Chapter 7

I pushed the heavy stone aside and walked inside my cave. I settled the things I bought from the market on the small table. My stomach was growling, so I went to check my makeshift refrigerator and later found an empty one.

I should have bought meat at the market.

I face-palmed myself.

I needed to hunt today too, and it should be a big one for me to last for at least four months of isolation. Winter was coming soon, and I knew it would be hard to find bigger meals by then.

I dragged myself out again and went on a hunting journey. I'm hoping to see a bear farther south.

As I went deeper into the woods, I discovered a large waterfall, and immediately, my eyes zeroed in on a big brown bear that was catching a fish with its mouth by the stream.

I didn't want to put up a fight, so I swung my bow and angled my arrow. I aimed at its head and released.

The bear's loud roar shook the birds' nest as they flew off into the sky.

Observing and being cautious repeatedly circled in my mind; it was to make sure that I was alone, and then I could close my distance with my catch.

Blood flowed in the water, and I took my time skinning it. While doing this, I maintained vigilance.

This unclaimed land is infested with rogues; it is too risky to hunt in an open area like where I stand, so I made haste. I don't want to encounter trouble with the savages.

The fur will be used for winter soon; it might be a great decoration on the floor as a rug.

My sharp dagger cuts through its flesh with ease. After I was done, I gathered them all up in a sack and headed straight home.

I know the blood of the meat keeps dripping behind me and will leave a trail for rogues to seek. So first, I made sure to stop and let it drain for a while.

When I knew it had dried off, I used my superspeed to arrive in minutes at my cave.

The arrow I used to kill was set aside in the corner after I washed it. Then I took the liberty to bathe myself in the cold waterfall to wash off the remnants of blood.

I wore my undergarments while doing so. Being naked outside my cave was the last thing on my mind.

I wore a black undie and a bra that I sewed out of silk. These things weren't in fashion yet, so I was the only person able to wear them. For a modern-minded girl like me, it was convenient.

After I was done cleaning myself, I went into my cave, took a moment to glance around, and sighed.

All I have to do now is sleep until I feel like waking up.

I looked down at my bed.

Well, it doesn't look like a normal bed; it is a straight-up example of the future. It is similar to a sleeping capsule for outer space like the ones in sci-fi movies; although it doesn't have its mechanical functions, I feel safer inside. Only I can open and close it at will.

Furthermore, I could breathe inside. The great thing was its indestructibility. No one can harm me with this crystal baby.

I was proud to say that this was one of my greatest creations so far.

My nose tensed when I realized that I had started to think like that psycho. I shook my head and shrugged it off.

He is dead, and I am content with my life.

I streched like a cat, and a big yawn came out of my mouth. I feel lethargic.

I climbed onto my bed and made myself comfortable. After closing the cover over me, I quickly dozed off to sleep.

~ • ~

"I implore you! I did not do anything wrong!" The hunchback human begged as he was dragged into the Lycan King's throne room.

The royal warriors quickly placed him in the middle, kneeling below the brooding Lycan king.

One warrior headed straight to their king and handed him a black old handkerchief with some patches; inside was a decent-sized rubby. The rarest of its kind

His eyes immediately fell on it, and curiosity stuck to his face.

"What did they buy from you, human?" His deep, commanding voice sent shivers down his spine.

"My-my King!" He bowed until his forehead kissed the granite floor. "Heed not of my dwelling; I am poor as a rat and did only great things to receive such a gleaming prize."

"Do tell me what great things you have done to receive such a priceless gem," he inquired in a lazy tone.

"I-I-the boy!" He glanced up and cast his eyes down in an immediate manner. Baring eye contact means a challenge to their kind and his status. It would mean death. So he kept his gaze rooted on the floor.

"It was the boy who gave it to me. Yes, the boy!"

The merchant wasn't sure of his gender, but his voice was a bit deep for a female to be one, so he guessed he was a boy.

"He gifted it to me after feeling burdened from the nonstop blessings I have shouldered upon him; he often visits my fruit stand and promises me a great deal of money, and that is what you hold, My King. My fruits have been his source of sustenance, but I know nothing of his whereabouts. I implore you, spare me!"

The shady merchant lied because once he was caught selling masking spray, he'd be dead in a second.

But the King already knew about his shaddy business. He already knew before he asked. His eyes bore the man's trembling form, uninterested in his dramatic plea.

"And what of his visage?" His head leaned on his hand for support.

"I cannot say descriptively that the black scarf covered most of what was to be sought. But his eyes-he has glowing forest-firefly eyes."

The latter piqued the Lycan king's interest. The throne room had gone eerily quiet by then.

"My-my King?" He glanced briefly at his chest. "And what of my prize?"

He dared ask for it after he had lied. But he was not having it.

"That's all for now. Drag him to the dungeon." He gestured to his men.

"No! I implore you! I am innocent! This is a mistake! It was that boy! My King!"

Two large doors closed with a slam.

"Forest-firefly eyes... that boy sounds distinctively intriguing. How many masking sprays did you find from that merchant?"

"I found thirty of them, Your Majesty."

"What are your thoughts, Beta Reeze?"

"About that boy he speaks of? I assume he is one of the savages. Although I wondered how he did not cause a stir in that market, savages are irrational beasts after all."

"Why would a boy nonchalantly give this priceless thing away? For a mere spray? I'm surprised that the savage boy did not kill that man. What was he specifically hiding? Such a foolish boy."

"I believe there is more to offer, your majesty."

"I believe so. Has he been reborn, and has he returned?"

"Professor Popa is nothing but bones and ashes, Your Majesty. I made sure of it."

"What did you find after your exploration of his castle? Did you manage to clarify his identity?"

"Yes, a few miles from his castle, his head was displayed on a stick for passersby's eyes to see... There is not much left to explore in his castle since it has been destroyed."

"Hmm... Oh, yes. I recalled you bringing his head and showing it in front of the royal council men." He went quiet for a while after robbing his temples and then said, "Have a bounty for that forest-firefly-eyed boy. Keep in mind, it is best he be captured alive. He has the answers we need."

"As you wish."

"What about Ana's jewelry store? Any news?"

"I am still investigating it. Alpha Baldimor's niece is a hard female to crack."

"Do what you must to inquire."

"Yes, of course."

"I am certain that the merchant and Ana are connected with that boy. Don't forget to investigate further about that merchant. Leave him no room to bargain."

Beta Reeze bowed and exited the room, leaving the king with drowning curiosity.

His soft stare at the rubble did not falter; he could see his reflection in it.

A rare gem for a mere spray, he thought deeply.

He also suspects that one of Professor's minions is still alive; he is the only one who can supply such rare gems on the black market.

But, that boy...

"Where did you get all of those, Professor?" He asked more of himself as he played the rubby on his hand.

The Lycan King was desperate to get that lingering question answered since that doctor's name arose a long time ago.