Deep within the hidden forest, a small cabin stood silently beneath the shadow of giant treetops. Up close, it looked terribly dilapidated—a shelter for hunters or woodcutters long abandoned. Moss crawled over walls riddled with holes, and the sagging roof barely kept out wind and rain. Inside this seemingly deserted hut, several Beastkin huddled around a fire. When Talasha entered, the male Beastkin immediately turned their gazes toward her. But seeing her empty hands and the three wounded companions trailing behind, their eyes dimmed with disappointment.

"Shalon!" The lead Beastkin stood up. Wolf-like in form, his bulging muscles radiated rugged strength. He shoved aside the lightly injured Beastkin and steadied the most gravely wounded one. "What happened?! Who did this to you? The Imperial Army? Were you followed?"

"Sorry, Brother Soron," the Beastkin named Shalon forced a faint smile. "Both my legs are ruined. I can’t march with you anymore. At least… let it be your hand."

"I understand, Shalon." The black-furred Beastkin drove his dagger into Shalon’s chest with near-tenderness. "Rest now, my brother. We *will* complete our mission and return home in glory."

Killing the immobile was Beastkin law. Far from their homeland, wounded who couldn’t move were only burdens. Yet Talasha still covered her mouth, muffling her sobs as she watched a clansman die before her eyes. Helpless, she clutched the amulet at her chest.

"Forest Priestess!" Soron strode over and seized her collar. "If not for the tribe’s prosperity, I’d have torn your throat out long ago! Without the Forest God’s protection, you’re just ordinary females. Now the Child of the Forest is captured by humans—your faith saves *no one*! I, Soron Daruk, War Leader of the Beastkin, won’t tolerate your tears! Stop sniveling and tell me what happened!"

"Y-yes…" Talasha whispered.

"What *exactly* happened?" Soron pressed. "Shalon crippled. Enwei and Biso covered in wounds. They were elite warriors—I doubt the Imperial Army could break them. Answer me, Forest Priestess: Who defeated my brothers? Who made them taste this shame?"

"A mage," Talasha said. "Shalon’s team ambushed a remote path to reclaim the Child of the Forest… but she detected them. She called down heavenly fire, struck down the warriors, and… cruelly interrogated Shalon. I couldn’t bear it—I stepped in to negotiate. But she refused to release the Child."

"Is that so?" Soron turned to Enwei and Biso. Both nodded weakly.

"Mages! Damn mages!" Soron roared. "Weak humans rely on filthy paranormal tricks—cowards with feeble bodies! Brothers, rise!" he barked at the Beastkin warriors. "Tonight is the full moon! Goddess Atira watches us! Show your strength! Kill! Slaughter every human!"

The Beastkin erupted in war cries, waiting for dusk.

***

A two-wheeled cart rested under a large tree. The gray draft horse munched hay contentedly. Though the sun hadn’t fully set, Aimee and Mio had already begun setting up camp. Nestled against a cliff face, the spot was far from the road with clear sightlines—any attackers could only approach head-on.

Chopping sounds echoed from the forest. Moments later, Aimee emerged carrying an armful of dry branches. She watched Mio curiously as the girl buried small cylinders in the grass.

"What are those?" Aimee asked.

"MK88 anti-personnel mines," Mio replied. "Tonight won’t be peaceful. Better prepare early."

"After that beating? They’d dare return?" Aimee grinned fearlessly. "If they come, I’ll give those arrogant fools a proper welcome."

Mio could only sigh at her words.

Amber sat on the cart’s bench, nibbling a cookie in small bites. Dressed in a new dress beneath a hooded cloak, her tiny feet swung playfully. Aimee scooped her up, instantly soothed by the child’s innocent, wide eyes.

"Connect to tactical network. Activate electronic fuses." Mio issued her final command. The buried mines shifted to combat mode. Stepping on one wouldn’t just cost a leg—it’d be fatal.

Watching Aimee and Amber play, warmth filled Mio’s chest. The scene felt familiar, yet the faces in her memories were blurred beyond recognition. Most of her past was erased. She recalled little of her previous world—only that she’d had a daughter. *That child must still be alive.* Though it was a world where humans and gods warred bitterly, its technology surpassed this one. Life there hadn’t been this harsh.

*If you live… just keep living.* That was her only wish.

"Mio!" Aimee waved. "Let’s grill meat tonight?"

"Sure." Mio smiled, walking toward them.

***

Silver moonlight flooded the sky, thinning the stars. The Milky Way arched overhead, its constellations distant and enigmatic. Beneath this beauty, the campfire crackled. Meat sizzled on skewers, dripping oil. Hard bread warmed over flames, releasing a sweet, mouthwatering aroma.

"Meat sure hits the spot!" Aimee declared, tearing into a skewer with gusto. Beside her, Amber nibbled golden-brown bread with ladylike grace. Mio suddenly thought: *My daughter must be like Amber. Tomboys are strictly forbidden.*

"Amber…" Mio hesitated. The little girl looked up, her innocent eyes reflecting Mio’s silver hair.

"I was thinking…" Mio switched to the Beastkin tongue. "Shouldn’t you return to your kin? They’re your people—they won’t harm you. And as the Child of the Forest… you matter to them. Even if I don’t understand why."

Amber shook her head fiercely, clinging tighter to Mio’s arm. Her eyes screamed: *No! I won’t go!*

"Do you hate them?" Mio asked softly.

Amber nodded vigorously.

"Then… who does Amber love most?"

"Grandma Shian…" Amber whispered.

Mio sighed. That old woman who’d shielded Amber was likely gone now. Knowing her time was short, she’d entrusted the child to Mio in her final moments.

"Amber!" Aimee sat up abruptly, arms outstretched. "What secrets are you whispering? I can’t understand a word! Stop clinging to Mio—come to big sister!"

Amber huffed, turning away and wrapping her arms tighter around Mio’s neck. Aimee looked utterly crestfallen.

"Heh. She adores me," Mio teased triumphantly. Then—a drone alarm shattered the peace. "Ah. Our guests have arrived. Aimee, combat ready. More of them than expected."

"Understood." Aimee drew her sword fearlessly. "Stand by the fire? Like we planned?"

"Yes. Just let them see you."

"Got it." Aimee scratched her head. "I trust your plans, Mio."

***

Night wind rustled the forest. Shadows shifted beneath moonlight—gray-furred, muscular bodies emerged from the darkness. Razor-sharp fangs and claws glinted; fetid breath steamed from gaping maws. These were male Beastkin in full beast form: wolf-men standing tall.

"Lovely moon tonight," Mio called, arms crossed. "Monsters from the East—care to admire it with us?"

"Foolish humans!" The black wolf-man leader snarled. "Hand over the Child of the Forest! I might grant you a quick death. Refuse… and hell awaits!"

"No room for talk, then." Mio sighed. "Aimee, ready."

"Ready." Aimee tightened her grip on her sword.

"ATTACK!" The black wolf roared. "Do as you please with these women—but the Child of the Forest stays unharmed!"

The wolf-men lunged. Moonlight rippled over their pelts, casting silver sheens. Just as they neared the camp—**BOOM!** An explosion shattered their charge. The anti-personnel mine detonated: one kilogram of high explosive launched skyward, detonating two meters up. Shrapnel shredded through the wolf-men’s ranks. Five collapsed, bleeding. Before they could comprehend it—**BOOM!** A second mine erupted. Flames and shockwaves ripped through their left flank, shredding more bodies.

"What was that?!"

"Explosions! Magic?!"

"FREEZE!" Soron barked. "Watch your feet! That treacherous mage planted trigger devices in the grass! Stay still—don’t step on them!"

Mio almost admired the black wolf. He’d grasped the mines’ mechanism fast. *Too naive, though.* In her world, humans had engineered ever-deadlier weapons to slaughter gods and their servants.

"You’re their leader, right?" Mio locked eyes with the black wolf. "But are you *sure* standing still keeps you safe?"

The wolf glared, golden eyes burning with fury.

"Pity." Mio focused on a mine. "*Remote activation.*"

Its fuse ignited. The warhead shot skyward. In the wolves’ horrified stares, fire and steel consumed them.

"From now on," Mio scanned the trapped wolf-men, "motion sensors are active. Move—and the mines detonate. I suggest you hold *exactly* this pose. Shrapnel kills within five meters. Feel free to charge… but think of your brothers first."

The wolf-men froze.

"Cowardly mage!" The black wolf growled. "Face me like a warrior!"

"Sorry," Mio taunted. "I’m just a timid, weak woman. My apologies."

She glanced back. The gray horse, startled by the blasts, now calmly chewed dried vegetables. Inside the cart, Amber slept peacefully—earplugs and thick cloth muffled the violence. *Children shouldn’t see this.* Mio resolved to end it swiftly.

"You think I can’t reach you?!" The black wolf howled, then *leaped*. He soared over five meters high—clearing the minefield.

Mio’s eyes narrowed slightly. Mid-air, he was a perfect target—no evasion, no course correction. In a flash, she drew the Punisher. *Ammo: stun rounds.* Three shots rang out. Soul-shock rounds slammed into the wolf. He tumbled to the ground, dazed.

"Filthy… human…" He struggled to rise. Mio fired again. He went still.

"Already over?" Aimee pouted, eager but disappointed.

"Sorry. No stage for you tonight." Mio holstered her weapon. "They were too weak. Not my fault."

Mio and Aimee’s casual chat wounded the Beastkin werewolves’ pride. One suddenly went berserk and charged—only to be blown apart by landmines.

“How will you deal with them?” Aimee pointed to the Beastkin trapped in the minefield.

“We’ve caught their leader already,” Mio said. “Might as well kill them all.”

“Mio,” Aimee said seriously, “isn’t this too cruel? They’re warriors. At least give them a death befitting warriors.”

“In my old world, many warriors died like this,” Mio replied. “No mercy, no quarter—that’s war. Besides, being blown up is cleaner than your sword cuts.”

Aimee pouted like a child. Mio gave a wry smile.

As Mio prepared to detonate all landmines and wipe out the Beastkin, a figure burst from the forest. She waved her arms, shouting, “Stop!” By moonlight, Mio recognized her—Talasha, the Forest Priestess she’d met that day.

“Halt!” Mio commanded. “One more step, and you’re in the minefield.”

Talasha froze. Mio raised an eyebrow thoughtfully.

“So you hid in the bushes and saw the mines’ power,” Mio said. “But judging by this scene, did you run back for reinforcements after losing earlier?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” the Black Wolf growled. “We’d never obey weak priestesses! They’ve lost their power—just females now, good only for mating.”

Mio tossed a stun grenade at him. The Black Wolf rolled his eyes back and collapsed.

Talasha skirted the minefield and approached Mio. Her cheeks flushed red; her big, watery eyes darted nervously. Slowly, she lay down before Mio, exposing her belly, and wriggled shyly. Mio had owned dogs—this was pure canine submission.

“Excuse me,” Mio asked, “what are you doing?”

“Surrender,” Talasha whispered, her voice trembling.

Aimee burst out laughing. Mio ran a hand through her hair, helpless. Are Beastkin customs really like dogs’?

“Aimee,” Mio said with a troubled expression, “I suddenly don’t want to kill them…”

“War God Balder disapproves of meaningless slaughter,” Aimee said. “Sparing these warriors to better please the gods through combat is right.”

“Fine,” Mio sighed. “Listen up!” she shouted in the Beastkin tongue. “These landmines deactivate at sunrise. I don’t want your lives—killing is pointless. But attack us again like this, and I’ll wipe you out completely. Understood?”

The Beastkin stared silently, their silence a tacit acknowledgment.

“Let’s go,” Mio said quietly to Aimee. “We’ll reach the next town before dawn. It’s safe there.”

“Got it,” Aimee nodded.

They began preparing to leave. Suddenly, Talasha jumped onto the carriage.

“What are you doing up here?” Mio pointed her gun at Talasha. “Get down!”

“Please,” Talasha begged, bowing her head. “I’m a Forest Priestess, servant of the Child of the Forest. I’m skilled in cooking, cleaning, laundry—please let me travel with you three!”

“I refuse,” Mio aimed at her head. “No reason to take you. You were with my enemies.”

“Wait,” Aimee leaned in. “You said you can cook?”

“Cooking? Of course!” Talasha said eagerly. “Serving delicious meals to the Child of the Forest who brings the forest’s blessings is every Forest Priestess’s duty. I may boast, but my cooking’s above average among peers. Not as good as the High Priestess, but very tasty!”

“Oh ho!” Aimee’s eyes lit up. “I approve. You can come with us.”

“Aimee?” Mio frowned.

“Sigh, Mio,” Aimee placed a hand on her shoulder. “You cook, but has no one told you your food tastes awful…?”

Mio’s shoulders shuddered violently. Deeply wounded, she stammered, “My cooking is always nutritionally balanced…”

“But the taste, Mio. The taste.”

Mio fell silent.

“Setting aside cooking,” Aimee glanced at the moonlit forest, “our route is all forest. A Beastkin Forest Priestess can be useful. But I’m not naive. As a priestess, you have a powerful patron goddess and her blessings. Swear an oath on her name not to betray us, and I’ll accept you.”

“Very well,” Talasha gripped her chest amulet. “O Goddess Atira of the Hunt, allow me to swear by your name. From today, I, Talasha, pledge loyalty to the beloved daughter of War God Balder. Witness this oath.”

A faint glow emanated from her. The oath was sealed.

Mio was slightly surprised. She wouldn’t trust a suspicious woman who attacked minutes ago without reason. But here, swearing to your patron deity meant keeping it—or lose the gods’ favor. Atira’s blessings were vital for a Forest Priestess; without them, they were ordinary.

“Acceptable?” Aimee turned to the dazed Mio.

“Ah, yes,” Mio snapped out of it. “I can’t hand Amber to you, but if you help care for her, fine.”

“Thank you so much!” Talasha grasped their hands, tears welling up.

The carriage set off. A drone scanned the roads from the night sky. To Mio’s surprise, wild beasts avoided them. Night travel was usually deadly—nocturnal predators lurked, always hunting. Merchants and travelers avoided it. But with the Forest Priestess’s runes, beasts were driven away. The night road was perfectly safe.

So this one’s actually useful. Mio gazed at the glowing runes on the carriage, feeling like she’d struck gold.