Korokin Village

"You both really don't think things through, do you?" Fluffy remarked as the trio, Mana and Viktor with the fat cat on Mana's back, exited through the city's doors, exposing them to the threat of the night as they began walking carefully down the path, away from their city. 

The city didn't care when someone left or entered as long as they checked in and out first. If someone wanted to leave, despite the dangers, they weren't going to hold anyone back unless it was someone of importance; in which they would only be able to leave with an escort. 

"There's a small village about 5 miles away, going northwest. It's one of the main villages we frequent often because, quite honestly, they make THE best rolls," Viktor licked his lips as he thought of the buttery and warm baked good. "And because it's so close to the city, guards from Koro are stationed there." 

"Yes, let us mind read, Viktor," the sassy cat said. 

"It's the Village of Korokin Forest," he quickly turned to face Mana as they walked, "it's more on the outskirts now after years of deforestation, so we won't actually be going into the forest," he reassured her, though she didn't ask. 

"Thank you," she simply replied, with a quick little flash of a smile. She grabbed the straps of the cat pack and bounced mid step to readjust it, giving Fluffy a small toss. 

He hissed at her before letting out a bark, "roorf," he mumbled. His bark was just as good as his meow. "See if I heal you now," he snapped, angered about being shifted about. Mana ignored the cranky feline. 

She looked up at the sky as she walked. It looked completely different than in the city. The view was more real; no buildings in your vision at all times, the noises of the hustle and bustle were fading, and the natural sounds of the forest were beginning to take over. 

Occasionally they heard the faint growl of a rotted creature or the cries of something being hunted, but they never saw any commotion themselves. 

For a moment, Mana forgot the dangers of the world. 

"You know, you may be level 21 now, but you're still only as trained as a level 5, maybe 11 considering the circumstances, but barely," Viktor broke the silence. 

"I know," she replied, focusing back on the path in front of her. With his simple statement, he brought her back to the reality of her situation. 

"I will do everything in my power to be sure you succeed," he raised a hand with his palm out and the other hand over his chest, "guardsman honor." Viktor then grabbed the shield off his back and wielded it in front of him in a mock block. "It really does work out; the three of us together." 

"You sound like a cooped up old man that's happy to dust the rust off," she joked. 

"No, no, no, I'm serious," he continued. "I'm the best damn tank you will ever meet, Fluffy is one hell of a healer, and you..." He straightened up, placing his shield back on his back, "you're so freaking badass," he punched the air a few times pretending he had her weapons on. "That last punch; so satisfying!" he said, as he pretended to do a mega-punch forward, copying Mana. "Of course, I'm glad it wasn't worse," he said, remembering Mana had almost died, as he quickly fixed himself. 

"I suppose you're right," she grinned. Viktor did take the attention of Neya off of Mana, risking his life to save the team. A singular tear fell from one of her eyes as she had a flashback of him standing there with one arm still ready to protect her, while the other was mangled. "Thanks, you guys." 

"No need to thank us," Viktor happily informed her, giving her a hard, solid pat on the back. "You are the true savior."

"You can thank me, he doesn't speak on my behalf," Fluffy announced from inside the backpack. Viktor and Mana began to laugh, his sassiness was already funnier than it was rude, and they were getting used to it. 

After a few hours had passed, they finally reached the small village. It didn't have a wall around it like the city, but the residents did build a decent sized barrier around it, with only 1 way in and 1 way out; a large, 2 door, wooden gate operated by guards. 

"Who goes there!?" A man's voice announced from atop the small barrier, followed by the shuffle of weapons being readied. 

"Viktor Klora," the tank called back, his voice stern and deep, a complete change to how he was outside of his working demeanor. After a brief pause, the gates opened, revealing a quaint village that was no brighter than the forest it was named after. 

The trio waited until the double door gate was opened before making their way inside; being immediately stopped by another guard upon entrance. Viktor quickly guided the guard away from Mana and Fluffy as he asked them to wait patiently for a moment. 

None of the guards ever said a word to Mana, keeping their focus on their higher up, with Viktor seemingly explaining to them their situation. 

While the duo he had left behind couldn't hear any of the conversations going on, she knew the guardsmen were talking about her. Every so often, in the middle of the conversation, the guard Viktor was talking to kept peering over at her. Mana waved every time with a welcoming smile, not sure what else to do as Fluffy stayed asleep, purring. 

Finally, Viktor dismissed himself from the conversation after only a couple minutes, joining his new teammates once more. "What's going on?" Mana asked. 

"Well, they gave us the go ahead to stay, but only if we agree to help them with something tomorrow." 

"What do they need help with?" Mana shifted, crossing her arms. 

"A small group of rotted deer are getting a little too close lately, and they want them taken care of before they start to attract some more dangerous creatures." He rubbed the back of his head, "it was optional, but I'm tired, and I really want some sleep." 

Mana giggled, "it's alright. I'm tired too, and besides, it will help me train."