Reincarnated Into A World Of Elves As The Only Man

"So tell me again," Captain Nari said, wincing as she adjusted her position against the large oak tree, "how exactly did you find us?" The forest around them had settled into predawn stillness, the first hints of morning light barely visible through the dense canopy. Their small campfire cast dancing shadows across Mika’s face as she applied a salve to Seril’s wounded leg.

"You’re quite difficult to miss," Mika replied with a smirk, her fingers working with practiced precision. "Sound carries in these forests, especially the sounds of collapsing ravines and dying horses. Honestly, I’m surprised the entire kingdom didn’t hear you blundering about."

Nari’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. "We were at least half a day’s ride from any established path. No patrol would have been in the area by chance."

Mika finished bandaging Seril’s wound and wiped her hands on a cloth before facing Nari directly, an arrogant tilt to her chin. "Perhaps we should be clear with each other, Captain. You’re nowhere near Thornvale territory, but that creature that pursued you—the one that, by your own account, shouldn’t exist—caught my attention. Did you really expect to go unnoticed? I could track a mouse through these woods blindfolded."

"We expected to reach Thornvale eventually," Nari countered. "But we’re clearly still days away from your kingdom’s borders."

"Things change," Mika said with a casual shrug, tossing another small branch onto the fire. "I go where I please, borders be damned. And unusual occurrences," she gestured vaguely at their surroundings, "tend to draw my attention."

Seril, who had remained silent during their exchange, finally spoke up. "The creature nearly killed us."

"And would have, if not for my impeccable timing," Mika boasted, eyes gleaming in the firelight. "We heard a massive sound, like thunder but sharper. Our scouts reported unusual elemental disturbances in this region for the past week. When we detected your sound manipulation, Captain Seril, we followed it to its source."

"And found us about to be killed by that... thing," Nari finished for her. "Convenient timing."

Mika’s expression hardened, though her posture remained relaxed, almost bored. "Is suspicion the standard response for life-saving intervention in Vylonia, Captain? Perhaps next time I’ll let the creature finish what it started."

Nari held Mika’s gaze for a long moment before her shoulders relaxed slightly. "No. Forgiveness for my caution. Our mission is too important to take chances."