The carriage rolled steadily over the cobblestone road, the rhythmic clatter of hooves marking each passing minute. Daniel leaned back, stretching his legs with a dramatic flair, while Élise meticulously reviewed the mission notes she had committed to memory. Mina sat beside her, occasionally glancing out the window, her armored hands fidgeting with anticipation.
Daniel, unable to resist, broke the quiet. "So, what if we encounter an actual demon or a rogue angel on this mission? Do we get transformation sequences? Epic teamwork shots?"
Élise sighed, a mixture of exasperation and amusement. "Daniel… this is serious. We need to plan for every possibility, not for anime fan service."
Lysandra's voice echoed faintly in Daniel's mind, half‑mocking, half‑advising. "Concentrate, Daniel. You already know how to handle the unexpected. Use your insight… and stop daydreaming about dramatic poses."
Mina tilted her head, smirking. "Élise, I think he's actually entertaining. He keeps morale high, whether we like it or not."
Daniel puffed out his chest. "Exactly! A rank‑S mission is stressful enough. We need flair, strategy, and a touch of dramatic irony to survive… stylishly."
Élise shook her head but couldn't help smiling. She glanced at Mina, who returned a reassuring nod. The three of them shared a brief silence, their bond strengthened by laughter, whispered strategies, and the anticipation of the unknown.
As the forest loomed ahead, shadows deepening with the late afternoon sun, the team prepared to disembark. Danger awaited, yes—but together, with courage, wit, and a sprinkle of Daniel's ridiculous ideas, they were ready to face whatever the mission held.