Just one thing

The morning was clear, the air crisp as the three friends set off toward Mount Dajti. The peak loomed against the sky, only about twelve hundred meters high — not a giant, but large enough to demand respect. They had slung ropes and pickaxes over their shoulders, packs clinking faintly with the rest of their gear. None of them spoke much at first; there was a quiet determination in their steps.

The initial path wound gently upward through low shrubs and rocks. Birds darted between branches, and a breeze carried the scent of pine. For a while, it almost felt like a pleasant hike rather than the beginning of a hunt for the Demon King.

As they climbed higher, the trail grew wilder. Brambles tangled across the way, tall grass brushed their knees, and scattered saplings forced them to weave and duck.

“This is getting ridiculous,” Kael muttered, batting away a branch.

“I’ve got it,” Mira said. She summoned her orb, the familiar shimmer of light swirling in her hands. With a careful flick, she sent it forward. Energy pulsed out, clearing bushes and slicing through thick weeds. The air smelled faintly of singed leaves.

Mira winced. “I hate damaging nature like this,” she admitted, glancing at the patch of flattened greenery. “But we don’t exactly have a choice.”

Kael shrugged. “If the Demon King wanted us to preserve the flora, he could have set up shop somewhere less overgrown.”

They pressed on. Above them, the peak came into view — jagged rocks dusted with lichen, sunlight gleaming off the stone. According to the notes the guild receptionist had given them, the Demon King’s last known position was right at the summit.

“Lian,” Kael called, pausing to catch her breath, “once we actually get to the top, what’s our plan? I don’t suppose you’re counting on charming him into surrender.”

Lian planted his pickaxe in the soil, looking far too pleased with himself. “Honestly? Planning’s never been our strong suit. We’ve always just… improvised, and look how far that’s gotten us.”

Kael gave him a flat stare. “Improvised is one way to describe it. Survived by sheer luck is another.”

He grinned. “Luck’s a strategy if you believe in it hard enough.”

Kael rolled her eyes and decided not to waste energy arguing. They continued upward, the slope growing steeper. The air thinned slightly, cool against their skin. Only a few meters remained before the summit.

Then Lian’s boot slipped on a patch of loose gravel. He flailed for balance, arms pinwheeling. Kael gasped, Mira lunged — but another hand, small and gloved, shot out from above and grabbed his wrist.

“Careful there,” said an unfamiliar voice.

Lian found himself staring at a creature unlike any he’d ever seen. It stood barely chest-high, with smooth grayish skin and bright eyes that gleamed with intelligence. It wore a perfectly tailored suit, complete with a cravat, and looked as if it had stepped out of a noble’s tea party rather than a monster lair.

“Uh,” Lian said, still hanging partly off the ledge, “thanks?”

The creature hauled him up with surprising strength and dusted off its sleeves. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance,” it said, bowing slightly. “My name is Durs. How may I assist you?”

Mira’s instincts kicked in at once. She stepped forward, hands raised defensively. “Careful, you two,” she warned. “Don’t trust someone we don’t—”

“We’re here to defeat the Demon King!” Kael blurted out, cutting Mira off entirely. She leaned closer, eyes narrowing. “Wait… are you the Demon King?”

Durs blinked, then chuckled softly. “Oh no, I’m afraid not.”

All three slumped slightly, disappointment flickering over their faces.

“I am,” Durs continued, “one of His Majesty’s generals.”

That snapped them out of it. They shifted instinctively into defensive stances, hands hovering over weapons. Lian squared his shoulders. “If you’re planning to kill us,” he said loudly, “we won’t hesitate to return the favor!”

Durs raised both hands, palms outward in a placating gesture. “Please, there’s no need for dramatics. I have no intention of harming you. In fact, making a scene is the last thing my master wants right now. He’s… occupied with certain affairs and prefers to keep a low profile.”

“Uh-huh,” Lian said, skeptical. He reached quietly inside himself, activating his ability to read minds. For a moment, the creature’s thoughts washed over him — calm, measured, and perfectly aligned with what Durs had just said. No deception, only mild annoyance at the trio’s caution.

Durs inclined his head. “As I was saying, my task is to monitor this area and report anyone who comes too close. Eliminating visitors is not in my job description.”

“Fine,” Kael said slowly, lowering her sword. 

“Then maybe you can answer this: why are you here?” Durs asked.

So Lian laid out the story — Kael’s family, the arranged marriage, Mael’s impossible challenge. Durs listened without interruption, his expression unreadable, hands folded neatly behind his back.

When Lian finished, the little general let out a thoughtful hum. “Ah, the Strom family,” he said at last. “Yes, their influence reaches far, and they do have a rather tense history with my lord. If the Demon King wished, he could sweep away their power entirely. Were that to happen, young lady, your predicament would vanish.”

Kael hesitated, biting her lip. “I… I appreciate that,” she said softly. “But I’d rather not see my family destroyed, even if they drive me crazy.”

“An admirable sentiment,” Durs replied with a small smile. “Family bonds are complicated.”

Lian stepped closer, determination lighting his eyes. “Then tell us just one thing, Durs — where is the Demon King?”