Ronny used scan on the adventurers. All of them returned the same ‘target is too high level’ error, “No! We can give our weapons if you’d like. We mean no harm!”

Nvili sighed, “There’s no need for that. Neither of you are a threat—with or without weapons. I wouldn’t want to take away your lifeline for no reason.”

“R-right…”

“How about you two come out of those trees and take a seat around the fire? I can tell you’ve been walking for a while.”

“Yes sir…” Ronny and Enzi walked up to the camp and sat across from the adventures. They fidgeted around while they were there, very obviously uncomfortable.

When they were on the ground, Nvili continued, “Based on your reactions to my introduction, it’s obvious that you two know who we are. In fact, I’d go as far as to say you know why we’re here too. How do you know the queen?”

Ronny decided not to risk lying to the walking army calamity sitting across from him, “We were just Knights-in-Training.”

Canta handed Ronny and Enzi bottles of beer. They accepted the beverage hesitantly, “I’m impressed at how fast Ms. Madison is giving Demons high roles in her government! Though I guess being royalty helps with that?”

“Well… I’m not actually a part of the royal family. It might be hard to believe, but I didn’t have these horns until a few days ago.”

“Oh?”

“They changed after I killed some monsters.”

“Right…”

Ronny backed him up, “It’s true. I was there when it happened. The transformation looked painful.”

Canta inspected the Demon, “Well if that’s true, I’d like to bring back to Teknar for some analysis. It’s a shame that now isn’t an opportune time for that…”

“I don’t mean to pry, but why is that?” Ronny’s tone was meek. He wanted to take the focus away from Enzi without upsetting her.

Nvili was the one to answer, “We failed the mission. Do you know what a Corpse Chimera is?”

“I’ve read about them.” Ronny tried not to look shaken by the news that they’d lost.

“Queen Madison has one. The biggest one in history. You guys were eavesdropping before, so I’m sure you heard the part about The Queen sacrificing her own people to boost it’s power.” He continued, “By the time we arrived at the scene, it was already more than a thousand feet tall and still growing. We gave up as soon as the battle with began.” He gestured back to one of the tents, “If Rivv hadn’t used his ability to bolster our defenses, the first hit would have killed us. We aren’t getting payed enough to deal with something like that. If The Guild wants us to fight it for real, they’ll need to pay us a lot more.”

“So you guys just giving up on your mission then?”

“Pretty much. By now, that thing has probably destroyed the majority of Barnock. If it absorbed all those souls, this is something best left in the hands of Adamantite. Without a doubt, it’s too powerful for Madison to control now, so that thing is completely unhinged. There’s no telling what it’ll do.”

“Barnock is… gone?” Ronny recalled what happened at the construction site and started shaking.

“Probably. I’m guessing that Madison is planning to become a Litch. With her ability, it’s definitely a possibility.”

“…Why are you telling us all of this?”

“Why not? At this point, we’re all just bystanders. None of us can do anything about Madison or her Corpse Chimera, so why not? Hell, if you want, I don’t mind letting you guys follow us back to the boat we came on. This country is going to be a hellhole in the next few weeks, so the sooner you get out of here the better.”

“Thanks for the offer, but I can’t. Enzi would get killed as soon as he stepped foot there.”

“True enough. But if you two are planning to take refuge in Sundenspur, you should change your plans. I’m willing to bet that in a few weeks, The Guild is going to hire an Adamantite to wipe that country of the map.”

“Thanks for the advice, but we aren’t going there.”

“That’s good,” He sighed, “You two are welcome to stay the night here, if you’d like. Monsters instinctively know to stay well clear of people like Canta and I, so it should be safe” Nvili rose to his feet, “Just don’t try anything stupid. That kind of thing won’t work.”

As Nvili left, Ronny turned to Enzi, “What do you say?”

“Well these are the same people who kill my brethren for the simple reason of profit, so I have my doubts… but if they’re offering us a haven, I guess I can overlook it for one night. We can stay.”

“Profit isn’t the only reason!” Canta was still sitting across from them, “I can assure you of that…”

“What lies do you tell yourself to justify your atrocities then?” Enzi made direct eye contact. He meant to put her on the spot, but Ronny broke the conversation before things could devolve any further.

“Let’s not have this conversation right now, Enzi.” He spoke loudly enough to ensure that Canta heard him,” She’s probably made several hundred platinum killing innocent people. Don’t think she won’t do the same to us.”

Canta just got up and went to bed. A while later, Ronny and Enzi fell asleep near the fire.