In the depths of a hostile and forgotten forest, a group of Beasts—creatures that were part human, part animal—had established their lair. Known as the Dissidents, they fiercely opposed the new peace regime between Beasts and humans, refusing to lower their guard.
Dilo, a Beast with hippopotamus-like features and an imposing build, approached Glen, his leader and a wolf-like companion. His voice trembled with barely contained curiosity.
"Glen, you still haven't told me what happened that night."
Glen pressed a finger to his lips, signaling silence. "Shh... speak softer."
Dilo nodded discreetly.
"The person we encountered wasn't just a boy," Glen murmured, his eyes narrowing. "He was an illusionist mage. He almost got me, and when you collapsed under his spell, I immediately moved you to safety."
Shock spread across Dilo's face. "A mage? What would a mage be doing here?"
"From what I observed, he seemed to be searching for plants. Likely medicinal or for magical rituals."
A heavy silence fell between them. Dilo hesitated before continuing, "Shouldn't we tell the chief about this?"
Glen cut him off sharply. "Absolutely not! Do you want him to kill us for discovering a human and trying to hide it?"
Dilo lowered his head, defeated. "You're right."
"That mage will return to his lands soon," Glen continued. "We don't need more complications. Our priority remains our fight against the current regime. During our next offensive at the borders, we'll deal with such problems."
After those words, Dilo returned to his post, and Glen resumed his patrol, his mind drifting into the labyrinth of his memories.
---
Shadows of the Past
Thirteen years ago, Glen was just a six-year-old child born in the military camps of Palladium, during a grim era marked by the brutal conquests of the Beasts. The Holy Empire of Palladium hunted and enslaved these creatures mercilessly, deeming them monsters.
Glen's mother was captured while pregnant and sentenced to slavery under inhumane conditions. Glen was born in those prison camps, and his mother survived only a few weeks after his birth, succumbing to the horrifying conditions of her captivity.
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The Life of a Slave
An orphan from birth, Glen endured a life of suffering and humiliation. Malnourished and constantly abused, his frail body bore the scars of daily brutality—beatings, deprivation, and dehumanizing treatment that scarred him beyond the physical. At just six years old, he was assigned to a young master, an eleven-year-old human boy from a noble family close to the royal court.
Despite his condition, Glen clung to a naive hope that he might one day earn his master's respect through loyalty and courage.
During an ordinary walk, their peace was shattered by a gang attack. Without hesitation, Glen threw himself in front of his young master. His protective instincts surged, and with surprising ferocity for his age, he repelled the attackers, injuring two.
In his childlike mind, Glen believed he had fulfilled his duty and earned recognition. Fate, however, had other plans.
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Betrayal
The attackers filed a complaint, demanding compensation. To protect their reputation, the royal family framed Glen. The court decreed that the young Beast was poorly trained and posed a societal threat. His execution would serve as an example, quelling any hint of rebellion among the slaves.
Unable to speak their language, Glen couldn't defend himself. His despair found no voice, his innocence no champion.
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The Day of Execution
The day arrived. A crowd of humans gathered, eager to witness the young Beast's death. Their hateful, jeering eyes pierced him.
Anger and sorrow boiled within him—toward his master who had betrayed him, the royal family, and the humans who treated him like a monster. Tears of fury streaked his face as he desperately tried to escape.
The guards subdued him swiftly. Silence fell. The executioner raised his axe, ready to strike.
A deafening explosion shattered the air. Chaos erupted as the sanctum was blown apart. Amid the confusion, a silhouette emerged.
It was Merlione.
---
The Arrival of Merlione
Merlione, a legendary Beast warrior, stormed onto the scene like a force of nature. With breathtaking agility, she incapacitated most of Palladium's guards with ease.
Approaching the condemned boy, she gave him an enigmatic smile before cutting his bonds. Their escape was a whirlwind of freedom. Merlione didn't just rescue Glen—she liberated other enslaved Beasts.
Though she was accompanied by other Beast warriors, some among them succumbed to a feral rage, attacking indiscriminately. Merlione's commanding presence brought them back to focus. Their mission was clear: save their kin. Quickly, they fled with the Beast children and prisoners.
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Sanctuary and Growth
During the three-week journey to Bestia, the Beast homeland, young Glen grew deeply attached to Merlione. She became his anchor, his guide, his savior.
Merlione taught him to speak during the long trek. When they arrived in Bestia, Glen experienced freedom and relief for the first time in his life.
Over the years, she trained him to survive, fight, and understand the harsh world around them. She gave him the name Glen, inspired by the glenne, a rare and resilient fruit that thrived in Beast lands—much like the boy she had saved.
As he matured, Glen joined the ranks of the Beast warriors, fighting alongside his mentor. Yet his feelings for Merlione transcended their bond—he had fallen deeply, irreversibly in love with her.
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The Betrayal of Peace
Years later, the Beast people signed a peace accord with the humans, a pact that disgusted Glen.
The terms were monstrous: a cynical exchange of slaves. Beasts were to send young children to Palladium, while some Beast kingdoms secretly continued their predation on humans.
The Beasts were divided. From this division, a terrorist faction called Oni arose, led by a former Beast general.
Glen and Merlione joined Oni. Glen was elated to remain close to his mentor.
One night, Merlione questioned his view of the war. Glen was unyielding: "Humans must be annihilated. They should suffer as we have. If other races stand in our way, we'll destroy them too. Only this path leads to peace."
Merlione stared at him for a long moment before leaving in silence.
---
Loss and Revelation
After years of battles, Merlione's spirit waned, though Glen dared not ask why. Then she vanished. Following a border skirmish, Oni's leader announced her death—mortally wounded by a Palladium warrior.
Glen was shattered. He swore vengeance.
Years later, learning Merlione was al ive broke him. Seeing her protect a human stoked a fiery blend of jealousy and hatred.
Once again, his world was undone.