“Why am I even taking part in this childish farce?”  Fiego could not comprehend the situation it found itself in. 0

The spirit felt like an adult forced to play along with a group of children, watching from the sidelines as they took their pretend games far too seriously. To it, this entire quest seemed little more than a mockery. Yet, Ketal seemed completely unbothered. The barbarian’s calm voice broke through Fiego’s thoughts.0

“There’s no need to rush,” Ketal said, sounding utterly at ease as he walked at the group’s rear, his arms folded. “We have plenty of time. It’s better to enjoy things slowly and steadily than to push ourselves for no reason.”0

His words were accompanied by a relaxed smile as he watched the others moving ahead, embroiled in their own small arguments and worries. There was genuine enjoyment in Ketal’s gaze, an appreciation for the journey and the company, rather than just the outcome.0

“You monster…,” Fiego muttered. Fiego wasn’t thinking of Ketal’s strength, but of the man’s mindset. To the fire spirit, Ketal’s way of approaching the world was unfathomable, alien even to a being older than most nations. Fiego’s thoughts swirled as it lashed out with a sweep of pure flame, incinerating an ogre that had dared to charge them. The monster didn’t even...0