the shepherd wizard , from the chapter 1 to 9 . manhwa recap

Morning sunlight, two kids, and a stick that might as well be a legendary staff. The little boy charges forward, declaring himself a mighty wizard and launching magic at the so-called monster. The little girl plays along, growling dramatically and threatening to devour him whole. Then, bonk. He smacks her on the head for real. She recoils, offended, and betrayed. That wasn't part of the fantasy. His logic, simple. Wizards beat monsters. That's the rule. She immediately demands a class change. If monsters lose, she wants to be a wizard, too. He shuts that down just as fast. From a distance, Grandpa Rabus watches the chaos with an amused sigh. Kids this early in the morning, already at war. The boy, still fired up from battle, turns to Rabus with wide eyes. What does it take to become a wizard? Rabis doesn't sugarcoat it. Wizards aren't kids with sticks. They're the apex of humanity. Nobles, knights, chosen bloodlines blessed with ancient power. You don't just decide to become one. And these two not happening. The words land heavier than he probably intended. A man nearby cuts in, half scolding Rabbis for crushing children's dreams, then shifts the topic entirely. A monster has appeared. The air changes. The description spreads like wildfire. A leopard the size of a house. Its body cloaked in pitch black shadow. Something unnatural. Something is wrong, but there's hope. The village chief has gone to the city to request a wizard. Once a wizard arrives, the monster will be dealt with. That's how it works. A woman exhales in relief and gently pats the little girl's head, warning her to stay out of the forest for now. Rabbis interrupts the comfort with a colder truth. Without a wizard, killing a monster is nearly impossible. The villagers all know, but then comes the question, what about him? The scene shifts to a quiet hill. The shepherd on his hill, Terron. Turin lies in the grass, sheep lazily grazing around him. He stares at the sky, drowning in monotony. Same scenery, same day over and over. At this rate, he jokes to himself he might forget how to talk. It's not just boredom, it's stagnation. A shadow blocks the sun. Rabbis. He wastes no time calling Turin pathetic for slacking off before sunset. Turan doesn't even sit up, just tells him to move. He's blocking the light. Respect? None. Rabbis accuses him of still clinging to that incident. Turan finally turns cold. That incident? Oh, you mean when his mother died and Rabus quietly tried to make the sheep shared property? Yeah, that one. He makes it clear he's not generous enough to share his mother's inheritance. They're not close. They're not friends. So if Rabis has something to say, say it and leave. Rabbis explodes, calling him a brat. Tran finally locks eyes with him, gaze piercing. What? Rabbis finally says it straight. A monster has appeared. A leopard as big as a house. Rob saw it himself. The whole village has been warned. Turon keeps petting a sheep like they're discussing the weather. That's a serious problem, he says flatly. Rabbis studies him. No fear, no tension, just that same lazy indifference. He points out the obvious. Terron, isolated on this hill, is the most likely target. The chief has gone to fetch a wizard, so until then, be careful. And then, almost reluctantly, he admits he came because he was worried. Terron doesn't buy it. He calls him out instantly. If Rabus was worried, it was about the sheep, not him. And with one last jab, he tells the old man to leave. But once he's alone, his thoughts shift. Monsters. If humans have wizards, beasts have monsters. That's the balance. A wizard coming to this forgotten backwater village just because of one monster. For the first time all day, Tan feels something other than boredom. Interest. He wonders what a wizard really looks like. How strong they truly are. Even if it's some mediocre rural mage, he still wants to see one. Just how powerful are they? Then his expression changes. He smells it. Blood. The sun is setting as Tran walks into the forest, following the scent with eerie certainty. Each step makes the smell stronger. He knows this path. He's sure of it. And then time seems to stop. Rabbis' body lies in the ground, dead. Tan's thoughts turn cold and precise. This isn't the work of a normal wild animal. It has to be the monster. The ground trembles. He looks up. Golden glowing eyes stare back at him from a massive shadow-covered beast. The leopard the size of a house. A memory overlaps the present. A child asking his father how strong a monster is. The father's answer is grim. If ordinary adults rushed one, there wouldn't even be bones left to collect. But it's okay. A wizard will come. Wizards are great beings born with magic. They can kill monsters with a single word. The child believes it completely. A single word. The monster lunges at Tan. He doesn't move. He simply says one word. Die. Red energy flickers around him. The monster halts, then retreats. It stares at him, wary now. Tan blinks, almost confused, tapping his cheeks like he's checking if he's awake. not working. The beast charges again. Stop again. It's forced back. Tran frowns. He already expected kill. Wouldn't be that easy, but it can't even be fully stopped. The monster roars and swings its massive claws. This time, Tran doesn't rely on words. He takes a huge step back. No panic, no scream, just calculation and the quiet realization. He might not need a wizard after all. Tan doesn't flinch. He picks up a rock. From his belt, he reveals a crude, primitive sling. Nothing fancy, just leather and instinct. As he begins to spin it, the rock vanishes into motion. Swallowed by speed. His eyes glow gold. The monster charges. Tron releases. The stone tears through the air at terrifying velocity, but it only grazes the monster's cheek. A miss. The beast lunges instantly. Claws slash behind him. Jaws snap inches from his face. And then time freezes. The air goes silent. The rock reappears mid- trajectory. As if reconsidering its mistake, it corrects itself. In the next instant, it slams into the monster's skull with overwhelming force, blasting through and pinning its massive body to a tree. The forest goes still. Just like that, the shadowed leopard hangs lifeless. Tan stands in front of the corpse, calm, almost casual. He mutters that it's his first time using that trick on a monster. No pride, no shock, just mild curiosity. Then he looks at the enormous body and size. Should he toss it into a valley somewhere? The villagers really have him doing all the work. And somewhere in the quiet forest, one fact settles in. The wizard never came. He wasn't needed. Standing alone in the forest, Tan thinks it plainly. He is a wizard. He realized it 8 years ago when he was 10. The memory is still sharp. A younger Tan beams with excitement, showing his mother logs floating in midair. Fire sparks at his will. Wind stirs because he says so. To him, it's magic. A miracle. something amazing to share. To her, it's terror. Stop it. It was the first and last time his mother ever shouted at him. The excitement drains from the boy instantly. She calls him over. Her tone no longer angry, just serious, heavy. Does he want to live with her for a long time? Of course he does. Then he has to promise her something, never use this power again, and never ever use it in front of other people. When he asks why, she reminds him of the old story. Those with special powers are called wizards, whether noble or knight. But they are not the same. Nobles are descendants of the divine Freyans, beings who descended to save humanity long ago. Knights are their diluted bloodlines, mixed, weaker, lower. Even among wizards, hierarchy exists, and Tan, he inherited his power from his father, a knight. There are nobles beyond this quiet village who see knights not as equals, but as slaves. Her voice softens, but the warning is absolute. No one can ever know. He promises and he keeps it. Back in the present, Tran stands in silence. Eight years have passed since that day. He has never broken his word. He has no desire to reveal himself as a wizard. No desire to descend the mountain. No desire to step into a world where power means chains. The promise still holds. And so does the secret. A fist pounds against Tan's door. He opens it to find a crowd waiting. Tense, angry, already convinced. He steps out calmly. So, you're saying I killed Ravis? No denial, no panic, just a question that makes them even angrier. One of the men grabs him by the collar, shouting that he hurt the old man and threw him out to be eaten by monsters. Tran doesn't even blink. He lays it out coldly. Ravis died alone while the younger men were too scared to face the monster. Now they need someone to blame, and he's convenient. The accusation hits harder than any punch, so the man tries to throw one. Tran dodges easily. A clean headbutt drops the attacker back. In his mind, it's simple. Magic is convenient. If he strongly wishes for something, it happens at the cost of mana. He doesn't need fire. He doesn't need spectacle. Just a whisper. Fall over. One thug collapses instantly. Just a little push. Subtle, invisible. Not enough to kill, just enough to dominate. For 8 years, he has hidden what he is, and he's very good at it. Turin turns to the girl standing nearby. Are you here to fight, too? They panic. No, they just came to see him. He tells them to drag the idiots away. As he takes off his jacket, he already knows what's coming next. The town will turn this into another excuse to cheat him during trade. Fine, he'll just beat fairness into them if he has to. He mutters that the thug shouldn't be back anytime soon. Then another knock. His expression darkens. They must be insane. He yanks the door open, furious, and freezes. Not a thug, a stranger, a man with a sword. Polite, composed, almost refined. He apologizes for the timing, saying he hoped to ask for a favor during his travels. Tran blinks. A traveler? He quickly straightens himself, awkwardly apologizing for the earlier scene. His mother taught him manners, but he's never had to use them in this town. It feels unnatural. Still, a swordsman in this sleepy place. Suspicious. If you're looking for an inn, he pauses. Come in. Inside, Turan offers what little food he has, apologizing for the simplicity. The traveler calls it a feast. He seems amused that Turan has never met someone from outside the village. Turran explains he's lived on this hill his whole life. Outsiders rarely pass through. The man observes him carefully. The way he eats, the way he speaks. For a shepherd, Turan's manners are refined. His parents must have raised him well. Turran says he learned from his mother and that she died years ago. There's no dramatics in his voice, just fact. The traveler offers quiet praise. A mother who raised such a son must surely rest among the gods. Tran brushes it off. He simply lives the way she taught him. Then he asks the real question. What brings someone like him to this forgotten town? The man answers plainly. He was asked to take care of a monster puma. And then I am a wizard. The words land differently. Tran's eyes sharpen but his face remains calm. So this is the wizard the elder mentioned. The man confirms it. And just like that, the wizard Tran wanted to see is standing inside his house. The wizard sets his bowl down gently. "May I ask you something?" Tan agrees, calm as ever. The man's gaze sharpens. He says he can sense a monster in the area, yet he doesn't see one. That's strange. Even stranger, Tran knows about the elder, knows about the monster, and yet he isn't running. He isn't afraid. If the monster were to target anyone, it would be him, isolated on this hill. So why is he so calm? Why is a shepherd who has never left this town standing so steadily in front of a wizard? The question finally lands. Who are you? The air tightens. The scene shifts to the past. A young Turan once asked the same question in a different form. Why can't anyone know he's a wizard? His mother's answer was heavy with quiet dread. Bad nobles. If nobles are shepherds, she said, then knights are the dogs they keep. They may treat you like family, but they can sell you, sacrifice you, discard you. She didn't want that life for him. And she made one thing painfully clear. No one can ever know, especially other wizards. If they find out, they will separate them. They will take him, turn him into their obedient hound, something useful, something disposable. Her voice in memory becomes colder. To avoid being discovered as a wizard, he might have to kill people. Back in the present, the wizard's question still hangs in the air. Who are you? And for the first time since he walked in, the room doesn't feel warm anymore. Tan's thoughts harden. So this is what it comes to. The wizard notices his silence. Why can't you answer? Then he smiles. If you make a face like that, it makes my joke awkward. A joke? Tran blinks. The killing intent he was preparing dissolves just slightly. Tran apologizes stiffly, claiming he lacks a sense of humor. The wizard waves it off, saying he must have flustered him. Tran recovers quickly. It's just his first time hearing a wizard joke, that's all. The tension fades. The wizard extends his hand. They haven't properly introduced themselves yet. His name is Kior, a wanderer. Tran takes his hand, introducing himself as an 18-year-old shepherd. Kior casually mentions he's 75. Tran stares. Wizards age slowly live longer. Just like that, the impossible becomes normal. Tran asks how he became a wanderer. Kioran explains he served the Arabian family for 60 years before leaving. In his later years, he wanted to roam freely instead of being tied down. There's something almost romantic about it. For the first time in a long while, Tran finds himself enjoying a conversation. No tension, no hostility, just ease. He didn't realize it could feel like this, speaking openly with someone decent, someone warm. The sun rises before either of them notice. Korn stands, surprised at how late it's gotten. He places a silver coin on the table. Arabian silver, pure and more than enough to cover the meal. Tran accepts it politely and wishes him luck on his hunt. Kior smiles. Don't act like we'll never see each other again. He might stop by again to mch a meal. And then he leaves. Out in the field, Tan whispers one word. Gather. The sheep immediately move toward him. He watches them silently. It was his first time meeting another wizard. But more than that, when was the last time he had a conversation that felt that comfortable? Kjorn's tone, his humor, the ease in his voice. He wasn't like the nobles in his mother's warnings. He wasn't like the hunting dogs Tyran imagined knights to be. He was good and that's what makes this harder. How is he supposed to tell him that there are no more monsters on his real hill in the forest? Kior pauses. There are clear traces of battle but no monsters presence. Was it already hunted? By whom? Another wizard. If someone made things safe, that's what matters. Or so he thinks. Then his eyes widen. Something is wrong. Before him stands the same monstrous leopard, but not alive. A wraith. Kior dodges its claws smoothly. Mind racing. If you don't absorb or disperse the mana from a dead monster's corpse, it turns into a wraith. Any wizard who hunts monsters should know that the beast lunges again. He evades it midair. So, whoever killed this monster was definitely a wizard. But why leave it like this? Ignorance impossible. A novice who doesn't know something so basic couldn't have killed a monster of this level. Golden energy gathers in his hands, forming into the shape of a radiant arrow. Then there's only one possibility. Intent. Whatever the reason, he has to destroy it. Korn releases the golden arrow. It should have ended it. Instead, the monster nullifies it. His eyes widen. His magic erased. That can only mean one thing. The wraith's mana is overwhelmingly stronger than his. Then the monster melts into the shadows. Gone. Is it countering magic with magic? Where did it? Too late. It rises from his own shadow. Claws crash into him, sending him stumbling back three full steps. This isn't something a mere knight can handle. At minimum, it would take a lower ranked noble to stand a chance. And somehow, in this remote mountain village, he's facing a wraith of this caliber. So, this is where it ends. Kjorn grits his teeth. He won't die obediently. If he falls, he'll drag the monster down with him. A small golden sphere forms in his palm. He'll pour all his mana into one final strike. The moment it lunges, he'll stab straight through it. They charge at each other. Time freezes. Then, blue light floods the forest. A streak of blue energy pierces straight through the monster's head. Kior watches, stunned. A voice echoes calmly through the trees. Are you all right? Kior exhales slowly. A shepherd's joke is pretty startling, too, Turin. Tin steps forward. So, you were a wizard? Yes, sir. No denial this time. Ke studies him carefully. Why didn't he say anything before? No. More importantly, why did he help? He could have walked away, left him to die. Tran hesitates because the memory overlaps. Tran once asked Kor why he would go so far for villagers who could barely pay him. Kior's answer was simple. They're pitiful people living on the frontier, trembling in fear without protection. A wizard inherits the power of a god, so they should live with pride in protecting the powerless. Not every wizard thinks that way, but he does. Back in the present, Tran smiles faintly. Doesn't everyone have their own way of living? The monster surges again. Both step back. Korn shouts that this isn't their level. It's a monster only a noble could fight. Terron needs to warn the village chief. Help evacuate. He'll hold it here. Even as he says it, Kor knows he's buying time he doesn't have. I talked big, but I don't know how long I can last. It's okay. Horn blinks. What? A rock wrapped in blue energy. If that attack landed just now, I think it'll be okay. K's thoughts spiral. That wasn't his full strength. A young knight hiding in the mountains can hunt a wraith even nobles struggle with. No, this isn't just a chance encounter in a rural village. This isn't reckless bravado. What he's witnessing might be the beginning of a wizard who will overturn the world. Blue energy floods the clearing, surging around Turon like a rising tide. He looks at the monster steadily. I was curious about my limits, too. Golden energy erupts around Kjorn's clenched fist as he plants himself in front of Turon. He refuses to back down. No matter how talented Turon is, this opponent isn't something one person should handle alone. They need to combine forces, but before they can move, the monster suddenly materializes right in front of Kior. Claws slashing down. At the last second, Terron cuts in. A surge of water explodes forward. smashing into the creature and hurling it away. Nice save. The golden glow around Kior fades. Reality sinks in. He couldn't react fast enough. Couldn't counter that attack. If he steps in now, he'll only slow Tan down. His jaw tightens. If he can't fight beside him, then he'll make sure Tan's talent fully blooms. Meanwhile, Tan relentlessly blasts the monster's head with waves of water from a distance, but even he's starting to feel the strain. Damn it. The monster lunges again. Tan barely dodges by leaping into the air. Frustration flashes across his face. His plan isn't working. From afar, Kjorn shouts the truth. Physical attacks won't defeat it. As the creature charges once more, Tran demands an answer. What can kill it? Korn doesn't hesitate. Fire or lightning? Tran stretches out his hand, trying to ignite flames. Nothing. It doesn't work. Korn immediately realizes the problem. That's not what he meant. Applying magic to another being requires proper causality, the most basic principle of wizardry. And then a terrifying thought hits him. Does Tran not even know the fundamentals? Worse, was he the one who killed the beast and left it behind, allowing it to turn into a spectre? The monster slams both fists down, but Turan evades again with raw instinct. Kior watches in disbelief. If that's true, does that mean Turin has never absorbed mana properly in his entire life, and he's still this strong? Kior shouts the correction. Don't just ignite something randomly. Create the fire, then launch it. A tiny spark forms in Tan's palm. Then it grows and grows. Kior's eyes widen. For a wizard, creating fire isn't difficult, but controlling it, that requires training. Years of it. Tan masters it in seconds. The fireball roars to life and shoots forward. It slams into the monster. The creature screams as flames consume its body. Korn doesn't relax. Stay focused. Keep pouring mana into it. Don't let the fire die. burned every last trace of that wraith. Tyron stands firm, eyes locked on the burning monster as the flames continue to devour it. Kior watches from afar. Slowly, the creature collapses into nothing. We won. Kior stares at the remains of the wraith, disbelief washing over him. That creature was no ordinary spectre. It should have required someone of noble rank or higher to defeat. And yet, Turin did it. The mountain shepherd stands before the corpse, calm but cautious. Is it really dead? Kior studies himself and gives immediate instructions. If Turin doesn't want it turning into another spectre, he needs to absorb its mana. Turan blinks. How? He steps closer to the corpse, stretches out his hand, and closes his eyes as he listens. Imagine draining something into yourself. A beat. All right. Suddenly, green energy seeps from the corpse, and flows into Tran's palm. His veins glow faintly as the mana rushes through him. He opens his eyes like he's just discovered something natural. Kior watches, stunned. Ton should feel a distinct sensation when absorbing mana. And yet, even seeing it with his own eyes, Korn can hardly believe it. Is this really his first time absorbing mana? Kior's mind races. After awakening, a person's mana grows gradually over time. The fastest way to develop is by killing and absorbing mana from monsters or other wizards. But this this was Torin's first absorption, and he already wields magic at an absurd level. That means his latent potential is on an entirely different scale. This young man, Kior, straightens himself despite the pain and admits something unexpected. He's been incredibly rude. May he ask Torin's family name. Turin, completely unfazed, glances at him and casually tells him to clean the blood off first. Priorities later, inside Tan's modest home, Kior sits with his arm bandaged. He apologizes sincerely. For someone of Turan's caliber to help him like this, it's humbling, but Tan shuts that down immediately. He's not some great figure. He's just a shepherd who doesn't even know who his father is, so stop talking like that. Kior in size, giving in. Still, why would someone so skilled choose to live as a shepherd? He doesn't mean to insult the job, but it doesn't fit him. Tan answers quietly. It was his mother's request, her final wish. Below the mountains live the nobles. If they discover you're a wizard, they'll use you and discard you. Kioran doesn't mock that fear. He calls her wise. Turon didn't expect that response, but Kior explains, "Wizards carry immense power, and where there is power, conflict follows." 20 years ago, a devastating war erupted between the Arabian family whom Korn served and the great Zahar family. It was a slaughter. Of roughly 3,000 Arabian knights, over 900 died. Nearly a third. Kior's voice grows heavier. Everyone close to him was among that third. His friend Denver, who dreamed of opening a laundry shop. his teacher, Hartman, who always pushed him to improve, and his wife and son, all slaughtered by the Zahar family. He was the only one left. That's why Tyrann's mother wasn't wrong. A knight's life can be lost easily. Treated as worth less than a commoners. But she misjudged one thing. Tyrann's talent. Even with a broken arm, Kjorn admits he's a capable knight. And yet, it was Tyran who defeated the wraith, not an experienced veteran. Korn says it plainly. Tran's potential isn't at the level of an ordinary knight. At minimum, he already stands at noble rank and among them upper tier. Terron hesitates. His mother once said his father might have been a knight. Is that possible? Kjorn explains that talent doesn't always follow status. Sometimes a weaker child is born to nobles. Sometimes a noble rank wizard is born among knights. By that logic, Terron doesn't belong on this hill. He should step into the outside world. Tran asks one simple question. Why? Kior answers without hesitation. Because humans need nobles and knights, and humans are not yet the true masters of this world. Korn's voice grows firm again. Long ago, other races cast aside by the gods were pushed into the shadows, and they're still waiting for their chance to rise. Meanwhile, the nobles waste their strength fighting each other. That's exactly why this era desperately needs strong and virtuous nobles. Nobles like Turon. Then he presses where it hurts. Tron isn't satisfied with life as a shepherd, is he? Tron doesn't deny it. Instead, he asks the real question. What would he even gain by leaving the mountain? Korn answers simply, "That depends on what he wants. Wealth, fame, power, family, friendship. None of those are easy to find up here." Kior paints the picture. Tyran could wander the world, destroying monsters that threaten humanity, become an explorer, stepping into the unknown, or even be adopted into a noble family and walk the path of power. For the first time, Tyran doesn't brush it off. After hearing all that, maybe Kieran has a point. It would definitely be more interesting than hurting sheep. And for the first time in his life, he feels curious about the outside world. Still, Kuran grows cautious. He doesn't want to fill Tyran's heart with false expectations. Whatever path he chooses, he'll support it. But first, there's something he needs to know. What is Tran's bloodline ability? Tran blinks. Bloodline ability? Kior apologizes. He keeps forgetting Tyran lacks basic magical knowledge. A bloodline ability is a noble element inherited from an ancestor, Freyan. It's what separates nobles from knights. He asks carefully, "Is there any spell that feels unusually easy to use? Or perhaps an innate ability that doesn't even require magic?" Tyran hesitates. Just because he has some quirks doesn't mean he's strong, right? Kioran clarifies. Simply possessing mana already enhances a wizard's physical abilities beyond normal humans. So, Tran lists what he has. a sharp sense of smell and he's good at throwing stones. Kior nods thoughtfully. An exceptionally sharp sense of smell could qualify as a bloodline ability. Skill with throwing weapons, that's also a trait known in the Arabian family, but it's common, he asks again. Anything else? Tran begins to think. But suddenly, he notices something shift in Korn. The older knight's expression darkens. His head lowers. The air changes. Tan asks why his face suddenly looks like that. Kior answers quietly. He thinks he knows the mana family whose abilities most closely resemble Tans. Tran asked for the name. Kior lifts his eyes. A great family known as the pursuers, the hunters. The very family that once waged war against Arabian, the Zahar family. And just like that, Tran's bloodline may be tied to the enemy that destroyed everything Korn once loved. The name lingers in the air, the Zahar family. Tran's expression darkens as his thoughts spiral. If that's true, then he shares blood with the people who destroyed everything Kjorn loved. What is he even supposed to say? Apologize? But those crimes were committed by relatives he's never met. Strangers bound only by blood. Before the silence grows heavier, Kior gently taps his shoulder. Don't worry about it. Kior says it clearly. Tyran had no part in that war. That was the business of adults. If violence is answered with more violence, the cycle never ends. Tyran studies him carefully and asks something unexpected. Does Korn still agree with telling him to go down the mountain? Kior doesn't hesitate. If Tyran seeks power, he may eventually join the Zhar family with his abilities. That's entirely possible, but he trusts him. Tyran is caught off guard. Kuran clarifies. He trusts the goodness Tan showed the moment he saved him. Even if Tyran has to reveal the identity he's hidden his whole life, if someone like him rises within the Zhar family, maybe he could prevent another terrible war. Kior softens the weight of his words. No need to overthink it. Tran hasn't even decided whether he'd join the Zahars, but Tran has decided something. He wants to go down the mountain. Hior calls it a good choice. Still, Tan adds one condition. Not now. He'll leave after Korn's wounds heal. Korn tries to brush it off as a scratch, but there's a faint smile in his voice. Tran really is kind. Later, inside Tran's home, the lesson begins. To use magic, you need mana. It's often called the key to absolute power. Though Korn quickly corrects that exaggeration, it's not truly absolute. To perform magic, you need mana equivalent to the task. And the difficulty of magic depends on three things: bloodline, affinity, causality. Bloodline is inherited power. The trait that separates nobles from knights. For example, healing Korn's wound would be difficult for Turin, but for the southern Ravista bloodline, it would be effortless. That's the weight of lineage. Affinity, Korn explains, is familiarity. A wizard performs better with tasks they're accustomed to or inclined toward. Turan connects it immediately. like creating a fireball the same way he throws a stone exactly. If he were just creating a simple flame, it wouldn't have had that speed or force. Then comes the most important factor, causality. Even Korn admits he doesn't fully grasp it. He asks Tan what would happen if he tried to kill someone using only raw mana. Tan guesses maybe some beam of light would shoot out. Korn demonstrates instead. A flash of energy crackles around his hand above a cup. The water inside instantly evaporates. That phenomenon occurs when there's no proper cause for the desired result. When the requirement becomes too unnatural, too forced. That's when magic destabilizes. Tin thinks it through. If he wanted to kill someone, instead of just pouring mana into the wish for their death, he'd need to create a cause, like conjuring fire and shooting it. Because creating fire is more natural than simply willing someone to burn. Korn lights up. Exactly. With reasoning like that, Tan could have been a scholar. But Tan raises another question. He can control ordinary animals without effort. So why do magic beasts require something more? Kioran answers simply because of their mana. And just like that, the real complexity of the world beyond the mountain begins to unfold. Tan exhales slowly. Magic really isn't simple. Kior nods. A smart wizard doesn't just throw mana around. He understands the principles behind it, the situation, the logic. Then Tan asked the question lingering in his mind. Does the Zahar bloodline have special magic, too? Kioran answers without hesitation. They are masters of stealth and tracking. And then he tells Tan to try. Tan stands, closes his eyes. I don't want to be seen. I don't want my sound or even my scent to be detected. Slowly, his presence begins to fade, not just visually. It's as if he's slipping out of the world itself. After a moment, his voice echoes faintly. Did it work? Kior's eyes widen. He can't see him at all. Tin slowly reappears. Kior exhales shaken. He's only witnessed that ability a few times before, but it's always terrifying. During the war, that was the power Arabian knights feared most. An enemy you cannot see, cannot hear, cannot even smell. It feels unfair. But Korn reminds him it isn't invincible. Kior decides it's time to teach him proper training methods. Tran hesitates. Isn't he teaching too much to someone from an enemy family? Kior answers simply. Tan saved his life, nursed him back to health, and more importantly, he trusts him. Bloodline doesn't define character. Word spreads quickly. The village chief is furious. Terron is selling the sheep and leaving. Then who will hurt the goats? How can he make such a decision without discussion? Tron doesn't budge. It's his property. They can find another shepherd. He expects a fair price. Otherwise, he'll release every sheep and walk away. They're free to try catching them. Good luck. The chief clenches his teeth internally. Tan is the kind of man who follows through. There's no profit in provoking him. With a bag of money in hand, Turran walks beside Kior. He casually mentions the villagers still owe Kior compensation. Should he collect it? Kior refuses. Turin was the one who defeated the beast anyway. A quiet understanding settles between them. This is where they part. Korn apologizes for declining Turin's offer to travel together. He prefers walking alone. Tran accepts it. Thanks him for everything. Kior calls his name one last time. tells him to take care. Tran responds respectfully. He hopes they meet again under happier circumstances. And so, the boy stands still, watching the old knight's figure grow smaller in the distance, long after he disappears from sight. Later, Turin would understand something about himself. Why he didn't like Korn speaking so formally, why he felt a strange warmth around him, though he never lacked love from his mother. There was always a quiet, unspoken yearning for a father figure, for someone to show him what kind of man he should become. And without realizing it, Kior had stepped into that role, even if only for a short while. The mountain fades behind him. Now it's just desert and open sky. As Turon walks alone, he spots a small group ahead. Traveling merchants. Perfect. He approaches calmly, planning to ask for directions. But the moment he steps into their path, an old man with a bandaged eye speaks coldly. Who are you to block our way? Tran keeps it polite. He's traveling alone. He just wants directions to the nearest city. The bandaged man tells him to follow the road they came from. It'll lead to a city called Marray. Tran nods and thanks and turns to leave. But wait. One of the men stops him. You're just leaving. If you receive something, you give something in return. Steel flashes. Every one of them draws a sword. And just like that, the merchants reveal themselves. Hand over the bag first. Tan exhales quietly. Bandits, huh? The men don't even deny it. So, what if we are? The oneeyed leader steps forward, blade hovering near Tan's neck. This is the middle of nowhere. If someone dies here, who would know? They're even being generous. Hand over the bag and the cloak nicely. Killing and looting him would just waste energy. Tan listens carefully. Bandits who don't hesitate to kill. Memories surface. Kjorn's lessons. Bloodline. Affinity. Causality. Power needs proper cause. Violence answered with violence never ends. But this this is different. The present snaps back into focus. Turan smiles, calm, almost polite. Then he says it plainly. He'll use them for practice. The bandit leader bursts out laughing. This crazy guy is talking like he's actually a wizard. One of his men eagerly agrees. Terron doesn't argue. He simply swings his hand. The air bends. Instead of summoning a gale from nothing, he shapes the surrounding wind and strengthens it. A compressed storm erupts outward, lifting every bandit off their feet and throwing them into the air. Midfight, his mind stays analytical, shaping existing air consumes far less mana than forcing a storm into existence. Efficient, he didn't expect this much power with so little effort. Water drifts from his bottle, gathering at his palm. In seconds, it freezes into sharp arrowheads. Five of them hover around him like obedient soldiers. He flicks his hand. One launches forward and pierces a bandit cleanly. Useful spell when water is nearby. Still throwing a rock feels faster, stronger. Some instincts don't change. The oneeyed leader panics. They didn't know he was a wizard. They'll give him anything. Just spare them. But four surviving bandits try one last desperate ambush from behind. Terron doesn't even turn. He lifts his leg. The instant his foot touches the ground. Three massive pillars of rock erupt upward, impaling them mid-strike. Silence falls. The leader stares in horror. Impossible. Tran stands in the center of suspended corpses, unmoved. Tran asks calmly, "Why attack without a plan. If he were just an ordinary traveler, he could just as easily have been a wizard." The leader trembles because Tran bowed. Even when they spoke rudely, he greeted them politely, so they assumed he was weak. Tran absorbs that information. Thanks him. It was a useful lesson. The bandit, desperate, asks if he'll be spared. A single drop of water forms beside his head. Kieran's voice echoes from memory. Never show mercy to scum like bandits. People who harm others for profit without hesitation. There was a reason he said it so firmly. Back in the present, Turin stands before the final corpse. He understands now. One life spared out of pity. Could cost 10 innocent lives later. He exhales. He's already wasted too much time. The bandits carriage tracks carve lines through the sand. Wheel marks stretching into the distance. One thought repeats in his mind. He killed someone. Guilt flickers inside him. But letting them go wasn't an option. People who rob and murder without hesitation will do it again. Like wheel track slowly swallowed by grass. His turbulent heart gradually settles. Kjorn's teachings anchor him. He walks forward. And then he arrives. The small town of Marray. Crowds, noise, buildings unlike anything in his village. For the first time, Tan stands among so many people. The world feels bigger, different, real. He's no longer just a shepherd on a hill, he stepped into something new. Standing in front of a fruit stall, Terron clears his throat politely. Excuse me. The grocery man instantly flips into salesman mode. Welcome. How can I help? Terron awkwardly admits he's not actually here to buy anything. Kior's advice echoes in his head. If you need a place to rest, look for an inn. There's always one nearby. The merchant smile vanishes. If you're not buying fruit, get lost. Tron blinks. Why is he so rude? Is there some unwritten city rule that you must purchase fruit before asking questions? Without arguing, Terron points at an apple. How much? Two dupits. The merchant eyes him. You look like an outsider. You might not know the currency, but other coins are fine. Tran hands over payment, then calmly asks what he actually wanted to know. Where can he find an inn? The answer comes easily now that money has changed hands. Straight down the alley behind the robe seller. Turn left. Look for the building with the blue roof, the largest inn in town. Inside the inn, a cheerful worker named Lena greets him warmly. Welcome. She even compliments his looks without hesitation. Tan cuts to the point. How much for one night? 16 dupits. He accepts immediately. But there's something more important he wants to ask. Lena tilts her head. Something? Are there any monster bounties nearby? Lena blinks. Monsters? Tan thinks it through. He needs to hunt monsters to absorb mana. And Kior said killing monsters also earns money. Why isn't she answering? She finally responds. Nothing in this world is free. If he wants monster bounties, he should go to the town hall. Tran pauses. What's that? Lena laughs. You really are from the countryside. The town hall handles public affairs. Officials there are appointed by the city's lord, but it's probably closed by now. If he's looking for bounties, he'll have to go tomorrow. Lena studies him curiously. Is he a monster hunter, too? Turon asks what that means. She explains, "There's a rumor that ordinary people can become wizards by hunting monsters. Of course, only idiots believe that superstition. A hand suddenly taps Turon's shoulder. Superstition. A rough-l lookinging man steps in. It's a fact. You can become a wizard by killing monsters. He saw it with his own eyes. He introduces himself boldly. Monster Hunter Midon." Lena stares in disbelief. Midon, you're still alive. He grins. He won't die. Not until he becomes a wizard. Turin calmly removes Madan's hand from his shoulder. Madan just laughs. Oh, sorry. Tan doesn't waste time. Can I hear more about what you said earlier? You mean becoming a wizard by killing monsters? Midan's eyes shine with conviction. Wizards grow stronger when they hunt monsters. So, by the same logic, if ordinary people kill monsters, they can become wizards, too. The four of them hunt monsters for that very reason. One of the others nods confidently. That's right. Tran asked the obvious question. Then, have any of you actually become wizards? Not a chance. In this city, there's only the Lord's Wizard and three subordinates beneath him. Maiden studies Tran. You said you wanted to hunt monsters, right? Your equipment looks terrible. Don't you even have a weapon? Without hesitation, Tran pulls out his worn sling. I do. Maiden raises an eyebrow. A slingshot. Judging by how used it is, you must be skilled with it. Yeah. It's good for launching egg- sized objects at high speeds. Maidan nods thoughtfully. With that, you could easily hunt rabbit monsters or Reubins. Honestly, we were just saying we needed one more ranged attacker. Want to join us? Tran answers immediately. No, but thank you. That night, lying on his bed, his thoughts swirl. There's no reason to hunt with them. What a chaotic day. He exhales deeply. He still can't believe he actually left the village. What happens now? Suddenly, a noise. Who is it? A memory resurfaces. Even in an inn, I can't lower my guard. Correct. Cities do not guarantee safety. Never let your guard down. I understand. Back in the present, Tan quietly grips the door handle. His other hand glows faintly with light. Ready? He opens the door slowly. Lena. She smiles casually. Were you already asleep? I thought the room might be cold, so I came to warm you up. Tan blinks. What? What do you mean by that? Lena steps closer to Tan with a sly grin. For a small amount of money, I'll do whatever you want. Tan, skeptical, asks, "What if there's nothing he wants?" Lena doesn't even flinch, placing her hand on his shoulder. Don't lie. I can tell just by looking at your face. Tan's expression humorously twists into a monk-like seriousness, leaving Lena staring in disbelief. A flashback to Kior shouting, "Warnings echoes in Tan's mind. Don't do it. Be careful with inmates and prostitutes. They carry diseases. Even if you have strong resistance, being careless can hurt others." His thoughts wander. Cities may seem cold-hearted, putting a price on even small bits of conversation. Yet, survival depends on staying sharp. Tran overhears Maidan talking to a subordinate. The subordinate asks why he tried to bring that inexperienced guy along. Maidan explains the young man wouldn't survive long alone, but his cocky attitude makes him perfect as bait. He reminds me of myself when I was young, Maidan admits. Despite the cynicism, there's a threat of care. Tran realizes maybe the city isn't entirely cold-hearted after all. Tan approaches a reception man. Polite greetings exchanged. Tan admits he's here to hunt monsters. The receptionist blinks at the claim, skeptical. Flashback to Kior's advice surfaces. The world isn't kind unless you show your strength. Revealing you're a wizard makes ordinary people bow. The receptionist hands Tan a picture. You can't take it with you, so just look and return it. Tan asks if it's a crow monster. The man scoffs. Does that look like a cat? He explains the law. Leaving a monster corpse without dispersing its mana turns it into a wraith. The maximum penalty is execution. Tran silently vows, I won't repeat that mistake. When he asks why knights don't hunt monsters, the receptionist dismisses him. Knights maintain city order. Monster hunting outside is for amateurs. Turran sets the picture on the desk. The receptionist mutters about another corpse piling up outside the city. Later, examining a freshly returned monster corpse, his disbelief is evident. This can't be. The receptionist, shocked, asks Tran if he killed it alone. Tran confirms the bounty is handed over. You must have worked hard. Please get some rest. The corpse draws awe from the others. The blade wings remain intact. They can't believe someone brought back a blade crow in perfect condition. Tan asks if there are any other monsters worth hunting. The receptionist, startled, hesitates before realizing Tran might still be capable of more. Meanwhile, Lena praises him. 30 monsters in just 3 days. The most expensive items on the menu. She can't believe it. Tran deflects. Money isn't my only goal. In truth, his sights are on something far more valuable, the monster's mana. Terron reflects on his strength. Compared to when he met Kior, his mana has multiplied, but he feels a ceiling approaching. Weak monster's mana won't help him grow much further. Lena interrupts his thoughts, teasing about finishing all the food herself. The chef happily basks in their enjoyment. As Tan praises the meal, the chef promises an even better dish next time. Suddenly, a man grabs Tan from behind, mocking his recent earnings. Before he can finish, Turan spins and smacks him. Didn't you want some charity? The tension explodes into a fight. The man throws a punch, but Turan dodges effortlessly. Another attacks with a chair. Turan blocks it with one hand, flicks the man's head with a finger, and neutralizes the threat with astonishing precision. Lena screams, "Don't fight me in." Maiden steps in, apologizing for his subordinates. I gave both of them a proper scolding. This will never happen again. Turan asks if things are hard. Maiden admits funds are tight, explaining that jealousy drove the scuffle. The subordinates sheepishly apologize. Tan quietly hands Maiden a small bag of coins. When asked why, he says it's repayment for the earlier kindness. Maiden tried to protect him by bringing him along. Maiden is stunned and Tan adds, "There's no such thing as free. Now give me some information." Maiden grins, "Information is what I'm best at. I'll tell you everything I know." Tan stands on the cliff's edge, reflecting. This may be his last hunt in the city. Maidan provided crucial intel on the next city, far more than Tan expected. He muses on Maidan's pure kind nature, less seasoned than Korn, but that makes him genuine. Suddenly, his eyes widen. A scent hits his senses. Please let my hunch be wrong. Tran follows claw marks up a tree, then spots a corpse nearby. Recognition hits. The body is from Maiden's group. Horror replaces thought. The familiar face is Maiden himself. Tran chokes out. "What in the world happened?" Maiden. A faint sound cuts through the tension. Tan turns his head. One of Maiden's subordinates, barely clinging to life, mutters in disbelief. The rabbit, the answer, stands a few steps away, drenched in blood. A small beast with glowing red eyes and claws sharp enough to shred bone. It's calmly tearing into another corpse when it slowly lifts its head and locks onto Tan. The moment he rises, it vanishes. No, it launches. The thing moves like a bullet. Tran barely twists out of the way as claws slice through the air where his throat just was. This is no normal monster. Tran steadies himself. It's fast. I almost got hit. No hesitation. He whips out his primitive sling and fires in one smooth motion. The stone shoots straight for the rabbit's skull and is cleanly deflected. The rabbit didn't even panic. It guarded. Tran's eyes narrow. This one's used to defending against throne weapon techniques. The rabbit lunges again, but midcharge its eyes widen. Tran disappears. The beast skids to a halt. Instincts flaring too late. He reappears behind it. A flash of steel. The knife sinks straight into its neck. And just as quickly, Terran vanishes again. The rabbit goes berserk. It thrashes wildly. Claws carving through trees like paper, shredding the forest in blind rage. The rampage ends as suddenly as it began. The rabbit lets out a final guttural scream and collapses. Silence. Tran appears once more before the corpse. Without ceremony, he places his hand forward and begins absorbing its mana. Green light floods his eyes. Energy surges through his veins, denser than before, stronger. The amount of mana is different. It's more than that leopard monster I encountered the first time. Behind him, one of Miden's surviving subordinates stares in shock. You're a wizard, Terron answers calmly. Yeah. The man struggling to breathe asked the obvious question. Why are you hiding your identity? Terron doesn't respond. Instead, his voice turns practical, detached. Do any of the four of you have family I can pass your belongings to? No drama, no explanation, just responsibility. Because whatever he's hiding, he's not heartless. The memory resurfaces. My Dan once mentioned a nearby great city, Orum, a place with something rare, a library. The moment the word books was spoken, Tran's expression changed. Subtle but noticeable. My Dan smirked. Now you're interested. Thousands of books, knowledge beyond imagination. There was just one condition. Only wizards are allowed inside. Tran didn't hesitate. He'd made up his mind. He was going to Orum. Now standing before Maiden's grave. Alongside two others, Turon lowers his gaze. Maiden, I hope you're happy there. No long speech, just quiet closure. Then the great city rises before him. Orum is nothing like Marray. The line at the gate stretches endlessly. I'm almost embarrassed. I was shocked by that small city. I didn't think this many people would try to enter. Security is tight, organized, efficient. Screening for criminals, as expected of a great city. He steps forward. Halt. The guards block him. Terron blinks. What is it? The answer is blunt. No entry. I've never seen clothes that filthy. Dust yourself off at least. So, that's the problem. After a quick fix, Tan finally makes it inside. And there it stands. The library. Massive, imposing, almost unreal. So, this is the library Maidan talked about. It's overwhelming. The structure feels unnatural in its perfection. It must have been built with magic, right? At the entrance, Terran addresses the guards calmly. I'm trying to enter. This library is only for wizards. I'm a wizard. The guard laughs outright. Do you want to die for impersonating one? Red mana gathers in the guard's palm. A warning. No way someone who looks like that could be a wizard. In that moment, Terron recalls Kior's words. Wizards recognize each other. They sense mana. They know who stands above them. Turan releases it. Mana floods the space. Turan's eyes burn red as the energy surges outward, overwhelming and suffocating. The pressure alone forces the guard backward. He collapses before he can react. The second guard rushes to help. I'm fine, the first insists, shaken. But inside, panic spreads. He's no ordinary wizard. At least noble class or higher. The guard scrambles to his feet and bows his head immediately. I'm Kenya, a knight of House Valtus. His tone has completely changed. May I ask which house you're from? Tran doesn't flinch. Do I have to say to enter? No, but to use the library, you need permission from the master of Valtus. Tan tilts his head slightly, meaning I'll contact House Valtus. The gate didn't open easily, but now they're the ones adjusting their posture. What was supposed to be a simple verification process somehow turns into this. Turran finds himself surrounded by maids being thoroughly scrubbed and tended to like fragile royalty. I thought this would be simple. How did this happen? Stop. The maids freeze instantly. Yes, sir. Is it a problem if I wash by myself? Their face is pale. If we fail to properly attend to an esteemed guest, we'll be punished. Turan exhales. Do what you want. He's fought monsters without blinking. This This is somehow worse. One maid stares at him, eyes wide. Wow. Amazing. Freshly cleaned and dressed, Tan barely recognizes himself. Tan tilts his head slightly. Is there something on my face? She flusters immediately. I momentarily lost myself because of your beauty, esteemed one. Please forgive me. There's nothing to forgive. Please don't speak to us so casually. Even now, they're drawing lines. To them, he's no longer a ragged traveler. He's something far above. The door opens without warning. A young woman steps in confidently. So, you're the guest who showed up looking like a beggar. Her eyes scan him from head to toe. After washing you up and dressing you, you look like a prince. Direct, amused, sharp. I'm Tin. I'm a Zella. No hesitation, no formal stiffness. What house? For personal reasons, it's difficult to say. Aella pauses. Is that so? A small smile curves on her lips. That's a shame. Aella turns away slightly, but her smile deepens, hiding who he is. Then maybe I'll play a little prank. Without warning, Mana floods the room. The air grows heavy as Aella releases her power deliberately. Show me your mana. Tan's eyes widen in shock as the pressure presses in from all sides. This isn't a prank. It's a challenge. Tan's eyes shift to blue, and he answers. His own mana surges outward, filling every corner of the space. The air turns dense, heavy, almost suffocating. Azella's bodyguard instantly moves, shielding the maids behind him as the two forces collide. For a brief moment, it feels like the room itself might crack. Then Tran exhales. The pressure fades as Ella lowers her hand. It's trembling. She looks at him calm on the surface. Want to marry me? Silence. Time freezes. Tran just stares at her, eyes wide, brain completely offline. Aella bursts out laughing. What's with that reaction? It was just a joke. She turns slightly, grinning. Still think about it once. The seat next to me is empty right now. And just like that, she leaves. The room feels quiet again. Tran remains standing there. Only now does he notice his own hand is trembling. She has mana on par with mine at the very least. Is this level normal here? The great city suddenly feels a lot more dangerous. Now standing before the ruler of the city, the lord studies him calmly. Welcome, young noble. You already know my name, Lord of Orum, Rug Valtus. I'm Turin. The lord blinks. Turin. Straight to the point. So you want to use the library? His tone shifts slightly. Many come here chasing strange rumors. Let me say this in advance. There's no ancient forbidden magic inside. No secret method to increase your mana. No hidden treasure. No shortcuts. Turin doesn't hesitate. I'm fine with that. I never wanted anything like that. A small pause. The lord nods. If you still wish to enter, I won't stop you. There's nothing inside that concerns confidential matters of our house. He glances outside. It's late. Rest today and return tomorrow. Is that acceptable? I won't forget your kindness. Polite, controlled, measured. The next day, the tower stretches upward as if it's trying to pierce the sky itself. The guards step aside respectfully. Your entry pass has been confirmed. Esteemed guest, "Welcome to the sky library." The massive doors open, light spills out, and for the first time since arriving in Orm Turin's composure cracks. His eyes widen. Whatever lies inside, it's beyond expectation. The doors open into a world that doesn't feel real. Stairs spiral endlessly upward, stretching so high they almost disappear into the sky itself. Tan stands still for a moment. So this is the library. It's less a building and more a monument to knowledge. Then nice to meet you, Tan. He looks down. A small cute girl beams up at him. I'm the librarian here. By order of the lord, I'll explain the rules. She raises a finger dramatically. The rules are simple. Tran just stares. A little kid is the librarian. She continues confidently. First rule, if you damage anything, you compensate. Second rule, no taking books out. And while you're using the library, I'll be watching you the whole time. Tan pauses. All right, but when I'm reading, could you stand a little farther away? I feel uncomfortable. No reaction, just a bright smile. Then he asks carefully. If you're the librarian, you've read the books here, too, right? Yes. Finding what you need is what I'm best at. She leans forward, excited. What do you want? Romance? History? A mischievous tilt of the head or since you're young, something erotic. I want to learn basic common sense about the world. There's a brief silence, then slam. A stack of books drops onto the table. A lot of books here are hundreds of years old, so they won't really suit your needs, but this section might help a little. Thank you. You're welcome. Turon picks one up carefully. He runs his fingers over the cover. So, this is what a book is. No battlefield, no blood, no monsters, just paper and ink. For the first time, he's holding knowledge instead of a weapon. The moment Tan opens the book, it's amazing. Days blur together. He builds a routine. Wake. Enter the sky library. Read until the light shifts. Geography. The races of this world. Wizard etiquette, manufacturing methods, ancient monsters, relics from the old empire. Piece by piece, the unknown space that once surrounded him begins to take shape. With every page turned, the world becomes clearer, sharper, real. One day, the Lord of Orum summons him. So, you really have been making excellent use of the library. Yes, measured, respectful. The Lord's tone grows heavier. You understand that allowing you to use the library separate from treating you as a noble was an act of goodwill. A pause. I would like payment for that goodwill. Tron doesn't hesitate. Please tell me what you need. A monster has appeared north of Orum. It has been attacking travelers. Do you want me to hunt it? Four knights sent to subjugate it never returned. They were eaten. Silence settles. It seems a noble must step in personally, but our house can only mobilize two people at the moment. Again, the lord asks what Ton requires. Very well. Outwardly calm inside. Protecting people is what a wizard ought to do. But something nags at him. Weren't wizards usually the type who don't get involved in things like this? He recalls a past remark questioning what kind of people wizards really are? The lord continues. The northern road is an important trade route. It's been blocked for 10 days. We must reopen it quickly. 10 days. Terron's thoughts sharpen. That was before I even arrived in Orum. Understanding settles in. So that's why he let me use the library so readily. The next scene shifts to the departure. Azella walks between Tron and another wizard. Behind them, several knights follow in formation. She clicks her tongue lightly. Father really is something else. To think he'd even mobilize a guest for a monster hunt. A sideways glance. Were we that unreliable? Half teasing, half serious. The road north awaits, and Terran now understands. Knowledge was never free. It just came with better packaging. Azella turns toward Tan as they march. Oh, I'm not blaming you. I'm just saying father is making a huge fuss. The man beside her chuckles. Isn't calling the lord fussy a bit much, young miss? Aella rolls her eyes. Drop it. Their eyes linger on each other for a brief unspoken challenge as he readies himself. He steps forward toward Turin. This is our first time meeting properly, isn't it? I'm Marvin Valtus. I look forward to working with you. Likewise, Tran replies calm and measured. As they walk together, Azella adds, "Let's finish this quickly and go back to rest." Marvin nudges Turin, teasing slightly. Turin, "Are you interested in my big sister by any chance?" "Pardon?" "No." "That's a relief," Marvin smirks. Up ahead, Knights call out, halting them. "Is that the creature?" one asks. "Probably. We forbade anyone from going north, so it must have come south and attacked travelers. Tan examines the area closely, noticing handprints on the wooden structures. It's a monkey. Aella blinks. A monkey? Look at the handprint here. It attacked the peddlers and returned to the forest. If we find the trail and pursue it, we should be able to track it. Aella frowns. Pursue it? I can barely use that kind of magic. Marvin, what about you? Me neither. Is there a knight who can? I'll try looking. Tran interrupts. Oh, are you from that bloodline? Azella asks. I use it a lot, so I'm used to it. Tran kneels, smelling a discarded napkin. His eyes widen as a faint trail of blue energy appears before him. He points decisively. This way. They follow the trail to a lake. It stops here, Tran observes. Looks like it washed its body. You're saying a mere beast did that to avoid being tracked? Aella asks, incredulous. Maybe it just washed because it wanted to, he begins. But a scent suddenly hits him. "Behind you," he shouts. A massive gorilla emerges from the trees, roaring. It grabs a handful of rocks and hurls them toward the group, nearly wiping out the knights. Tran dodges effortlessly. When he checks on Azela and Marvin, the sight freezes him. Each of them is holding a knight as a human shield. Aella throws the knight forward with calculated force. Tran thinks grimly, "Mother wasn't wrong. Attack!" she shouts. The knights charge, but the gorilla runs. Both Aella and Marvin pursue. Time freezes for a brief moment as a rock slices through the air toward the beast. The projectile pierces the gorilla's chest. Azella and Marvin turned to see Tran approaching, swinging his primitive sling with razor-sharp focus, eyes locked sharply on the battlefield.