The sound of galloping hooves echoed through the dense Ashthorn Forest, three carriages making their way along the winding dirt path toward the distant town. The peaceful rhythm of the journey, however, was shattered by panicked cries coming from the lead carriage. Screams filled the air as chaos erupted among the passengers.
Kaito Raizen, a high schooler who had just been reincarnated into this strange world, could hardly believe what was happening. So this is it... the heavens really did answer my prayers. Reincarnated. As a baby? He felt a thrill rush through him as he realized the benefits of his new life. I still have my memories intact, and this world... it's a fantasy setting. Magic, monsters, all of it. My dreams... I can make them come true.
But then, the calm was interrupted by something else—something far darker. Kaito's tiny body trembled as a shadow loomed overhead, and his gaze shifted to the horrific sight ahead. What the hell is that?
A towering Minotaur—its massive form clad in thick fur and armor—charged through the trees, a gleaming battle axe swinging with terrifying precision. It swung the weapon around, cleaving through passengers and people that looked like knights as if they were little more than paper. Heavens, what kind of world is this?
His thoughts were interrupted as a woman—one of the carriage attendants, suddenly grabbed him. Her grip was firm, but there was panic in her eyes as she dashed away, Kaito cradled protectively in her arms. The sound of battle, the clash of metal, and screams of terror echoed all around them as they ran deeper into the forest
The woman veered off the path and dove into the underbrush, her feet barely making a sound on the forest floor. She carefully placed Kaito in a small, hidden bush, ensuring he was shielded from view. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her eyes wide with fear. "Stay hidden," she whispered urgently before darting off into the trees.
Kaito, still stunned but slowly adjusting to the situation, peered through the leaves of the bush. From his vantage point, he could see the carnage unfolding. The Minotaur was relentless, charging through the carriages, its axe slicing through the air. The cries of the townspeople, the sound of flesh meeting steel, echoed in the distance. His heart pounded, and for the first time in his new life, he felt a heavy weight of helplessness.
The woman's figure was a blur as she disappeared into the chaos, her fate unknown. Kaito's mind raced, filled with thoughts of survival. This isn't how I imagined things would start...
After what felt like an eternity, there was silence. The screams had ceased, and the distant sounds of battle faded away, leaving only the unsettling stillness of the forest. Kaito, hidden in the brush, dared to peer out.
The carnage was evident. The Minotaur had slaughtered everyone in its path, leaving no survivors. His heart pounded in his chest as he saw the lifeless bodies of those who had been on the carriages, their faces frozen in terror.
But then, something made his blood run cold. The Minotaur, its huge form still looming nearby, sniffed the air, its nostrils flaring as it seemed to hone in on Kaito's position. Panic surged through him. No... Kaito's tiny form was barely noticeable, but the creature's sharp senses seemed to be focused on him, as if it could sense his presence.
Kaito's heart skipped a beat. I'm just a child. I can't even walk properly, let alone fight! He clenched his tiny fists, trying to control his rising panic. But then, a wry smile crossed his face. The Minotaur is lucky. Right now, my body is more of a restriction than a weapon.
Just as he thought he might be discovered, the sound of approaching horses broke the silence. Hooves pounding on the earth grew louder, accompanied by the creaking of leather and the soft rustle of cloth. Five figures appeared, riding in formation.
The first, a woman, wore mage robes, while holding a staff. Beside her, a man clad in heavy armor carried a large shield on his back, his posture solid and defensive. A female knight, clearly the leader of the group, rode her white stallion ahead of the others, her posture straight and purposeful. Behind her were two men, both holding swords, their expressions are as if ready for combat.
They had come just in time, but would they be able to defeat the Minotaur? Kaito thought. But said atleast they look confident enough, maybe they can.