The cool wind curled around Nogitsune's face, carrying the faint scent of mountain air and pine. He inhaled this calm, undisturbed air, savoring the rare moment of peace. Until space itself seemed to tear open in front of him with a crackling energy that made his skin tingle.

"Again?" A thought flashed through the crusader's mind, and his fingers were already clenched into fists, muscles coiled like springs ready to attack. But the figure who stepped out of the swirling portal was not an enemy.

Liaf.

"Hello, brother," the voice sounded too cheerful for a sudden visit that always meant trouble. "Did you miss me?"

The portal slammed shut behind him with a soft whoosh, and Liaf was already standing in front of Nogitsune, small and slight as a leaf before a blade of grass. His casual posture contrasted sharply with Nogitsune's battle-ready stance.

"Largon sent me," he explained, opening his arms for a hug that Nogitsune didn't return. "One little Evil has entered this world... That's all. Do you want to help me with the search?" Liaf smiled warmly, as if he were asking for help finding a lost kitten rather than tracking down supernatural corruption.