Ten minutes later..

  We moved in silence, save for the occasional snap of twigs beneath my boots. The Hatchahuk and Sinsik tribes had lived here for generations, and every step made it clear. This was their domain, not mine.

  Odina’s gait was smooth, predatory. She didn’t even glance at the ground as she moved, yet she never stumbled. I had to step carefully, measuring my balance, or else I’d catch a root or slip on moss. These people weren’t just strong—they were adapted, their senses and instincts sharpened by generations of living in this endless green labyrinth. Any ordinary legend, no matter how overwhelming in power, would find themselves disadvantaged here.

  She suddenly lifted an arm across my chest, halting me. Her tone was calm, but edged. “Enemies.”

  I spread my senses outward. Nothing. I couldn’t feel a thing.

  A stone whistled out from the dark, aimed at my throat. I tilted my head slightly, letting it pass cleanly by. The impact wouldn’t have hurt, but being pelted with distractions was never wise.

  Before I could move, Odina’s bow sang. She loosed an arrow into the canopy. For a breath, silence. Then a body dropped like a sack of meat—a huge man, shirtless, dressed only in leather shorts. Her arrow had pierced his skull clean through. He hit the dirt.

  She hadn’t even hesitated.

  Odina lowered her bow slightly. Her expression was cool, almost smug. “I got the one that was hidden. Your turn.”

  I exhaled slowly, centering myself. “Yeah, I got it.”

  In a blink, I vanished. My body flowed forward, senses tuned to the smallest disruption. A rustle in the underbrush—too sharp, too rhythmic. I was behind the second attacker before he could react. His head snapped up, feral eyes gleaming. I lifted my leg and brought it down in a clean axe kick. The crack echoed, and his body collapsed, skull driven into the earth.

  Still breathing, though barely. My stomach turned. These weren’t warriors—they were victims twisted into something else. Killing them outright felt... rotten. However, hesitation in this forest would get me killed. Monsters. Beasts. Not men.

  Another figure lunged from the brush, faster, charging straight at Odina. His frame was stockier than the last, muscle packed tight beneath strange, uneven skin. Their bodies were bulkier than their height suggested, as though something unnatural swelled their flesh. Sacrificed speed for raw power. It wasn't the same as Surge.

  Odina already had an arrow drawn, bowstring taut.

  I slid into his path, sweeping his leg with a sharp kick. Bone snapped, but he still clawed forward, dragging himself across the soil, eyes locked on Odina with single-minded hunger.

  “Persistent bastard.” I muttered.

  I drove my heel into his back. A loud crack, spine broken. The body stilled, twitching before it went limp.

  Straightening, I stretched my neck until it popped. “So this is what you were talking about. They don’t seem normal.”

  Odina lowered her bow, sliding it back across her shoulders. Her expression had shifted from fierce to grim. “These things started attacking us only days ago. They should be peaceful with us after what we gave them. One man escaped their camp, but his story doesn't make sense.”

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  I arched a brow. “Who?”

  Her lips pressed tight. “Kaiguya. The son of their Elder.”

  That name... that couldn’t be a coincidence.

  I couldn’t waste another moment. Innocents were at risk.

  Without thinking, I bent and scooped Odina into my arms. “Sorry, but we need to hurry. Brace yourself.”

  Her body stiffened. She covered her mouth with one hand, cheeks blooming red. “You beyond are always like this.”

  I said nothing, focusing on the terrain. My legs carried us in bursts.

  Five minutes later..

  The forest broke into a wide clearing. Trees still loomed, but spaced farther apart, their shadows interrupted by the glow of fire pits and the pale outlines of tents. The Sinsik camp. Crude by city standards, but organized. White tents in neat rows, guards stationed with bows ready, and the bitter tang of smoke filling the air.

  I set Odina down. Her face was flushed, but she brushed herself off quickly as several warriors approached.

  “This man’s a beyond.” she declared firmly, standing tall. “He wishes to help us. Take us to the Elder.”

  The guards frowned. One stepped forward, glaring at me. “Odina! Are you sure? What if he’s the one behind the Hatchahuk’s madness? We can’t rule him out.”

  Right. I’d forgotten the obvious.

  I reached into my pack and pulled out the loyalty badge. The carved wood gleamed faintly in the firelight. “I’m a friend of the Hatchahuk. I want this ended, not prolonged.”

  The man studied the badge carefully. His suspicion lingered, but he finally nodded. “...Fine. We’ll allow you to see the Elder, under supervision.”

  We entered the camp. Mothers with children paused to watch me pass, eyes narrowed. Some clutched their little ones closer, whispering. I didn’t blame them—I must have looked like a wolf striding into their fold.

  At the center stood a massive tent, larger than the rest, guarded by men in polished darksteel. This tribe wasn’t poor—they had resources, strength, and tradition.

  Inside, the air was warm and smoky. A man sat upon a wooden throne, its surface carved with countless symbols I couldn’t read. Except one—the scorpion, etched deep into the crown of the seat. The same mark Odina wore in her hair. His presence filled the tent with an eerie feeling.

  “Odina.” he rumbled, voice deep and commanding. “Who is this?”

  Odina bowed low. “Elder Alo, this is Vellin Cardaire. He is beyond. He wishes to help us. He bears loyalty to the Hatchahuk.”

  I showed the badge again.

  Elder Alo’s gaze fixed on me, sharp as a blade. For a moment, his power pressed against me, heavy, suffocating. Not like mine.

  “Yes.” he murmured. “He is certainly beyond.”

  I bowed, respectful. “Elder, let me help. Allow me to go past the frontlines, find what has corrupted the Hatchahuk. You know Kaiguro, don’t you?”

  At that, the Elder raised one hand. “Ashkii. Bring Kaiguya here. His brother’s ally has come.”

  The guard to my right disappeared into the camp. Seconds later, a young man rushed in.

  He froze when his eyes landed on me. “Kaiguro’s friend?!”

  The resemblance was uncanny. Same sharp features, same bearing. He was a little shorter than me, not as imposing, but his aura marked him clearly—transcended.

  He stepped closer, eyes burning with suspicion. “How do you know him?”

  “We work together.” I said plainly. “But that mission waits. Right now, stopping this madness is my priority.”

  Elder Alo breathed deep, his chest rising like a mountain. “Two beyond, standing with us. Then we have a chance. Too many of our men have died holding the line. Vellin, with Kaiguya, will go into the Hatchahuk’s camp. Find the truth. End this.”

  Kaiguya’s jaw tightened. “Are you certain? That place is crawling with them. I told you already what I saw.”

  Alo shook his head. “When you escaped, it was only beginning. You did not have time to see it all. With Vellin, you will. Now go.”

  “Elder Alo!” Odina cried, stepping forward. Her voice trembled, but her eyes burned. “Please! Let me go too. I need to avenge Father!”

  The Elder’s fist slammed against his throne. “No! The last thing he wanted was for you to die, child. You’re lucky I let you take hunting duty at all.”

  Silence hung heavy.

  We stepped outside. Alo’s aura still lingered in my chest like a weight. Different than mine. Something ancient.

  Odina’s fists trembled. “He doesn’t understand!”

  Kaiguya crossed his arms, lips curling into a smirk. “You’re not strong enough. That’s the truth.”

  Odina’s anger boiled over. She grabbed him by the collar, dragging him close. “Oh great Hatchahuk, save me! Is that what you expect me to cry while I hide?!”

  I placed a hand on Kaiguya’s chest and pushed him back. “She’s not strong enough.” I admitted, voice even. “That much is true.”

  His smirk widened, until I added, “But I am. And with me here, nothing will happen to her. She comes with us.”

  Odina froze, cheeks red, eyes wide.

  I slung off my pack, the straps creaking. “I will always help someone in need. No matter what.”