Hera couldn't sleep, so she walked the streets of New Royal City.
The Greyfur Rat's mind kept replaying the moment she would defeat every opponent tomorrow, stand over the Rat King, and claim the final victory. She was too excited to sleep.
"My spear can pierce the sturdiest shield, and my shield can stop the sharpest spear!"
She heard the hawker's cry up ahead. As the Brownfur Rats made way, she stepped forward and saw a Greyfur Rat in Leather Armor peddling his wares.
Her gaze swept over the ordinary Wooden Spear and Wooden Shield on display. Like the Ratfolk gathered around, Hera was skeptical.
"Don't believe me? Then pick up my shield and let me stab it! Who dares?"
Hera had no interest in the spectacle, but the moment he finished speaking, the Ratfolk around her stepped back, leaving her exposed.
"Looks like we have a brave one. Catch!"
The Greyfur Rat tossed her the Wooden Shield. Hera watched him pick up the Wooden Spear and didn't refuse.
How could a wooden spear possibly hurt me?
Then she heard a soft pop—from inside her own body.
The crowd fell silent. Hera lowered her head in a daze. A hole had been punched through the Wooden Shield, and the spear that had pierced it had also gone through her chest. Her Life Force drained rapidly through the wound.
"Looks like you were right. The sturdiest spear can't stop the sharpest shield."
The Greyfur Rat shook his head with a sigh, abandoned his stall, and ran.
Even as she died, the Greyfur Rat who had dreamed of becoming Legion Commander never understood how she had been killed.
"How can you ask me to do that?"
"Why not? You're a Succubus."
"I am a Succubus, but I have my pride! No.