Renzo, who was passing by, heard the conversation but didn't stop. He had grown accustomed to such discussions, to this cruel world. But he knew one thing…
"There is no place for the weak here."
A few steps away, a group of boys were talking excitedly:
> First boy: "I heard that a monster hunter managed to kill a third-class beast alone!"
> Second boy (mockingly): "Oh, and do you think he's coming to save us?"
> First boy (angrily): "That's why we need to become stronger!"
> Third boy (in a low voice): "But… how? No one gives us a chance to become strong."
Renzo paused for a moment, looked at them, then continued walking in silence. Their words struck a chord within him.
Suddenly, a terrified scream tore through the air.
"Monsters! The monsters are attacking the village!"
Silence lasted for a brief moment… then chaos erupted. The screams of women and children filled the place, while some men grabbed makeshift weapons, trying to defend their homes.
Renzo turned quickly, his eyes gleaming sharply as he saw smoke rising from the village outskirts. Massive shadows moved between the huts, and glowing eyes emerged from the trees.
"It's a pack of Iron Wolves!"
Beasts with bodies covered in natural metal plates, their fangs capable of crushing bones with ease. They usually didn't attack villages, but hunger and desperation had driven them to seek easy prey.
> Merchant (panicked): "We're doomed! No one can save us!"
> Another man: "Where are the guards? Didn't they send us protection?"
> Old man (with bitter sarcasm): "Guards? Are you joking? We're just a worthless village to them!"
Renzo watched the scene, but his eyes didn't reflect fear… they held something else.
"This is the life we've grown used to… a life where the weak have no place."
As the villagers fled or fought back, the wolves launched their attack. Their terrifying howls mixed with the screams of the villagers.
But amidst the chaos, Renzo's eyes remained calm and calculating. He wasn't afraid, nor was he confused. He was studying the scene.
Because he knew… this was only the beginning.
---
After the Attack…
The battle raged on for hours until the villagers, with the help of a few hunters, managed to push back the beasts. But the cost was high. Many had died, and several homes were burned.
As everyone caught their breath, hoping for a moment of peace after the nightmare they had endured… they arrived.
The city guards.
They entered the village on their armored horses, their faces devoid of any emotion, as if they hadn't noticed the corpses scattered on the ground.
> Guard Captain (coldly): "You're late on this month's tax payment."
One of the villagers, his eyes red with anger, glared at him:
> Villager: "Is this the time to talk about taxes? We almost died just now!"
> Guard (indifferently): "Your problem, not ours. If you want protection, pay up."
The soldiers began collecting whatever food and supplies were left, showing no concern for the villagers' suffering. Even the corpses weren't spared, as some were dragged aside—perhaps as a warning to those who might think of rebelling.
Renzo, watching from afar, felt a surge of rage creeping into his heart.
"This isn't fair… but who cares about fairness in this world?"
The sight of the desperate villagers, the guards looting, and the looming threat of another monster attack… all of it made h
im realize one thing.
"If I'm not strong… I'll just be another victim in this cruel world."