Kiba, ever the performer, held his gaze steady even as Adira and Elara trembled under his scrutiny.
Their naked bodies, sculpted by years of training, were exposed for all to see.
Yet, his golden eyes focused not on their curves, but on the ground a few feet ahead.
"Terribly sorry for the unfortunate predicament," he said, his voice dripping with sincerity.
Before they could react, he flicked his wrist and a gentle light enveloped them. When it faded, Adira and Elara gasped, finding themselves clad in sturdy leather jerkins and pants with armoured greaves. Their bare skin, a source of fear just moments ago, was now shielded.
Relief washed over their faces, chased quickly by confusion.
This "monster" had shown surprising restraint, even providing them with proper clothing.
Was this a trick!?
Ignoring their bewildered stares, Kiba turned to Tempest, whose face remained stoic despite a flicker of surprise in her eyes.
"If the beginning of Eden is so interesting," he said, his lips curving into a playful smile, "I can't wait for what's to come as we step further in."
Tempest, unable to decipher his true nature, could only manage a curt nod. She then focused on the shaken warriors.
"Adira, Elara, report to the area coordinator immediately. Inform her of the swamp's unusual behavior. There's a chance other creatures have mutated beyond our knowledge."
"Yes!!" The two nodded.
"See you soon, ladies," Kiba bowed slightly and turned to leave, his golden hair catching the fading sunlight.
Adira and Elara exchanged nervous glances, uncertainty clouding their minds.
Tempest, taking the lead, guided Kiba through a maze of dense shrubbery.
The jungle path grew narrower, sunlight filtering through the thick canopy in dappled patterns. The chirping of unseen birds and the rustle of leaves created a natural symphony.
Suddenly, the sound of rushing water filled his ears.
"Hmm?" Kiba's head snapped up, a curious glint in his eyes.
A melody, sweet and melodious like birdsong, drifted through the air.
"While women are admirable in their... ingenuity," he thought, puffing out his chest in a display of the responsibility he carried, "they can't make up for the lack of a good man!"
His thoughts resonated with his Holy Mission.
"How can I let these pitiful women struggle on their own?"
Kiba understood his heavy responsibilities, and he couldn't back away.
His back straightened, a determined glint in his eyes. He wouldn't let these women down!
Meanwhile, far away in the heart of Eden, the Ice Queen sat upon her throne of sculpted ice, her eyes closed in meditation.
A sly smile played on her lips as she opened them, revealing icy blue irises devoid of warmth.
Eden, to the outside world, was an archipelago shrouded in mystery. But for her, it was a carefully crafted paradise – a secret known only to a select few in the World Council.
The truth was far more fantastical.
This entire landmass was not a natural creation, but a World Fragment - a piece of Celestial Elysian Plane. It was moulded into what it was now by her.
Only she could harness the chaotic essence of this fragment, granting her absolute dominion over Eden, including complete surveillance.
"Men are men," she muttered with a hint of disdain, "predictable in their vices."
But Kiba, she noticed, was a different breed.
"He radiates righteousness," she mused, a flicker of amusement danced in her eyes.
Ultimately, his presence was inconsequential.
Sure, she had broken the rule of no-man's land for him, but the rule was created by her.
Just like Eden, rules were hers to make or break. Besides, Eden was just a playground for her whims.
What truly excited her was the chaos that would soon unleash on the world, thanks to the role she played a few weeks ago.
The days of boredom would be over then.
She couldn't wait for the humans with all their claims of morality and humanity to unleash their true selves: cruel, barbaric nature; and the world falling in bloodbath.
"Now that will be something worth looking forward to!"