Chapter 3 — Classified info
"Of course we're human, big sister!" Lucian beamed, puffing his chest proudly. "I'm Lucian, and this is my mom, Aurelia. She's super strong!"
Meanwhile, Aurelia's mind spun on a single question. Husky Hunter… hey system, that's not permanent, right? I don't want this on my résumé.
The reply came instantly, smug as ever: [Of course, host. It's just a joke, not serious.]
Aurelia let out a long sigh. "Good. I don't need people calling me the Husky Slayer."
She turned back to the trembling girl. "Hi… what are you doing in this forest?" she asked, trying to sound like she belonged here. In truth, she and her son had only stumbled into this place a few hours ago, already lost in its pale silence.
Even though Aurelia hadn't flexed any power, the girl felt as if she were standing before someone with immense authority.
"We… we are survivors of the Abyssal War," the girl whispered, voice shaking.
Aurelia blinked. She had only wanted to know if they were hunters or food gatherers. Abyssal War? she thought quickly. Glitchy, what the hell is that?
The system chuckled in her mind. [Oooh, that thing. Classified info. If I tell you now, you'll faint. Don't worry, I'll explain later.]
Aurelia frowned. From that response alone, she knew the Abyssal War wasn't simple.
The girl's eyes grew wet as she continued. "Our group came from the western lands. We camp on the southern side of this forest, near the sea. My father and I went out to scout today… then we encountered the wolf. And now…"
Her voice broke. She collapsed beside the old man's body, hugging him tightly. Aurelia realized instantly — that was her father.
Still, Aurelia had gathered useful information:
- The forest's name was Life Forest.
- People came here to survive.
- Which meant this place wasn't as hopeless as she had feared.
"Hey, girl… what's your name? And how many people are in your group?" Aurelia asked gently.
"My name is Martha. Our group has around five hundred."
"Five hundred…" Aurelia muttered, glancing at Lucian. "That's a good number. If we join them, we'll be safe."
She smiled warmly at Martha while casting a basic healing spell on her.
Martha hesitated, panic flickering across her face. She thought to herself: This woman killed a wolf like it was nothing… now she's curing me. In our world, magic users are nobles, royals, or priests. But this lady's clothes are so different. And she has a child… a mother with power.
Finally, Martha spoke. "Of course, my lady. You can join us."
Aurelia never imagined this would become her second‑largest responsibility in the future.
She chuckled softly. "My lady? Call me Aurelia. That's my name. Can you lead us to your people?"
"Yes… yes, Lady Aurelia," Martha stammered.
Aurelia didn't bother correcting her again. She simply grabbed Lucian's hand and followed Martha.
"Oh wait… shouldn't we do something about your father's body?" Aurelia asked.
Martha froze, uncertain. "Give me some time, Lady Aurelia." She began to dig into the ground with trembling hands.
Seeing this, Aurelia readied a magic bullet to help, but Martha shook her head. "No, thank you, Lady. As a final farewell, I will do this myself."
Aurelia didn't argue. It was her choice. She leaned back against a tree and placed Lucian on her lap.
"What is sister doing?" Lucian asked softly.
"Shhh… don't bother her," Aurelia whispered.
Some time later, Martha finished her farewell, eyes red and wet from tears. She stood shakily and bowed her head. "Let me guide you to my people, Lady Aurelia."
Aurelia hugged her briefly, offering silent comfort. Martha broke down again, crying against her shoulder. For a moment, the forest was filled only with grief and the quiet rustle of leaves.
Hours passed as they walked through the forest. Finally, they arrived at the survivors' camp.
Aurelia's expectations crumbled instantly. She had imagined at least decent conditions — tents, supplies, some organization. Instead, what she saw could only be described one way:
"If they weren't wearing clothes, I might think I'd stepped into a primitive world."
Lucian tugged her sleeve, eyes wide with innocent excitement. "Mom… it looks like camping. I like camping."
Aurelia sighed. "Yeah… camping."
Martha lowered her head, embarrassed. "Yes, Lady Aurelia… our situation is pitiful."