Deep within the Bandalrk Plains lies a place of undeniable danger. Even with humanity’s recent rise in power, for most adventurers, this area remains a forbidden zone.

Devon’s team was gambling with their lives by venturing here—a region far beyond the capabilities of ordinary adventurers.

Thus, they tread carefully along the journey, opting for caution whenever possible: avoiding danger, detouring when necessary—all to ensure they reached the deeper areas safely.

But now, they were walking out of the plains as if strolling through a garden.

On closer observation, however, it became clear that while everyone appeared to move forward casually, their breathing was heavy, betraying the tension they were under.

By Devon’s side walked a small figure, dwarfed in comparison to the five male adventurers around her, making her seem particularly fragile.

Yet, it was precisely this "fragility" that made cold sweat run down the backs of the team members.

They all knew the perils of this mission. Entering the inner plains meant facing creatures capable of ending their lives in an instant.

Unexpectedly, they encountered such a being. But instead of attacking, the creature declared its intention to accompany their group.

Now, these seasoned adventurers, who had braved countless life-and-death situations, dared not even breathe loudly, fearful of triggering some taboo and incurring the wrath of this entity.

Fortunately, ever since their encounter, the “girl” had spoken only to Devon.

“They sent four elite warriors after him? And the result?”

“Bernard Parker, with his immense abilities, escaped unscathed from all four of them.”

“Human settlements have been established in many areas, and they’re remarkably secure? That impressive?”

“Yes, humans are no longer as weak as they once were, Miss.”

Through their conversation, Devon quickly realized that this girl’s understanding of the world dated back thirty years—just before the upheaval that reshaped everything.

Shortly after that time, the "Saint" had emerged, spreading the knowledge of magic across the world and welcoming those who struggled to survive into their organization.

Back then, Devon had been just a child. Even now, the memories stirred his emotions.

“I was nothing more than a starving beggar, but suddenly, I could train in magic and survive on my own as a swordsman.”

“It’s nothing short of a second life.”

As the conversation progressed, the rest of the team began to relax a little. Even the youngest mage chimed in with a heartfelt remark.

Devon shot a sidelong glance at Ivanka but didn’t refute the mage’s words. Instead, he agreed:

“Of course it’s like being reborn. He’s the Saint, the founder of human magic. Do you think someone with your humble background could’ve learned magic in the past?”

“I never said that! No mage would disrespect Saint Parker!”

The two other mages in the group nodded in agreement.

“Pfft!” Aino couldn’t help but laugh at the mention of "Saint Parker."

The adventurers turned to her with puzzled expressions.

“Is something wrong, Miss?”

“No, it’s just… Saint? That seems a bit much.”

Devon’s face remained stoic. At forty-something years old, the swordsman bore the marks of a life hardened by trials but retained a steadfast and composed demeanor.

“It might be hard for you to understand, Miss, but among humans, he has earned that title.”

His words subtly implied that she wasn’t human.

Aino did not deny it.

As they continued their journey, Aino bombarded Devon with questions. To the adventurers' relief, no monsters attacked them, even as they brazenly crossed through inhabited territories.

Clearly, it was because of her presence.

Thanks to this, they reached Devon’s home city in just a day.

Modern human settlements were no longer unregulated. Gone were the days of simply strolling into town. Now, checkpoints and registration procedures awaited visitors, with soldiers stationed at the gates to scrutinize passersby.

Am I considered undocumented? Aino frowned, feeling slightly uneasy.

“Don’t worry, Miss Aino. The checks aren’t that strict,” Devon reassured her softly before approaching the officer in charge of registration.

As Devon negotiated, another adventurer explained to Aino:

“These registrations are mostly for show. Devon knows how to grease the right palms—this won’t be an issue.”

Aino nodded but harbored her own thoughts.

Wouldn’t this make it easy for monsters or non-humans to infiltrate the city?

Then again, as they mentioned, humans and non-humans seemed to coexist here, so it might not be a significant problem.

Her musings were interrupted when Devon gestured for them to follow him through the gate.

Upon entering, Aino began observing the city.

Hmm, about the same level as Grantham, the dwarven city, she thought.

Quietly channeling her magic to sense her surroundings, Aino asked, “What’s the general status of this city? Is it considered prosperous, or just average?”

The question immediately made the adventurers tense again.

Why is she asking this? Could she be part of an enemy race?

Have we just led a wolf into the fold—a demon into our city...?

But what choice did they have? Against a creature from the depths of the forbidden plains, their only option was obedience.

Unaware of their spiraling thoughts, Aino tilted her head when no one answered.

Feeling her gaze, the adventurers quickly averted their eyes, feigning ignorance. Despite the lively and familiar streets, they were drenched in sweat.

“...”

Aino understood—they were overthinking things again.

They’d acted the same way at the beginning, treating her like some bloodthirsty monster poised to strike at any moment.

It’s not like I’ve reverted to my true form. Isn’t this human guise cute enough?

Running her hands through her hair, she pushed her bangs aside and fiddled with her shoulder-length black locks before turning her attention to Devon.

The sturdy swordsman seemed the most reliable to her and had been the main one conversing with her so far.

“Mr. Swordsman, was there something odd about my question?”

Her crisp voice carried a slight chill, prompting Devon’s mind to race.

“Nothing odd, Miss. This city is a fairly typical human settlement.”

Devon kept his gaze fixed ahead, avoiding Aino’s upturned eyes.

“Oh…” Aino sounded dejected.

After a brief silence, she spoke again:

“Do you all misunderstand me? I’m just an older non-human curious about humanity’s progress. Don’t think of me as some…”

Her words held truth. Aino believed herself to be benevolent towards humans and far from being an indiscriminate killer.

Yet from the moment they’d met, these adventurers had been afraid of her. She asked questions, and Devon would respond tersely, offering the bare minimum.

Polite but distant.

She had hoped for a friendly conversation—her interactions with Alea and Parker had always been pleasant.

This cold shoulder was unbearable.