She’s too cute! they both whispered in awe.

  Luna cleared her throat. “Ehum! hi there,” she replied. “My name is Luna. Are you… The Lord?”

  Mira tilted her head, looking fused before answering cheerfully, “No, not anymore!”

  Luna and Ember exged shocked ghen turned away to whisper to each other.

  “Ember, this pirl… she’s already given up, even before her first battle. She doesn’t even dare to admit she’s the Lord.”

  “Yes, Luna, she’s in such a sad state. We have to lift her spirits!”

  “She’s all alone and pletely unprepared,” Luna murmured. “This world is so cruel for a sweet girl like her.”

  “Yes, and she’s just… gardening. How we leave her to face this on her own?”

  They turned baira.

  "Hey, would you like to be our friend?" Luna called out.

  "Friend?" Mira’s eyes widened, glowing with wohough she soon paused, lookiant and thoughtful.

  Ember leaned over and whispered, "Luna, I don’t think she trusts us yet."

  "It’s okay, let’s not put any pressure on her," Luna replied gently.

  She called out again, louder this time. "Hey, Mira! Don’t worry—we’ll protect your isnd. We’ll send materials so you build it up, and we’ll make sure you get through the first attack safely."

  Mira’s brows knitted in fusion. "Ah, Luna… no, I mean, this isnd is…"

  "Don’t worry about it," Luna assured her. "We’re Rank 2 Scouts. We’re strong, lenty of resources, and we don’t expeything iurn. Take care, Mira. We’ll be back soon!"

  Ember waved as well. "Take care, Mira! See you soon!"

  As the carriage began to drift away, Mira ran toward the edge, waving desperately.

  "Wait, wait! I mean… my Lord is just out…!" But her words were lost as the carriage floated out of earshot.

  In the carriage, Luna and Ember both let out a sigh.

  "We’re an alliance of female Lords, Ember," Luna said. "We ’t just leave a cute girl like Mira to suffer."

  "Agreed, Luna. Luckily, we found her in time," Ember replied, nodding. "Now we step in before anything bad happens."