The room grew solemn. Wayla and Stanley froze, their faces pale. They both recognized the voice that had just spoken—and the moment they heard it, a sharp, invisible prickle ran down their spines like needles against bare skin.
Silence stretched too long.
Then the voice spoke again, deep and laced with warning.
"I'll give you ten seconds to speak... or you'll suffer the consequences of waking me up. And believe me—it won't be pleasant."
That threat jolted Stanley into action. He stammered, his voice trembling, "S-sir... it's me. S-Stanley. There's something important—really important—you need to know."
The voice scoffed with disdain. "Damn, your voice is still disgusting. I'd let your bitch speak, but hers is as grating and ugly as her face." He paused, then added with a shift in tone, "Go on. Is there a problem with the human pup?"
For some reason, his last words weren't sharp with malice.
Stanley didn't waste time. He spoke quickly, trying to be clear.
"Sir, over the past few years, the kid's tried to run dozens of times, but I always managed to keep him around. Now... something's happening. Something beyond my control. I need your help."
A low hum answered on the other end.
"Go on," the beast man said.
"A few days ago, a group from a powerful organization showed up and took control of the village. They got interested in the kid... and recruited him. He's preparing to leave with them. I can't stop them. I don't have the strength."
A faint growl vibrated through the line, tinged with both irritation and anger.
"That's it? Fine. I'll see what I can do."
But just as the transmission was about to cut off, Stanley blurted, "Wait! Sir—there's more!"
An irritated snarl came through. "I don't want your narrative bullshit. Just spit it out, pig."
Stanley tried to curry favor. "S-sir, if that was all, I wouldn't have dared to bother you." He hesitated, then said, "We've received word that a large army is advancing toward the Beast Forest. A subjugation campaign. They're led by the Crown Prince himself. And as you know... we're all criminals here. If they reach us, we'll be slaughtered—every last one of us. Even the kid won't be spared."
The beast man hummed thoughtfully. "An army, you say... how large?"
"I'm not sure. But the man who told me claimed it's ten thousand strong."
"Hmm... ten thousand. Not a small number, even for ants." A pause. Then, "Fine. I'll make sure the army never finds your little hole. As for the kid... it'll work out somehow."
The transmission cut off.
Far away, in a chamber more extravagant than any palace throne room, someone groaned in annoyance.
"Ugh... I don't want to get out of bed. This is so damn annoying. All because of that damn causality. Should've minded my own business back then…"
It was the same creature Stanley had spoken to. Contrary to what Stanley imagined, the beast man didn't dwell in a dark cave filled with bones and shadows. No—his bedroom alone would put a royal suite to shame.
The furniture was inlaid with glittering gems. The bed was enormous, its sheets made of fine, silken fabric worth a king's ransom. The walls were lined with ornate, priceless paintings, and the deep green marble floor gleamed underfoot.
Groaning, the beast man finally rolled out of bed. He padded into a vast study just as lavish as his room. He touched a crystal orb resting on his desk. It pulsed with light, and a glowing image appeared—of a lion with deep blue eyes and a red mane.
"How have you been, little brother?" the beast man asked, his voice suddenly cheerful and casual.
The lion scoffed and clicked his tongue. "Better than you will ever be, Desmound. Funny how you always call when you want a favor."
Desmound, the panther-like beast man, laughed. "Ha! You know I'm a busy man. But this time, I'm not asking for anything. I'm calling to warn you."
The lion narrowed his eyes. "You think I'm still a cub that needs your protection? Mind your damn business. I don't need you worrying about me."
Desmound chuckled. "Soon, an army of humans will be stomping through your turf. They're calling it a subjugation campaign or whatever. I'm just saying—deal with them before they get too deep into the forest. If that old man in the woods gets involved... your house might not be standing much longer."
The lion's eyes glinted with murderous intent, one might think that an army of ten thousand humans might a threat but it's just in the eyes of humans. In the eyes of powerhouses like this two beastmen.
The royal family think that they have dealt with most none-human population in their purge but they didn't know that inside the very forest that they covet exist a civilization of beastman with very powerful leaders that can flatten their notion of the word "powerful".
The lion growled. "These bastards never learn. Last time they tried something like this, I retaliated by burning one of their cities to the ground."
"Well, you know humans—arrogant and stupid." Desmound chuckled
The lion raised a brow. "Says the hypocrite who lives like them."
Desmound grinned. "What can I say? They're a crafty bunch. They know how to live—I'll give them that." He leaned back on his fancy chair and laughed. "Besides, remember what Father used to say—'When you hunt, keep the good parts and discard the rest.' That's exactly what I do! HAHAHA"
He continued laughing, not even noticing his brother had already ended the call. When he finally realized, he snorted.
"At least say thank you, you ungrateful bastard."
Desmound stood, returned to his chamber, and donned his legendary black armor—an outfit that struck fear into the hearts of all who faced him before they met their demise. Then he stepped outside.
If the army were hiding behind fortified walls, maybe they'd have a ten percent chance of survival. But in the open field?
They're doomed.
His only concern now... was the kid.
Outside, Desmound stood in the heart of a forest so dense that sunlight barely touched the ground.
Suddenly, a swirl of purple smoke escaped his mouth. It circled him, dancing through the air, then darted away.