The mist had thinned but refused to disappear completely. It clung to the trees like stubborn smoke, still whispering faint, tempting fragments of their earlier visions.
Hiroto walked in the middle, trying very hard not to think about what he had seen — or felt — in that hallucination. Every time his mind wandered, he felt a phantom touch on his skin and immediately shook his head.
Focus. You almost lost control once already. Don't make it twice.
Sylvara was quieter than usual, her hand never leaving her sword hilt. Alyra, on the other hand, had become even more clingy. Her tail kept wrapping around Hiroto's waist "accidentally."
"You're awfully quiet, handsome," Alyra purred, pressing her side against him. "Still thinking about those hands on your—"
"Alyra," Sylvara cut in sharply, without turning around. "Not now."
Alyra just grinned. "What? I'm only checking if he's okay. He looked like he was enjoying himself back there."
Hiroto's face burned. "Can we please talk about literally anything else?"
The System chimed cheerfully.
[Current mental state: 60% horny, 40% embarrassed.
Recommendation: Try not to trip over your own erection while walking. It would be awkward.]
"System, I swear—"
Before Hiroto could finish, the mist suddenly surged again. Not the soft, seductive kind this time — this one was sharp and dangerous.
From the shadows came the sound of rapid movement. Three Corrupted Mist Stalkers materialized — tall, slender creatures that blended almost perfectly with the fog, their claws dripping with glowing venom.
"Ambush!" Sylvara shouted, drawing her sword in a flash.
Alyra spun, shortsword ready. "Finally, something I can stab!"
Hiroto gripped his weapon and activated the bond.
[ Bond Sync Activated – Sylvara 94% ]
Power rushed through him, but the stalkers were fast. One of them lunged at him from the side, claws aiming for his throat.
He barely managed to block it, the impact sending him stumbling back.
Too fast! I can't—
A black blur shot out from the trees above.
A silver arrow whistled through the air, striking the stalker in the neck. The creature hissed and dissolved into mist.
Another arrow followed, taking down the second stalker mid-leap.
The third one turned toward the new threat — only to be met by a slender figure dropping from the branches like a shadow.
She landed gracefully between the group and the last stalker. Long silver-white hair flowed behind her, glowing faintly in the dim light. Her skin was pale with a subtle violet tint, and her sharp, amethyst eyes scanned the battlefield with cold precision. Tight black leather armor hugged her athletic frame, accentuating every curve — including the unmistakable bulge straining against the front of her pants.
With a single fluid motion, she drew a curved dagger and slit the final stalker's throat.
The creature collapsed without a sound.
Silence fell.
The dark elf turned slowly, her gaze locking onto Hiroto first. Her expression was unreadable, almost predatory.
"…A male," she said, voice smooth and dangerously calm. "In the heart of Mistwood. How very interesting. And traveling with two futanari. Even more curious."
Sylvara stepped forward, sword still raised protectively. "We mean no harm. Who are you?"
The dark elf tilted her head, studying them one by one.
"Lirael. Shadow Warden of the Veiled Grove. I hunt the corrupted that infest this forest." Her eyes narrowed at Hiroto again. "You, however… smell like trouble. And raw desire. The mist has already tasted you, hasn't it? I can see it in the way you look at your companions."
Alyra's tail lashed once, her golden eyes narrowing with clear jealousy.
"She's staring a little too hard, don't you think?" she muttered loudly enough for everyone to hear.
Hiroto swallowed, trying to keep his voice steady while his heart pounded.
"Thank you for the help. We're just trying to cross the forest." He hesitated for a moment, then added, "Actually… we're hunting the corrupted too. If you're already doing the same, maybe we could work together? At least for a while. Strength in numbers."
Sylvara nodded once in agreement. "He's right. Your skills are impressive. We could use someone who knows this forest as well as you do."
Lirael's amethyst eyes flicked between them, her lips curling into a faint, mocking smile.
"I have no interest in joining your little group." Her gaze lingered on Hiroto a moment longer, sharp and assessing, as if she were weighing whether he was worth her time. "A male giving orders in Mistwood? How quaint. But the forest is growing more unstable by the day. If you somehow manage to survive until nightfall without getting yourselves killed… perhaps I will speak with you again."
She turned as if to melt back into the shadows, then paused briefly.
"One last warning, little male. If the mist calls to you again… don't answer it alone. And next time you try to command me… make sure you can actually back it up."
With those words, Lirael vanished into the mist, disappearing as silently as she had arrived.
Alyra let out a frustrated huff. "Great. Another mysterious beauty who calls him 'little lord' and then disappears. I'm starting to feel crowded."
Sylvara sheathed her sword, frowning. "She's strong. And she knows this forest better than we do. We may need her help whether we want it or not."
Hiroto stared at the spot where Lirael had vanished, his pulse still racing.
She saw right through me… and she almost stabbed me for trying to command her.
The System chimed one last time.
[Well, that was dramatic.
New girl acquired: Temporary stalker mode activated.
Progress toward harem expansion: 15%.
Keep it up, Casanova. At this rate you'll collect them like Pokémon.]
Hiroto sighed heavily.
"…Shut up."
They continued deeper into the mist, but now they all felt eyes watching them from the shadows.
Eyes that belonged to a very dangerous — and very beautiful — dark elf.