Journey southwest.

Though the rocks and hills thin out the farther south you travel, the terrain of the Western Pecho Peaks can be felt for many miles. The ground is uneven and there numerous paths one could take up or down, left or right, but thankfully you have an advantage many others would not--Monarch's map. It outlines the perfect trail to follow for the most optimal time. This is the power of an expert mountain bandit.

The path takes you down through a shallow valley. There, you see a few goats making their way the same direction, though when they notice your party coming, they scurry up the hillside.

There's silence for awhile, beyond the heavy breaths of a group walking for hours--some more than others. You, Niki, and Nyllia excel, with Masumi near the same, though poor Amara and Eva aren't as quick as the rest. You make sure not to leave them behind. You aren't in enough of a rush to push them. You do notice, however, that they've been improving. Even if they lag behind somebody like yourself, they're far more fit than any ordinary person. Both girls are elite class adventurers after all.

Eva finally speaks up. "Say, Masumi. I'd like to ask... This might sound weird, but what is it like being a kitsune? It's just that I've never really met one in person until you. I heard that they're one of the most rare sentient species around."

"I don't mind a weird question," she answers warmly. "But I could ask you the same."

She stops, as does the rest of the party when they notice. "What do you mean?"

"It was different in the past, but nowadays, a stel'ae is perhaps even more rare to see than a kitsune."

"... Uhm. I suppose it's becoming less of a secret, but it's still strange to hear you say it. I hope word didn't spread too far. Not that I'm ashamed, but--"

"I didn't mean to scare you. Lady Vex prefers I stay informed of things that could be important."

"Are you all right, Eva?" you ask.

"Yeah. Sorry. That just startled me. Do you know much about magic eaters then, Masumi?"

"Not likely something you don't already know."

"Oh man! You both have really cool moms," Niki says, not specifically mentioning names though her eyes are clearly upon both Eva and Amara. "I won't complain though. I love my mom. I think it's just kinda cool hearing about yours, you know? Yaera is a badass, beautiful woman, and I guarantee yours was too, Eva."

"It must not have been easy," Eva says. "Living as a kitsune. To everybody else, I'm just a bunnyfolk, but you can't hide your identity. Not easily anyway."

"Don't fret," says Masumi. "I'm quite happy where I am."

"What about you?" Niki asks with a playful slap to Nyllia's back. It jostles her forwards, though far less than it tends to when she does it to others. "Was your mom a heroic adventurer of some kind?"

Amara frowns immediately. "Niki, do not--"

"It is fine," Nyllia interjects. "I would not expect you to remember Ms. Breiah's venomous ramblings. I am afraid that my mother passed when I was quite young. Do not be sad. I am older now, and I have achieved much since then."

Niki covers her mouth with both hands. "Oh man! That's my bad. I feel like a real asshole now."

"You are not. Now come. We have stopped for long enough."