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The brothers traveled with their father. They ate what they didn't know, and slept in an unfamiliar bed.

they had scary experiences several times,

and each time the father protected them.

The younger brother was struggling to fight himself, but the father talked kindly.

He said it's best if no one gets hurt.

One day, the father said.

"There is something that must be resolved. Wait in the forest ahead.

I'll definitely go out to meet you."

The father gave his brother a hug and went somewhere.

Izumo woke up to a cacophony of noises. The light piercing through his eyelids told him it was morning. He thought, It's probably Garland causing a ruckus again. Maybe he caught some politician in a scandal or found out his favorite brand released new underwear. Whatever it was, it likely didn't concern him. Without the slightest inclination to get up, he kept his eyes closed and listened.

But what he heard wasn't Garland's voice. It was the voices of several people—unfamiliar ones at that. He couldn't make out what they were saying. A strange unease began to settle in, and he reluctantly opened his heavy eyelids.

What greeted him was a modest ceiling crafted from fresh thatch.

Thick branches were arranged in a lattice pattern to serve as a framework, with bundles of newly tied straw stacked on top. The roof had a double-layered design, allowing smoke from the fire below to escape between the layers.

"Where am I?"

The unfamiliar ceiling puzzled him. He couldn't immediately recall where he was or why he was in this situation. He tried to piece it together with his still-groggy mind. He remembered finishing some work and coming home, where a strangely cheerful Garland had treated him to a new dish at the “Red Bull." Despite a sense of foreboding, he'd eaten it anyway. And, as expected, Garland had offered him a new job.

He'd initially declined, but then a lucrative payment had been mentioned. Before he knew it, he'd signed a contract.

That part he remembered clearly. He'd traveled by train to the nearest location, prepared his equipment, and walked all day to reach a forest. He contacted Garland, spent several days searching, but found no leads. When he finally decided to head back, he realized he was lost. He wandered for several more days.

'Right... I went into the forest.'

He had run out of water and food, and dusk was approaching when he stumbled upon some villagers under attack by Ma-ro. He had somehow managed to defeat the beast and was invited to their village. He met the village chief, shared a meal, and stayed at the house of a local shaman. After drinking, talking about various things, and preparing to sleep, he'd been told there was no way out of the forest.

'And then...'

The events of last night came flooding back vividly. A white beastman straddling him, moving his hips. The beautiful figure illuminated by the firelight. The soft fur brushing against his waist, and the sensation of damp flesh wrapped around him.

"Good morning, Lord Izumo."

"Whoa!?"

Startled by the sudden voice, he bolted upright as if he might take flight.

Turning to the source of the voice, he saw the white beastman from his thoughts staring at him with wide, surprised eyes.

"Karim," he said, recalling the name a beat late.

"My apologies. I thought you were awake since your eyes were open."

"Ah, right. I was just lost in thought for a moment."

Of course he couldn't say that he was recalling how they had sex.

Karim looked puzzled but soon smiled.

"Breakfast is ready. Would you like to eat before it gets cold?"

"Oh, yes. Thank you."

Rising from the bedding, he let out a big yawn. Blood surged through his body, washing away the remnants of sleep with the yawn. Energy welled up in his stomach, and he felt so light that he wondered if he might be floating. If this was the effect of last night's drink, it was astonishing.

Glancing down at himself, he realized he was fully dressed. His pants were properly on, his belt was fastened, and when he sniffed at himself, there was no trace of last night left on him.

'I slept with him, right?'

Seeing Karim stirring the pot with a gentle expression made Izumo doubt his own memory.

'Could it have all been a dream?' he thought. Saving someone's life might warrant gratitude, but the idea of this beautiful young man personally attending to him at night seemed utterly unnatural. Yet, the vivid sensations lingering on his body told him otherwise.

"Is something the matter?"

Karim tilted his head, noticing Izumo standing still and motionless. Izumo stammered, "It's nothing," and awkwardly sat by the fire.

If he didn't bring it up, then it would be polite not to pry.

"Be careful, it's hot."

Karim handed over a wooden bowl, and Izumo received it with a word of thanks. Inside was a simple stew containing meat, vegetables, and grains. The taste was mild yet savory, with no off-putting smells or flavors—a humble yet refined dish.

While yesterday's banquet offerings were undoubtedly delicious, this unexpected simplicity suited his palate. Izumo ate silently, quickly finishing the bowl.

"If you'd like more, I can serve you another helping. Would that be alright?"

"Yeah, please."

Karim gladly refilled the bowl, this time generously piling it high, almost to the brim.

"There was some commotion outside earlier. What was that about?"

"The children came to see you, Lord Izumo. They don't know how to restrain their curiosity."

Karim handed over the bowl with an apologetic expression.

"Why? What's so interesting about looking at someone like me?"

"The villagers have never met anyone from outside the forest. It's only natural for them to be curious."

"I see. Not being able to leave the forest means you haven't encountered other races, huh?"

A village isolated from the outside world, composed of a single race with no opportunity for external contact, would naturally find other humans strange. The reactions of the men last night had reflected that perfectly—their stares betrayed a mix of curiosity and unease. It was the way one might regard a rare and exotic beast.

However, this raised another question.

"You recognized that I was human pretty quickly. Even though my appearance, clothing, and language are all different."

When he first encountered the village, it had been Latif, a young boy, who approached him. Although clearly startled, Latif had immediately identified Izumo as human.

If they had only ever known their own kind, it would have been more logical to treat him with suspicion.

"We had heard of it," Karim replied, his gaze searching as though trying to find the right words.

"We were told that many people beyond the forest look different from us. But even so, I didn't expect the differences to be this significant."

Karim explained that he had learned the outside language from Rashid, the previous priest. Perhaps he had also heard about humans from that person.

"Hearing about something and seeing or touching it in person are completely different. Some of them might even wonder if I'm a Maju."

"Th-that couldn't possibly..."

Despite Karim's words, his unease was evident. He avoided meeting Izumo's gaze, his response far from convincing.

"People don't tell you you're bad at lying?"

"What? Oh, no, that's not true..."

Although Karim denied it verbally, his faltering tone gave everything away.

Izumo thought, 'What a peculiar young man.' He possessed a beauty that seemed almost unapproachable, yet his easy attachment to others was strangely disarming. It had been a long time since Izumo had felt comfortable with someone nearby.

“Well, even outside the forest, mouse man are a minority. I'm used to reactions like that."

“Mouse...man" Karim murmured, blinking in confusion. It was clear he had no idea what that meant. This could lead to some misunderstandings.

“I'm mouse man. My short stature is a characteristic of my race, and as a mouse man, I'm neither particularly tall nor short. People often misunderstand, but I'm a fully grown adult. I turned 26 this year."

Karim froze mid-sentence, his smile stiffening as beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

“It looks like you thought I was in my early teens," Izumo said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“N-no, of course not…" Karim's voice was noticeably trembling.

“Don't worry about it. It happens all the time. I suppose I just have the kind of face people misunderstand."

Izumo smiled and lightly touched his own cheek. It was indeed difficult to accurately gauge the age of someone from a different race. Each race had its own standard for physique and growth rate, and even among the same race, there were countless variations. Small-statured races like the mouse man or the rabbit man often appeared younger than they were, but Izumo's youthful appearance was particularly pronounced.

“A friend of mine once said, 'You only look like a kid trying too hard to act like an adult.' They also said, 'Your attitude is so arrogant it makes me want to put you in your place.'"

Izumo didn't know what about him provoked such reactions. But having heard similar remarks several times, he had decided to simply accept it.

“U-um!" Karim suddenly interrupted, sounding flustered.

“Is it normal for your tail to have no fur?"

“It is. Seoin tails are usually bare. If it bothers you, do you want to touch it?"

“Can I really?"

Izumo had only been joking, but Karim latched onto the offer unexpectedly. Izumo grabbed his own tail and handed it to Karim, who cautiously reached out, muttering, “Excuse me," as if handling an expensive piece of art.

“It really is just bare skin," Karim marveled.

“It gets injured easily, and winters are cold, so I sometimes use a tail pouch. When I was little, my mother made gloves and tail pouches for me that I always carried around."

Suddenly, a pang of nostalgia struck Izumo. Thankfully, Karim was too engrossed in examining the tail to notice.

“Back to what we were talking about earlier—did the kids finally accept it?"

“Yes. I told them that Lord Izumo would guide them around the village later. They seemed to settle for that."

It seemed Karim was eager to show Izumo around the village. Izumo, on the other hand, was itching to confirm whether it was truly impossible to leave the forest. But recalling the conversation from the previous night, he refrained from pressing the issue too strongly. Besides, if he was going to stay here for a while, it wouldn't hurt to learn more about the village.

“Well, since you've gone to the trouble, I'll take you up on that."

When Izumo said, Karim nodded enthusiastically, his face lighting up with joy.

"Population of this village is around 50 people," Karim explained as they walked along the village path. "Each house typically has two young adults or four to five people, including children. Meals are usually eaten at home, but when there's a celebration, like last night, everyone gathers around the bonfire."

From Karim's house, perched on higher ground, both the village and the surrounding forest were visible at a glance. The village itself sat slightly elevated, surrounded by a vast sea of deep green that stretched endlessly. As they descended, Izumo noticed that the village was just as he remembered from the night before—modest in size. At its center was a large fire pit encircled by a cluster of houses. It felt less like a village and more like a tightly knit community.

One particular house among the circle of homes caught his attention.

"Is that large house a meeting hall?"

"No, that's Adl's house. He's the village chief."

"I thought so. It's bigger than your house."

"The chief's house also serves as a meeting place, so it needs that much space. The living quarters aren't much different from mine, though."

As they approached the village, the scent of human life grew stronger. There was the aroma of food and smoke wafting from the houses, mingled with the faint but unmistakable smell of waste from makeshift latrines. It was a reminder of life in its raw, unvarnished form.

"What do people usually do around here?"

"Mostly hunting and farming. When it rains and we can't go outside, we make weapons, utensils, and other items. Everyone crafts their own belongings—it's kind of a basic rule."

"Wouldn't it be more efficient for the best craftsman to just make everything?"

It was a world untouched by industrialization or the drive for efficiency, a place where time seemed abundant enough to render such measures unnecessary.

"So, did you make the cup from last night?" Izumo asked.

"Uh... that was made by Adl," Karim admitted, his gaze darting away. It seemed clear he wasn't particularly skilled in craftsmanship.

The atmosphere turned a bit awkward, so Izumo shifted his gaze toward the village for a distraction. Smoke billowed from the roofs of every house, and faint shadows of people could be seen moving in the central plaza. The only sounds that reached his ears were the rustling of trees and the occasional calls of birds or animals—a tranquil scene entirely detached from the bustle of noisy towns.

'There's something nostalgic about this,' he thought.

The pastoral scenery tugged at distant memories, but Izumo quickly shook his head, pushing down the rising emotions.

As they arrived in the village, Izumo noticed a group of men gathered in the plaza. They were all young, each holding stone-tipped spears. While he'd been distracted by their impressive physiques the previous day, this time he noticed that they were all remarkably handsome. Their striking features could easily draw attention even in a crowded city. Seeing so many of them assembled together created a breathtaking tableau.

For someone as unassuming as Izumo, it was an intimidating sight.

"Let's go say hello since we're here," Karim said cheerfully, oblivious to Izumo's hesitation. With no other choice, Izumo followed him.

The man at the edge of the group noticed them first and greeted them warmly. Izumo recognized his large frame and deep voice—this was definitely Bari. Izumo raised a hand in return and said, "Hey."

At the sound of Izumo's voice, the other men all turned to look at him simultaneously. Their stares weren't as overt as they'd been the day before, but curiosity was evident in their expressions. It seemed Karim's earlier statement had been accurate—they truly hadn't seen anyone of a different race before.

Karim said something to the group, and they parted, revealing what lay beyond. Following their gazes, Izumo saw a pitch-black tiger. Its body was sculpted like a statue, with a face that exuded elegance and sharp, golden eyes. Without realizing it, Izumo tensed up.

When Adl, the tiger, noticed Izumo, he gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. His demeanor remained subtly dismissive, bordering on rude. Though Karim had said this was his twin brother, they couldn't have looked more different. If there were a contest for least-similar twins, they'd win without question.

"There's quite a crowd here. What's going on?" Izumo asked.

"They're preparing to head to the flower field where you fought Ma-ro," Karim explained.

Karim, who had been speaking with Adl, responded.

"They said they want to check what happened themselves."

"Is the village chief going to the site personally?"

It seemed a bit excessive, but there was also the prophecy Karim had mentioned. From the chief's perspective, it was only natural to inspect the site personally.

"In that case, wouldn't it make sense for me to accompany them? If the goal is an investigation, having someone who was there could help."

Adl's golden eyes turned toward Izumo. His gaze and demeanor softened.

"They don't want to trouble you, Lord Izumo. They wish to examine it first, and if they still have concerns, they'll consult you afterward."

"But even if you all look at it..."

Izumo stopped mid-sentence. He knew that people unfamiliar with magic wouldn't understand what had happened, even if they saw the scene. Inevitably, they'd call him later. However, pointing that out now would only come across as meddlesome.

"I see. Well then, good luck with that."

That was all Izumo could say. When Adl gave the order, the men lined up and headed into the forest. Once the broad backs of the men disappeared from view, Bari approached with a cheerful demeanor. He was holding a spear, so Izumo had assumed he was going with them.

"Isn't he going with them?"

"Bari will stay behind to guard the village. He's the former village chief, so when Adl leaves the village, Bari acts as the chief's deputy."

"I see. They're strict about those roles, huh..."

Bari spoke as if they'd known each other for years, showing no hesitation despite their language barrier. Unlike the other men, who were curious about Izumo but maintained their distance, Bari acted as if there were no walls between them.

This openness made Izumo feel guilty for not understanding him.

"What is he saying?"

"He says he'd like to join us on the village tour but has to finish preparations for his move."

"Moving? Within the village?"

"He's preparing to hand over his home. Lord Izumo, they're thinking of having you stay in Bari's house."

For a moment, Izumo considered the implications.

"Wait, does that mean Bari is leaving his house because of me? Is that what arranging accommodations meant? Isn't there an empty house I could use?"

"Houses left vacant are demolished, so there are no empty homes. Besides, this was Bari's suggestion. He wants to repay you, even just a little, for saving his life. Since he lives alone, relocating is relatively simple."

"Then where will Bari sleep?"

"He'll stay at Adl's house, so there's no need to worry."

Adl's house was spacious enough to serve as a meeting hall, so there would still be plenty of room even after Bari moved in.

"They're really going this far for me?"

Karim, seeing Izumo's overwhelmed expression, looked at him with a sorrowful gaze.

"We have nothing else to offer. If not our homes, then the only thing left is our lives."

Izumo exhaled deeply. He hadn't expected such hospitality. It seemed these people had a deeper sense of loyalty than he'd realized.

"If this arrangement makes you happy, then I'll humbly accept. Thank you."

When Izumo bowed his head, Bari laughed heartily and patted him on the shoulder. Each pat sent tremors through Izumo's body, making him feel like his shoulder might dislocate. It was hard to believe this was the same person who had stared down Ma-ro with such a chilling expression the night before.

After a brief conversation, Bari returned to his house to prepare.

"Even for listening to the discussion at the square, he brought a spear. He could have left it at home," he remarked.

"I think the same, but I got scolded by Adl when I asked about that once," Karim replied with a wry smile.

"'The spear symbolizes the hunter, and holding it at all times carries great significance,' he said."

"Is it like the ritual tools of a sorcerer?"

Izumo lightly touched the gun strapped to his back.

'Sorcery tools are a mark of the sorcerer,' he thought. They carried them not only as a precaution against ambushes but also as a matter of pride.

Even during sleep, baths, or sharing a bed with someone, they kept them within arm's reach, as they were trained. In Izumo's case, having wrested his weapon from his master by exploiting a weakness, neglecting it was out of the question.

"Hunting seems that important to you, then. But why insist on spears? Wouldn't bows be more suitable for hunting?"

Among the men earlier, some carried bows and quivers, but they all still held spears in their hands. It was clear that the bows played a secondary role.

To Izumo's question, Karim offered an explanation.

"I heard it from Adl," Karim prefaced before beginning.

"Hunting for us is more than a means to obtain meat and hides. It is a symbolic act of showcasing strength. Facing and subduing beasts head-on, that bravery is considered a virtue. Not just anyone is fit to hunt."

Somehow, Izumo understood what Karim was getting at.

For them, what mattered was risking their lives in a direct confrontation. Hunting was merely a medium for this battle, and meat and hides were incidental rewards.

Naturally, efficiency was a secondary concern.

"Seeking strength seems like an innate trait for men. But going after beasts like Maju without using bows or traps—that's just making life unnecessarily difficult. One wrong move, and you're dead," Izumo pointed out.

"Because it's difficult, it has value," Karim replied. "You could call it a bondage.'"

"How do you even know terms like that?" Izumo asked, surprised.

As someone who valued convenience and efficiency, Izumo found their worldview hard to grasp.

Yet, the idea of revering combat itself wasn't entirely foreign.

"To us, scars are badges of honor, and sacrificing one's life is a noble act. To someone from beyond the forest, it might seem foolish," Karim admitted.

"Not really. I know someone like that too," Izumo said thoughtfully.

Even among sorcerers, there were those who treated combat not as a means to an end but as an end in itself.

They found fulfillment in battling formidable foes, actively seeking out battlefields under the guise of work. They faced desperate situations and overwhelming odds without fear, fighting until their last breath. While it seemed utterly insane, their actions often ended up saving lives and earning them titles like hero or champion.

"By that measure, I'm not cut out to be called a hero," Izumo said with a bitter smile.

"I'll use any means necessary to win. My life is the most precious thing to me, so I avoid fights I can't win."

People who had worked with him often asked, 'Why are you even a sorcerer?' His own master had once told him he wasn't suited to the role.

"Lord Izumo, that's a misunderstanding," Karim said, his gaze warm.

"The strength we pursue lies in overcoming fear and weakness to do what must be done. It's about the nobility of that resolve. Lord Izumo, you faced the terrifying Ma-ro and fought for us. You are indeed worthy of being called a hero."

"That's the real misunderstanding," Izumo countered, averting his eyes.

"Do you even know what I was thinking when I fought Ma-ro? You weren't even there."

"That hurts to hear," Karim said, looking forlorn when Izumo called him out.

"But Lord Izumo, I'm sure you must have looked so noble that anyone would fall for you."

"No, that's just the fantasy of someone who wasn't there."

"Then show us your magic, Lord Izumo. That will prove it."

Karim spoke confidently, as if seeing would reveal the truth. His insistence was akin to that of a stubborn child.

With his striking beauty, Karim resembled a young lady eagerly awaiting her lover by the window.

"If you want to see magic, I'll show you. Right now, though, the magic stone… due to some circumstances, it's difficult. But I promise to show you when the opportunity arises."

"Really? I'll look forward to it!"

As soon as Izumo spoke, Karim's face lit up with excitement. For a moment, Izumo wondered if he'd just been tricked.

But seeing Karim's unabashed smile, he felt as though he could forgive anything.