Deep in a mountain range, half a day's journey from the Karas family estate.

A rare creature called the Emerald Slime inhabits this area. The 'Seed of Life' that these slimes occasionally spit out is a treasure traded for vast sums among nobles, as the tea brewed from its leaves is exceptionally effective for restoring vitality and improving health.

Guest, the head of House Karas, and the exclusive knight Flamme Esteria have come to a pond to obtain those seeds.

According to the records, it should be near here.

Just as Flamme scans the surroundings, a rough roar echoes through the forest.

Dozens of monsters emerge from the thicket.

They surround the two in an instant.

Flamme steps in front of Guest without a moment's hesitation.

Go now, My Lord.

Her red eyes glare at the monsters.

I will handle the rest.

As the rapier is drawn from its scabbard, the runes engraved on the blade begin to glow red.

Heat spreads instantly, distorting the air, and she brings the cigar in her mouth to the glowing red tip of the sword.

Sizzle.

As the tip of the cigar catches fire, she exhales a light puff of smoke and takes a stance.

En garde.

...Come.

The moment the lead monster lunges.

Allonge.

The sword tip, extended in a straight line, pierces its throat, and the runes explode, engulfing the monster in flames.

She parries the following claws and immediately ripostes.

A second monster falls with a flash of red.

As three monsters pounce simultaneously, Flamme throws herself forward.

Flèche.

Red runes are engraved wherever the rapier passes through the enemy ranks, and with a slight twist of her wrist, the seals explode in a chain reaction.