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  - Your eye...

  He gave a half-smile before shrugging.

  - Ah! Don't worry about it. Just one of the many wounds we acquire in life. But as long as I have one to see out of, I can still continue to explore these nds.

  There was something almost poetic about his response, but I wasn't here to sympathize.

  I crossed my arms and got straight to the point:

  - All right, let's cut the bullshit. You're in our territory right now and, from what I can see, you don't look like a threat. I can offer my help, but first I want some answers.

  He ughed, clearly amused by my approach.

  - I'm an open book, with no secrets. Luckily for you, I'm the type who likes to talk. And besides... how could a wounded dwarf like me be a threat?

  He had a point.

  I sighed, mentally scolding myself. I had decided not to judge anyone who came around here, and yet here I was, acting suspicious. Perhaps it was my newly acquired monster instinct kicking in.

  But regardless, I couldn't just ignore his condition.

  I approached and slung an arm around his back, lifting him up with a single movement.

  - He-hey!

  He was startled, clearly not expecting me to pick him up like that.

  I thought he would be heavier, but I was wrong. His body was lighter than expected, perhaps because he was exhausted or malnourished.

  If we tried to walk back to the vilge, he probably wouldn't make it. I could heal him straight away, but I needed to be sure of his intentions before using my power on him.

  I started walking, keeping a steady pace.

  - So... a dwarf. What are you doing so isoted in this part of the forest?

  A

  The strange dwarf in front of me crossed his arms, watching me with an appraising look before giving me a wry little smile.

  - As I told you, I'm just passing through. You could say that my species is a bit curious, but I think I could say the same about you, Miss Draconato.

  - Her eyes sparkled with a certain interest. - I thought your species preferred higher environments, like the mountains of North Earth.

  I paused for a moment.

  Well, indirectly, I ended up discovering something interesting about myself. Dragons really do like mountains and high pces. Simir species could feel the same kind of attraction. Maybe that's why everyone found my presence here so strange.

  - It's a... complicated story,” I replied, remaining calm. - But I'm just adjusting to my new home.

  He arched an eyebrow.

  - Living on the pins of the Langri Forest? That's something unexpected.

  - We live in a small vilge.

  - “Live”? - He narrowed his eyes. - So there are other draconates in the area?

  I shook my head.

  - No, at the moment I'm the only one. I'm sharing a home with the orcs.

  There was a brief silence before he let out a sound of surprise.

  - Orcs? In this part of the forest? Things have really changed since the disappearance of the Abyssal Dragon Syphus... But wait, are you the one who commands the ants?

  I crossed my arms, studying his expression.

  - Two species living together? Is that so rare?

  - Not so much, it's just unexpected. Rock ants are natural predators, and orcs... well, they're experienced hunters. Uniting these two groups under a single command is no easy task.

  A series of events led to this alliance, but in the end, uniting the best of both species was the path to prosperity for both.

  The conversation followed a curious rhythm, and I took the opportunity to ask a question.

  - Mr. Dwarf, do you have a name?

  He ughed softly, as if he thought my question was too obvious.

  - Starko'gus, at your service. I wish my greeting were more appropriate, given the situation. - His gaze narrowed. - Forgive me for being so bold, but... are you also a named monster?

  The way he asked made me realize that “named monsters” were not common.

  - In a way, yes. My name is Satouma.

  Starko'gus. A curious but memorable name. Perhaps the most “normal” I've ever heard in these parts.

  He scratched his beard, thoughtfully, and then cracked a smile.

  - A unique name, I must admit... But tell me, Miss Satouma, am I going to be the feast?

  I frowned.

  - Why do you ask?

  - Oh, nothing much. I just want to know if I'm going to be devoured or not. But I must warn you... dwarf meat isn't as tender as it looks.

  He used irony to ease the tension. I didn't know if it was part of his personality or if it was just a way of hiding his discomfort with the situation.

  I decided to py along.

  - Don't worry, I've already eaten in the morning.

  He blinked a few times before letting out an exaggerated sigh.

  - To be honest, I don't know if hearing that reassures me.

  I let out a slight ugh.

  - It was just a joke. Nothing will happen to you.

  He looked at me sideways.

  - A very dubious sense of humor, if I may say so.

  - Look who's talking...

  The conversation flowed unexpectedly lightly. Despite being injured, Starko'gus maintained a resilient posture, but as time passed, it became clear that he was exhausted. His movements were slower and his breathing slightly heavier.

  As I imagined, he needed rest.

  I asked one of the orcs to take him to one of the vilge's makeshift residences so that he could rest and treat his injuries.

  There were still many questions to be asked, but at least I managed to gather some important information amid the jokes and introductions.

  Starko'gus, according to himself, was a kind of wanderer. He did reconnaissance work, exploring different areas of the Langri Forest and beyond. He even mentioned having visited a human kingdom on one of his trips, which made me curious.

  However, he didn't reveal anything about his pce of origin. Even less about his real purpose.

  But I knew one thing: he wasn't a threat... at least, not yet.

  After making sure he was under the care of the vilge, I went to meet Gashdo and Anthalia, the two oldest representatives of the orcs. I needed to understand what they knew about this situation.

  Gashdo scratched his thick beard, looking at me thoughtfully.

  - Really... it's strange to see a dwarf wandering around these parts of the forest. - His voice was deep, full of obvious skepticism.

  He didn't need to say any more. I already knew that this unexpected visit would bring complications.

  And something told me that Starko'gus knew more than he was letting on.

  Vaku