---
Chapter 5: Journey to the Orphanage
It was the first time Jefel had ever left Taboon.
The carriage rattled along dirt roads, crossing minor districts and weaving through regions he had only heard about in whispers. His eyes widened at every sight—the bustling merchants shouting deals, weapon-smiths hammering steel, hunters bartering trophies, jewelers flashing crystals, and even the dazzling currency halls where bronze, silver, and gold exchanged hands like flowing water.
His heart beat faster. So this… is the outside world.
Before he could sink too deep into the wonder, a stern voice cut through the hum of wheels.
"You need to keep your aura in check, boy," Lark's deep tone rumbled. "It's intoxicating this young lady already. If you're fine with being eaten alive, then let it flow. But remember—the place we're going is filled with far worse women than her. If they sense you like this… you'll be nothing more than a toy. A pretty, broken toy."
Jefel swallowed hard.
Tink!
[System]
—All aura levels are now sealed—
Almost immediately, Lucy's bright eyes dulled. She leaned back, bored, as the pull she felt moments ago faded. Lark, however, allowed himself a small, satisfied smirk.
"By the way, I'm Lark. This is Lucy," he said.
"I'm Jefel," the boy replied quickly, keeping etiquette even though they already knew his name.
Lucy leaned forward, curiosity sharpening her gaze. "Are you a mutuator by any chance? I can sense… something around you. What beast's bloodline do you carry?"
"It's around him, not in him. Don't be silly, Lucy," Lark interrupted.
Her head snapped toward him, her eyes narrowing. "Was I talking to you?" she hissed, rolling her eyes before turning back to Jefel.
Jefel blinked in confusion. She's… weird.
"System," he whispered in his mind. "What the hell is a mutuator?"
[Mutuators: Individuals who infuse beast bloodlines to gain strength when lacking natural talent. Some who already awaken and still mutate are called Anomalies. They stand above ordinary mutuators, balancing both talent and mutation.]
Jefel's brows furrowed. "Oh… so that's what it means. No—I'm normal. I'm not a mutuator," he replied firmly.
"He's not lying," Lark confirmed via mind link, his trait exposing falsehoods instantly.
Lucy scoffed but dropped the subject. For a while, the carriage rolled in silence… until Jefel's curiosity got the better of him.
System, scan Lucy.
Tink!
[System Scanning…]
—Danger Approaching—
His heart skipped. What?! The system… failed?
"Well, well, well…" Lucy's voice carried a calm fury, making the air tighten.
Lark's head whipped toward Jefel. His jaw clenched. "Boy… what have you done this time? Can't you just sit quietly without causing trouble?"
"I—I didn't know," Jefel stammered. His chest tightened; dread seeped into his bones.
Lucy's pupils narrowed like slits. "Sorry? Do you even realize what you attempted? You probed me. A mortal brat, not even awakened, with nothing but a fragile blue core not halfway through its minor stage… dared to scan me?"
White aura rippled faintly around her, and Jefel froze as a ghostly image of a white tiger's eyes opened behind her—eyes that pierced his soul.
Pain exploded in his chest. He clutched his head and screamed.
[System]
—Soul Drain: 5%—
«Countermeasures Initiated»
His vision blurred, but he forced himself not to collapse.
"Lucy!" Lark barked, his own aura flaring in alarm. "Are you insane? Do you want to kill him?"
She ignored him, gaze fixed on Jefel. "So… you endured my first soul strike. Impressive. Most would have shattered instantly. But can you endure a second? Unless…" Her lips curled. "…you tell me everything about yourself."
Jefel's throat tightened. He could barely breathe, but the fear of death forced words out of him. He spoke—his past, his struggles, his survival. His voice cracked, strained, every word cutting deeper into his weakening soul. He hid one truth though—the blue tiger he fought. If she finds out I killed a tiger, she might rip me apart.
When he finished, Lucy leaned back, satisfied but not fooled. She knew he held something back, yet she didn't press. Instead, she summoned a small vial glowing faintly in her hand.
"Drink," she ordered, holding it out.
Jefel hesitated, but the system confirmed the truth.
Tink!
[System Scanning Item]
—Soul Elixir (High Grade)—
Effect: Heals and strengthens the soul.
He accepted it, tilting the vial. Though the liquid looked like air, tasteless and transparent, the moment it slid down his throat a soothing warmth spread through him. The pain vanished.
[System]
—Soul Elixir (High Grade) Consumed—
+2 Soul Points—
Jefel gasped in relief. For the first time since Lucy's attack, he could breathe freely.
Lark slumped back with a heavy sigh, speaking only through mind link. You're insane, Lucy. Absolutely insane.
She ignored him.
"Word of advice, boy," Lark finally said aloud, his voice rough with irritation. "Don't ever probe someone stronger than you. Most won't be as forgiving as her."
Jefel nodded quickly, bowing his head in gratitude. I'll remember. Never again…
The carriage continued rolling across the land, as if nothing had happened—though Jefel knew this was only the beginning of the dangers that awaited him.