Sifu left Grov's office in silence, neither words nor emotions crossing his lips.
Behind him, Grov slumped back into his chair, raising a glass and pouring himself more wine. His voice, slurred and heavy with drink, echoed through the room:
Grov:
"Come on… have a drink. You're always drowning in depression…"
Sifu tilted his head back, eyes fixed on the ceiling—his expression saying what his mouth could not: I can't take this anymore.
Meanwhile, down in the square of Rock City, Eli continued to mock Las relentlessly, her laughter sharp and teasing, fueling his frustration even further.
At the far edge of the square, on a weathered bench, three figures sat quietly, their eyes fixed on Las and Eli.
They were:
Scav — a ten-year-old red panda boy, standing 1.60 meters tall, with chestnut-brown eyes burning with curiosity.
Piu — a black squirrel boy of the same age, smaller in stature at 1.30 meters, his sharp green eyes watching intently.
Vroom — a pale white chipmunk boy, 1.50 meters tall, with striking red eyes that gleamed like embers.
The three of them formed an unbreakable bond—an inseparable group, closer than brothers, bound by loyalty and friendship.
Scav looked at Las with a mocking grin.
Scav:
"What's wrong, monkey boy? Whining again?"
Las glared back at him, his face twitching with anger.
Las:
"Shut up, you brown squirrel!"
Scav stomped his foot and snapped back, sticking out his tongue.
Scav:
"I'm not brown! I'm a red panda, you idiot!"
Vroom chuckled, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Vroom:
"Maybe he's confused from all the beatings Eli gives him during training. Poor guy can't even tell colors apart anymore."
He burst out laughing.
Las shot up from the ground, fists clenched tight, his whole body trembling with fury as he got ready for a fight.
Las:
"Come on then! Brown fur, white fur—get over here so I can kick your butts!"
Piu jumped to his feet, chanting excitedly like a cheerleader.
Piu:
"Fight! Fight! Fight!"
Eli groaned, throwing her arms in the air.
Eli:
"Enough already! You're making us all look ridiculous!"
Around the square, the other animals laughed and jeered, enjoying the scene as if it were pure entertainment.
Eli nudged Las with a sly grin.
Eli:
"Las, look—Sifu's passing by."
The moment Las spotted him, he sprinted forward eagerly.
Las:
"Sifu! When do we start training?"
Sifu let out a weary sigh.
Sifu:
"Not today. I'm tired. Tomorrow."
Las clenched his fists, his voice rising in protest.
Las:
"No! I want to train now!"
Without hesitation, Sifu raised his staff and smacked Las on the head with it.
Sifu:
"Haste and stubbornness… are great weaknesses. If you wish to train today, then start by training yourself in patience… and self-control."
Las winced, turning his head away angrily, watching as Sifu slowly walked off into the distance.
Eli, along with Piu, Vroom, and Scav, gathered around him.
Eli chuckled, her eyes glinting with mischief.
Eli:
"From what I see, you've grown yourself a brand-new bump!"
Scav, Piu, and Vroom burst into laughter.
Las groaned, gritting his teeth as he started whining again, furious that everyone was making fun of him.
SAME NIGHT 🌙
Everyone slept soundly, except for the guards stationed atop the stone wall, keeping watch over the world beyond the city
Outside the walls, deep within the darkness, heavy footsteps echoed.
A lone black figure staggered forward.
A harsh cough broke the silence… droplets of blood splattered against the ground.
Moments later, the figure collapsed with a thunderous crash, like a boulder striking stones
One of the guards shouted to the others beside him:
Guard:
"Did you see that… in the darkness?"
The others stared into the void, unease gnawing at them. Then, suddenly, something vast and shadowy began to emerge, its form towering within the gloom.
Several guards advanced cautiously, torches raised high, their flames trembling in the night air.
And when the light finally revealed the black figure…
Terror seized their faces.
One guard, his voice breaking with fear, cried out:
Guard:
"Alert the mayor… call Grov immediately!"