The morning sun had fully risen over Mount Eltaris, scattering golden light across the wooden cabin.The small home was quiet now — aside from the gentle chirping of birds and the soft rustle of the trees outside.
Inside, Suho stretched his arms, yawning softly, his crimson eyes glinting in the morning light. The fire from last night had long gone cold, leaving only faint traces of warmth in the cabin.
Aria, the silver-haired beastgirl, had already woken. Her golden eyes sparkled with curiosity as she stretched on the small bed near the corner, her wolf ears twitching at every sound.
"Good morning, Aria," Suho said gently.
"Good morning, big brother," she replied cheerfully, a shy smile tugging at her lips.
Suho's lips curved slightly upward. That smile — innocent, pure, and unguarded — filled the small room with warmth.He glanced toward the door, where Kaito was leaning lazily against the frame, arms crossed and a smirk on his face.
"So, little sister finally calls you brother now, huh?" Kaito teased, his yellow eyes glinting mischievously."I see how it is… Suho finally got himself a little sister."
Suho groaned, his hand running through his white hair.
"Kaito, don't start. She's a kid. And we've already had this conversation."
"Yeah, yeah," Kaito said, holding up his hands, pretending to surrender. But the grin on his face betrayed him."Still, you've got a little sister now. Lucky you."
Suho narrowed his eyes.
"It's not about luck!"
Aria, hiding her small blush behind her hands, giggled softly. Her wolf ears twitched with amusement.
After a quick breakfast — a simple meal of bread, dried meat, and fruit — Suho stood and stretched once more.
"Alright, it's time we begin moving. We need to get you back to your village, Aria."
"Yes, big brother," Aria replied obediently, bouncing slightly in her seat.
Suho turned to Kaito.
"Get your things ready. We're leaving soon."
Kaito huffed, clearly annoyed but trying to mask it.
"Hmm. So now I'm the only one without a 'little sister' to fuss over. Great. Just great."
Suho smirked.
"Don't worry. Maybe you'll find a cute elf girl to accompany you on this journey."
Kaito's eyes widened.
"Eh? Really? That's possible?"
Suho shrugged casually, a mischievous glint in his crimson eyes.
"Why not? You've got fire magic, charm, and… well, that face of yours. You might attract someone eventually."
Kaito tapped his chin thoughtfully, still looking a bit jealous.
"Hmm… what about you, then? Are you planning on getting someone too?"
Suho glanced down at Aria, his expression softening for a moment.
"Me?" He chuckled lightly. "Well… yeah, I do want to have someone someday."
He didn't expect to notice her gaze.
Aria was staring at him, her golden eyes wide and fierce — like two small suns burning with intensity.Suho froze mid-step, a faint chill running down his spine.
"…Uh… maybe not right now," he said hastily, holding up a hand. "I… I already have someone here."
Aria blinked, her fierce stare melting into a bright, cheerful smile.She let out a small giggle and skipped a few steps ahead, clearly relieved.
Suho exhaled deeply, a small laugh escaping him.
"Good… she's okay. Relieved. That could have gone horribly wrong."
Kaito, on the other hand, was watching the exchange with narrowed eyes, muttering to himself.
"Hmph. So she's already… eyes on you, huh? Of course. Suho's always lucky…"
The three of them finally stepped out of the cabin.The fresh morning air was invigorating. The mountain breeze carried the faint scent of pine and mist, and the sun illuminated the rolling hills and forests that sprawled below.
Suho took the lead, walking steadily toward the path that would lead them down the mountain.Aria followed close behind, her small footsteps light and agile, while Kaito brought up the rear, arms crossed and a smirk on his face — but his ears occasionally twitched in annoyance at the closeness of Suho and Aria.
"Hey, Kaito," Suho called over his shoulder, his voice casual."Try not to be jealous. Aria's just a little sister for now."
Kaito huffed, pretending not to care, but the faint blush on his cheeks betrayed him.
"Pfft. Sure… just a little sister, huh?"
Suho's grin widened.
"Exactly. Don't worry. Maybe someday you'll meet your elf girl and then you'll understand."
"Hmph. I'll believe it when it happens."
As they descended the mountain path, Suho kept an eye on Aria.Her small hands occasionally brushed against the trees or the soft grass along the path. Her wolf ears twitched constantly, attuned to every sound around her.Suho's eyes softened. He had seen many monsters and harsh battles, but this moment — this small, innocent figure walking beside him — was something he hadn't expected to care about so much.
Aria turned her gaze toward him, her golden eyes sparkling in the morning light.
"Big brother… do you really think I'll be safe with you?"
Suho smiled, kneeling slightly to meet her eyes.
"I promise. No monster, no bandit, no danger in this world will hurt you while I'm around."
Aria's tail swished happily.
"Really? You promise?"
"Really," he said, his tone firm but kind.
She giggled softly, skipping slightly ahead in excitement, and then stopped to look back at him.
"Then… maybe someday, I'll be strong like you too!"
Suho nodded, a proud smile forming on his lips.
"That's the spirit. But don't rush it. Strength comes with time… and practice."
"I'll practice every day!" Aria declared.
Kaito, walking behind them, sighed loudly.
"Practice every day, huh… guess she's not going to let you rest easy, Suho."
Suho chuckled softly, glancing at the mischievous grin on his friend's face.
"I'm used to it. Besides, she's not my rival. Not yet."
Kaito's jaw dropped.
"Not your rival? Suho… you are impossible. I swear, every girl will fall for you now."
"Don't exaggerate," Suho said, trying to sound calm. But a small part of him felt a strange warmth in his chest.
The path wound downward, flanked by forests that whispered in the breeze.Sunlight pierced through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground.Birds sang from hidden branches, and the faint scent of flowers drifted on the air.
Aria skipped ahead occasionally, picking up small wildflowers or examining a peculiar leaf.
"Look, big brother! This one smells nice!" she said, holding it out toward him.
Suho bent down slightly, inhaling the scent.
"Not bad," he said, smiling.He handed it back to her with a playful bow."For the little sister, a gift of the forest."
Aria giggled, holding it close to her chest.Kaito groaned behind them.
"Ugh… why is everything with you two so… cheesy and cute?!"
Suho just chuckled softly.
"It's natural. Life's better when you appreciate the little things."
"Hmph," Kaito said, but he couldn't hide the small smile tugging at his lips.
Hours passed as they descended, and Suho occasionally glanced at Aria.He noticed her wolf ears twitching at every unfamiliar sound, her golden eyes wide with curiosity, and her small hands occasionally gripping his sleeve.
Every little gesture reminded him of last night — the quiet, vulnerable side of her that only he had seen.And despite the light-hearted teasing from Kaito, he felt a strange protectiveness stir inside him.
"…Maybe… not yet," he thought, glancing at Aria's innocent face."She's too small for anything else now… but someday… maybe."
He exhaled softly, his crimson eyes softening.
"For now… she's my little sister."
Aria, noticing his gaze, smiled brightly and skipped ahead, her small laughter echoing in the forest.Suho's lips curved into a faint, relieved smile.
Kaito, watching the two, muttered to himself:
"Lucky bastard… seriously, Suho, your life is unfair sometimes."
Suho chuckled softly, shaking his head.The journey had just begun — but already, it felt alive, full of laughter, surprises, and the promise of something new.
For now, the mountain no longer felt lonely.The path ahead was long, filled with unknown dangers, hidden treasures, and the faint hope of bonds that could last a lifetime.
And somewhere deep inside, Suho knew: this little sister he had just gained… might change his life in ways he could never imagine.
The mountain path stretched ahead, winding gently through dense forests and patches of wildflowers that swayed with the morning breeze.Suho walked slowly, his crimson eyes scanning the horizon. The sun's rays filtered through the trees, illuminating the dew-laden leaves like tiny diamonds.
Beside him, Aria padded quietly, her golden eyes bright and alert, ears twitching at the faintest rustle of leaves. Behind them, Kaito followed, arms crossed, his black hair swaying slightly with each step.
After a while, Suho's curiosity got the better of him. He turned to Aria, his tone calm but curious.
"Tell me, Aria… are there any human cities around here?"
Aria tilted her head thoughtfully, her small hands fiddling with a strand of her silver hair.
"There are cities… but very far away. The closest is several days' travel from here. Most beastmen rarely go that far unless necessary."
Suho nodded, thoughtful. He glanced at the trees and rocks around them, imagining how vast this world truly was.
"I see… and… are beastmen allowed in human cities?"
Aria's ears twitched nervously.
"Yes, they are allowed… but they need protection. Without it… they could easily be captured and sold."
Kaito's expression darkened. His arms tightened across his chest.
"Sold… like slaves?"
Aria nodded solemnly.
"Yes… the humans fear what they don't understand. Some are cruel."
Suho's crimson eyes narrowed slightly. His lips pressed into a thin line.
"I see… what about countries? Are there kingdoms nearby?"
Aria's tail swished slowly, a subtle sign of unease.
"Yes… there is a royal capital, not too far from the beastman village. The roads are long, but passable."
Suho's eyebrows lifted.
"Royal capital… you mean the main city of the country?"
Aria nodded, her golden eyes serious.
"Yes. It is a very large city. Many humans live there, and some beastmen as well. There are kind and welcoming people… but there are also those who seek power and profit."
Suho exhaled slowly, thinking about the enormity of it. His crimson eyes scanned the forest as if he could already see the city in the distance.
"If that is the case… the royal capital must have a palace for the king and princess, right?"
Aria's lips curved slightly into a smile.
"Yes… the princess is named Alicia von Arclight, and the king is Raven von Arclight."
Kaito's eyes widened sharply, his hands clenching involuntarily.
"Princess…? Wait, is she… beautiful?"
Aria nodded, her golden eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Yes, she is very beautiful. Many men try to court her, but she refuses all of them. There is a rumor… she favors tall, strong men with white hair and red eyes."
Suho's crimson eyes flickered subtly, a faint blush rising on his cheeks.Kaito, however, clenched his fists, his voice sharp and determined.
"White hair, red eyes, tall, strong… That's the type? Huh… sounds like Suho."
Suho shot Kaito a flustered look.
"Kaito! Don't… you don't know if she likes me!"
Kaito smirked, a spark of mischief in his golden eyes.
"Even so… I won't give up. I'll get her!"
At that moment, Aria's voice rang out, sharp and loud, breaking the tension.
"Suho!! You better not meet that princess!! You already have me!!"
Suho's crimson eyes widened. His face turned slightly red.
"I-I know! Don't worry!" he stammered, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
Kaito leaned back slightly, still smirking, and whispered teasingly.
"Even humans who have passed the limits and become Level 10 deities fear her, huh?"
Suho's eyes narrowed instinctively, and he leaned closer to Kaito, his voice dropping to a whisper.
"Kaito… we need to hide our power. Don't let anyone know how strong we are."
Kaito's eyes gleamed with understanding.
"Right. Understood. No flashy Level 10 magic… at least for now."
Suho exhaled slowly, nodding.The forest path seemed calmer, but the knowledge of human cities, royal capitals, and powerful rulers weighed heavily on him.
As they continued, Suho's eyes scanned the terrain carefully.Tall pine trees towered over the path, their thick roots winding like serpents around stones and earth.The forest floor was dotted with moss-covered rocks, fallen branches, and occasional glowing mushrooms — remnants of this world's subtle magic.Every sound — the rustle of leaves, the distant call of a hawk, the snap of a twig — was analyzed instinctively by both Suho and Kaito. Their senses, sharpened by three years of survival, detected the tiniest movement.
Aria padded quietly beside Suho, her small claws brushing the soil softly. She occasionally sniffed the air, alert to any dangers, and kept her tail low in a sign of nervousness.
"Big brother," she asked, breaking the silence, "are you two always this strong?"
Suho glanced down at her, his crimson eyes softening.
"Strong enough to protect ourselves… and you. That's all that matters."
Kaito's smirk returned, but it was more playful than usual.
"Yeah… though we'd better hide it, or we'll attract trouble. And the humans… well, they might not be ready for gods wandering around."
Suho's lips curved into a small, serious smile.
"Exactly. We'll move carefully. And we'll avoid unnecessary conflicts… at least for now."
Hours passed as they traversed through the thick forest.The air was crisp and clean, filled with the scent of pine and earth. Sunlight filtered through gaps in the canopy, painting the forest floor with golden patterns.The occasional rustle of leaves, the distant roar of a monster, or the call of a bird kept their senses alert.
Aria occasionally stopped to examine a flower or a peculiar insect, her golden eyes full of wonder.
"Big brother… look at this flower! It's so pretty!"
Suho knelt down, inspecting the small blue blossom.
"It is… simple, yet beautiful. The small things in this world often hide the most wonder."
Aria's tail swished happily, and her ears twitched at his words.
Kaito muttered under his breath, his gaze flicking between Suho and Aria.
"Hmph… looks like the little sister thing is really cemented. I can't compete with that… but I'll find my own way."
Suho glanced at Kaito briefly, sensing the subtle tension but not wanting to make it awkward.
"Don't worry, Kaito. You'll find someone too… when the time comes."
Kaito smirked but didn't reply, his pride intact, though his eyes flickered toward the trees nervously, as if he was calculating something.
By late afternoon, the forest began to thin, and the first signs of open plains appeared.Suho paused, scanning the horizon. In the far distance, faint outlines of human settlements could be seen — small towns connected by winding roads, smoke rising gently from chimneys.Beyond them, on the horizon, a distant glitter hinted at the royal capital — tall spires shining in the sunlight, flags fluttering in the wind, and the faint silhouette of a massive palace.
Suho's crimson eyes gleamed subtly, but he said nothing aloud.Aria's ears twitched, and she held his hand tightly, her golden eyes wide with awe.
"Big brother… that… that must be the royal capital!"
Kaito's jaw dropped slightly, his usual smirk fading into genuine surprise.
"No way… that's enormous… and it's so far away, yet it looks… alive."
Suho nodded slowly, his thoughts racing.
"Yes… and we have to move carefully. Any careless action, and the humans could notice us. Especially in the capital. They're used to order, law, and… well, rulers."
Aria tilted her head, curious.
"Big brother… you… you're scared?"
Suho shook his head gently.
"No. Not scared. Cautious. This world… it's vast. And even the smallest mistakes can have consequences."
Aria nodded slowly, understanding but also feeling a surge of excitement.
"I… I want to see it! The city, the king… the princess!"
Suho's crimson eyes flickered nervously toward her. He gently squeezed her hand.
"Patience. Soon, you will see it… but for now, we must focus on staying safe."
As the three continued toward the distant city, the sun began to dip toward the horizon.The golden light bathed the landscape in warmth, while shadows stretched across the ground, painting long silhouettes of the travelers.Suho glanced at Aria, her small form walking confidently beside him, and then at Kaito, who still radiated quiet pride and energy.
A quiet smile formed on Suho's lips.
"Whatever lies ahead… we will face it together."
Aria's tail swished happily at his words, and even Kaito's usual smirk softened slightly.
The forest gave way to rolling plains, and the first hints of the human kingdom beckoned in the distance — promising adventure, danger, and the strange, delicate bonds of friendship that tied the trio together.
The sun had nearly disappeared behind the horizon, painting the sky in fiery shades of orange and crimson. The forest around them was bathed in twilight, shadows stretching long between the trees. Suho paused for a moment, his crimson eyes scanning the path ahead. The distant silhouette of the Royal Capital gleamed faintly in the last rays of light.
He turned to Aria and Kaito, his expression calm yet commanding.
"Hold on to me tightly," Suho said.
Aria blinked up at him, her golden eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of worry.
"Why… why should we hold onto you, big brother?"
Kaito, however, already understood. He glanced at Suho, a wry grin forming on his lips.
"Ah… I see what you're planning," Kaito muttered under his breath.
Aria's ears twitched nervously.
"I… I don't know, but… okay!"
She stepped closer, grasping Suho's arm tightly. Kaito followed suit, a bit more reluctant but still gripping Suho's other arm.
"Good," Suho said, a faint smile tugging at his lips."I need to use a spell first. Stay close."
He extended both hands, murmuring an incantation under his breath. A soft golden aura began to swirl around their bodies. The spell was Aegis of Eternity, a protective barrier that could withstand extreme pressure and high-speed travel, ensuring no harm would befall those inside.
The golden shield shimmered and solidified, wrapping around all three of them. Aria's eyes sparkled with awe, though a faint shiver ran down her spine.
"Big brother… it's beautiful…" she whispered.
Suho's crimson eyes softened for a brief moment.
"It's for you… and Kaito. Now… watch closely."
He raised his hand, and an intense white light began to surge around him — a rare and ancient form of magic known only to the most skilled.
"Light Sprint!" he shouted.
Instantly, Suho and the two attached to him vanished in a brilliant flash of light. The world around them blurred into streaks of color. Trees, rocks, and the forest floor became streaks of gold and green as they accelerated across the land.
In a matter of less than five seconds, the Royal Capital — nearly forty kilometers away — was directly in front of them.
Aria's eyes were wide, her mouth open in shock.
"B-Big brother… that… that was… so fast! You… you're incredible!"
Suho slowed slightly, letting the magic dissipate. The Aegis of Eternity dissolved gently around them.
"Alright," Suho said calmly, stepping down, "you two can get off now."
Kaito let out a groan, staggering slightly as he dismounted.
"I-I'm still not used to that… the acceleration… everything…" he muttered, clutching his stomach.
Then, with a sudden grimace, Kaito ran a few steps and vomited violently on the cobblestone street.
Aria recoiled quickly, her wolf ears flattening in disgust.
"Ugh… Kaito! That's gross!" she exclaimed, holding her nose.
Suho chuckled softly, his crimson eyes gleaming with amusement.
"Are you alright, Aria?" he asked, his voice gentle.
She nodded quickly, her golden eyes still sparkling with excitement.
"I'm fine… I'm just amazed, big brother. You're… so strong!"
Suho's crimson eyes glinted with pride as a small smile spread across his face.
"Yes… I am strong," he said lightly, laughing. "Hahaha."
Kaito, still wiping his mouth, looked at Suho with a mixture of jealousy and admiration.
"Hmph… yeah, that's true. You're way too strong, Suho."
Suho's gaze softened as he turned toward the massive gates of the Royal Capital. Stone walls towered high, adorned with carvings depicting the history of the kingdom. Soldiers in polished armor patrolled along the walls, their spears and shields gleaming in the fading light.
Two guards at the gate noticed them approaching. Their eyes narrowed as they gripped their halberds, but they did not immediately raise the alarm.
"Halt! Who are you? Identify yourselves!" one of the guards called out.
Suho stepped forward, his crimson eyes calm and unthreatening.
"We are merely humans who have lived in the forest for the past three years. We mean no harm."
The guards exchanged a glance, then burst out laughing.
"Ha! You lived in the forest for three years, and yet you appear here without anyone noticing? Very well… enter the Royal Capital."
Suho nodded respectfully.
"Thank you… but I will return. There is something I need to do first."
"Very well. Then, until we meet again," the guard replied, still chuckling.
With that, Suho, Aria, and Kaito vanished from sight, leaving no trace behind. The guards blinked in surprise, realizing the sheer speed at which the trio had disappeared.
Aria opened her eyes and gasped softly.Before them lay the Beastman village, bathed in the soft light of dusk. Smoke rose gently from small chimneys, and the faint laughter of villagers echoed across the open fields.
"We're… back?" Aria whispered, awe in her voice.
Suddenly, a whistle pierced the air, followed by the sharp twang of arrows aimed directly at Suho and Kaito.
Suho's crimson eyes narrowed. He tensed for a moment, then flicked his hand. The arrows swerved mid-flight, a subtle magical wind guiding them harmlessly into the trees. Kaito's black hair bristled as he dodged instinctively, though a small laugh escaped him.
"Is that all? Too easy," Suho muttered, a faint smirk on his face.
A voice rang out from the village gate, sharp and filled with concern.
"Who are you?! Why are you with Aria?"
Suho bowed slightly, his tone calm yet firm.
"She was lost and wanted to return home. I am merely helping her."
The gatekeeper studied Suho's expression, his eyes lingering on the calm, confident aura surrounding the young man. Slowly, he nodded.
"Very well… you may enter."
Aria's golden eyes glimmered with relief. She hugged Suho's arm tightly.
"Big brother… thank you…" she whispered.
Suho gently patted her head, his crimson eyes softening.
"You're safe now. That's all that matters."
Kaito, still recovering from the earlier sprint, shook his head with a grin.
"Man… I swear, Suho… you're impossible. Light Sprint, Aegis of Eternity… you're like a legend walking among us."
Suho chuckled, turning toward the village.
"Legends aren't built by hiding. Let's make sure she gets home safely first. Then… we'll see what's next."
Aria's tail swished happily as they walked through the village streets. The sun dipped below the horizon completely, casting a serene twilight over the village. Smoke from the chimneys spiraled gently into the sky, mingling with the stars that began to twinkle above.
"Big brother…" Aria murmured, glancing up at Suho."I… I want to be strong like you someday."
Suho's crimson eyes softened, and he smiled warmly.
"You will, Aria. You just need patience and courage… and maybe a little magic."
Kaito, walking behind them, muttered quietly, his voice tinged with admiration and jealousy.
"Yeah… Suho's ridiculous. But… somehow, it makes sense that he's so strong."
The three of them continued forward, moving past the familiar thatched cottages, past children laughing and villagers tending their evening chores. The Beastman village was alive with simple beauty — the kind that reminded Suho of why he valued protecting what was dear to him.
As they approached the central plaza, the village elders emerged from their homes, their eyes wide with recognition and concern.
"Aria! Is that you?" one called out.
"I… I'm back," Aria said softly, her voice trembling with emotion.
Suho stepped forward, his expression calm yet commanding.
"She was lost. I brought her home safely. There is nothing to fear."
The elders exchanged glances, then slowly nodded, trusting Suho's words. Relief and gratitude washed over their faces as they allowed the trio to continue into the heart of the village.
Aria looked up at Suho, her golden eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
"Big brother… I'm… I'm so glad you were here."
Suho's crimson eyes softened, and he smiled, a mixture of pride and warmth washing over him.
"You're safe now, Aria. That's all that matters. Always remember that."
The stars above twinkled brightly, as if celebrating the safe return of a lost child, the bond of friendship, and the silent strength of a young man who had mastered powers few could comprehend.