In a forest stood a small wooden house. It was made from logs and surrounded by tall trees. Inside everything was simple.
There were walls, a worn floor and a bed where Haruto lay unconscious.
A faint sound woke him up.
Pain was throbbing in his head as he tried to move. It hurt a lot so he stayed still for a moment. Slowly he opened his eyes. His vision was blurry at first. The ceiling above him was unfamiliar. After a seconds it cleared and he realized he was inside a room.
He turned his head a bit.
Beside the bed sat a girl.
She wasn't human.
She had brown hair and dog-like ears. She sat quietly on a chair watching him without speaking.
Haruto tried to sit up. His body wouldn't obey. A sharp pain shot through his chest.
"Don't move " the girl said calmly. "You're not fully recovered yet."
Haruto stared at her looking tense. It was his time seeing a demi-human face to face.
"…Are you a monster?" he asked weakly. "Are you going to eat me?"
The girl frowned slightly.
"What are you saying?" she replied. "I'm not a monster. I guess… you've never seen a demi-human before."
She stood up. Walked toward a small table. She poured a cup of water. Placed it beside him.
"I understand why you're wary " she said quietly. "Humans hate demi-humans. Many treat us like slaves. So… it's natural for you to be shocked."
Haruto opened his mouth. She continued before he could speak.
"I know you don't trust me.. I won't harm you. If you still feel uneasy after you recover you can leave."
She paused at the doorway.
"Until then… don't try to move."
Without waiting for a response she stepped outside leaving Haruto alone with the sounds of the forest.
He lay back against the wall staring at the ceiling.
"…Sophia " he murmured quietly. "I'm not shocked because I saw a demi-human. I knew about them. But… how can I understand her language?"
The system responded instantly.
[While you were unconscious I analyzed her language patterns. Integrated them into your cognition. That is why you can understand and communicate with her.]
Haruto closed his eyes briefly.
"…. My head… why does it still hurt?"
[Your body sustained damage while you were drowning. Recovery takes time. Rest is recommended.]
Hours passed.
The pain in his chest gradually. The dizziness faded. Eventually Haruto managed to stand though his legs trembled slightly. He looked around the room. It was simple but clean—a table, two chairs, shelves filled with herbs and bandages.
He walked toward the door. Pushed it open.
An endless forest stretched before him.
Tall trees surrounded the house in every direction. There were no roads, no signs of people—only wilderness.
In his condition leaving meant death.
After a moment of silence Haruto made his decision.
He would stay.
Then the door creaked open behind him.
He turned.
The demi-human girl stepped inside carrying a tray of food. She placed it gently on the table. Haruto sat across from her watching her carefully.
"Why did you help me?" he asked. His voice was calm, but cautious. "If I were a person… I could kill you once I recover."
She didn't seem surprised.
"I know " she replied softly. ". I have a magic ability. I can sense intent—malice, kindness… things like that. Not all humans are the same. Some want to enslave us…. Some have helped us too."
She paused for a moment.
"In this world the gods created races humans, demi-humans, elves, demons, beastfolk and others. There were places where different races lived together peacefully."
Her voice grew quieter.
"…My village was one of them."
Her eyes lowered.
"Until that night."
Tears fell silently onto her hands.
"They attacked while we were asleep. No warning. No mercy. Fire everywhere…" Her fingers tightened. "They killed everyone.
The elderly… the children… no one was spared."
Her voice trembled slightly.
"I survived by hiding in the river. After that… I had nothing left. No home. No family. So I came here. This forest is quiet. Peaceful."
She wiped her tears. Looked at Haruto.
"I know you didn't ask for my story.. I wanted you to understand."
Harutos expression darkened.
"…So you're not like the others " he said slowly. "Where did you find me?"
"I was collecting water by the river " she answered. "You were lying there barely breathing. I brought you here."
She hesitated for a moment.
"You've been unconscious for a week."
Harutos eyes widened slightly.
"…A week?"
The weight of lost time settled over him.
The girl. Began cutting the food into smaller pieces.
"If you still don't believe me that's fine " she said quietly. "I won't force you."
Haruto stepped closer his body still weak but steady.
"I didn't say I don't believe you " he replied. "You saved my life. If not for you… I'd be dead."
He paused.
"…Lets be friends. I want to help you. My name is Haruto Kurosawa."
The girl looked at him for a moment before speaking.
"…Miyuki Kiyora."
She was about to say more
Then her ears twitched.
Her expression changed instantly. The softness, in her eyes disappeared, replaced by alertness.
"…Wait " she whispered.
The forest outside fell silent.
No wind. No birds. No insects.
A strange pressure filled the air, heavy and suffocating.
Haruto felt it too.
Something was watching them.
Then
A deafening explosion shattered everything.
The house burst apart in an instant. Wood splintered, flames. The force of the blast threw them into chaos.