"Hello there…"
A figure approached through the shadows—tall, easily six feet, moving with deliberate steps. The guard remained oblivious, but the three boys snapped to attention, instinctively raising their guards.
"Who the hell are you!" Lee's whispered shout cracked as he drew his sword.
The Zott stepped back, looking ready to flee before Joseph intervened.
There's not even an illusion of respect between them. Joseph studied the interaction before speaking.
"Calm down. He's harmless—just a kid like us."
Despite the Zott's imposing size, Joseph could read his mental age in every gesture. Since entering the village, he'd noticed something odd: no child-sized Zotts anywhere. They likely reproduced through cloning or some similar method. The horn length probably indicated true age.
"You don't know shit, you filthy pile of snow!" Lee spat. "He's probably a spy from the Rert district Azamas!"
Gang wars? Joseph sighed, massaging his temples.
