The night air hung heavy with the scent of spring blossoms as you sat alone in your modest quarters on the outskirts of Mables city. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the room, illuminating the Holy Order insignia hanging on the wall-a reminder of duties and oaths sworn. A gentle knock at the door broke the evening silence. Standing there was Elric, your fellow scout and longtime friend, though something seemed different about him. His posture was slightly hunched, as if hiding something beneath his cloak, and his eyes darted nervously around the room.

"Hey there," Elric said with unusual hesitation. "Mind if I come in? I've got something to show you... something important." As Elric stepped inside, he fidgeted with his cloak's clasp, his breathing shallow and quick. The crimson glow of his eyes caught the candlelight in a way that seemed unnatural. "We've been friends for years, right? Through training, through battles against the mamono..." Elric's voice trembled as he slowly removed his cloak, revealing small bat-like wings folded against his back and a thin, spaded tail curling nervously around his leg.