The women hesitated for a moment before the archer finally broke the silence.
"Tch. Fine. But stay at the back and don't get in our way."
She slung her bow over her shoulder with practiced ease and crossed her arms.
"I'm Selene, A-Rank Archer. I don't babysit, so try not to scream if a beast bites your leg off."
The rogue gave a lazy smirk.
"Kaelra. Assassin. D-Rank… officially. But don't blink or you'll be dead before you see me move."
She spun her dagger once, the blade gleaming in the jungle light.
The healer stepped forward, more friendly than the other two.
"I'm Airi, B-Rank Spirit Healer. And don't worry, we'll keep you alive."
Zairon nodded, pretending to gulp nervously.
"Z-Zairon. E-Rank… aspiring to survive."
"Aspiring to rule the goddamn world," his inner voice added, laughing hysterically.
They turned toward the glowing Gate.
It pulsed like a heartbeat—alive, foreboding.
Selene stepped forward. "Formation 3. Kaelra, scout ahead. Airi, stay center."
Zairon blinked, impressed.
"These girls are organized. Disgustingly efficient. How cute."
As the Gate swallowed them in a flash of light, the jungle vanished.
They stood in a ruined temple swallowed by vines and fog. Statues of forgotten beasts lined the cracked stone, and the air was thick with tension.
Ding.
C-Rank Gate: Temple of Devouring Stone.
Threat Level: High. Rewards: Unknown.
Kaelra vanished into the shadows.
Selene raised her bow, already scanning.
Airi whispered a soft incantation, casting a buff of calm spiritual energy over the group.
Zairon stayed back—hands in his cloak, watching, thinking.
"Let's see how you girls dance… and then the Sovereign will take the stage."