After the next hour, I spent most of my remaining energy summoning more mobs like my crystal cobras and mice to support the ten new nagas, Luna, and Cinder. The others had been given names, but on the verge of passing out, I may have already forgotten them. The new nagas were equipped with shields and spears. They were starting to look like a proper hunting party—maybe I should get them a bow or a few javelins next time. Turn them into skirmishers. Who knows what'll happen?
Looking over the group again, one of them caught my attention—or rather, she barely did. It was hard to notice her at first. She was small, almost goblin-sized. I had thought all my nagas would eventually become giants like Luna or Ebony. That made her stand out even more.
She had the same serpentine elegance the others shared, but her colors were striking—her scales were mostly pink, like a soft bubblegum hue. It was a weird comparison, but it stuck. Black patterns traced along her skin in dots and swirling lines. When I looked at her chest, it was perky—maybe a modest B-cup if I had to guess. Lower down, her cock was also petite, around four or five inches. It was hard to be sure, but the proportions matched the rest of her delicate frame.
Then she did something unexpected.
She looked right at me. Straight into my detached core vision. And waved.
I flinched back into my body like someone had just poured cold water down my spine.
What the hell? I'd never been seen like that before. That gave me goosebumps.
Shivering, I pulled myself together and left my body one last time. I gave Cinder the plan, a copy of the map from my panel, and told her she was in charge of the patrol. If she succeeded, I'd reward her with a chance to improve the dungeon directly—and maybe something personal for her too.
Cinder's POV
After my brief conversation with Master Azazel, I set about getting the war party ready. The nagas needed clothing and armor. Most were given simple spears and sturdy round shields carved from crystal and bone.
One among us stood out—small, pink-scaled, and without legs like some of us. Her name was Mew. A spear would've been too unwieldy for her. So we gave her twin daggers instead. Lightweight. Sharp. Just enough until we could forge something truly hers.
The next hour was spent on quick training. Drills, basic stances, and shield handling. Most picked it up quickly—our kind was made for movement and precision. Luna helped me organize the warband, taking her place at the rear as the strongest and largest of us all.
Together, we left the dungeon. The shimmering crystal walls gave way to stone and roots, then eventually to the world outside.
As the group emerged into the open, a gentle wind brushed across our scales. The new naga paused in awe, staring up at the sky. The pale sunlight, the soft rustle of leaves, the endless horizon—it was all overwhelming for a moment. The air was fresh, almost too clean. Even I found myself taking a deeper breath than normal.
"Alright, everyone," I called out. "This task Master Azazel gave us is dangerous. Do not fall behind. I may be the oldest here, but I've never left our home before either. Stay alert. If you see anything—anything—call it out. Luna, you take the back. Make sure nothing can flank us."
The group nodded and gave a practiced salute, spears raised to the air. I pulled out the map. The blinking marker hovered over the surface, pulsing slowly.
"North," I muttered.
We moved.
Hours passed.
The forest was thick with age. Towering trees reached high into the sky, their branches forming a loose canopy above. The sunlight filtered through in streaks, casting patterns on the underbrush. Small plants brushed our sides. The only sounds were the rustling of movement and the occasional chirp of birds.
I sent mice ahead to scout—quick, quiet, efficient. They weren't built for combat, but they were perfect for finding paths or sniffing out danger.
At one point, Luna scared off a bear just by standing up tall. Her size made most creatures reconsider their choices quickly.
We pressed onward.
Just before dusk, the mice returned, squeaking and scampering in a tight circle. They'd found something.
Cautiously, we followed their lead until we found a cluster of broken wagons. Two were stripped clean—nothing but rotting wood and snapped wheels. But the third had a surprise.
Inside were piles of torn clothing and scraps of silk. Among them, two dresses had been spared—one simple and everyday, the other elegant and delicate, perfect for someone like Azazel or Isabel. Assuming they could even fit into them without tearing the seams.
I gently folded the dresses and tucked them into my pack. They might not be useful now, but they could make fine gifts… assuming their owners were no longer alive.
That's when Mew caught my attention.
She was crouched low near the dirt, inspecting something. Her tail twitched slightly.
"Tracks," she said, pointing at the soft impressions in the earth. "They head off-road. Into the trees."
"Nice job, Mew," I said, giving her a small nod.
She didn't reply, but a faint smile curled her lips as she slithered ahead, leading the way.
The forest thickened with each step. Vines hung low, and brambles scratched at our skin. Luna began to fall behind—her large frame no longer suited to the narrow game trail. She had to cut brush aside or snake wide arcs around tight bends. Her presence, once intimidating, now felt like a logistical challenge.
Still, we pressed forward.
The trees parted suddenly, revealing a wide clearing bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun. Long shadows stretched over the grass, and a chill settled in the air.
I pulled out the map again. The blinking marker was close. Very close.
Behind me, a memory surfaced.
Azazel, pale and slouched in his throne-like crystal seat, eyes flickering with exhaustion. He'd smiled, just barely, when I accepted the mission. But even through the link, I'd felt it—how much effort he was burning just to keep things going.
He needed this patrol to succeed. He needed us to bring back something—anything—useful.
I closed the map and nodded to the group.
"Set up a small perimeter here. We rest until moonrise. Then we move again."