In the Nafu Mountains, just over a hundred kilometers from Galica City—where Sei's kingdom stood—the terrain fell under her domain. Yet, dense forests hampered her efforts to establish towns, hampered by a lack of manpower and materials for barricades. Beasts roamed freely, and driving them out risked sending them to nearby villages. With no guards to spare, outsiders or unregistered wanderers often trespassed.
Deep within the forest, a group of creatures gathered, poised for an impending attack. Three figures stood at the cliff's edge, overlooking five thousand neatly aligned beasts below. Each wore bandanas marked with a black scorpion, the emblem of their faction.
The Black Scorpion, a Hube group led by a Columbus named Leo, aimed to capture Soul Eaters for consumption. Known as criminals, they killed to seize Crimson Items—rewards tied to rank. Beta Class earned a Crimson Item, Alpha Class a Crimson Eye, Columbus Class a Crimson Curse, and Warlord Class a land grant.
A Crimson Item could transfer to another if accepted as a new owner upon the original's death, seeking a compatible successor within a month. If none were found, it vanished, returning to Agata Tower as a prize.
Among the leaders, Leo—a lion-like man—stood with a bird-like Hube and a deer-like one. "We must launch the attack tomorrow to deliver new slaves and Crimson Items to our leader swiftly," Leo declared.
"I know, but I'm worried. One soldier we ambushed escaped yesterday. I fear he'll report to Galica," the bird-like figure fretted.
They reached the forest's heart, unaware of encountering Eskapa soldiers, leading to a skirmish. Though victorious, an escapee's survival haunted them—they searched relentlessly.
"Don't worry. I saw his severe wounds—he likely died after leaping into the river," Leo assured, though unease lingered. Time was critical; they avoided Sei's military might, targeting small villages for wealth and slaves instead. Sei couldn't spare troops for these tribes, offering no taxes or benefits.
Unbeknownst to them, the wounded soldier reached Hegar, a tiny town twenty kilometers from the mountains—first on the Black Scorpion's hit list. With five thousand residents, mostly children and elders, it housed the Derola, nature beings with deer-like antler sprouts.
Panic erupted as the injured soldier arrived, warning of nearby bandits. Knowing they might be targets, the under-guarded, non-combative tribe convened. "Chief, what do we do? We've only a hundred fighters, untrained against beasts. We can't win—let's flee," one urged.
Debate flared. Leaving meant losing their homes, built by ancestors over generations. Others prioritized survival, arguing their small numbers couldn't afford losses. "We can rebuild together, but staying means death for nothing," one pleaded.
"No! Abandoning this land, guarded for centuries, dishonors our lineage. And who knows if we'll find a safe haven—other forests might devour us," another countered.
The chief struggled to decide, awaiting a messenger sent to Sei's kingdom for aid. Their wild foxes, swift but not fast, needed twelve hours to reach Galica. "Too long—we'll all die before they return," a voice cried.
Chaos swelled until a scout burst in. "Chief, our scouts spotted smoke from the southern tribe. We suspect the enemy's attacking!"
Fear peaked, pushing the chief to act. "We've no choice—prepare to evacuate immediately."
Meanwhile, in Galica, the Agata Tower hosted the applicants' trials. Ataparag addressed them, boosting their spirits. "I wish you success. May our god guide and protect you today," she said, descending to gather their papers.
Nathaniel seized the moment, approaching her. "Miss Ataparag," he called.
She turned, responding to his tap, but winced, recognizing him. "Can we talk?" he asked.
She forced a smile, panic flickering as she claimed urgent reports for the base. Before he could persist, she hurried off, evading him. "She's definitely avoiding me," he muttered.
Ataparag's steps faltered, her mind racing. "Oh no, after last night, I don't know how to face him," she thought, slipping into a room to hide and steady her breath.
She knew entering Nathaniel's room was a mistake. "What do I do?" she fretted, unaware Nathaniel followed, overhearing.
"So, it's true—you know what you're doing," he said.
Her hair stood on end, stumbling back. "M-Mister N-Nathaniel, what are you doing here?"
He advanced as she retreated, avoiding his gaze, warning he'd miss the trial. Undeterred, he closed in until she hit the wall. "You can't avoid me anymore," he pressed, slamming a hand beside her.
"W-what am I avoiding? Why would I?" she stammered.
"Then why not we discuss about what happend last night?" he challenged.
She feigned ignorance, denying knowledge, but Nathaniel pressed closer, forehead to hers. "I know you're hiding something—you can't evade me now."
"M-Mister Nathaniel, you're too close," she whispered, discomfort evident as she looked away.
He gripped her cheeks, forcing her to meet his eyes. "Look at me, Miss Ataparag, and tell the truth," he said sternly.
"You're too aggressive, Mister Nathaniel," she protested.
Silence hung as he stared, breaking her resolve. "Fine, I'll tell the truth, but please let me go," she murmured, blushing.
He released her cheeks, letting her speak, but first expressed his concern. "I'm worried about what might happen if you try to eat me. I know your pact with Sei—I don't want to be the reason her trust in you breaks," he added.
Ataparag sighed, apologizing. "Yes, I know, but I wouldn't follow through with eating you."
She took his hands, assuring him she'd control herself. Nathaniel clutched his head, dismayed—her awareness confirmed the nightly visits weren't accidents. Noticing his distress, she apologized again, vowing to restrain herself.
He fell silent, grappling with the truth—Ataparag's beastly nature remained unchanged.