34: Love and Monster

Chapter 34: Love and Monster .

**Exploring Malory Village's Food Issue:**

After the initial setup and organization of Division 10's operations in Malory Village, Captain Elara noticed a concerning issue during her discussions with the village chief, Endro. They sat together in the center of the village, surrounded by curious villagers going about their daily tasks.

**Captain Elara:** (leaning forward) Endro, I noticed that your village relies heavily on vegetables and fruits for food. Why don't you hunt for meat or other protein sources?

**Endro:** (sighing heavily) Captain, it's not that simple. Our hunters who ventured into the forest never returned. The same fate befell those who sought medicinal herbs and plants.

**Captain Elara:** (frowning) Disappearances in the forest? It sounds serious. Have you encountered any dangerous creatures or monsters?

**Endro:** (nodding gravely) We suspect it might be a class B monster lurking in the deeper parts of the forest. It's the only explanation for the hunters vanishing without a trace.

Captain Elara exchanged a concerned look with Synoh, who stood nearby, listening intently.

**Captain Elara:** (to Synoh) We need to investigate this. Synoh, gather five knights. We'll scout the forest and assess the situation.

**Synoh:** (saluting) Yes, Captain. I'll select a team and prepare them immediately.

As Synoh assembled a team of skilled knights, Captain Elara turned back to Endro, her expression resolute.

**Captain Elara:** (to Endro) We'll get to the bottom of this, Endro. Keep the village informed and remain vigilant.

**Endro:** (nodding gratefully) Thank you, Captain. We're counting on your knights to resolve this threat.

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With the team assembled and preparations made, Division 10 ventured into the dense forest surrounding Malory Village, their senses heightened and their weapons ready. The mystery of the disappearing hunters and the suspected class B monster weighed heavily on their minds as they delved deeper into the unknown.

**Scouting the Forest:**

After Synoh selected a team of knights for the scouting mission into the forest surrounding Malory Village, they ventured forth with purpose. Armed and vigilant, they disappeared into the dense foliage, leaving Captain Elara and the remaining knights in tense anticipation at their makeshift base camp on the outskirts of the village.

Hours passed with no sign of the scouting party's return. The sun dipped toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest floor. Unease settled among the waiting knights, their concerns growing with each passing minute.

**Captain Elara:** (furrowing her brow) It's taking them too long. Synoh, any sign of them?

**Synoh:** (scanning the forest edge) None yet, Captain. Should we prepare a rescue team?

**Captain Elara:** (hesitating) Let's give them a little more time. They may have encountered unexpected challenges or obstacles.

**Synoh:** (nodding reluctantly) Understood, Captain. We'll wait a bit longer.

The tension was palpable as they maintained their vigil, eyes trained on the forest's edge where their comrades had vanished. The distant calls of nocturnal creatures echoed through the trees, heightening the eerie atmosphere.

**Captain Elara:** (to herself) They're seasoned knights. They'll find their way back.

Time stretched on, each minute feeling like an eternity until finally, just as doubt began to gnaw at their resolve, faint sounds of movement emerged from the forest. The scouting party emerged, weary but unharmed, their faces etched with relief and a hint of urgency.

**Scouting Knight:** (breathless) Captain Elara, we've encountered something in the forest. It's not safe out there.

**Captain Elara:** (stepping forward) What did you find?

**Scouting Knight:** (pausing to catch breath) There's a nest of class B monsters deeper in the woods. We barely made it out without alerting them.

Captain Elara exchanged a glance with Synoh, her expression grave yet determined.

**Captain Elara:** (to Synoh) We need to formulate a plan. Gather the knights. We can't risk any more lives.

**Synoh:** (nodding decisively) Right away, Captain.

As Synoh mobilized the knights and prepared to confront the looming threat, Captain Elara's mind raced with strategies to ensure the safety of her team and the villagers relying on their protection.

They settled down and rest. Synoh and Captain Elara chatting together at night.

**Reflecting on the Night:**

Captain Elara lay in her bed, the moonlight filtering through the window casting soft shadows across her room. Her mind was still buzzing with the remnants of a vivid dream that felt all too real.

**Captain Elara:** (whispering to herself) Why did I dream that? It felt so... real.

In her dream, Synoh's playful comment had caught her off guard, stirring feelings she hadn't acknowledged before. The warmth of his chuckle, the casual way he teased her—it had all felt strangely intimate, yet comforting.

**Captain Elara:** (closing her eyes) It's because of yesterday... when we were talking. It must have triggered something.

She recalled their conversation under the starry night sky. They had shared a moment of camaraderie, discussing their growth and the bonds forged since Synoh joined Division 10.

**Real Conversation:**

**Captain Elara:** (gazing at the moon) Isn't it a lovely night, Synoh?

**Synoh:** (gazing up at the sky) It is, Elara.

**Captain Elara:** (reflective) It feels like just moments ago you joined this division, and now we've grown so much closer.

**Synoh:** (smiling) Yeah, I feel that too. But hey, isn't the moon lovely tonight? (Other meaning: I Love You)

**Captain Elara:** (taken aback, blushing) Yes, it is... (she looks at Synoh, but he gazes at the moon) You know, Synoh, you and I... our ages are like brother and sister. Do you think it's strange that people ship us together?

**Synoh:** (thoughtful) When it comes to love, age doesn't really matter.

**Captain Elara:** (nodding) Hmm, I see. Well, I think it's time for bed.

**Synoh:** (smiling softly) So early? Alright then. Good night, Elara.

Back in her room, Captain Elara couldn't shake the lingering feelings from that conversation. Synoh's words echoed in her mind, resonating deeper than she had anticipated.

**Captain Elara:** (thinking) Love... it's been a while since I've even thought about that. But Synoh... he's mature beyond his years. Maybe... maybe it's time to let go of the past.

As she drifted off to sleep, Captain Elara found herself hoping that the dream wasn't just a fleeting illusion—that perhaps, beneath their camaraderie, there was something more waiting to bloom.