The silence was suffocating.

  The tension in the air mingled with the metallic scent of blood still soaked into the earth — a reminder of the wars that had devastated Termia.

  Meliora narrowed her eyes, serious.

  — Lord Kihara, don’t joke about such things.

  Souta did not avert his gaze.

  — I’m not joking. These villages once belonged to Termia. Their people were ninety-one percent women. They despise men, see it as taboo to depend on or coexist with them.

  He raised the spoon theatrically.

  — And as it happens, I am a man. These peoples are a threat to my kingdom.

  Meliora opened her mouth to respond, but hesitated.

  Then Pikonota leaned in, resting on her shoulder. Her voice came low, almost a sensual whisper:

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  — Don’t ruin everything, Meliora. This is your chance to get closer to him.

  Meliora froze. The furrow in her brow betrayed her morality in conflict. She wanted to protest, but held back.

  Souta spread the map across a rock.

  — Pikonota, I want you to destroy these villages here. — He pointed clearly. — Here, here, and here. Kill them all.

  Meliora stared at him firmly, but said nothing.

  — How long will it take you, Pikonota? — Souta asked.

  She smiled confidently.

  — If you teleport me with Shadow Step, three days.

  Souta laughed theatrically.

  — I won’t teleport you. You’ll go on your own feet.

  — What?! That’ll take me three weeks! Those lands are far as hell! — she exploded.

  Souta smiled again. A penetrating, almost unnatural smile that even made Meliora shiver.

  Pikonota hesitated, but answered with another smile, this time more restrained.

  — Fine… but when I return, I’ll want a reward.

  — Fine — Souta agreed coldly. — As long as it’s nothing perverted.

  She huffed, disappointed.

  — Then I’ll want a date.

  — Okay. — Souta replied without complaint.

  Pikonota blinked, surprised.

  — Hm? Really? You won’t object?

  — It’s just a date. Nothing serious. After all, we’re already in this together.

  Her face lit up. A cheerful, almost childlike smile spread across her expression.

  Without wasting time, she ran off, determined to finish the mission as quickly as possible.

  Souta raised the spoon.

  — **Shadow Step.**

  **Zooosh.**

  The shadows rose like black waves, swallowing the entire group.

  The world around them dissolved into darkness, and when the gloom lifted, they were no longer in the same place.