The Vice Captain of the Crimson Lions

The Demon Skull

Mynx was walking out of Mr. Zenko's bar in Hage, the wooden door creaking slightly as it swung shut behind her. The village was alive with its usual calm hustle—children laughing as they played tag, merchants calling out their wares, and the faint scent of bread wafting from a nearby bakery. She adjusted the basket on her arm, brimming with fresh produce, when she suddenly collided with someone.

"Oh I am so sorry! I did not see you,"

She bent down to help pick up the scattered items from a woven basket on the cobbled street. The elderly lady waved her hand and helped her pick up the items in her basket,

"Don't worry dear, I was not looking where I was going,"

Mynx shook her head, picking up a red apple and placing it back in the basket before offering another one to the woman,

"Here, have an apple...It's not much and for that I'm sorry...but uh...I can offer you a drink,"

Mynx gestured to the bar behind her,

"I'm friends with the owner,"

The woman chuckled softly,

"It is okay, dear. Think nothing of it,"

Mynx slowly nodded and glanced at her again,

"Are you visiting? I know almost everyone in Hage,"

"Ah, where are my manners...my name is Judith. I came here to visit,"

Mynx stood up and dusted off her hands,

"Are you visiting family?"

Judith shook her head,

"No, dear. I heard there's a beautiful historical monument here. I've always loved history and wanted to see it with my own eyes."

Mynx's eyes brightened,

"Oh! You must be talking about the Demon Skull! If you want, I can show you-"

Judith immediately waved a hand in protest,

"Oh, I don't want to be a hassle."

Mynx grabbed her hand gently, her expression earnest,

"It won't be! I just finished running an errand. I can show you after my boyfriend gets here,"

Judith smiled at her,

"Oh? Your boyfriend?"

Mynx blushed, her cheeks turning a lovely shade of pink as she stammered slightly,

"Ah, yes. Oh, I'm sorry—I didn't even tell you my name! I'm Mynx."

Judith's eyes lit up with recognition,

"Oh! You are the Magic Knight I heard murmurs about. It is wonderful to hear that our protectors care about the towns in the Forsaken realm,"

Mynx's expression softened as she nodded,

"I was raised here in Hage for the first few years of my life. Some... things happened to me a few years ago, and I wanted to stay closer to where I was raised. I go back and forth from my squad's base to here."

Judith nodded,

"What squad are you a part of?"

Mynx smiled and raised her hand, letting the sunlight glint off the Crimson Lion ring on her finger,

"Born to be a Crimson Lion."

Judith tilted her head,

"Is your boyfriend a Magic Knight as well?"