"Hallelujah! At home."
"Don't tell Mom about what happened with the lightning woman."
"Hmmmm? Did you fall in love with her?"
"Stop talking nonsense, I just don't want Mom to make a big deal out of it! Besides, I don't believe in love at first sight."
"Oh, you already have a long-term relationship."
"With whom?"
"Your pillow! Hahahahaha."
"Fuck off, bitc- i mean, stop talking nonsense, I don't understand what you meant. I'm innocent."
"True, if Mom finds out I said that to you... Don't tell her!"
"Sure, as long as you don't mention the lightning woman incident. And you? Have you ever fallen in love?"
"No. My adolescence was tough, many avoided me because of you... But I feel no remorse. Plus, I take care of you too. Especially when Mom goes to the Tropical forest."
"Tropical forest?"
"Oh, why are you forgetting everything? Come on, let's talk while we eat, come in."
"Okay."
--
"We're back!"
"Welcome back. How did it go?"
"Well, your words had an effect on Milts, he stared at everyone!"
"Really?! That's good, but Milts... Don't stare at people too much, they might think you have bad intentions."
"I know, Mom."
"I know, Mom." Why do you want to seem mature?"
"Did you know?"
"What?"
"That you're a poet when you keep your mouth shut?"
"What?! What is-"
"Stop!"
"Okay."
"Okay."
"Give me the stuff, I'm going to make my baby's favorite food!"
I'm not your baby, but I'll eat anything that's edible.
--
1 hour later, she brought the food to the table.
"Here! Your favorite food, 'Tteokbokki'."
What? Earth food?
Tteokbokki are cylindrical rice cakes cooked and fried or sautéed, usually served with a spicy sauce. What the hell is this? This world makes no sense.
"Come on, baby, try it."
"O-okay."
At first, I hesitated, but then I took a bite. I haven't eaten all day.
"Wow! Amazing, delicious, like it's my first time eating Tteokbokki."
"Great, baby!"
"Mom."
"Yes?"
"What is a tropical forest?"
"You really forgot, baby. Well, let me explain something first."
"Alright."
"The Venerated bestowed an innate gift upon every person in this world to resist the specimens of the tropical forest, but... Many believe it's for something bigger, more sinister, that could threaten not just one region but the entire world."
"Ohhh."
"Well, speaking of the tropical forest, first, there are many... Second, it's very dangerous. The tropical forest is a lush green mass, with gigantic trees that tower towards the 'skies'. The air is hot and humid, with a constant mist hovering among the treetops. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating ever-changing patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor."
"Ohhhh, it must be beautiful."
"Don't be crazy, what part of 'dangerous' didn't you hear?"
"Go to sleep, Sophie. Go on, Mom!"
"Hahaha, sure. The specimens that inhabit this forest are as diverse as the forest itself. There are water beings that silently glide through rivers, swamps, lurking for any prey that comes near the water. Electric insects hover silently among the trees, buzzing softly, attracted by movement, pouncing on their prey and delivering powerful electric shocks to stun them before devouring them."
"Ohhh."
"Chimeras also inhabit this forest, with their grotesque bodies composed of parts from various different creatures."
"Ohhh."
Wait... Giving a general name of "specimens" doesn't make sense. Well, what sense does this world have?
"And many others. But despite all its beauty and diversity, the tropical forests is a dangerous place. The specimens that inhabit it have no fear of humans and often see them as tasty prey. Those who venture too deep into the forests risk never being seen again."
So the lightning woman wanted to give my fingers for them to eat?
"Ohhh, wait. Even with powers, they're not afraid?"
"They have powers too. Besides, we have our gifts but we're not immortal, baby."
"I see. Despite all of this, you're still going there."
"Yes, we can't let the strength of these Specimens increase. Many attack cities and cause havoc wherever they go."
"Ohhh."
"That's why several "jobs" emerged, people get paid to protect cities or locations, and those who go to the tropical forest back parts of the Specimens' bodies."
"What?"
"You can also exchange them for rubies."
"Ohhh. Wait a second, rubies?"
"I can't believe you forgot something we used to buy stuff?"
Oh, rubies It's the money of this world.
"Continuing. And with that, legions arose. These legions are groups of people who form groups to enter the tropical forest."
"Then they divide everything they killed?"
"Yes, but you know, baby, there are people who kill these Specimens out of duty. Thinking that the gift they received was for that purpose."
"What theory do you believe in, mom? Was it for that purpose or for something greater?"
"I... I believe in both theories, baby."
"I see. When will I be able to go to a tropical forest?"
"What! Wake up, boy! Stop talking nonsense!"
"Calm down, Sophie. Baby, as "Scarlett," a great Specimen exterminator, I can take you there."
"Really?! Thank you, mom!"
"But you'll only see from afar, you won't go in."
"What..."
"I'm strong, but I can't risk losing you."
Oh no, this protection again. Well, I understand.
I sat on the couch, thinking about it.
I'm weak, and this forest is incredible but dangerous... I have to manifest my power.
Tomorrow, I'll go after the lightning woman.
"Mom, I'll sleep on the couch."
"What? Why don't you go to your room?"
"N-nothing, I just liked this couch."
I don't want to be carried again tomorrow!
"Like I said, this boy got even crazier, mom."
"Like I SAID, your brother is sensitive!"
After saying that, she sat by my side, placing her hand on my face:
"Baby, today was one of the happiest days of my life. After your birth and your sister's."
"Mom..."
"I I loved you a lot before, but sometimes your gaze was sad. Now, not only have you started speaking, but you're also very communicative... Sniff."
"Mom..."
I really don't know what to do! If it were my mom, I would hug her, but...
!!
Suddenly, she hugged me.
I was without reaction, to feel her scent, her tenderness... no, I won't have perverts thoughts about her, this body it's your real son.
I can endure that, but... my disposition towards evil... I can't make the same promise.
"Kukuku. Go to sleep, mom, things will only get better from now on."
"Yes, baby! Goodnight."
"Goodnight, crazy!"
"Goodnight, my dears."
"As I said, mother, this boy it is crazy! Fucking weird laugh."
"Why do you complain about everything? Your brother hardly ever laughed before, and now you complain when he does."
"Kukuku."