Deep in the mountain range, half a day away from the Karas family estate.

A rare creature called the Emerald Slime lives here. The 'Seed of Life' that these slimes occasionally spit out is a treasure traded for huge sums among nobles, as the leaves grown from them have excellent effects on restoring energy and improving health when brewed into tea.

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

According to the records, it should be around here.

The moment Flamme scans the surroundings, a rough roar echoes through the forest.

Dozens of monsters emerge from the bushes, revealing themselves.

They surround the two in an instant.

Flamme steps in front of Guest without hesitation.

Go ahead, My Lord.

Her crimson eyes glare at the monsters.

I will handle the rest.

As the rapier is drawn from its sheath, 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.

Once the cigar is lit, 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 the throat, and the runes explode as flames consume the monster.

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 lines, and as she slightly twists her wrist, the seals explode in a chain reaction.