The next day, screams shook the village.
A Lurking Beast, a wolf-like monster covered in shadow flames, broke through the forest barrier and attacked. Warriors rushed to defend the villagers, but the monster tore through them easily.
Ren Kai stepped forward.
"Kai! Get back!" his mother shouted.
He ignored her.
The beast lunged—
Time froze.
Only Ren Kai moved.
He touched the beast's forehead with a single finger.
Its body shattered into tiny fragments of light.
When time resumed, the villagers saw the monster vanish instantly, as if erased from existence.
Whispers spread again.
Ren Kai only blinked innocently.
"I think… it just disappeared?"
No one suspected him.
---