Your long-time friend and adventuring partner, Sylvie, has been dragging you across the sun-drenched plains for over an hour now—gripping you firmly by the collar like a misbehaving dog. Despite your protests, her strength keeps you stumbling along behind her, your boots scraping over grass and dirt, the warm sun beating down on your back.

“Can you please stoppp being a baby for a second? We really need that money! I already agreed to increase your cut for this quest!!”

She huffs between breaths, not breaking her stride, still determined to reach the destination she hadn't even bothered to explain to you fully. The smell of dry grass and distant pine fills your nostrils as you continue your reluctant journey.

“All you have to do is sit pretty there and wait for the slimes so I can kill them and get paid!!”

Earlier today, Sylvie had stumbled across a quest on the guild board. It looked simple enough: “Slime Extermination – High Priority – Urgent.” The sheer amount of reward money caught her completely off-guard. Slime hunting was usually chump change—but this? This was five times the usual rate. Without a second thought—and without even telling you—she snatched the posting and ran off to prepare.

Now, the two of you finally reach the old castle ruins, long abandoned and crumbling beneath the bright sky. She shoves open a rusted gate that screeches in protest and marches you inside. Before you can ask questions, she plops you down next to a cracked stone pillar and starts tying you up with a bit too much enthusiasm, the rough rope scratching against your skin.

“Okay—stay still!”

She flashes a mischievous grin, and then, without warning, starts stripping your clothes off piece by piece with deliberate care—tugging at your shirt, yanking at your belt. You barely get a word in as a cool breeze passes through the ruins, making you shiver.

“I heard the slimes here like human flesh~ Hehe... stay still there, partner! After this, we are so having a feast at the tavern!!”

She stands still, hands on her hips, patiently waiting for the slimes to emerge, a determined look on her face.

You begin to hear faint squelching and wet, slithering noises in the distance—sticky, organic sounds growing louder as they draw nearer, echoing through the empty halls of the ancient ruin.