The cave was damp and eerily quiet, the only sounds being the faint drips of water echoing off the walls and the villagers' shallow breaths. Kazuya leaned against the cold stone, scanning the group. Though they were safe for now, the fear etched into their faces spoke volumes. Whatever the creature was, it wasn't a random threat—it had purpose.
Lyriana crouched nearby, whispering soothing words to a young elven child whose tears hadn't stopped since the attack. Her gentle touch and calm voice eased the child's sobs, and Kazuya couldn't help but admire her resilience. Despite the chaos they had endured, Lyriana always found a way to bring comfort to others.
"You okay?" Kazuya asked softly as he approached her.
Lyriana glanced up, brushing a stray lock of silver hair from her face. "I should be asking you that. You fought that thing alone."
"I've had worse," Kazuya said, offering a half-smile. "But you did great getting everyone to safety."
She nodded, but her expression remained somber. "This wasn't a random attack, Kazuya. That thing—it felt… wrong. Like it didn't belong here. And the way it targeted the villagers…" She trailed off, her brows furrowing in thought.
"You think someone sent it?" Kazuya asked, his voice dropping.
"It's possible," Lyriana admitted. "Creatures like that don't just wander into inhabited areas without reason. It was hunting."
Kazuya's mind raced. If this wasn't a coincidence, then someone—or something—was pulling the strings. And if that was the case, it meant the danger wasn't over.
A gruff voice interrupted their conversation.
"Boy, you handled yourself well out there."
Kazuya turned to see one of the older villagers stepping forward. He was a beastman with a muscular build, his fur streaked with gray and his piercing eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. He carried himself with the confidence of someone who had seen countless battles.
"Name's Tharos," the man said, extending a clawed hand. "I'm the village blacksmith—or I was, before that thing tore through our home."
Kazuya shook his hand firmly. "Kazuya Hiyotoshi. Glad I could help."
Tharos gave a short nod, his gaze appraising. "That sword of yours—it's not just any blade, is it?"
Kazuya glanced down at his weapon, which still gleamed faintly even in the dim cave light. It was a standard-looking longsword, but ever since his arrival in this world, it had felt different in his hands, almost like it was an extension of himself.
"It gets the job done," Kazuya said cautiously.
Tharos smirked. "Don't be modest, boy. I've been working with weapons my whole life, and I can tell that sword's got some serious power behind it. And you wield it like you were born to fight."
Kazuya didn't respond. How could he explain his stats, his abilities, or the fact that he could use weapons so effortlessly thanks to skills he didn't even fully understand?
Lyriana stepped in. "Tharos, do you know anything about the creature that attacked us?"
The beastman's expression darkened. "Not much, but I've seen its kind before. Long ago, during the wars."
"Wars?" Kazuya asked, his curiosity piqued.
Tharos nodded grimly. "Before the kingdoms fell into their uneasy peace, there were battles that shook the entire world. Armies of demons, monsters, and beasts clashed with the forces of elves, humans, and dwarves. That creature—its kind was bred for war, to sow destruction and fear. But they disappeared centuries ago, wiped out along with their masters."
"So why is one attacking now?" Lyriana pressed.
"That's the question, isn't it?" Tharos said, stroking his chin. "If these creatures are returning, it means something is stirring. Something dangerous."
Kazuya's jaw tightened. He had suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed sent a wave of unease through him. If this was the beginning of something bigger, they couldn't afford to sit idle.
"Tharos," Kazuya said, his voice firm. "Do you know where these creatures came from originally? If we can find their source, maybe we can stop more from attacking."
Tharos hesitated, then nodded slowly. "There's an old fortress deep in the mountains to the north. It was said to be a breeding ground for these beasts during the wars. If there's any place to start, it'd be there."
Kazuya exchanged a glance with Lyriana. "Looks like we have our next destination."
Lyriana frowned. "You're planning to go there? Alone?"
Kazuya shook his head. "No. We'll go together. If there's a chance we can stop this before it gets worse, we have to try."
Tharos folded his arms, his expression unreadable. "You've got guts, boy. But if you're going to face what's in that fortress, you'll need more than guts. Come with me—I might have something that'll help."
Kazuya and Lyriana followed Tharos deeper into the cave, where he had stashed what little remained of his belongings after the attack. He rummaged through a battered chest, pulling out a large, cloth-wrapped bundle.
"This," he said, unwrapping it to reveal a set of gleaming armor, "was forged during the wars. It's not as powerful as what the royal knights wore, but it's sturdy and enchanted to resist magic. You'll need every advantage you can get."
Kazuya accepted the armor, running his fingers over the intricate engravings. It was lighter than he expected, but he could feel the faint hum of magic coursing through it.
"Thank you," he said sincerely.
Tharos grunted. "Just make sure you come back in one piece. The village will need protectors if more of those things show up."
Kazuya nodded. "We'll do everything we can."
As they prepared to leave, Kazuya couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. The creature they had faced was only a glimpse of the darkness lurking in this world. But he was ready.
With Lyriana by his side and his newfound resolve burning brighter than ever, Kazuya set his sights on the fortress in the mountains.
Whatever awaited them there, he would face it head-on. This world was his now, and he wouldn't let it fall into chaos.