The next morning.
On the outskirts of the Soma Alliance's West Border Forest, eight people stand upright in a clearing beside the road.
"Rustle, rustle, rustle..."
Suddenly, a sound emerges from the forest. Richard steps out, glances at the group of long-haired women standing there, and smiles to greet them, "We meet again."
"We do meet again. Although I didn't want this outcome, fate forced me to make this choice," replies the long-haired woman, her tone not particularly cheerful but maintaining basic courtesy. She pauses before continuing, "Anyway, we can only cooperate. Let's start by introducing ourselves."
"Alright." Richard nods in agreement.
"Let us start first." The long-haired woman says without any pleasantries, immediately pointing to a thin middle-aged man with only his right eye beside her, "That's my first companion. Very strong, especially proficient in Fire Magic. Few people on the continent can surpass him.
