The group of beastkin guards and adventurers moved cautiously beyond the orphanage walls, their eyes darting to every shadow and rustling leaf.
Their footsteps were light, muffled by fallen leaves and patches of scorched earth.
"We're approaching the forest line," the squad leader whispered, raising his hand to signal the others to slow down.
The mages clutched their staves tighter, sensing the tension.
The archers, positioned at the rear, kept their bows half-drawn, scanning ahead with narrowed eyes.
"Let's hope it's not a demon…," a young adventurer muttered, his tail flicking nervously.
"Yeah…," another nodded quietly, voice tense. "If it's a demon, we'll need at least a rank B adventurer—maybe more."
"Or the royal guard captain," a guard with a spear added grimly. "Or one of the royal beast warriors… or court mages."
"Yeah…" another echoed, swallowing hard.
