The morning sun broke through the canopy of trees, casting long shadows across the forest floor. Kazuya had spent the night beside the remains of the Beast King, his mind racing from the battle and the strange new abilities he had gained. His body was sore from the fight, but he could feel the Beast King's Might coursing through him, strengthening his muscles with each step he took.
The forest around him was eerily quiet, the sounds of nature now muffled as if the world was holding its breath. Kazuya couldn't shake the feeling that something else was out there—something far worse than the creature he had just slain. It was as if the world itself was testing him, pushing him to his limits with every passing moment.
As he made his way through the woods, he took a moment to reflect on everything that had happened since his arrival in this strange world. The night he had been transported was still vivid in his mind, the confusion and fear he had felt when he first awoke in an unfamiliar place. But now, after gaining so many abilities, he was starting to feel a sense of purpose, even if he couldn't fully comprehend why he had been brought here.
Is there something more to this? he wondered, his thoughts drifting as his feet carried him forward. He had no answers yet, but one thing was clear: if he wanted to survive—and if he wanted to understand what was happening to him—he needed to get to civilization. He needed answers.
His gaze shifted toward the horizon, where the mountains loomed large, their peaks shrouded in mist. The path ahead was treacherous, but it was the only direction that made sense. Whatever lay beyond the mountains, Kazuya knew it would be his best chance to find people who could help him understand the true nature of this world and his place in it.
As he continued walking, Kazuya's thoughts were interrupted by a distant sound. A low rumble, almost like thunder, echoed through the air. His instincts kicked in, and he immediately crouched down, his hand on the hilt of his sword. The rumble grew louder, followed by the unmistakable sound of footsteps—heavy, deliberate, and fast.
Kazuya's pulse quickened. He wasn't alone.
He crept forward, using the shadows of the trees to conceal his movements. His senses were on high alert now. The footsteps were drawing closer, and it wasn't long before he saw the source of the noise: a massive group of figures, emerging from the forest ahead.
They were humanoid in shape but not quite human. Their bodies were a patchwork of fur, scales, and other animalistic features. Some had the heads of wolves, others the faces of boars or bears, while others seemed to have traits from various beasts he couldn't even name. They were a mix of Beastmen—half-human, half-animal creatures—and they were armed to the teeth with weapons crafted from bone and metal.
There were at least a dozen of them, and they were moving with purpose, clearly on a mission. Kazuya ducked behind a large tree, his heart hammering in his chest as he observed them.
What do they want? he thought, his mind racing.
He could feel their eyes scanning the forest, searching for something—or someone. Kazuya had the feeling they weren't just wandering aimlessly. No, this group was organized, disciplined. And they were dangerous.
The Beastmen didn't seem to notice him, though. They passed by, their leader—a large, muscular creature with the head of a lion—leading the group. His eyes were sharp, scanning the surroundings with a predatory gaze. Kazuya stayed perfectly still, barely breathing, as they passed by.
That was too close.
He waited for a few more moments, making sure the Beastmen had moved far enough before he dared to move. He rose cautiously, his legs stiff from crouching for so long. The encounter had been a close call, but it had also given him a glimpse of something important. These Beastmen weren't just wandering beasts; they were organized. And if there was any chance of finding answers, it seemed like they would be a good place to start.
Kazuya took a deep breath and continued on his path, but with a new sense of caution. If the Beastmen were a part of this world's social structure, there had to be more factions out there. He couldn't afford to get caught off guard again.
Hours passed as he journeyed deeper into the wilderness. His path was still unclear, but his resolve had hardened. He was determined to find civilization, no matter how difficult the journey. The mountains were drawing closer, and with them, his hopes of finding something—anything—that would give him a clearer understanding of his new reality.
As the sun began to set, casting an orange hue over the landscape, Kazuya came to a clearing. The air was thick with the scent of wildflowers, and the landscape here seemed almost too peaceful—too serene. His sharp instincts warned him that this could be another trap, but he decided to press forward. He could feel something pulling him forward, a strange energy that seemed to call to him from the depths of the forest.
Then, just as he was about to cross the clearing, a voice broke the silence.
"Who goes there?"
Kazuya froze. The voice was soft but carried an edge of authority. His hand instinctively went to his sword as he turned to face the source.
From the shadows of the trees emerged a figure—a woman. She was tall and slender, with long, silver hair that cascaded down her back. Her eyes were a deep, vibrant green, and her ears were pointed, indicating her elven heritage. She wore simple leather armor, and in her hands, she held a bow, its string drawn tight, ready to fire at a moment's notice.
Kazuya didn't make any sudden movements. He raised his hands in a gesture of peace, hoping she would see he meant no harm.
"I—I'm not looking for trouble," he said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "I'm just passing through."
The woman's eyes narrowed, scanning him for any sign of deception. She studied him for a moment, then seemed to relax slightly. Her bow remained ready, but she didn't pull the trigger.
"Passing through, huh?" she said, her voice a little softer now. "Where are you headed?"
Kazuya hesitated for a moment. He didn't know how much he should reveal. These were the first people he had encountered in this world who didn't want to kill him. The Beastmen had been hostile, and for all he knew, this woman might be too. But something about her presence told him she wasn't a threat.
"I'm looking for civilization," he said, his tone even. "I need to find answers."
The woman studied him for a long moment, her eyes probing his face, as if trying to read him. Finally, she lowered her bow, though her gaze remained cautious.
"You're not from around here, are you?" she asked, her tone softer now, though there was still a hint of suspicion. "You're not the first to wander into these lands looking for answers."
Kazuya felt a flicker of hope. This was it—the first real conversation with someone in this world. She might be able to tell him what he needed to know.
"No," he said. "I'm not from here. Can you help me?"
The woman's eyes softened, and after a long pause, she spoke again.
"I might be able to," she said, her voice low and steady. "But first, you'll have to prove you're not a threat."