While hunting through the forest, the group had already gathered a large amount of meat.

  —We can barely fit any more animals in the bag— one of the elves said.

  —Alright… tell me, Velt, is this enough?— Rychbi asked.

  —Yes… though I think it’s more than enough— Velt replied, looking at the animal bodies.

  —Yeah, sorry. We got carried away— the elf said apologetically.

  —Alright, let’s head back— Rychbi said.

  As they walked, Rychbi approached Velt.

  —Excuse me, Velt. There’s something I wanted to ask you— he whispered.

  —Go ahead— Velt replied, a bit nervous, fearing Rychbi might ask about Rurhy and the previous night.

  —Did I make things awkward for you and my daughter last night?— Rychbi asked.

  —Why do you ask?— Velt replied.

  —Well… I don’t remember much from last night, but I do remember Rurhy punching me. I must’ve said something that upset her— Rychbi explained.

  —Ah… well, you were drunk and told Rurhy you wanted grandchildren— Velt answered.

  —Damn it, my mouth ran away again— Rychbi exclaimed.

  Velt chuckled awkwardly, but then Cero spoke in a warning tone.

  —Alert. A life form with advanced hostile intent has been detected approaching our position.

  Immediately, Velt shouted an order.

  —Quick! Everyone jump onto the branches!

  They all obeyed, and the moment they landed on the branches, a zarshe burst out of the bushes with a roar. It was clearly enraged.

  —Run!— Velt shouted, and the group fled as the zarshe chased them with obvious intent to kill.

  —What’s wrong with this one?— Velt thought as Cero spoke.

  —It was likely attracted by the large amount of meat you’re carrying— Cero explained.

  —But we left the meat behind… why is it still chasing us?— Velt asked.

  —It likely sees you as capable predators and wants to eliminate you— Cero replied.

  —Shit… just our luck. And this one’s bigger than the ones I killed before, right?— Velt said, watching the zarshe pursue them relentlessly.

  —According to my analysis, the zarshe measures five meters— Cero reported.

  —You’ve got to be kidding me! That’s way too big. I only got DNA from a three-meter one… it beats me by two meters— Velt complained, but then his eyes lit up—. Wait, five meters… that means more meat… Perfect!— he exclaimed—. Rychbi, move ahead and circle back to retrieve the meat. I’ll keep the zarshe busy.

  —Wait, Velt, you can’t decide that on your own— Rychbi said, but Velt replied immediately.

  —Don’t worry. I already killed one of these, remember?— he said with a smile.

  Suddenly, Velt stopped and, as the zarshe got too close, hurled a rock straight into its eye.

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  —Come here— he said, drawing its attention. It worked. The enraged zarshe focused on Velt and chased after him.

  —Alright, Cero. When I say so, transform me into a zarshe. Understood?— Velt said.

  —Understood. Awaiting command— Cero replied.

  Velt leapt upward, disappearing into the dense foliage. The zarshe soon lost sight of him. Another stone struck its eye, blinding it further, and Velt emerged from between the trees, driving his sword into one of the creature’s legs. The zarshe roared in pain and slammed Velt into a tree.

  —That’s going to leave a mark— Velt muttered as he stood up—. Alright, Cero, now!— he shouted.

  —Acknowledged— Cero replied, and Velt’s body began to transform, growing until it took the form of a zarshe, slightly smaller than the original.

  He lunged at the wounded beast and dug his claws into its back. The zarshe, furious, tackled him and managed to pin him down—but Velt instantly reverted to his human form.

  —I’ve got you— he exclaimed, plunging his sword into the beast’s stomach and ripping it open.

  Even so, the zarshe grabbed him again and smashed him into the ground with such force that Velt heard and felt his bones shatter.

  —Son of a bitch… I don’t feel pain, but that sounds painful— he complained.

  Bleeding heavily and with its abdomen torn open, the zarshe finally collapsed. Velt tried to stand, but his body was visibly broken.

  —Damn… it feels strange not feeling pain and seeing myself like this— he murmured as he tried to move. Eventually, he lay down beneath a tree; even without pain, his body wouldn’t respond properly.

  —Hey, Cero… I think this was my worst fight. I messed up a lot.

  —If you wish, I can list the mistakes— Cero replied.

  —No, forget it. I’ll give myself a five for this fight— Velt joked weakly. Soon, his eyelids grew heavy—. Damn… I think my body’s at its limit. You know, Cero? That ability of mine is a problem…— he said before closing his eyes completely.

  When he opened them again, Velt found himself back in that place. But something was different: his hands were bound by shackles.

  —What the hell…?— he murmured, staring at the chains. Then a voice echoed.

  —Well, fighting a giant feline just to end up with half your body broken because you got careless… I don’t know whether to applaud your bravery or laugh at your stupidity— said the man in the suit, seated as always.

  —You again…— Velt sighed before sitting down—. Alright, what are you going to say this time? Or are you just going to drop vague hints again?

  —That depends on how much you want to remember… or will you keep playing dumb?— the man replied.

  —You know what? Screw you. I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t remember my past life, so tell me what the hell you want me to remember— Velt snapped.

  —Rurhy… she seems kind. Poor girl, giving her virginity to someone like you. Tell me—if she found out what you really were… would she still love you? Would her eyes still light up when she sees you?

  If you want to stop seeing me, I suggest you start remembering and stop playing dumb. You know perfectly well what you have to remember— the man concluded, never lifting his gaze from the papers on his desk.

  —Cero doesn’t remember my past life. How do you expect me to remember it?— Velt replied.

  —You’ll figure something out. You always do… don’t you?— the man said.

  Before Velt could respond, the same deafening sound echoed again, signaling that time was up.

  —Alright. Seems like we made some progress today, even if it wasn’t much— the man commented.

  Everything faded into a darkness Velt was, unfortunately, starting to get used to.

  When Velt opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Rurhy sleeping beside him. Her face, illuminated by the sunset, looked beautiful. Soon, she opened her eyes as well, and her surprise was evident.

  —You’re awake! I’m so glad…— she said as she hugged him, tears rolling down her cheeks—. We just started dating and you’re already trying to get yourself killed. I promise I won’t be such a bad wife— she tried to joke, though her trembling voice betrayed her.

  Velt gently stroked her head.

  —I’m sorry. I got careless… forgive me— he murmured.

  Rurhy looked at him. Despite her tears, the happiness on her face was impossible to hide.

  —I’ll let my father know you’re awake— she said before kissing him. But as she tried to pull away, Velt stopped her and continued kissing her. Rurhy then felt Velt’s hand trembling.

  —Do you want me to stay a little longer?— she asked before he could say it.

  He nodded. Rurhy settled beside him, hugging him carefully—just enough to make him feel safe.

  —Rurhy… I love you— Velt whispered before closing his eyes again and falling asleep.

  Rurhy watched him for a few seconds, taking in his peaceful expression.

  —I love you too— she whispered, kissing his cheek before curling up beside him, staying with him as long as he needed before going to inform Rychbi.