Astraea seemed to have a sharper intuition than the peddler because soon after he spoke those words, the hooded figure began to shift in place. Of course, it could have simply been annoyed with Mikoto for calling it a giant when it was obviously human-sized. But that was besides the point. Instead, the figured continued to shift and twist, contorting from beneath its cloak.

Suddenly, a low hissing sound was heard as something leapt out of the hooded garments. It was all so sudden, a blinding flash of pale white launching right at the peddler. Further inspection revealed it to be a serpent the size of a whole man. And it was hissing louder and louder, its body already curling around Mikoto’s body with the primal desire to feed.

A soft giggling was heard from the distance and Melissa watched the scene casually from further up the hill. She waved at both knight and peddler, munching on her sandwich while holding her stuffed rabbit close to her chest. Yes, this was all sorts of interesting now wasn’t it?

[color=a36209]“Hm? What’s that Miranda? I should help them out against the mean snake? But surely this means that it’s their time to die, right? It’s all in the Absolute’s hands now,”[/color] she said cheerily as she swung her feet back in forth in enjoyment to the show.

Back in the village of Orello, Sedril was starting to succumb to conversation stagnation and was almost relieved when the bloodcurdling scream was heard. Seeing as his table sharing partner sprang up into action, he quickly followed in pursuit, gulping as his hand clenched upon the pommel of his blade. After all, a knight of the Imperium never backed down.

Unfortunately for him, the Imperium didn’t do much in teaching him how to face magical creatures. Especially giant birds, apparently called Rocs. Still, he steeled his resolve all the further as the massive monster came back around for a dive bombing swoop. Steel flashing, he struck out at the bird’s huge talons and drew some blood. A smirk of confidence was drawn up and he glanced over at Aria with the intention to impress.

Of course, that smirk was soon erased as he realized that the maddened creature was now turning its sights upon him now. Most of the villagers huddled the others who were too stunned back into inside buildings, letting the two sword users to deal with the problem.

Yet none of these challenges were in comparison to the treacherous horrors that awaited in the ruins of Rexicorg. Only a seasoned traveler could face the various monsters of the dungeon and slay them with ease. That experience came in the form of a young swordswoman and her ghostly companion, who traveled along in relative silence until a deep roaring was heard, coming from the origin point of the ruins.