Drip... drip... drip...
Morning dew trickled from the cracked wooden roof tiles, creating a monotonous rhythm that awakened Rinoa from her restless sleep. Pale dawn light slipped through gaps in the wooden curtains, illuminating the simple guest room in Pak Willem's house with a soft golden glow.
Yaaaawn...
Rinoa rubbed her eyes slowly, her body still stiff from last night's tension. Beside her, Kirubbit remained curled up asleep in the blanket, his light green fur moving gently with his steady breathing.
Purr... Purr... The small, soothing purr.
However, something different immediately greeted her newly awakened consciousness.
[Danger Sense - Level 1 Active]
[Scanning radius: 100 meters]
[Environmental status: No direct threats detected]
[Residual negative energy traces: Still weak on eastern perimeter]
A transparent notification panel appeared briefly in the corner of her vision, providing information that instantly brought her to full alertness. Her new ability never stopped working, like a radar continuously monitoring the environment even while she slept.
I can still sense traces of their presence, Rinoa thought as she slowly sat up on the edge of the bed. Those creatures have left, but their negative energy traces still cling to the eastern area of the village. Like a scent that doesn't easily fade.
As she stood, Rinoa again felt the sensation that still made her uncomfortable—the way her new body moved. The different center of gravity made her need to be more careful when standing. The loose white linen nightgown moved with the motion of her now slimmer body, reminding her once again of the fundamental changes that had occurred.
Chirp... chirp... cheep...
The morning birds sounded quieter than usual, as if they too sensed the lingering tension from last night's events.
Rinoa approached the window with slow steps—steps she still had to adjust to with this shorter, lighter body. Through the somewhat cloudy glass, she could see a view of the village that made her heart sink.
Oh no...
Lirinvale Village, which yesterday afternoon had still looked peaceful and orderly, now appeared as if struck by a storm. Several houses had sustained minor damage—windows shattered with glass shards scattered about, doors torn from their hinges, and yards in disarray with furniture strewn haphazardly. But Nira's house...
Collapsed... rubble... destruction...
The house where she had felt family warmth for the first time in this world was now reduced to ruins. The roof thatch that had been warm brown now lay scattered on the ground like dried grass. The sturdy wooden walls were now cracked with large holes. What remained was just the pitiful skeleton of a house.
"Oh God..." Rinoa whispered with a trembling voice. Her now smaller, more delicate hands automatically clenched into fists. "That house... completely destroyed."
Is this really a coincidence? Or...
Thoughts she didn't want to acknowledge slowly crept into her mind. The timing of her arrival, then the brutal attack targeting the house where she stayed. Even with simple logic, the connection felt too real to ignore.
I brought this trouble to this peaceful village, she thought inwardly with a gripping sense of guilt. People who were so kind to me have to suffer because of my presence...
Rustle...
In the corner of the room near the window, Kirubbit lifted his head from his curled sleeping position. His golden eyes gleamed in the dawn light, his ears twitching as they picked up the same vibrations Rinoa felt.
Squeak... A small snort that seemed to ask a question.
"Yes, Kirubbit. I sense it too," Rinoa whispered while stroking the small creature's soft fur. "Like there's something still not right."
Knock. Knock. Knock...
A gentle knock at the bedroom door. Nira peeked in with a face that, though tired, still showed a genuine warm smile. She wore a simple brown cotton dress and a floral-patterned apron.
"Already awake, dear?" Nira asked as she entered carrying a wooden tray with a glass of water in a clay cup and a small linen towel. "How was your sleep? Any more nightmares?"
"Not too bad, Ms. Nira," Rinoa replied while gratefully accepting the glass. The cold water felt refreshing in her somewhat dry throat. "Thank you for... taking care of me and Kirubbit."
Nira sat on the edge of the bed, her warm, calloused hands rubbing Rinoa's shoulder with soothing motions. "You don't need to thank me, child. This is what family does for each other."
Family... That word made Rinoa's eyes slightly water. How long had it been since she felt warmth like this? Even as Rio in her previous life, she had never experienced affection this sincere and unconditional.
"Ms. Nira," Rinoa said softly, her high voice trembling slightly, "about our house..."
"Don't think about it yet," Nira interrupted gently but firmly. "What matters is we're all safe. Houses can be rebuilt, but lives cannot be replaced." She smiled, though Rinoa could see a flash of sadness in her eyes. "Mr. Willem has been kind enough to let us stay. And Mr. Jeren says he'll help rebuild."
But this might all be because of me, Rinoa thought inwardly with a heavy feeling pressing on her chest. If I hadn't come to this village, Ms. Nira's house would still be intact. The children wouldn't have to be frightened. Everyone wouldn't have to worry.
"Now come down for breakfast," Nira said while standing with elegant movements. "Mr. Willem and his wife have already prepared breakfast. And it seems Mr. Jeren has also arrived to discuss today's plans."
Thud... thud... thud...
The sound of heavy footsteps came from downstairs, accompanied by serious adult male conversation. Rinoa could catch the tense tones of the discussion though she couldn't hear the specific words.
When descending to the dining room, Rinoa had to be careful with the wooden stairs—her shorter body made her need to adjust her steps. The light green cotton dress she wore moved differently from Rio's old clothes. Its loose fabric sometimes caught on her feet, making her have to learn a new way of walking.
In Mr. Willem's simple dining room, the atmosphere felt different from yesterday. Jeren was already seated at the wooden table with a steaming cup of herbal tea before him, his face serious and his gray eyes appearing to contemplate something heavy. Mr. Willem sat across from him with an equally tense expression.
"Good morning, Rinoa," Jeren greeted with a polite nod. His eyes briefly assessed her—not with bad intent, but like a soldier observing. "How are you feeling? Can you still sense... strange things like last night?"
He's immediately asking about my ability, Rinoa thought as she sat in the provided chair. Even her sitting posture had to be adjusted—Rio used to sit with legs spread wide, but now with a dress, she had to be more careful with her posture.
"I... can still sense traces of negative energy around the eastern area of the village," Rinoa answered carefully. "But there's no direct threat for now."
Jeren and Mr.Willem exchanged glances with expressions that were hard to read.
"Negative energy?" Mr.Willem asked with raised eyebrows. "You can sense things like that?"
Oops, I slipped up, Rinoa thought in panic. Her now smaller hands reflexively grabbed the edge of her dress. I can't explain about the system notification panel. They won't understand.
"I mean... there's an uncomfortable feeling when I face eastward," Rinoa quickly corrected while nervously scratching her cheek. "Like an intuition that there's still something there."
"Very accurate intuition," Jeren muttered while furrowing his brow. "Last night, after driving away those two creatures, we did see a pair of red eyes watching from a distance in the eastern forest. Probably a third creature that escaped."
Mrs. Hana, Mr. Willem's wife, emerged from the kitchen carrying a wooden tray with warm wheat bread and bowls of steaming vegetable soup. The aroma was simple but very appetizing. She wore a gray work dress with a cotton apron.
Sizzle... bubble... The sound of the still-hot soup.
"Eat first, children," Mrs. Hana said in a gentle voice while placing the food on the table. "Today will be a long day."
Step... step... thud...
Luno and Mii finally came down from their room with still-sleepy eyes and messy hair. Luno wore a simple brown cotton tunic and faded linen pants. Meanwhile, Mii wore a light blue cotton dress with a simple ribbon in her hair.
They looked tired and slightly traumatized from last night's events, but upon seeing Rinoa, their faces immediately brightened.
"Sis Rinoa! I dreamed a giant monster was chasing me!" Luno exclaimed while sitting next to Rinoa with forced enthusiasm. "Good thing it was just a dream!"
"I had nightmares too," Mii added in a small voice while hugging the worn cloth doll she always carried—a simple doll sewn from scrap fabric. "But now I'm not scared anymore because we have Sis Rinoa and Kirubbit."
Rinoa's heart felt like it was being stabbed by deepening guilt. These children trust me, they feel safe with me. But the reality is, my presence might be what brought the danger.
"Nira," Jeren said while sipping his tea from the clay cup, "after breakfast, we need to go to the weekly market. Today is market day, and we need information from merchants who come from other villages."
"Information?" Nira asked while cutting bread for Mii with a small iron-bladed knife.
"Whether attacks like this have also occurred elsewhere," Jeren answered in a serious tone. "If so, we can know the pattern. If not, it means there's something specific about our village that's attracting those creatures' attention."
The way Jeren said 'something specific' while glancing briefly at Rinoa made the girl swallow nervously.
He suspects me, Rinoa thought. And maybe he's not wrong.
"I'm coming," Rinoa suddenly said, making everyone at the table look at her. Her high voice made the statement sound more impulsive than she intended.
"Rinoa..." Nira looked hesitant. "Are you sure? After last night's events, maybe it's better you rest first."
"No, Ms. Nira. I've hidden enough," Rinoa replied with a voice she tried to make firmer. "If there really is a connection to my arrival, I need to know. I can't keep being a burden to all of you."
I used to always run from problems as Rio, she thought with strengthening determination. But this time is different. Even though in this body I feel more vulnerable, I won't run anymore.
Jeren looked at Rinoa with calculating eyes. "Are you sure you can handle hearing things that might not be pleasant?"
"I'm sure."
"Alright. But you stay close to us. And if your ability... intuition detects something dangerous, tell us immediately."
.
.
Clatter... clang... rustle...
The sounds of weekly market preparations rang out quieter and more hurried than usual. Normally, mornings before market day were filled with laughter and cheerful chatter from merchants setting up their wares. But today, the atmosphere felt heavy and tense.
"Vegetable cart here, Mrs. Martha!"
"Mr. Ronan, put the fresh fish in the shaded spot!"
Though activities proceeded as usual, people's voices sounded shorter and more formal. There were no spontaneous jokes or banter like previous days.
Rinoa walked beside Nira who carried a woven basket made from rice stalks and a small cloth purse containing copper and silver coins. Clink... clink... The sound of coins gently clashing with each Nira's step, reminding Rinoa of this family's economic limitations.
Her walking style still needed adjustment. Her light green dress occasionally caught on her feet, making her have to learn to lift the hem slightly when walking.
"Ms. Nira," Rinoa whispered while observing the thin-looking purse, "do we have enough money for shopping today?"
Nira counted the coins in her purse with practiced movements—calloused fingers counting carefully. "Forty-seven coins," she murmured softly. "Should be enough for vegetables, rice, and maybe a little meat if there's something cheap." She smiled at Rinoa though worry showed in her eyes. "Usually I need about fifty-five coins for a week's shopping, but we can be more frugal."
Life here really isn't easy, Rinoa thought while observing how carefully Nira counted each coin. Not like on Earth before where money could be obtained relatively easily through part-time work. Here, every coin is the result of hard work treating sick people and making herbal remedies.
The weekly market was located in an open field in the village center, under the canopy of large oak trees providing natural shade. Usually this place was filled with colorful merchant tents made of canvas and linen, appetizing food aromas, and the bustle of lively bargaining.
But today was different...
"Good morning, Nira! Rinoa!" Mrs. Martha greeted while arranging vegetables on a simple wooden table covered with clean cloth. Fresh red tomatoes with still-green stems, bright orange carrots with still-fresh leaves, and green cabbage with dew-covered outer leaves. "How is your house? I heard it suffered severe damage."
Mrs. Martha wore a dark brown work dress with a cotton apron decorated with small flowers.
"Completely damaged, Mrs. Martha," Nira answered in a resigned but not hopeless tone. "But thank God no one was hurt."
"Thank goodness..." Mrs. Martha shook her head with a sympathetic expression while wiping her hands on the edge of her apron. "Houses can be rebuilt, but lives cannot be replaced. What do you want to buy today?"
Nira began carefully examining the vegetables, feeling them to ensure freshness. "Three bunches of tomatoes, two bunches of carrots, and one cabbage. How much total?"
"Usually eight coins, but for you... seven coins only," Bu Martha said while carefully placing the vegetables into Nira's woven basket. "As sympathy for last night's events."
"Thank you, Mrs. Martha. Everyone's kindness means so much to us," Nira said with slightly teary eyes.
While Nira shopped, Rinoa observed the market atmosphere with her enhanced observation ability. The villagers were indeed going about their activities as usual—mothers shopping with woven baskets, fathers hauling goods, children running between stalls—but she could catch whispers and glances directed at her.
Whisper... whisper...
"That girl Nira found... the timing is too perfect..."
"Yeah, just arrived yesterday, attacked last night..."
"They say she lost her memory. But who knows if that's just an excuse..."
Rinoa clearly heard fragments of those conversations. Her enhanced Instinctive Pulse ability made her hearing sharper, able to pick up whispers from quite a distance.
They're starting to suspect me, Rinoa thought with a feeling of sadness mixed with panic. Her hands reflexively grabbed the edge of her dress. And I can't blame them. If I were in their position, maybe I'd think the same.
Kirubbit on her shoulder suddenly perked up his small ears and stared toward the edge of the market. His light blue crystal horn gleamed brighter, indicating he detected something attracting his attention.
Rinoa followed Kirubbit's gaze and saw an old white-bearded man arranging his wares at the market's edge. His worn old brown robe with patches and wide hat made of thick fabric showed he wasn't a local resident—a wandering merchant with equipment for long journeys.
"Ms. Nira," Rinoa said while pointing toward that merchant, "can we go there for a moment? Kirubbit seems interested in something."
Nira followed Rinoa's gaze while balancing the shopping basket on her arm. "Oh, that's Mr. Elric. A wandering merchant who comes every two weeks. He usually brings rare goods and... news from other villages." Nira paused briefly. "Actually, it might be good if we talk with him. He might know something about recent strange events."
Bingo, Rinoa thought. The information I need.
They approached Mr. Elric's simple but interesting stall. The old wooden table was covered with faded wool cloth, on top arranged colorful glass bottles containing colored liquids, pendants with carvings from metal she didn't recognize, parchment scrolls with dried ink, and various spices in cloth bags with unfamiliar but pleasant aromas.
Sniff... sniff...
Kirubbit became increasingly restless and interested, his small nose moving quickly sniffing the unfamiliar aromas, behavior showing he detected magical energy.
"Good morning, Nira! And who is this beautiful girl?" Mr. Elric greeted with a friendly hoarse voice. His blue eyes, faded with age, looked at Rinoa with genuine interest. His wrinkled, veined hands bore small scars—marks of someone who frequently traveled far.
"This is Rinoa, Mr. Elric. My new adopted daughter," Nira answered with a smile. "She lost her memory and we're caring for her."
"Lost her memory... poor thing," Mr. Elric muttered while stroking his clean white beard. "This world is indeed harsh for young people like you, Miss Rinoa. But thank goodness you met Nira. There's no kinder healer than her in all of Valmere province."
"Mr. Elric is exaggerating," Nira said with an embarrassed smile, her cheeks slightly reddening.
"Not exaggerating at all!" Mr. Elric laughed warmly. "And wow, this beautiful little creature... a Kirubbit, isn't it? It's been so long since I've seen one this healthy and cheerful. Usually they're very shy with strangers."
Mr. Elric slowly extended his hand toward Kirubbit. The small creature sniffed it briefly with his small wet nose, then friendly let the old man stroke his head with experienced fingers handling animals.
Purr... Purr... Kirubbit's purr.
"Amazing," Mr. Elric whispered with sparkling eyes. "Kirrubits usually only allow approach by people who have truly pure hearts or..." he paused briefly while looking at Rinoa with a different gaze, "...people who have special affinity with natural energy."
Special affinity? Rinoa felt something in the way Mr. Elric looked at her, but she didn't dare ask further in an open place like this. Her hand reflexively straightened the edge of her dress.
.
.
"Mr. Elric," Nira said while selecting spices in small glass jars with wooden lids, her skilled fingers assessing quality from aroma and color, "have you heard any strange news lately? About... creature attacks or unusual things in other villages?"
Mr. Elric's facial expression immediately turned serious, the wrinkles on his forehead deepening. He glanced around to make sure no one was listening, then spoke in a lower voice while leaning forward.
"Unfortunately, yes," he answered while shaking his head with a concerned expression. His wrinkled hand stroked his white beard anxiously. "Bramblewood Village in the north, about three days' journey by cart from here... was attacked by strange creatures two weeks ago. The exact same attack pattern as what you experienced last night."
Rinoa felt her heart beat faster. "The same pattern?"
"Creatures shaped like large bears with red eyes glowing like burning coals. They came at night during the dark moon, destroyed several houses specifically, but didn't kill or eat anyone," Mr. Elric explained while lowering his voice even more, his pale blue eyes looking serious. "And strangest of all, they seemed to be searching for something by sniffing around."
"Searching for something?" Nira tensed, her shopping basket nearly falling from her grip.
"Yes. They sniffed around every house they destroyed, as if searching for a particular scent or trail. Not like normal beast attacks that just want to eat or defend territory," Mr. Elric answered. "Even when residents screamed and fled, they didn't chase. They kept focusing on searching for... something."
Gulp...
Rinoa swallowed with difficulty. That description matched exactly what they experienced. But what made her even more uncomfortable was the fact that this was a repeating pattern.
"Other villages?" Rinoa asked in an almost whispered voice, her hand unconsciously squeezing the edge of her dress, a new habit that emerged when she felt nervous.
"Millhaven Village in the south," Mr. Elric answered while shaking his head sadly, the wrinkles on his face deepening. "A week after Bramblewood. The exact same pattern. Creatures came at night, destroyed certain houses, then fled to the forest before dawn. No casualties, but deep trauma for residents."
Three villages... the same pattern... This is no coincidence.
Mr. Elric continued while arranging his merchandise with anxious movements, the glass bottles ringing softly when touched. "What worries me, those three villages are on a path forming a straight line. Bramblewood in the north, Millhaven in the south, and now Lirinvale in the middle. Like there's something moving systematically following a certain route."
"A straight line?" Nira furrowed her brow, her shopping basket shifting on her arm.
"An old trade route," Mr. Elric explained while drawing a pattern with his wrinkled finger on the wooden table surface. "The route once used to transport valuable goods from Westmere port to major cities inland. Now rarely used because there's a safer and faster main route with stone bridges."
Whoosh...
Wind blew carrying conversations from other stalls at the market. Rinoa could hear other villagers starting to discuss the same thing in increasingly worried tones.
"The same attack pattern in three villages..."
"Suspicious coincidence..."
"A foreign girl who came right before the attack..."
"Maybe there's a connection..."
Rinoa felt her eyes starting to feel hot—an emotional reaction that felt more intense in her new body. Those whispers became clearer and more directed at her. She could feel gazes starting to change from curiosity to suspicion. Even the way people looked at her changed.
They're starting to connect my arrival with those attacks, Rinoa thought with mixed feelings of fear and sadness. Her now narrower chest felt tight. And worst of all... maybe they're not wrong.
"Mr. Elric," Nira asked with a worried tone, her voice trembling slightly, "are there any other patterns you noticed? Besides the location and method of attack?"
Mr. Elric fell silent for a moment, looking at Rinoa with a gaze that was hard to read—a mixture of sympathy and concern. His hands stopped arranging merchandise.
"There's one more strange thing," he said slowly, as if hesitant to say it. "In all three villages, the attacks occurred not long after there were... newcomers."
Thump!
Rinoa's heart felt like it stopped beating momentarily. The sounds around her seemed to disappear, and she could only focus on Mr. Elric's words that felt like a verdict. Her small hands trembled, and she had to lean on the table to maintain balance.
"Newcomers?" Nira's voice trembled, her warm brown eyes widening with worry.
"In Bramblewood, a young merchant from the big city who came to find wool fabric suppliers. In Millhaven, an herbal student conducting research on rare medicinal plants." Mr. Elric looked at Rinoa with a gaze full of sympathy but couldn't hide suspicion. "And now... in Lirinvale."
No... impossible...
Rinoa felt her world spinning. Her now shorter legs could barely support her body. She stepped back with unstable movement, her hand searching for support. Kirubbit, sensing his master's restlessness, jumped from the stall and climbed onto her shoulder, making soothing snorting sounds while rubbing his small head against Rinoa's cheek.
Squeak... cheep...
"But Mr. Elric," Nira said in a defensive tone, her hand protectively touching Rinoa's shoulder, "that could just be coincidence. Rinoa is a good child. She couldn't possibly..."
"Ms. Nira," Rinoa interrupted with a trembling voice, "maybe... maybe they're right."
Silence...
Everyone around Mr. Elric's stall immediately looked at Rinoa with widened eyes. Conversations at other stalls began stopping one by one, and market attention started focusing on them. Rinoa could feel the burden of dozens of pairs of eyes observing her body's every movement.
"Rinoa, don't talk like that!" Nira gripped Rinoa's hand tightly, the now smaller and smoother hand. "You haven't done anything wrong!"
But Rinoa already felt like hundreds of eyes were judging her. Whispers began getting louder and clearer, creating pressure that was almost unbearable.
"She admitted it herself..."
"Three villages... the same pattern..."
"What if the next attack is worse?"
"Maybe we should..."
"ENOUGH!"
Jeren's thundering voice suddenly cut through all the whispers like striking lightning. The man stood in the middle of the crowd with his large axe in hand and gray eyes radiating the authority of a former soldier. His aura was so strong it made people around him step back several paces.
"All of you go home and handle your own business," he said in a tone that brooked no refusal, his voice echoing throughout the market area. "Gossip and speculation won't solve problems. What we need are facts and preparation, not baseless accusations."
The crowd began dispersing reluctantly, but some still looked at Rinoa with expressions hard to read before finally leaving with heavy steps and whispers that didn't completely stop.
.
.
Step... step... step...
The journey home from the market proceeded in heavy silence. Rinoa walked with her head bowed, feeling a heavy burden on her now narrower shoulders. Not just Kirubbit's weight, but the weight of suspicious looks she felt from villagers they passed.
I'm not wrong in sensing this, Rinoa thought while sighing deeply. They really are starting to suspect me. And I can't blame them.
Nira walked beside her with a full woven shopping basket, occasionally glancing at Rinoa with a worried expression. The simple brown dress she wore fluttered slightly in the wind, and her basket swayed following her steps.
"Rinoa, don't think too much about what they said earlier," Nira said in a gentle but firm voice. "When people are scared, they like to find scapegoats. This is a normal reaction when they don't know who to blame."
"But Ms. Nira," Rinoa said softly, her high voice trembling, "what if they're right? What if there really is something about me that attracts those creatures? Three villages, three newcomers, three attacks. That's too many coincidences."
Just like before when I always felt guilty about bad things happening around me, she thought with a familiar painful feeling. But this time, maybe that guilt is justified.
Thud... thud... thud...
Jeren walking behind them caught up with quick steps. "Rinoa, wait a moment."
They stopped under the canopy of a large oak tree at the village road's edge. The thick leaves provided shade from the increasingly hot sun. Jeren looked at Rinoa with a serious but non-judgmental gaze.
"Listen carefully," Jeren said in a firm but understanding tone, his muscular hand gripping his axe handle. "I heard the conversation at the market earlier. And I understand why you feel guilty. But there's one thing you must understand."
"What's that, Mr. Jeren?" Rinoa asked while lifting her head, her blue-green eyes looking attentively.
"Correlation is not causation," Jeren answered while placing his heavy hand on Rinoa's now smaller shoulder. "The fact that three things occur together doesn't automatically mean one thing causes another. There could be a third factor we don't know about yet."
Rinoa looked into Jeren's gray eyes full of conviction. There was something in that gaze reminding her of mentors in stories Rio once read—someone who could see potential behind confusion.
"But the strange abilities I have..." Rinoa paused, her hand reflexively gripping the edge of her dress, "the ability to sense danger and negative energy... that's not normal, right?"
"Not normal, but not necessarily dangerous," Jeren answered with a slight smile, the first smile Rinoa saw on his serious face today. "An ability like that can actually be very useful for protecting this village. And in fact, last night your ability saved all of us because you gave early warning."
Oh right... Enlightenment emerged in Rinoa's mind. Without Danger Sense, we might not have had time to escape from the house. My ability saved, not endangered.
Nira nodded in agreement while shifting the shopping basket to her other hand. "Jeren is right, dear. Your ability is a blessing, not a curse. And about those rumors earlier... we shouldn't make decisions based on fear and speculation."
"Then what should we do?" Rinoa asked, her voice becoming more stable though still high-pitched.
Jeren fell silent for a moment, his eyes gazing toward the eastern forest where negative energy traces still remained. Wind blew through the leaves, creating soothing rustling sounds.
"We find out the truth," he finally said. "We investigate properly with the right methods. And you," he looked at Rinoa with a challenging but supportive gaze, "need to start learning to use your ability correctly."
"Use my ability?" Rinoa tilted her head with a movement that unconsciously appeared more graceful than Rio's old gestures.
"Yes. The detection ability you have can help us understand what's really happening. But you need training to control it properly and not endanger yourself." Jeren crossed his arms over his chest. "Tomorrow morning, we start basic survival and ability development training. Do you want to?"
Rinoa felt something warm spreading in her chest—no longer guilt or fear, but determination beginning to grow. This reminded her of the moment when she finally decided to save Yuki, leaving her comfort zone and taking action.
This is my chance to not just be a victim or burden, she thought with strengthening spirit. This is my chance to become someone useful, even in this different body.
"I want to, Mr. Jeren," Rinoa answered with a stronger voice, in the high feminine tone. "I want to learn. I want to be able to protect the people I care about."
Just like I once wanted to protect Yuki, she added in her heart, but this time I won't fail.
Jeren nodded with a satisfied expression, his gray eyes glinting with approval. "Good. We start tomorrow morning before sunrise. Prepare yourself for training that won't be easy, but we'll work with what you have."
Ding!
[Social Investigation Completed]
[EXP Gained: +150]
[Current Level: 3 (150/300)]
[New Understanding: Regional Threat Pattern]
[Character Development: From Passive to Active]
The notification panel appeared briefly, confirming that today's experience brought meaningful development. Although Rinoa's level hadn't increased, she felt an important change within herself.
I no longer just want to run or hide, Rinoa thought while looking at Kirubbit sitting calmly on her shoulder, his small green fur moving in the wind. I want to face this problem head-on, even with this smaller, different body.
When they arrived at Mr. Willem's house, the sun was already fairly high and the heat was starting to be felt. The two-story wooden house with thick thatched roof appeared welcoming with windows open for air circulation. Luno and Mii greeted them enthusiastically from the front porch.
"Ms. Nira! Sis Rinoa!" Luno exclaimed, wearing a brown cotton tunic and linen pants. "You took so long!"
"We were worried something happened," Mii added in her small voice, her light blue cotton dress fluttering as she ran to greet them.
But Rinoa could see that the children also sensed the existing tension—the way they glanced around with slight worry, and how they stood closer to Nira.
"Ms. Nira, did anyone at the market say anything about the monsters last night?" Luno asked with curious but slightly anxious eyes, his hand holding the edge of his tunic.
"There were some stories from wandering merchants," Nira answered carefully while placing her shopping basket on the wooden table. "But nothing certain. What's important is we stay vigilant and look after each other."
Mii approached Rinoa and pulled the edge of her light green dress with her small hand. "Sis Rinoa, I heard people saying you brought those monsters. That's not true, right?"
That innocent question felt like a punch to her now smaller stomach. Rinoa knelt until level with Mii, looking into those clear blue eyes full of trust.
"I don't know, Mii," Rinoa answered honestly, her high voice trembling with emotion. "Maybe there's a connection to me, maybe not. But what's certain is I'll do anything to protect all of you."
"I believe in Sister Rinoa," Mii said while hugging Rinoa tightly, her small body warm and comforting. "Kak Rinoa is a good person. Kirubbit says so too."
This innocent trust... Rinoa felt her eyes watering. I can't disappoint her.
That evening, when everyone had gathered for a simple dinner at the large wooden table, Jeren raised the topic they had avoided all day. An oil lamp in a tin holder illuminated the room with warm flickering light.
"Tomorrow morning, I'll start training Rinoa," he said while cutting goat meat with a small iron-bladed knife. "Basic training to develop her abilities and preparation for facing dangerous situations."
"Training?" Mr. Willem asked with raised eyebrows, his glass of water stopping midway to his mouth. "What kind of training?"
"Rinoa has potential detection abilities that are very useful for village security," Jeren explained while chewing slowly. "Rather than letting it go uncontrolled and possibly endangering herself, it's better to develop it properly. Who knows, it might help us understand what's really happening."
Nira looked at Jeren with a worried expression while stirring vegetable soup in her clay bowl. "Isn't it dangerous? She's still young."
"That's exactly why I'll teach her carefully and according to her physical capabilities," Jeren answered with a reassuring tone. "Starting from forest survival basics, then gradually developing her sensory abilities. Nothing will be forced, and everything will be adjusted to her capacity."
Rinoa looked at the faces of people she already considered family around the table—Nira with warm brown eyes full of concern, Mr. Willem and Mrs. Hana showing support despite their doubts, Luno looking impressed, and Mii gazing at her with absolute trust.
There was worry in their eyes, but also support. Despite rumors and suspicion from other villagers, this small family still believed in her.
"I want to learn," Rinoa said with a firm voice. Her small hands clenched on the table. "Not just to protect myself, but to protect all of you. I don't want to feel helpless again when danger comes—like last night when I could only run and hide."
Even if this body is physically weaker, she thought with strengthening determination, I'll surely find a way to be useful.
Jeren nodded with a satisfied expression, his gray eyes radiating approval. "The right mental attitude. Tomorrow we start before dawn. Prepare yourself for training that won't be easy."
Clink...
Rinoa placed her clay cup on the table while gazing toward the window facing the eastern forest. Her Danger Sense ability still detected faint traces of negative energy there, but no direct threat. Her light green dress moved slightly in the night breeze entering through the window gap.
Whatever happens tomorrow, she thought with strengthening determination despite her body still feeling foreign, I'm ready to face it. I won't be a burden or source of problems anymore. I'll prove that even in this different body, I can become someone useful.
Outside, the night wind blew gently carrying the scent of forest and dew. Crescent moonlight illuminated the small village roads with soft silvery light. And somewhere in the darkness, a pair of red eyes still watched the village patiently, waiting for the right time.