—

While I was running from the demons chasing me, a sudden weight landed on my back—a large owl had perched itself there.

I flinched in surprise and tried to brush it away.

“Could you get off me, please?” I said, but the owl stayed still, unmoving on my shoulder.

“I will guide you out of here.”

Once again, I jumped in shock. The owl had spoken to me.

“Are you serious?” I asked, feeling the demons drawing closer.

“Follow the river. It will lead you to the villages,” it said, then immediately flew away from my shoulder.

I stopped for a moment to look around for the river, but I couldn’t see it. Suddenly, a few demons appeared in front of me, blocking my path.

“Where do you think you’re going?” one of them snarled. Its face was terrifying, its body even larger than before. My strength was already at its limit.

‘It seems I can’t defeat them,’ I thought grimly, tightening my grip on my sword.

“Fine then. If you wish to face me, I’ll make sure you meet your gods sooner!”

With that, I charged forward with my blade, even as more demons closed in behind me.

Today, I was fighting four massive demons.

SRAK!

SRAK!

CRAS!

CRASH!

THUD!

AGHH!

AGHH!

SRAK!

THUD!

AGHH!

“AAAGHH!”

Their claws tore through me, and I faintly heard the roar of a waterfall not far away.

Forcing myself up through the pain, I stabbed my sword into the ground and closed my eyes, beginning the Shadow Technique.

When the spell was complete, I started moving toward the waterfall, while they continued to chase me relentlessly.

“After him!” one of them shouted.

I was almost at the waterfall now, the sound of rushing water growing louder.

“You want my life, don’t you? Then take it!”

Without hesitation, I leapt into the raging river below. The demons froze, eyes wide in shock.

I closed my eyes and let the current carry me wherever it wished. My wounds were deep; I could no longer even feel the pain.

—

A Few Days Later

I had no idea how long I’d been unconscious. When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was a small wooden house.

I slowly sat up from the bed and looked around.

“Is this the village the owl mentioned?” I murmured.

Not long after, I heard the voice of a small child approaching.

“Uncle, are you awake?” she asked, placing her small hand on my forehead to check my temperature. I remained silent, simply watching her.

“Sis! He’s awake!” she shouted, and soon, a beautiful young woman entered the room.

“Are you feeling better now?” she asked softly, checking my pulse. I nodded weakly.

“Where… am I?” I asked, holding my throbbing head. She was mixing a herbal potion and, without warning, poured it into my mouth.

“Drink this. Your condition is still unstable,” she said. I nearly choked at her suddenness.

“Finish it first. I’ll explain afterward,” she added firmly. I obeyed, swallowing the bitter medicine with a grimace.

“I found you by the upper river when I went to fetch water. Why were you there?” she asked, her gaze sharp and curious. I couldn’t bring myself to explain.

“How long have I been here?” I asked.

“Twelve days. You’ve been asleep for twelve whole days. I don’t know why, but I’ve treated your external wounds,” she said calmly.

My eyes widened. Twelve days? I looked down at my bandaged wounds—mostly healed, though some still ached.

“You really counted all twelve days I was asleep?” I asked again, dazed.

She sighed softly. When I tried to stand, a sharp pain shot through my leg, and she quickly helped me sit back down.

“I think your leg’s still in bad shape. When I found you, you were covered in wounds and your pulse was faint,” she said gently.

I looked at my legs, feeling as if all my energy had been drained away.

“Were you from the Forbidden Forest?” she asked suddenly. Her eyes narrowed. I hesitated, then nodded slowly.

“Ckckckck… entering that forest drains your energy. Maybe that’s why you’re so weak—you must have lost most of your life force in there.”

“Which clan are you from?”

“I’m… from the human clan,” I answered carefully.

“Oh, the worthless human clan. I regret saving you,” she snapped, turning away and walking out.

I blinked in confusion, scratching my head. I couldn’t understand why she hated humans so much.

“Uncle… my sister hates the human clan because they were the ones who created the Forbidden Forest,” said the little girl quietly.

“So that forest has existed for a long time?” I asked.

“Yes. Hundreds of years. The humans made it,” she nodded sadly.

The more I thought about it, the more flashes of the past flickered in my mind.

“Can you tell me more?” I asked.

She shook her head.

“My sister forbade me from telling anyone about it,” she whispered softly.

“I’ll give you a present later,” I said with a smile. “And you don’t have to tell your sister about this.”

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“Will you really keep your promise?” she asked, raising her little pinky. I linked my finger with hers.

“I promise. But only if you keep your part of the deal,” I said, ruffling her hair gently.

Time passed quickly. My wounds continued to heal, and during my stay, both sisters helped me recover.

Sometimes, I joined Lira and her sister in the fields, helping them tend the crops.

Here, I found peace—true peace, untouched by war or duty.

Now I sat on the porch, watching Lira and her sister laughing together.

The green of the vegetables glistened under the sunset, making them both look radiant.

“Alright, I’ll go prepare dinner,” her sister said, ending their laughter. But Lira pouted.

“But I still want to play with you, Sis,” she said.

“No, Lira. I have to cook. If we don’t cook, what will we eat tonight?”

Her gentle explanation reminded me of Grandma Wilona, who used to take care of me the same way—soft yet firm, even when I was difficult.

I walked toward them, leaning on my wooden cane.

“Lira, come play with me instead,” I said, blushing slightly; I wasn’t used to calling myself ‘brother’.

“Really?” she asked, eyes gleaming. I nodded.

“Eumm… you take care of the kitchen first, Ira. I’ll watch over her,” I said to her sister. She nodded and left. Lira grinned widely.

“Didn’t you promise to give me something?” she asked, her round eyes full of hope. I chuckled and patted her head.

“You still remember that?” I asked, and she nodded eagerly.

“Alright. I’ll give it to you once I’ve fully recovered. But you can’t tell your sister, okay?”

She nodded excitedly, and I laughed at her pure innocence.

“Do you have a doll, Lira?” I asked.

“Yes!” she replied quickly.

“Would you like to play dolls with me, then?” I asked.

She turned toward me with shining eyes and a wide, joyful smile.

—

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep