Kiba, ever the performer, held his gaze steady even as Adira and Elara trembled under his scrutiny.
Their naked bodies, sculpted by years of training, were exposed for all to see.
Yet, his golden eyes focused not on their curves, but on the ground a few feet ahead.
"Terribly sorry for the unfortunate predicament," he said, his voice dripping with sincerity.
Before they could react, he flicked his wrist and a gentle light enveloped them. When it faded, Adira and Elara gasped, finding themselves clad in sturdy leather jerkins and pants with armoured greaves. Their bare skin, a source of fear just moments ago, was now shielded.
Relief washed over their faces, chased quickly by confusion.
This "monster" had shown surprising restraint, even providing them with proper clothing.
Was this a trick!?
Ignoring their bewildered stares, Kiba turned to Tempest, whose face remained stoic despite a flicker of surprise in her eyes.
"If the beginning of Eden is so interesting," he said, his lips curving into a playful smile, "I can't wait for what's to come as we step further in."
Tempest, unable to decipher his true nature, could only manage a curt nod. She then focused on the shaken warriors.
"Adira, Elara, report to the area coordinator immediately. Inform her of the swamp's unusual behavior. There's a chance other creatures have mutated beyond our knowledge."
"Yes!!" The two nodded.
"See you soon, ladies," Kiba bowed slightly and turned to leave, his golden hair catching the fading sunlight.
Adira and Elara exchanged nervous glances, uncertainty clouding their minds.
Tempest, taking the lead, guided Kiba through a maze of dense shrubbery.
The jungle path grew narrower, sunlight filtering through the thick canopy in dappled patterns. The chirping of unseen birds and the rustle of leaves created a natural symphony.
Suddenly, the sound of rushing water filled his ears.
"Hmm?" Kiba's head snapped up, a curious glint in his eyes.
A melody, sweet and melodious like birdsong, drifted through the air.
Kiba's senses sharpened, his focus honing in on the faintest of sounds and the slightest of movements.
In an instant, his vision became a whirlwind of sensation. It was as if the world around him shifted into hyperfocus, every detail heightened and vivid. His eyes pierced through the dense foliage, darting past swaying branches and moss-covered rocks with lightning speed.
Zooming in, his gaze penetrated the lush greenery, navigating effortlessly through the intricate maze of the jungle. Trees blurred past, their leaves a vibrant blur of color. Rocks and vines became a mere blur as Kiba's vision raced forward, propelled by an insatiable curiosity.
With each passing moment, the world seemed to shrink around him as he zeroed in on his target. The cascade of sensations intensified, the rush of wind against his face, the symphony of nature's sounds growing louder with each heartbeat.
And then, as if guided by an unseen force, his vision locked onto the distant shimmer of water. Like a falcon diving towards its prey, Kiba's sight surged forward with renewed determination, closing the gap between himself and the hidden oasis with unparalleled speed.
Nestled in the heart of the jungle was a secluded lagoon fed by a cascading waterfall. Sunlight danced on the crystal-clear water, creating a dazzling spectacle. The liquid diamonds sparkled as they cascaded down the rocks, forming a mesmerizing pattern that seemed to ripple with life.
But it wasn't the scenery alone that stole Kiba's breath away.
Bathed in the shimmering water were a group of women, perhaps fifteen to twenty in number. Their ages ranged from early twenties to mid-thirties, each with a body honed by nature's grace. Some swam playfully, their laughter echoing through the clearing like the melody of a hidden symphony.
Others danced sensually in the shallows, their movements a silent poem of elegance that stirred something primal within Kiba's soul.
One particular group caught his attention – three women, their skin glistening with water droplets like precious jewels in the sunlight. They moved with an effortless grace, their bodies entwined in a dance that seemed to transcend the boundaries of time and space.
Adorned only by nature's handiwork – flowers tucked behind ears, bracelets woven from reeds – they radiated a raw, untamed beauty that left Kiba spellbound.
Their dance spoke of a language older than words, a primal rhythm that pulsed through the air like the beating of a heart. At first, their touches were gentle, exploratory – a delicate caress here, a fleeting brush there. But as their passion ignited, their movements grew bolder, more urgent, until they became a symphony of desire that echoed through the jungle.
Kiba's jaw slackened, his eyes widening in awe and reverence as he bore witness to the spectacle unfolding before him. It was as if he had stumbled upon a secret ritual, a celebration of life and love hidden away from the prying eyes of the world.
In that moment, he understood what he had always known as a scientist – nature always found a way!
"So what if there were no men?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "They found the best possible alternative."
And with that realization, Kiba surrendered himself to the beauty of the moment, allowing himself to be swept away by the primal rhythm of the jungle.
Tempest, oblivious to the erotic tableau playing far beyond the curtain of foliage, shot Kiba a confused glance.
His expression was a mask of barely contained awe, a stark contrast to his usual stoic demeanor. His rapid breaths and glazed eyes were a giveaway –
"He'd stumbled upon buried treasure!" Tempest muttered with panic. "But I wouldn't let him have it! The treasures of Eden belong to us only!"
Kiba, meanwhile, was a man of culture.
He savored the intricate movements, the unspoken communication between the women. However, his appreciation soon morphed into that of chivalry.
"While women are admirable in their… ingenuity," he thought, puffing out his chest in a display of the responsibility he carried, "they can't make up for the lack of a good man!"
His thoughts resonated with his Holy Mission.
"How can I let these pitiful women struggle on their own?"
Kiba understood his heavy responsibilities, and he couldn't back away.
His back straightened, a determined glint in his eyes. He wouldn't let these women down!
Meanwhile, far away in the heart of Eden, the Ice Queen sat upon her throne of sculpted ice, her eyes closed in meditation.
A sly smile played on her lips as she opened them, revealing icy blue irises devoid of warmth.
Eden, to the outside world, was an archipelago shrouded in mystery. But for her, it was a carefully crafted paradise – a secret known only to a select few in the World Council.
The truth was far more fantastical.
This entire landmass was not a natural creation, but a World Fragment - a piece of Celestial Elysian Plane. It was moulded into what it was now by her.
Only she could harness the chaotic essence of this fragment, granting her absolute dominion over Eden, including complete surveillance.
"Men are men," she muttered with a hint of disdain, "predictable in their vices."
But Kiba, she noticed, was a different breed.
"He radiates righteousness," she mused, a flicker of amusement danced in her eyes.
Ultimately, his presence was inconsequential.
Sure, she had broken the rule of no-man's land for him, but the rule was created by her.
Just like Eden, rules were hers to make or break. Besides, Eden was just a playground for her whims.
What truly excited her was the chaos that would soon unleash on the world, thanks to the role she played a few weeks ago.
The days of boredom would be over then.
She couldn't wait for the humans with all their claims of morality and humanity to unleash their true selves: cruel, barbaric nature; and the world falling in bloodbath.
"Now that will be something worth looking forward to!"