Do not forget to check the profile of the original author!

  https:///c/BlightMansion

  https:///book/revolucion-da-curandeira_32263807400879905

  - It wouldn't be a problem! I know how to do magic! I could use it if I were in danger! - said the Young Green, trying to sound confident.

  - Really? And you think your magic could take down a giant boar? - Satouma asked, arching an eyebrow.

  - Yeah... no. But at least it could scare it away... - admitted the Young Green, looking away.

  - “Look, I know you're worried and want to help the adults, but staying away from danger is best for everyone - for them and for your safety,” said Satouma, keeping his voice firm but gentle.

  Dealing with children wasn't much different from dealing with my Kouhais in my world. Sometimes I needed to be direct and tell the truth bluntly. At other times, it was better to speak in a softer way, so that they understood the situation without feeling intimidated.

  I bent down and put a hand on each of their shoulders to show that I wasn't a threat.

  - You'd better get back before the road gets dangerous. It's still pretty clear.

  - She's right. We'd better get back,” agreed Young Red.

  - Okay... - sighed Young Green.

  After a brief conversation, I managed to convince them to show me the way. Now that I know that this forest is home to rge creatures like that, I'd have a guilty conscience if I left them alone to get into another mess - especially knowing that they were here for a noble but naive reason.

  As much as they were monsters like me, they posed no immediate threat. Still, I couldn't underestimate them, even though they were only children. However, after our conversation, I realized that they had a good heart. With that thought, I let them lead me to their vilge.

  ***

  The route was enigmatic, but strategically designed. They followed an improvised trail deep into the forest. Despite their young age, they seemed to have been trained for a long time to take this kind of route, probably to make it more difficult to track them down.

  Along the way, I heard something interesting. Being children, I only grasped the basic concept of what they were saying and tried to assimite the information. The one who saw me as a threat was the smarter of the two - I assume he was also the older one. He mentioned the disappearance of the god they worshipped, a recent event. I didn't need to be a genius to understand that he was referring to Syphus.

  As he had told me before going to sleep, the presence of Syphus was noticeable throughout the forest. It wouldn't be unusual for some races to worship him as a savior or a feared deity. I preferred not to go into details. However, his disappearance generated a ripple effect: many monsters began to move, and the number of adventurers in the region also increased. A chain reaction, where one event fed the other.

  From what I understand, they had settled in recently, as the trail was still new.

  When we arrived at the vilge... well, my reception wasn't the best.

  The adults were gathered in the center of the vilge, reluctant to see me. However, as soon as they saw me arriving with the two youngsters holding my hands, they calmed down. The little ones excitedly expined that I was a powerful ally.

  Whenever I visited a new pce, I let the hosts take the floor before I spoke. This time, things got a little out of hand.

  The vilge was rudimentary, not to say disorganized. The dwellings... well, they weren't houses as such. They were makeshift tents or shacks, albeit functional for their kind. I shouldn't have been surprised to see them living together like this.

  I was guided to one of these simple constructions, still being seen as a possible threat. I don't bme them. Perhaps my appearance or even my makeshift clothing made them wary. Still, my cloak seemed more appropriate than the rags they were wearing.

  The interior of the hut was simple. The straw and twig roof were already worn down, with visible holes in it. The walls were made of stacked wood, something like a survival hut.

  I don't usually judge other people's homes, but even the worst-rated apartments in my world would be safer than this pce.

  - I apologize for keeping you waiting. We've just returned from the hunt. - The deep voice came from a tall, red-skinned man who had just entered.

  Judging by his clothing and the neckce of bones around his neck - clearly from common tusks, not human ones - I deduced that he was the vilge leader.

  - Oh, don't worry. I didn't wait long. I think I'm the one who should apologize for showing up uninvited. - I replied, keeping a cordial tone.

  Even though I'd waited a long time, making a bad impression wasn't an option. I mean, worse than I'd already made.

  Luckily, my business knowledge could be useful here. At the moment, I needed to use my wit to better understand the situation.

  - In this respect, you can consider yourself an honored guest. The younger ones told us what happened. You have my gratitude.

  He sat down on the floor in front of me and bowed slightly, showing sincere gratitude.

  - Don't exaggerate, it was just a good deed. I couldn't leave the younger ones in danger.

  The moment I mentioned the children, a female of their species approached, serving us something. Even the gsses were rudimentary, made of hollowed-out wood. Inside, only water. In respect for the gesture, I took a sip.

  - I don't suppose you sent them hunting... or am I wrong?

  In nature, some wild species put their young through trials to prepare them from an early age. I assumed it might be simir with monsters. But I could also be wrong.

  - On the contrary. They, like the other youngsters, want to help the adults in their work. We established our vilge here recently. You must be aware of the increase in monster activity in the forest, right?

  - In a vague way.

  - Many, like the members of this vilge, used to live peacefully under the protection of our god. But with his disappearance, other species of monsters have invaded the territory. Both those as inferior as us and more evolved races are making inroads throughout the forest.

  Another piece of the puzzle.

  The disappearance of Syphus has really upset the bance in the region.

  Taken to the extreme, this was akin to “every man for himself”.

  In my world, wars have been fought for simir reasons. In isoted territories with no government or leadership, there is always someone willing to take power.

  When it comes to monsters, each species has its own way of acting. What was once a peaceful environment now became a scenario of survival, where everyone fought to ensure their existence.

  Vaku