2. A Task (1)

Serena and Violina leaned against the trunk of a towering, leafy tree—the tallest among those surrounding it. Its sturdy branches shielded them from the cloudy night sky above.

Hanging from one of the thick branches was a lantern, casting a warm, gentle glow over the two of them.

Around them, pale green wild grass grew densely, reaching as tall as an adult.
It was so thick that anyone entering would have to push their way through.
Strangely, though, the grass did not grow around the base of the tree they were leaning against—as if nature itself had carved out a private space just for them.

They sat close together, shoulders nearly touching, as they studied a crumpled newspaper lying on the ground in front of them.

Serena’s eyes narrowed, burning with quiet rage as she read the bold headline.
Violina, meanwhile, looked shocked—though her expression carried a trace of resignation.

“Humans are getting more insane,” Violina muttered under her breath, yet her words rang clearly in the still night air. “Do they really need that from our bodies? It wasn’t like this before. They weren’t this obsessed.”

Serena nodded slowly, but her expression was far from satisfied.

Beneath the headline, a gruesome image showed a pile of monster corpses—some barely recognizable.
The ground was soaked in blood, and among the carnage stood human figures, their faces emotionless, weapons in hand.

“And the Monster Guild Council is still silent,” Serena said through clenched teeth. Her voice trembled with fury. “This news has spread everywhere, yet they’ve taken no action. How long are we supposed to wait?”

Violina turned, searching for calm in Serena’s eyes—but all she found was a growing fire of unrest.

“Just hang in there, Serena,” Violina said with a soft, uncertain smile. “As long as we’re still together, isn’t that good enough?”

Serena let out a long, bitter sigh. The muscles in her face tightened, and her expression darkened.

“Aren’t you tired of this, Violina? Even just to eat or drink, we have to complete the gods’ stupid quests. Those reward items are the only food we can consume. And now we’re being hunted by humans.”

Serena’s dragon tail suddenly tensed, trembling violently in sync with the emotion in her voice. Bitterness and exhaustion were carved deep into her face.

Violina gently reached out, wrapping her arm around Serena and resting Serena’s head against her cheek.

Serena’s white hair draped over Violina’s face, covering her left eye. Violina’s wolf ears drooped, as if absorbing the sorrow radiating from Serena’s body.

“It’s okay, Serena,” she whispered reassuringly. “I believe all the Monster Guilds in the human world are doing their best to find a way forward for our kind. Don’t give up—we have to hold on.”

The soft rustling of grass under approaching footsteps shattered their moment of comfort.

Serena and Violina instantly snapped back to alertness.

They broke their embrace, heartbeats quickening, eyes fixed on the tall grass—waiting to see who or what would emerge.

Moments later, a woman stepped out from the overgrowth.

She had black hair tied into a bun behind her head, with long strands flowing down either side of her face. She wore a crisp white blouse paired with a knee-length black skirt, and her round glasses gave her a sharp, commanding look.

“Serena. Violina,” the woman called out, her voice firm and slightly urgent. “You need to pick up the food supplies from the Hiddenama Guild. Stocks are running low.”

Violina stood quickly to greet her. Her wolf tail swayed gently from side to side—a blend of unease and respect.

Her hands lifted slightly, expressing her confusion.

“Aunt Mei? Didn’t we already bring food supplies just last week? How could it be gone so soon?” she asked, disbelief coloring her voice.

Aunt Mei let out a long sigh and massaged her right temple, as if trying to soothe an ever-present headache. Weariness was written all over her face.

“You two are scouts—you should already know. More and more monsters are being teleported from the magic world to the human world. With Hiddenama taking in so many, food demands have increased drastically.”

Violina’s surprise faded. Her posture slackened, her tail stilled, and her head lowered. Her eyes fell to the grass beneath her feet.

“I see… But why? Why are so many from the magic world being sent here now? What’s really happening over there?” she asked, her voice tinged with confusion and worry.

Serena, who had remained silent all this time, finally spoke up with a grimace.

She hugged her knees and leaned her back against the tree. Her dragon tail stretched out behind her, a physical sign of her deep frustration.

“How can we not be struggling?” she snapped. “Everyone in Hiddenama is just sitting around. No one’s doing anything to change how monsters live!”

Aunt Mei stood frozen after hearing Serena’s complaint.

Her gaze shifted, revealing an unease she could no longer hide—especially as her eyes drifted toward the open newspaper in front of Serena and Violina. Though she tried to remain composed, it was clear that Serena’s words had rattled her deeply.

“Let it go, Serena. Please be patient. Let the Monster Guild Council handle this. It’s not something within your control,” Aunt Mei said gently, her voice trying to soothe Serena, though even she sounded unsure.

Suddenly, a woman’s voice called out from the distance, filled with urgency and concern.

“Mei! Where are you?!”

In an instant, Violina leapt gracefully into the tree, her movements swift and agile as she searched for the source of the voice. The tall wild grass obscured her view, forcing her to climb higher onto the branches.

“Aunt Mei, it’s Aunt Ella—she’s looking for you,” Violina called down after spotting a woman in similar attire standing in a hallway lit by hanging lamps.

The woman—Aunt Ella—soon noticed Violina perched above and cupped her hands around her mouth to shout back, “Violina, have you seen Aunt Mei?”

Aunt Mei and Serena both turned their eyes upward toward Violina in the tree.

“Oh, that’s Ella. Just tell her I’ll be right there,” Aunt Mei said quickly, her tone tinged with urgency. It was clear she had far too much on her plate.

Violina nodded and called out, “She’s coming, Aunt Ella! Just a minute!”

Aunt Mei turned to leave, but paused before taking her first step. She glanced back at Serena and Violina one last time.

“Serena, Violina—don’t forget to pick up the food supplies, alright? The kids won’t have anything for breakfast otherwise,” she said with a hopeful look.

Then she disappeared into the tall grass, leaving the two girls alone beneath the great tree, in a night growing ever more silent.

Violina hopped down from the tree with ease. She brushed dust off her long wolf tail, then cleaned the dirt from her skirt.

“Come on, Serena. Let’s just get it done. The kids at the monster inn would be in trouble if we don’t,” Violina said softly, extending her right hand.

Serena, though still wearing a scowl, took Violina’s hand and stood. She dusted off her skirt and swept her dragon tail back behind her before giving a small nod to continue walking.

“Hey, Violina,” Serena said, her voice a bit calmer.

“Hm?” Violina replied, not turning around.

“I think… someone from the monster race needs to make a real change. We can’t keep living like this forever,” Serena said, her tone steady and serious.

Violina gave a small nod. “Yeah, yeah, Serena. Whatever you say,” she replied playfully, then bent down to pick up the newspaper they had been reading earlier.

Carefully, Violina returned the newspaper to a small cabinet built into the trunk of the tree. Inside it were her clothes, pillows, bolsters, blankets, and personal items like her comb.

Then, they began walking—pushing their way through the tall grass toward the corridor Aunt Ella had taken earlier.

That path led them to a familiar place: the dormitory.
At the end of the corridor, a large building came into view, bustling with activity from young monster children playing and roaming around.

Inside, they were greeted by other women dressed similarly to Aunt Mei and Aunt Ella.

The dormitory was divided into several functional rooms, clearly labeled at the doorways despite lacking actual doors: there was a dining room, a kitchen, a library, and a spacious medical area.

Monster children of all kinds dashed about in high spirits.
Some ran toward the dining hall, others gathered in the library, and a few made their way into the medical room.

Passing through the noise and liveliness inside, Serena and Violina eventually stepped out into the wide backyard behind the building.

This yard was split into three large areas: one for soccer, one for swimming, and one for basketball.

“West Wing Monster Dormitory” was written in bold letters across the main building, marking their place.

The central dorm was flanked by two others—one on the right, housing monster boys, and the other on the left, housing monster girls. All of them now seemed to be moving toward the central dormitory, drawn by the scent of food wafting through the air.

Serena turned to Violina, her voice firm, “Violina, hold on to my leg tightly. We’re going to fly.”

Violina nodded, understanding. She stepped back to give Serena space. “Ready when you are.”

Serena closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly.

At that moment, her large blue dragon wings burst from her back, spreading wide into the air.

Her dress was specially designed—open at the back, covered only by a sheer layer of fabric—so it wouldn’t tear when her wings appeared.

The children playing nearby froze, eyes wide with awe at the beauty of Serena’s wings.

As Serena began flapping them, a gust of wind kicked up, blowing dust into the air. The children shielded their faces with their hands to block the flying debris.

“Jump, Violina!” Serena shouted from above, her voice cutting through the wind.

Violina didn’t hesitate. With a quick leap, she grabbed Serena’s right leg, clutching it tightly. Together, they soared into the sky, leaving the soccer field behind—now once again quiet.

After a few minutes of flight, Serena scanned the sky around them.

Above the city, many winged monsters could be seen flying—each from different species. In the distance, their destination came into view: the Hiddenama Guild Hall, a distinct two-story building that stood prominently in the city center.

It stood alone, with no other structures immediately beside it, yet the area bustled with life.
Dozens of monsters had gathered—shopping at roadside stalls, lounging at public tables, eating, drinking, and chatting.

The Hiddenama Guild Hall was built from sturdy wood with sections reinforced in concrete, its design unlike any other building scattered throughout the area—its architecture marked it as a place of importance.

“Violina, we’re almost there,” Serena called. “Before I land, can you jump off first?”

“Sure thing. Just don’t drop me from too high,” Violina replied, looking up, her clothes and wolf tail fluttering wildly in the wind.

“Alright, I’m descending now.”

Serena began to dip lower, gliding gently toward a landing yard not far from the Guild Hall.

This landing area was specifically designated for winged monsters arriving by air—set aside to prevent the dust stirred by flapping wings from disturbing nearby residents.
Around the field stood tall signposts, each marked with symbols of winged creatures.

Several other monsters were landing as well—some carrying supplies, others arriving empty-handed.

Serena and Violina continued on their way to the Hiddenama Guild, walking through streets bustling with monsters from various races.

Each race had its own distinct features, painting the city streets with vibrant colors and boundless life.

Soft yellow city lights illuminated their path, casting a warm glow that brought Hiddenama’s charm to life. Along the way, signposts marked important locations—such as the Hiddenama Guild, the city hospital, training grounds, and the aerial landing field.

As they neared the guild, a troubling scene unfolded before them—monsters being carried on stretchers, badly injured, heading toward the Hiddenama hospital. Their faces were weary and pained, some bearing severe wounds.

Serena furrowed her brow, her voice tinged with worry.
“Why are there so many injured Hunters? What exactly is going on?”

Violina, equally concerned as she observed the wounded, replied with uncertainty,
“They’re Monster Hunters too, right? Maybe they were attacked by human Hunters?”

Serena looked down, lost in thought.
“I don’t know, Violina. It’s rare to see this many Monster Hunters hurt this badly. Our kind usually heals quickly—we almost never need to go to the hospital.”

They pressed on through the crowds and street vendors. The air was rich with the aroma of spices wafting from cooking stalls, each scent more tempting than the last.

Ahead of them, the Hiddenama Guild Hall came into full view—calmer and more orderly than the bustling market street.

Round tables surrounded by chairs were occupied by monsters from all walks of life, chatting casually while enjoying their meals and drinks.

Male and female staff members from the Guild moved in and out, delivering food and taking new orders with practiced efficiency.

As Serena and Violina stepped inside the Guild Hall, the atmosphere shifted. Though still lively, the energy was more focused—more purposeful. Soft light from hanging lamps bounced off the wooden ceiling beams, replacing the open sky and starlight from outside.

Inside, many monsters were equipped with weapons—swords, staves, and enchanted tools—resting neatly by their sides as they took a break.

“Nea, good evening!” Serena called out to one of the female receptionists at the front desk.

There were six other receptionists, all busy recording reports and assisting incoming Monster Hunters.

Nea had just finished logging a request when she turned at the sound of Serena’s voice.

“Serena! Violina! How are you both doing? What can I help you with today?” she greeted them warmly, placing her pen down.

The small bat-like wings at Nea’s waist fluttered excitedly as she spotted the two. Her eyes sparkled, and a welcoming smile spread across her face—clearly delighted by the arrival of her close friends.

Serena and Violina stepped closer to the receptionist desk. Violina, without hesitation, stood directly in front of Nea, her eyes filled with urgency.

“Nea, we need food supplies,” Violina said firmly. “The monster dormitory is running out, and we can’t let that happen.”

Nea’s cheerful expression vanished the moment she heard the request. Her face fell into a worried frown, and her small bat wings, which had been fluttering moments before, now drooped listlessly.

“I’m sorry, Violina,” Nea replied softly. “The Guild’s food supplies are running low too. The Eastern Monster Dormitory has been requesting more and more lately—our stock is dangerously thin.”

Seeing the situation take a turn, Serena stepped forward, her eyes locking with Nea’s in a sharp stare. Her expression was stern—almost demanding.

“Nea, then what are we supposed to do now? We can’t go back empty-handed. The kids in the West Wing won’t get breakfast if we don’t bring anything. Low stock doesn’t mean no stock. There must be something you can give us.”

Nea shook her head slowly, sorrow etched into every feature.

“Serena, if I give the remaining supplies to you, what about those who are ordering food right now? They rely on this stock too. If I give it all away, they’ll have nothing left either.”

Suddenly, the green curtain behind Nea rustled, and a woman emerged from the room beyond.

She wore a sleek purple outfit, her long black hair cascading down to her chest. In her right hand, she held a lit cigar, exhaling smoke with practiced ease.
But most striking of all—her lower body was not human. It was the coiled, glossy black body of a serpent, winding across the wooden floor.

“Miss Ra!” Nea gasped, clearly startled by the sudden appearance.

The woman—Ra—locked eyes with Serena and spoke in a firm, cutting tone.

“Serena, if you’re not willing to comply, then leave. Don’t cause trouble in the Guild during working hours.”

Serena quickly lowered her head, trying to calm the anger that had nearly surged to the surface.

Violina, eager to defuse the rising tension, cut in quickly,
“We’re sorry, Aunt Ra. We just don’t want to go to the human city right now. At night, there are too many human Hunters prowling around. We’d rather not deal with them.”

Aunt Ra exhaled a plume of smoke, then used her tail to open one of the drawers at Nea’s desk. From within, she pulled out two worn, brown quest sheets and handed them to Serena.

“You have one choice. Complete this quest. Nea will make sure the reward is converted into food supplies,” Aunt Ra said flatly.

Violina nudged Serena’s shoulder, signaling her to take the papers. Without hesitation, Serena tucked them into the pocket of her skirt.

“Understood. Sorry, Aunt Ra. We’ll take our leave now,” Serena said, turning toward the door.

As they were about to exit, Nea called after them, “Wait! Did you bring a teleportation stone? Just in case you’re attacked out there!”

Violina turned her head and waved lightly. “No need, Nea. We can handle ourselves.”

Serena added with a small smile, “Bye, Nea,” waving her hand before disappearing through the Guild doors.

The two friends vanished from sight, leaving Aunt Ra and Nea standing inside the Guild Hall. Nea scratched her head, her face clouded with worry.

“Will they be alright...? Lately, more and more Monster Hunters have been getting seriously injured after clashing with human Hunters,” she murmured with concern.

Ra shrugged and brought the cigar back to her lips.
“Let them be. They’re both Recon Hunters—they know the risks. If they die, we can always buy their bodies back from the Alantropora magic market.”

Nea continued to stare at the door Serena and Violina had just passed through, a deep unease settling in her chest.

The atmosphere inside the Guild Bar felt different than usual. Normally, it would be bustling with Monster Hunters taking on quests, but today, most had come simply to enjoy food and drinks.

"Hey, Nea. Why are you spacing out?" A slightly high-pitched woman’s voice broke her reverie.

Nea flinched in surprise, her little bat wings twitching with the sudden jolt.

"Geez, Asra! What are you doing here? Aren’t there still tons of wounded monsters at the hospital?" Nea snapped, her tone clearly annoyed.

Asra, wearing a brown shirt, a necklace adorned with feathers, and a gray skirt that covered her deer-like lower body, offered a faint smile.

"I’m here to pick up potions. I know my job—I'm a healer, remember?"

She tapped her finger rhythmically on the receptionist counter, waiting patiently.

Nea let out a long sigh before shouting at a few male attendants who were serving food orders.
"Bring out a box of potions, quick!"

One of the servers, just finishing his task, nodded promptly and hurried into the Guild’s supply room. Nea turned back to Asra, concern still visible in her eyes.

"Asra," she said more softly, "Serena and Violina… do you really think they’ll be okay?"

Asra raised her eyebrows in mock surprise, a slight smirk tugging at her lips.
"What, you think I didn’t notice you worrying?"

Nea blinked in surprise. Her puzzled expression was unintentionally cute.
"How did you know I was worrying about them?"

Asra gave a small shrug, her smile turning gentle.
"I saw them earlier, heading toward the teleportation gate."

Nea bit her lower lip, her eyes drifting toward the window. Outside, the streets were lined with unusual scenes—wounded Monster Hunters being carried on stretchers toward the hospital.

“Will they really be okay…? I’m not so sure anymore.”

Asra stepped closer and gently patted her friend’s shoulder.
“Relax,” she said reassuringly. “If they don’t return within a day, the Scout Unit will go out and look for them. Serena’s too valuable to lose. The Guild won’t just sit by.”

Nea looked at Asra, trying to calm herself, though her mind still churned with anxiety.
“I hope you’re right, Asra,” she murmured.

Just then, the male attendant returned, carrying three wooden boxes stacked carefully in his arms. Each box was filled with neatly arranged potions. He set them down on the floor with a slight bow.

“Here they are,” he said simply.

Nea gave a small nod in thanks. The attendant wasted no time and returned to the bar kitchen.

Asra moved in, her deer-like front legs bending so she could reach the boxes more easily.

“Well, Nea. I’ve got to go. We still have too many injured to care for.”

Nea opened her mouth to respond, but was interrupted by the hurried steps of someone entering.

A young man appeared, walking briskly and barefoot.

His muscular build was visible through his sleeveless black shirt and long denim trousers. His black hair, unkempt and sweaty, hung over his forehead, trimmed short on the sides and back.

“Hars?” Asra turned in surprise. “What’s going on? Why the rush?”

Without answering, Hars slammed a piece of paper onto the desk. His breath was still heavy as he looked straight at Nea.

“Where’s Miss Ra? I need to see her now!”

Nea held her palms up to her chest, motioning for him to calm down.

“Slow down, Hars. What’s happening? And what’s with this paper?”

Asra, who had just been about to leave, decided to stay. Something felt off.

“Yeah, sit for a second. It’s unusual to see you back in town. Aren’t Recon Monster Hunters like you rarely seen here?”

Hars wiped the sweat from his forehead and shook his head.
“There’s no time for that,” he said quickly. “This is urgent. It needs to be posted on the information board immediately. There’s a group of adventurers calling themselves the Murderer Three—and they’re hunting down monsters.”

Asra and Nea’s eyes widened. Their bodies tensed at once.

“Serena and Violina—what about them?!” they cried in unison.