TDXXBC Chapter 1 (Part 2)

Then, just as his thrusts turned nearly mindless, he suddenly tightened his grip on her waist.

Pulling her closer, he drove in deeper—deeper than before, stretching her even further.

His already thick cock seemed to swell inside her, pressing in as far as her body would allow.

Trapped between his solid frame and the unyielding wooden table, Sascha felt completely crushed. Her lungs tightened, the pressure making it hard to breathe.

Just as she thought she might suffocate, Aderton slammed himself all the way to the base.

“Ah—ahhh…!”

The thick release seeped into her inner walls, leaving them slick and drenched.

Aderton’s cock pulsed inside her, spilling in slow, heavy waves.

It shouldn’t have been possible, and yet—the sheer amount of warmth filling her made her stomach feel oddly full, as if it were truly swollen.

A dull pressure settled in her lower belly, as if a single push would make everything spill out.

After a few shallow movements, Aderton finally straightened his back. His cock, now softer than before, slipped free.

Yet even without him inside, the strange fullness in her abdomen didn’t fade.

As if confirming that the sensation hadn’t been just in her head, Sascha pressed a hand against her stomach—only for thick, milky liquid to spill from between her legs, trickling down in a slow, messy stream.

“Tsk, what a waste.”

Aderton caught the leaking fluid in his palm and pushed it back inside her.

His thick fingers pressed in, stirring the warmth he had just filled her with. Her walls twitched in response, clenching instinctively around the intrusion.

“What the hell are you doing?!”

“But look,” he murmured, voice laced with amusement.

“It’s still not enough, is it? You’re practically begging for more.”

As if to prove his point, he aligned himself with her entrance once again.

The rounded tip of his cock circled lazily, teasing the sensitive spot as if drawing small patterns.

His swollen arousal prodded at her entrance, just barely pushing in before retreating—hovering on the edge without fully entering.

Sascha bit her lip, her body tense.

“…Stop.”

“Yes, yes, I understand.” His tone was anything but serious. “I’ll just have to try harder, then.”

“That’s not what I—ugh!”

Aderton effortlessly lifted Sascha and turned her to face him, laying her down on the table.

Then, parting her legs once more, he began pushing himself back inside.

His cock, which had softened slightly, had already grown firm again, pressing deep as he filled her all over again.

The thick release from earlier, which had coated her insides, was forced out by the intrusion, spilling down between her legs.

“You can’t even keep it in properly, letting it all drip out like this.”

“Ugh… ngh.”

Aderton resumed moving, his pace steady at first.

Sascha shoved at his shoulders, even pounding weakly against his chest, but it was useless.

Her small struggles only seemed to amuse him, and in response, he grabbed both of her legs and hooked them over his shoulders, locking her in place.

Then, as if spurred on by her resistance, he moved harder, driving into her with even more force.

“Ah—ahh, ngh… S-stop…”

The body twisted, and the pressure on the abdomen intensified. However, rather than being painful like during the initial insertion, it felt like a writhing motion in sync with the back-and-forth movement that sliced through the inner walls.

As it penetrated deeper, my mind became strange. It felt as if someone had filled my brain with marshmallows, making it sweet and causing me to lose my senses.

Sascha couldn’t resist the intense pleasure and pounded the table with her fist. Her toes curled, and the back of her knees trembled slightly.

Just before she lost consciousness, Sascha felt something strange beneath her fingertips—something solid, something unmistakable.

Her breath caught.

He had four legs.

“Ah, uh, ah!”

In the end, Sashcha fainted with a gasp. Reflexively tightening against what felt like a squeeze, she eventually relaxed.

“Sascha, Sascha?”

Even after calling her name several times, there was no response. Adelton pulled out in disappointment. With a dull sound, the rounded glans emerged, and semen trickled out through the gap.

“Really, so fragile.”

Aderton brought his lips to the fainted woman’s shoulder. The fangs visible between his lips were sharp as a snake, leaving faint scratches where the pointed teeth had bitten.

“Collapsing from just one? How do you plan to handle the rest?”

As Aderton ran his hand over his own body, another shape emerged behind it. Its form was distinctly different from before—thicker like a zucchini, with a pointed tip shaped like a triangle. Below the tip, small protrusions dotted the surface as if embedded with beads.

Clicking his tongue as he looked at the fallen Sascha, Aderton flipped her over and removed her clothing. Despite her lean frame, her rounded hips stood out. Observing them, Aderton licked his lips before grasping the unfamiliar shape and moving it up and down.

“Haah…”

After some time, a thick white liquid spurted from the swollen tip. The sheer volume, far greater than that of a human, overflowed—drenching her back and hips before trickling down her legs.

“The night is still long, you know.”

Pressing himself against the dip between her back and hips, Aderton adjusted his position once more. Just as he said, the moon above showed no sign of setting.

* * *

Droplets of water that had gathered on the wall began to fall one by one. The ripples spreading across the water made her eyelids tremble.

“Mmm…”

“You’re awake?”

“Where is this…?”

The last thing she remembered was being on the dining table, but now she was sitting in the bathroom, knees bent. The tub was filled with warm water that occasionally rippled. When Sascha moved slightly, she felt an arm wrapped around her waist.

“You must still be exhausted. Get some more rest.”

Aderton pulled her closer, resting her head against his chest. Suddenly crushed into his embrace, Sascha frowned. So that’s why they were in the bathroom—he must have brought her here to wash up after everything that happened. Couldn’t he have just left her alone instead of bothering to heat up the bathwater…

Bath? My clothes…?

It was only then that Sascha glanced down at her arms, stomach, and legs. She was completely bare, not a thread of clothing on her. She quickly wrapped her arms around her shoulders and hunched forward, but it was already too late.

Did he see…?

What a foolish thought.

Of course, he saw—he had eyes, didn’t he?

She had spent her childhood training with knights and, once she was old enough, had roamed the battlefield. Her rough life had left her body more scarred than most mercenaries. Across her back, a sword wound ran from her shoulder blades down to her waist. Smaller scars from stab wounds, burns inflicted by flame-wielding beasts, and countless other marks littered her shoulders and stomach.

Still burying her face between her knees, Sascha slowly lifted her head. She turned slightly to the side and saw Aderton staring at her—his gaze locked onto her body. His eyes were so blatant that even she, the subject of his scrutiny, felt embarrassed.

“What are you looking at?”

Her words came out sharp, an attempt to mask her discomfort. Even she thought she might have sounded too defensive. Just as she was reflecting on her own reaction, Aderton responded with something completely unexpected.

“I had a rough idea… but your chest is really big.”

“…What?”
“May I suck it?”

With a frivolous laugh, a hand slipped around her waist. It happened too fast for her to react.

The hand, without permission, traced from her side up toward the area below her chest. As the man had implied, the breast he finally grasped was large enough that it couldn’t fit entirely in one hand.

When there was no immediate response to his touch, Aderton playfully kneaded her chest. He groped it as if handling dough, pretending to graze the nipple by accident. Eventually, he began to lightly circle the tip with his fingertip before giving it a small pinch. His mischief only came to an end when a splash of water was poured over his head.

‘What was I expecting?’

Sascha sighed inwardly. Men were, by nature, simple and depraved creatures. If there were those who lost interest at the sight of a scar, then surely, the opposite existed too. She must have grown too serious after being alone for so long.

The hand hesitated briefly at the sudden drenching but soon returned, subtly resting on her waist. Sascha took a moment to examine the man’s hand. His palms were smooth, his arms lacking any hardened muscle. Even the clothes he’d worn earlier had been of fine fabric.

If he had lived a life of privilege, he certainly didn’t seem like someone who had struggled. So what had driven a man like him this deep into the mountains? Gambling? Drugs? Or judging by his wandering hands and questionable tastes…

The more she thought about it, the deeper her frown grew.

“Come to think of it, why are you really here?”

“I told you. I wanted to repay my debt.”

“Did you come this far into the mountains to escape a crime? If it has anything to do with harming people—especially women—”

Sascha scowled at his hand gestures as she spoke. Understanding the implication behind her words, Aderton quickly waved his hands in protest.

“You’re treating me like some irredeemable criminal. Isn’t that a bit harsh, Sascha? Just what do you take me for?”

Aderton pouted slightly, grumbling like a child throwing a tantrum. The way he spoke was far too familiar, as if they’d known each other for years.

For a split second, she almost asked, Do you know me? Even upon closer thought, his demeanor remained just as strange.

“Sascha? How do you know my name?”

While the man introduced himself, Sascha simply listened. Not once had she told him her name.

Had they met during her days hunting the evil dragon? If so, how had he come all the way here? She hadn’t informed anyone of her whereabouts.

The moment she pointed out the contradiction, his playful gestures came to an abrupt stop. Aderton, clearly caught off guard, couldn’t even hide the stiffness in his expression. Sascha, sitting with her back to him, couldn’t see it.

“I saw it when I came in. There was a sign planted in front of your house.”

“Ah.”

Sascha lived by hunting the dangerous beasts of the forest, selling their byproducts for a living. Some of these creatures were rare or difficult to capture, making them highly valuable.

Because of this, mercenaries who specialized in hunting such beasts, collectors seeking rare materials, and traveling merchants would often seek her out. One particular merchant who traded with her regularly had placed signposts along the treacherous, winding mountain paths like markers. Apparently unwilling to carry the remaining signs back down the mountain, he had stuck one right in front of her house, saying, You’ve got nothing here, at least this makes it less boring. He had even carved her name into it.

She recalled complaining about the useless plaque cluttering up her space. Realizing her mistake, Sascha idly toyed with her fingernails.

“…Sorry.”

“I’m truly heartbroken. You’ve taken my first time, after all.”

“First time?”

For a first time, hadn’t he been far too skilled? That was hard to believe. Sascha half-turned, narrowing her eyes to scrutinize his face. But his ever-so-charming smile made it impossible to tell whether he was joking or serious.

“I’m naturally good at everything I do.”

“…Liar.”

“It wounds me to hear that. You should make it up to me.”

Seizing the softened atmosphere, Aderton pulled her into an embrace. As their bodies pressed together, she felt it—his erection, standing tall once again.

Wait, after all that, he still had energy left?

Sascha prided herself on never losing to anyone in terms of stamina, yet this man was an exception.

As the round head of his cock “accidentally” brushed against her below, Sascha shoved his clinging body away.

“You shameless bastard.”

“Please, call it enthusiasm instead.”

While Sascha was at a loss for words, Aderton draped an arm over her shoulder and pressed his lips against her neck. The way he softly sucked on her skin, making audible sounds, was in stark contrast to the rigid presence below, prodding against her with an unmistakable intent.

Even when she coaxed him to stop, even when she tried to reason that she was tired, he refused to let up. His arm around her shoulders was like a shackle, keeping her close, and with him wedged between her legs, pushing him away was far easier said than done.

The more she hesitated, the more noticeable it became—the thing pressing against her only grew larger with each passing moment. She could feel everything, from the sheer heat to the throbbing veins running along its length as he rubbed it against her. The warmth spreading through her body was confusing—was it from the heated water surrounding them or from her own rising body temperature?

“Wait, wait! What about using your hand instead?”

The moment his cock pressed directly against her entrance, teasing as though ready to push in, Sascha panicked and blurted out the first alternative that came to mind. The sudden suggestion made him pause.

“Not anywhere else? Just my hand?”

“No going inside. It’s too much.”

“Understood. So you’re giving me permission, as long as I don’t put it in?”

His narrowed eyes swept over her body, his expression too pleased—so much so that she had the sinking realization that she’d just dug her own grave. She tried to backpedal, but before she could, Aderton had already moved faster, shifting her into position.

In the blink of an eye, she was pressed against another wall, now facing him directly.

With one hand, he grasped his now fully engorged cock, absently stroking himself. Even within his large palm, there was still plenty of size left exposed. Compared to before, it looked even more intimidating—thicker, firmer, almost unreal. The girth only seemed to expand as it went upward, the swollen tip so taut it reminded her of a ripened autumn fruit.

I really let that thing inside me? What was I thinking?

While she was lost in regret, Aderton casually positioned himself between her legs again. How much time had passed since they’d made that agreement? And he was already trying to break it?

Sascha flailed, pushing against him as she tried to retreat, but her back was already against the wall. There was nowhere else to go.

“I said not inside!”

“Yes, yes. I won’t put it in.”

Aderton grinned as he grasped Sascha’s ankle. To prevent her from escaping, he firmly held both her legs, pressing her knees and thighs together so there was no space between them. Then, he pushed himself between her legs.

“Don’t move. You’ll end up spreading apart.”

When she continued to squirm, Aderton simply adjusted her position—fixing her legs vertically and resting them over his shoulder. The unstable posture made Sascha tense instinctively, earning a quiet sigh from him.

The bathroom was thick with humidity, though whether it was from the steam or their heated breaths was hard to tell. Every splash of water echoed in the enclosed space, making Sascha feel an odd sense of exposure. As he moved against her, his hardened cock subtly rubbed along the sensitive folds between her legs, teasing over the most delicate areas.

Each time he grazed against her, a tremor ran through her, making her knees weak and thighs tense. Aderton, noticing this, licked his lips and tightened his grip around her ankles, using his broad palms to press her legs closer together, intensifying the friction.

His movements were relentless. Every inch of him dragged firmly against her, the ridges of his form tracing over her like he wanted to leave an imprint on her body itself.

“…Nngh.”

Sascha unconsciously let out a heated breath, causing Aderton’s gaze to sharpen. His eyes brimmed with exhilaration, utterly absorbed in the moment.

Adjusting his posture, he deliberately aligned himself against her entrance, rubbing against it in a slow, taunting motion—just shy of entering. The teasing, almost cruel movements made her twitch involuntarily. Despite being swollen from earlier, her body instinctively reacted, parting slightly like a fish gasping beneath the water.

“Hnn… Ah, ahh…”

“Ha…”

In the end, Aderton seemed to lose his patience. He pushed her knees upward, pressing them against his chest, folding her body without warning.

Sascha let out a strained protest at the position, but Aderton had no intention of stopping now.

The closer he got to his peak, the more his pace quickened. The movements became more intense, the rhythm almost overwhelming, until Sascha found herself shaking her head in response.

Finally, his body tensed, swelling as he reached the edge. A hot rush of release followed, spilling over in thick, heated bursts—an amount almost unreal for a single person.

“Nngh…!”

As everything came to an end, Sascha gasped for breath. Aderton, as if savoring the lingering sensation, ran his hand along himself a few more times against her thigh before gently lowering her legs.

Completely drained, Sascha lay sprawled in the water, her limbs loose and splayed out like a frog that had passed out.

The cloudy liquid dispersed into the water, spreading in a hazy, milky swirl that seemed to cover her entire body. Watching the sight unfold, Aderton suddenly murmured:

“Do you know how aquatic creatures reproduce without even touching?”

Still lost in the humid heat of the moment, Sascha barely had the energy to register his words, let alone respond. But Aderton continued, undeterred.

“When the female’s belly swells, the male diligently prepares a nest. Then, as the female lays her eggs, the male releases his seed into the water, clouding it as if a mist has settled beneath the surface.”

His hand glided down to rest on her stomach, fingers tracing over her skin with a slow, deliberate touch. The unexpected sensation made Sascha instinctively tense.

Aderton idly swirled the mess he had left on her stomach with his fingers, watching the way it mixed with the water as he murmured:

“In other words, as long as the female’s eggs and the male’s seed exist, reproduction is possible—whether inside the body or not. Fascinating, don’t you think?”

Pressing his palm gently against her abdomen, he observed her form with a look of deep satisfaction.

Her body, sculpted from years of battle and survival, was taut and firm beneath his touch. His half-lidded eyes, fixed downward, glowed with a mixture of exhilaration and contentment, lost in whatever thoughts danced through his mind.

* * *

When Sascha opened her eyes in the morning, she was in bed.

At some point, someone had dressed her in loose, oversized sleepwear, and the blanket was crumpled in a heap in the corner. As she sat up, a dull ache spread through her entire body. Her limbs throbbed from using muscles she hadn’t in a while, and the swollen soreness between her legs stung with every step she took.

Outside, the sound of movement and clattering dishes filled the air. A pleasant aroma had been wafting in for a while now—someone was cooking again. Sascha pushed open the door and stepped out of her room.

Just as she suspected, Aderton was in the kitchen.

Wearing an apron, he was rummaging through the cupboards, while a pot of stew bubbled on the stove.

That pot… She was sure she had stuffed it away somewhere and hadn’t touched it in over a year. Yet now, it gleamed as if newly polished. She had no idea how long he had been awake, cleaning and preparing food like this.

Had he even slept? The last time she stirred awake in the middle of the night, it had still been dark. And now, not only had he handled the aftermath, but he had also woken up early to cook. His stamina was absurd.

Crossing her arms, Sascha silently watched him work.

Sensing her gaze, Aderton turned his head. His face lit up the moment he saw her.

“You’re awake?”

“Yeah.”

“Did you sleep well last night?”

“…….”

Was that even a real question?

After the way he had tormented her the night before, how could she possibly have slept well? Instead of answering, Sascha simply narrowed her eyes and glared at the cause of her current misery.

When she took an unsteady step forward, Aderton immediately caught on and smirked knowingly.

“They say wounds heal faster when you apply saliva.”

“…….”

“Would you like me to lick it for you?”

That was the last straw.

Aderton barely managed to dodge as Sascha lunged at him with a murderous expression.

He bolted in the opposite direction, and the two of them ended up chasing each other around the dining table—ten full laps before Sascha finally stopped, clutching onto a chair, panting heavily.

“You…! Ha… Forget it. What the hell are you even doing at this ridiculous hour—mmpf?”

“I made breakfast. Eat.”

Before she could finish her sentence, a spoon was suddenly shoved into her mouth.

Caught off guard, Sascha instinctively swallowed. The hot broth slid smoothly down her throat, leaving behind a rich, savory taste.

Aderton scooped up another spoonful and gently tapped her lips.

With some reluctance, she opened her mouth again.

The deep, umami-rich flavors of the stew spread across her tongue, warm and satisfying. It was completely different from the food she usually ate just to survive. The hint of oil, the layered seasoning—it stirred her appetite in a way she hadn’t expected.

The ingredients and tools were the same. So why did it taste so different?

As Sascha tilted her head in thought, Aderton took the chance to scoop up a bite of meat and potatoes, offering it to her.

She promptly pushed the spoon away with her palm.

“That’s enough. I don’t usually eat breakfast.”

“Yet no matter how much you sleep, you still feel tired, don’t you?”

Instead of arguing, Aderton responded with an oddly pointed observation.

“Soaking in hot water doesn’t seem to relieve the fatigue, and your stamina feels lower than usual.”

“…How do you know that?”

“It’s because you don’t eat proper meals at the right time.”

All this… just because of food?

Somehow, his reasoning carried an odd sense of authority, and before she realized it, Sascha found herself seated in a chair, fork and spoon in hand. Aderton slid the plate of food closer, silently urging her to eat.

Wait. Why am I just going along with this?

She had a feeling she knew exactly why.

That face.

Aderton’s strikingly beautiful features sometimes felt almost inhuman. His pale skin, glimpsed through his dark hair, was so clear it seemed to glow. And those golden, glassy eyes—like polished amber—only added to his ethereal presence.

Perhaps because of the heat from cooking, his shirt was slightly undone at the top, drawing her gaze downward. The way his rolled-up sleeves revealed firm, toned forearms struck an oddly precarious balance between restraint and temptation.

She had seen plenty of strong men on the battlefield and among the knight order, but their bodies never caught her attention like this.

And then there was the way he pouted, asking just once, please?

Before she knew it, she was giving in to whatever he asked.

She had been completely ensnared.

Sascha braced herself. She had to stay sharp—she couldn’t let herself be swayed again.

“…Aren’t you eating?” she asked, trying to shift the conversation.

“I tasted bits while cooking, so I’m not hungry.”

That was what he had said yesterday too. Aderton prepared the meal himself but barely ate anything. For someone with such a large frame, his appetite seemed strangely small.

His body wasn’t frail by any means. In fact, his broad build easily dwarfed Sascha’s. She had seen for herself last night—the solid muscle beneath his clothes.

Doesn’t he need to eat more to maintain that kind of body?

As she pondered, she glanced down at the empty plate before her.

So much for not eating breakfast. She had finished everything without even realizing it. Feeling a bit self-conscious, she reached for her water to wash it down.

It wasn’t as if she had always skipped meals.

But the life of a beast hunter was unpredictable. She traveled constantly, never staying in one place long enough to maintain regular meals. Near the habitats of dangerous creatures, cooking could be a risk—food scents alone were enough to attract unwanted attention.

Even now, though she had settled in a remote mountain hut, the habit of eating irregularly had stuck. Most of her meals consisted of dried provisions or raw ingredients, simply to stave off hunger. At best, she would roast or boil something and call it a day.

She couldn’t even remember the last time she had sat down to enjoy a well-prepared meal like this.

In the end, even though she hadn’t planned on accepting his hospitality, there was no harm done.

If anything, she had gotten a delicious meal out of it.

Considering the limited ingredients stored in her kitchen, the fact that he had made something this good was impressive.

For the first time since meeting him, Sascha felt a sense of gratitude.

Perhaps, instead of kicking him out immediately, she could at least escort him down the mountain. That much would be reasonable.

“When do you plan on leaving?” she asked.

“…Leaving?”

“Yeah. You can’t stay here forever. I’ll take you down to the village.”

Aderton fell silent.

His demeanor shifted instantly.

The same man who had spent the entire meal encouraging her to eat suddenly went quiet, lowering his gaze to the tablecloth. His fingers idly traced along the fabric, his usual cheerfulness absent.

“I’m good at housework. I can handle anything.”

“…What?”

“You saw it, didn’t you? Whether it’s work during the day or… at night, I do everything well.”

“That’s not—”

“So please, let me stay here. I’m begging you.”

Aderton suddenly grabbed both of Sascha’s hands. The unexpected declaration left her cheeks burning.

Sure, he was good at cooking, cleaning, laundry, and even… at night. But still—

“No.”

There was absolutely no way she could allow it.

At her firm rejection, Aderton’s delicate eyebrows drooped pitifully.

“Why? What am I lacking? Was it my performance last night? Did I disappoint you?”

“No, no, not at all. If anything, you were… more than enough.”

“Then is it because you’ve lost interest now that you’ve had your fun? Is this it for me—just tossed aside the next morning?”

He wiped at his mouth with his sleeve, pretending to sob like a tragic protagonist in a cheap romance novel.

How did we get here?

Sascha hurriedly waved her hands in denial.

“That’s not it. This is just a small mountain cabin, not big enough for two people to live in. I don’t even have enough food or supplies.”

“That’s fine, I can—”

“Aderton.”

She cut him off sharply.

She had turned down similar requests before—people who wanted to stay, to linger. She had never once agreed.

This place wasn’t safe for civilians, and more importantly, she didn’t want to grow attached to someone who would inevitably leave.

“Go back. I don’t involve myself with outsiders.”

“…….”

Aderton shut his mouth, but he didn’t look convinced.

Sighing, Sascha turned her gaze toward the window.

“Fine. Let’s talk about this later. We’re not going to get anywhere like this.”

With that, she moved to get dressed, pulling on a rough outer coat and stuffing her feet into sturdy boots.

Aderton, who had been watching her in silence, suddenly reached out and grasped her sleeve.

“Where are you going?”

“Hm? Oh. Just going out for a bit. I’ll be back before sunset.”

“But you’re still sore—”

“Shaking off the stiffness is easier if I run along the ridgeline for a bit.”

Ignoring his protests, Sascha stepped outside.

Patrolling the mountain was part of her daily routine.

Even if today’s start had been… delayed due to certain circumstances, she couldn’t neglect her duties.

It wasn’t as though she was an officially designated mountain warden, but this area bordered the land once ruled by the dread dragon Kalseus, and strong beasts still roamed the region.

Many of them were man-eaters. If she didn’t keep watch, they could descend upon nearby villages.

As she walked, she also checked the protective warding stones, ensuring none had been damaged or worn down.

Leaving later than usual made her anxious, but despite her concerns, the mountain was calm. A squirrel darted past, birds chirped in the trees—it was an unusually peaceful day.

By the time she reached the summit, the sun was high in the sky.

After confirming that the warding stones were intact, she returned to the cabin.

But the moment she reached for the door handle, she paused.

Something felt… off.

There was no presence inside.

When she opened the door, the room was empty.

The dishes from breakfast were still in the sink. The blankets on the bed were carelessly tossed aside.

Crumbs littered the previously spotless floor.

Sascha sat down at the table, staring at the vacancy in front of her.

Did he leave because I pushed too hard?

So much for escorting him down the mountain.

She had thought he would be more stubborn. If she’d known he would leave so easily, she might have been a little kinder.

Regret stirred inside her.

To distract herself, she started washing the dishes. As she went to put them away, she opened the cupboard—and frowned.

A wooden case sat inside.

It was a herbal medicine box, divided into compartments with shoulder straps attached for carrying.

She had seen traveling apothecaries use similar kits before.

That’s right. He did mention being knowledgeable about medicine.

If he was skilled in both healing and remedies, it made sense for him to carry something like this.

But the strange part was—Aderton was meticulous. He never left anything out of place.

And yet, here was his pack.

Had he truly left… without it?

And without even saying goodbye?

Beneath the small flowerpot on the dining table, a folded note caught Sascha’s eye.

A faint stain of red lipstick marked the corner of the paper.

The sight of it made her scowl, as though she had stumbled upon something indecent.

Still, she took a breath and calmly unfolded the note, reading its contents.

“I understand your concerns. But before I go, I want to prepare one last proper lunch for you. I’m heading out to gather ingredients, so if I’m not back yet, please wait for me a little longer…?”

“…Damn it.”

Glancing outside, she realized the sun was already sinking past late afternoon, the sky darkening into dusk.

If he still wasn’t back by now, something had definitely gone wrong.

The moment Sascha moved to dash outside, an ominous presence rippled through the air.

A beast.

And not just any beast—this level of pressure was something she hadn’t sensed in a long time.

After the war against the dread dragon, she had systematically hunted down every powerful monster in the vicinity before settling here. She had thought she had wiped out anything truly dangerous.

Had she been wrong?

There was no time to ponder.

Without hesitation, Sascha whirled back inside, rushing to her wardrobe.

She dropped to her knees, fingers feeling along the wooden floor.

There—her fingertips caught the subtle groove.

Following the long, thin seam, she pried up the hidden panel, revealing what lay beneath.

A black-lacquered scabbard. A blade honed to lethal sharpness.

Its steel gleamed, untouched by rust or stain, and at the end of its hilt, a deep blue gem glimmered coldly.

Sascha slid the sword into its sheath and slung it over her back.

Please. Don’t let me be too late.

She could only pray that Aderton was unharmed. That he hadn’t crossed paths with the monster now lurking in the forest.

With a final, sharp breath, Sascha kicked open the door and took off into the night.

* * *

“You’re so late.”

Aderton stretched with a yawn, his tone lazy and unconcerned.

But despite his nonchalant attitude, his condition was far from fine.

His right ankle was caught in a hunting trap.

It was no ordinary snare—it had been designed for monsters larger than bears, its jaws lined with jagged, serrated edges and forged from steel thicker than a man’s thumb. As a result, his leg was in a dire state, flesh torn raggedly apart. Even breathing sent sharp waves of pain through his body.

And yet, the one trapped in it hardly seemed bothered.

Instead, he idly picked at his nails, doodled in the dirt with his finger, and lazily watched the wind stir the leaves above.

As he tilted his chin up, he observed the sky—streaked red with the last light of the sun as it dipped beyond the ridgeline.

With the creeping darkness came new sounds—the distant howls of nocturnal predators, the rustling of creatures stirring awake. Soon enough, movement flickered through the trees.

The first to appear was a chimera.

Its body was an unsettling blend—its front half, a lion with powerful claws, while its back legs were those of a goat. A venomous snake, its tail, flicked its forked tongue, lured in by the scent of fresh blood.

“The one I’m waiting for still hasn’t shown up, and instead, I get useless little guppies.”

Aderton let out a breathy chuckle as he regarded the chimera with mild amusement.

The lion’s head rumbled out a low, warning growl, but Aderton merely waved a hand dismissively, as if shooing away a bothersome insect.

“Scram. I’m not in the mood.”

But the creature ignored his warning.

Its muscles coiled, body lowering into a predatory stance as it crept forward.

Still seated, Aderton rested his chin on his knee, watching with disinterest. His tongue flicked over his lips, revealing sharp, gleaming fangs.

“You must be starving. But you’re not the only one.”

He stretched, rolling his shoulders—and from beneath the fabric of his sleeves, black scales shimmered in the dimming light.

Behind him, his shadow stretched unnaturally long, swaying like the coils of something enormous.

Aderton exhaled, releasing just the faintest trace of his energy into the air.

The shift was immediate.

The chimera—so confident a moment ago—suddenly hesitated. A gust of wind carried an ominous, invisible weight with it.

The snake tail hissed, snapping toward the lion’s ear, whispering urgent warnings.

The lion’s eyes widened in realization.

The tension in its body, moments ago ready to lunge, shrank in an instant. Even the powerful muscles in its goat-like hind legs, built for sudden bursts of speed, trembled uncertainly.

Aderton didn’t move.

Yet the chimera—once bared-fanged and aggressive—began to slink backward, step by step.

It stole cautious glances at Aderton’s expression. Then, slowly, it lowered its front paws together, bowing its head in a submissive gesture.

Aderton’s face remained unreadable.

Sensing his mood, the chimera let out a pitiful whimper.

Aderton sighed, rubbing his temple before finally waving a hand in dismissal.

“I said, go.”

“Krrnnngh… Krrnngh…”

The chimera let out a lingering, uncertain whine, but did not dare disobey.

And just like that, it slunk away, disappearing into the trees.

As soon as Aderton granted permission, the chimera scurried away, bowing its head repeatedly in a pitiful display of submission. Even as it vanished into the underbrush, it kept glancing back, as if to make sure it wasn’t being followed.

Once the creature was gone, Aderton turned his gaze toward the forest beyond.

Still nothing. No sign of human footsteps, no familiar presence.

“Tsk. I should’ve told that thing to guide a lost warrior this way if it ran into one.”

His muttering was full of regret.

Just as he scanned the treeline again, a massive shadow passed overhead, accompanied by the heavy sound of flapping wings.

Looking up, Aderton found the sky darkened by a swarm of creatures—avian in form, but not birds.

Monstrous beasts known as beastly raptors.

They hunted in flocks, preying on livestock and even children. Large, vicious, and highly intelligent, they communicated in their own language, coordinating their attacks.

—I smell delicious blood…
—A human. A human.

Circling above, the flock quickly recognized their prey’s vulnerable state. One of the creatures, sensing an easy kill, dove toward Aderton in a sharp, predatory descent.

“Hah. A birdbrain that doesn’t even recognize its superior isn’t worth sparing.”

Clicking his tongue, Aderton easily dodged the attack and caught the creature mid-air.

His grip tightened around its neck—there was no struggle. A sickening crack ended its life instantly.

The second and third that followed met the same fate.

—How did they get caught by a human who can’t even move?
—What’s going on?
—What is he?

The flock hesitated, their earlier confidence wavering. But after a brief moment of uncertainty, they decided to strike again.

This time, Aderton allowed his form to shift.

Black scales rippled along his skin, glistening like polished obsidian.

The beasts attacked from both sides, but their talons and beaks barely left a scratch—his body was tougher than steel.

Then, from behind him, something leaked into the air.

A dark mist.

Deep, ominous black, seeping like ink into the surroundings.

Two of the airborne beasts immediately broke off their attack, instincts screaming at them to flee.

—He’s not human?”
—This scent… Kalseus…?

Before the second creature could finish its words, its body was abruptly crushed mid-flight.

Its corpse plummeted to the earth, bearing deep, spiraling indentations, as if it had been coiled tightly by something massive.

The surviving creatures finally realized what had happened.

A chorus of distressed cries filled the sky as they circled their fallen kin.

The largest among them—their leader—let out a sharp screech, summoning the rest of the flock to regroup. They huddled together, exchanging frantic whispers, plotting their next move.

Meanwhile, Aderton remained entirely uninterested.

He didn’t even look up at them.

He simply sat there, back straight, utterly unconcerned.

His complete lack of tension enraged the flock’s leader.

The beast circled, waiting for the perfect moment, then suddenly gave the signal.

The entire swarm plunged downward in a final, all-out attack.

“And this is why birds are called idiots.”

Aderton sighed, watching them hurtle toward him.

Same tactic, different numbers.

Just before they reached him, something enormous, thicker than an ancient tree, flashed past them.

It was the last thing they ever saw.

One by one, their bodies hit the ground, silent and lifeless.

Not even a single cry of pain.

Half of the once-mighty flock was now reduced to corpses littering the forest floor.

The survivors, panicked, scanned their ranks. More than half were missing.

Meanwhile, Aderton stood there, untouched, his skin immaculate—not a scratch, not a speck of dust.

The leader of the flock let out a horrified shriek.

—A snake.
—Snakes are vile.
—Snakes are deceitful.

Several of the creatures, now consumed by fury, lunged at him recklessly, blinded by rage.

But to Aderton, they were no more than a nuisance.

He swatted them away effortlessly, as if brushing off insects.

Then, suddenly—

Aderton’s nose twitched.

He stilled.

Slowly, he inhaled, drawing the air deep into his lungs.

His golden eyes flickered, locking onto something far in the distance.

His lips parted instinctively, his entire body reacting before his mind caught up.

Aderton abruptly clutched his head, fingers digging into his scalp as he sank into a crouch.

The creatures, sensing an opening, attacked with renewed aggression.

Yet, unlike before, Aderton did not retaliate.

He simply remained there, shielding himself, unmoving.

A stark contrast to the effortless slaughter just moments ago.

At first, the beastly raptors believed they had the upper hand, launching relentless attacks on their seemingly defenseless prey.

But soon, their confidence wavered.

No matter how many times their beaks stabbed or claws raked, they left nothing more than shallow scratches.

Frustrated, one of the creatures reared back, aiming for Aderton’s head—

Only for a thunderous shout to rip through the forest.

“Get away from him!”