-----
[You have reached Level 10/10, your current Level Cap. You can now choose a Class.]
[Do you wish to go to Class Selection?]
"I can choose a Class, just like in the game…!" I nodded eagerly. "Alright, show me what I can get!"
With no issues displaying the options, I moved forward to see them.
Given my pure strength barbarian build, I leaned toward Warrior or Rogue. Warrior would grant even greater raw power and resilience, while Rogue would offer superior flexibility, dexterity, and speed.
[Displaying Available Classes: 5]
[Warrior]: A Novice Starting Class for Adventurers, specializing in close-range weapons and high Stamina for prolonged battles. Your body is your best ally. Strength +80, Vitality +200, Agility +50, Endurance +50.
[Archer]: A Novice Starting Class for Adventurers, adept with long-range weapons, boosting accuracy, dexterity, and senses. Ideal for the cautious. Strength +50, Agility +80, Spirit +30, Luck +30.
[Magician]: A Novice Starting Class for Adventurers, focused on Spell Casting. Grants deeper Magic understanding and Mana control. Inscribes a Rune of Casting on your right hand. Powerful but physically frail. Mana +200, Agility +50, Spirit +80, Resistance +30.
[Healer]: A Novice Starting Class for Adventurers, skilled in Holy Arts. Manipulate Lifeforce to heal wounds or grant temporary buffs. For altruists. Mana +150, Strength +50, Endurance +50, Agility +30, Resistance +70.
[Rogue]: A Novice Starting Class for Adventurers, excelling in stealth and surprise attacks. Lower your presence to strike from behind or use poison. Not for the impatient. Strength +30, Vitality +30, Agility +100, Luck +100.
Just as I remembered. These classes would later branch into dozens of paths. This was an important decision—I had to choose wisely.
"Rogue is so tempting, but Warrior feels safer… though Healer could work too, right? I already have a massive build and a constant surplus of strength bonuses," I said. "What do you think, Freyja?"
[Healer would be a wise choice. You could heal, buff, and protect yourself from magic and curses more effectively. Like right now, your entire arm has been mauled, master. Why don't you drink a potion? Your Physique offers some regeneration, but it's still not safe…]
"Magician seems interesting," I said. "I could make a build I've never done before… Last time I played, I went for Druidic Barbarian. It let me recruit Forest Spirits, eventually shapeshift into giant beasts, and stay incredibly strong. It was amazing swinging a giant axe as a massive bear."
[Magician would be the choice then…]
"Screw it. Let's do that again."
I smiled and pressed [Magician] without hesitation.
[Congratulations! You have chosen [Magician] as your Class.]
[You gained Mana +200, Agility +50, Spirit +80, Resistance +30.]
[A Rune of Casting has been inscribed in your Spell Hand.]
[You have learned the Skill: [Magic Rune: Wild Beast Path – Tier 1: Level 1/10]]
"Wild Beast Path, huh?" I wondered. "Usually the Rune is randomized. Did you choose that for me?"
[No, you got it by chance. It's not completely random, though. It's based on your current achievements and actions. This is how every player used to get unique magic, I assume.]
"I guess I'll be walking that path very soon. Alright, we're done here so—"
[You have reached Level 10/10, your current Level Cap. You can now choose a Class.]
[Do you wish to go to Class Selection?]
"…Eh?"
[Displaying Available Classes: 5]
[Warrior]: A Novice Starting Class for Adventurers, specializing in close-range weapons and high Stamina for prolonged battles. Your body is your best ally. Strength +80, Vitality +200, Agility +50, Endurance +50.
[Archer]: A Novice Starting Class for Adventurers, adept with long-range weapons, boosting accuracy, dexterity, and senses. Ideal for the cautious. Strength +50, Agility +80, Spirit +30, Luck +30.
[Magician]: A Novice Starting Class for Adventurers, focused on Spell Casting. Grants deeper Magic understanding and Mana control. Inscribes a Rune of Casting on your right hand. Powerful but physically frail. Mana +200, Agility +50, Spirit +80, Resistance +30.
[Healer]: A Novice Starting Class for Adventurers, skilled in Holy Arts. Manipulate Lifeforce to heal wounds or grant temporary buffs. For altruists. Mana +150, Strength +50, Endurance +50, Agility +30, Resistance +70.
[Rogue]: A Novice Starting Class for Adventurers, excelling in stealth and surprise attacks. Lower your presence to strike from behind or use poison. Not for the impatient. Strength +30, Vitality +30, Agility +100, Luck +100.
The same five classes appeared again.
"Wait, what is this? Freyja?"
[Looks like we found another problem. The class selection message is frozen…]
"Does that mean I can't get a class? No, wait—I did."
I checked my status. [Magician] was listed there. I successfully changed classes.
But then a wild thought struck me.
"Wait… can I get more?!"
My heart began to race. I stared at the screen with fierce anticipation.
"W-What if it's infinite?"
I clicked [Magician] again, but received an error. So I tried something else.
[Congratulations! You have chosen [Warrior] as your Class.]
[You gained Strength +80, Vitality +200, Agility +50, Endurance +50.]
[You have learned the Skill: [Charge Attack – Tier 1: Level 1/10]]
"It works! It works! Oh my god—AAAHH!"
I was losing my mind with excitement as I selected the remaining classes one after another. The results shattered every expectation I had.
[Congratulations! You have chosen [Archer] as your Class.]
[You gained Strength +50, Agility +80, Spirit +30, Luck +30.]
[You have learned the Skill: [Archery – Tier 1: Level 1/10]]
"Archery! That's… a fine skill."
[Congratulations! You have chosen [Healer] as your Class.]
[You gained Mana +150, Strength +50, Endurance +50, Agility +30, Resistance +70.]
[You have learned the Skill: [Healing Flame – Tier 1: Level 1/10]]
"Healing Flame?!"
[Congratulations! You have chosen [Rogue] as your Class.]
[You gained Strength +30, Vitality +30, Agility +100, Luck +100.]
[You have learned the Skill: [Shadow Step – Tier 1: Level 1/10]]
"Shadow Step! YES!"
By the time I could select no more classes, an overwhelming surge of stacked stat bonuses flooded my body. I collapsed onto the soil, laughing uncontrollably.
"Hahahaha! This is insane! Freyja, you're amazing!"
[I-Is it good? I thought my errors…]
"You may think they're errors, but they're making things far better for me in the long run. Thank you. Let's find more glitches together!"
[I… well, okay? Haha, I'm glad I could be of help, master—I mean, Brunhild.]
"Now, let's see how strong I've become."
-----
[System Owner]: [Brunhild Skadi]
[Titles]: [Red Fang's Young Seer]
[Level]: [10/30]
[Class]: [Magician – Tier 1] [Warrior – Tier 1] [Archer – Tier 1] [Healer – Tier 1] [Rogue – Tier 1]
[Elemental Spirit Root]: [None]
[Spirit Beast Tattoo]: [None]
[Talents]: [Great War Spirit Physique – Tier 2 (B Rank)]
[Traits]: [None]
[Vitality]: [1540]
[Mana]: [1670]
[Strength]: [1110]
[Endurance]: [970]
[Spirit]: [890]
[Resistance]: [760]
[Agility]: [990]
[Luck]: [275]
[Charm]: [800]
[Free Stat Points]: [9]
[Bonded Familiars]:
[Adult Gray Wolf: Fenrir – Tier 1: Rank 10]
[War Spirit of Strength: ??? – Tier 2: Rank 3]
[Skills]:
[Mana Manipulation – Tier 1: Level 9/10]
[Mana Aura – Tier 1: Level 3/10]
[Mana Reinforcement – Tier 1: Level 3/10]
[Weapon Talent: Axe – Tier 1: Level 2/10]
[War Spirit Aura Embodiment – Tier 1: Level 1/10]
[Class Skills]:
[Magic Rune: Wild Beast Path – Tier 1: Level 1/10]
[Charge Attack – Tier 1: Level 1/10]
[Archery – Tier 1: Level 1/10]
[Healing Flame – Tier 1: Level 1/10]
[Shadow Step – Tier 1: Level 1/10]
-----
"Holy sh*t, this is crazy. I feel like I'm cheating."
[You are technically cheating, Brunhild… Well, it's also my fault… I wish I could provide a more balanced experience. It must be boring to get strong so quickly—]
"What?! No, it's not! It's awesome! Also, new level cap… twenty more levels to go. I wonder if I can evolve all five classes at once…" I smiled with growing fascination. "Should I hunt some more?"
I looked into the distance and narrowed my eyes as the sun began to rise.
"Nah, let's go back. It's getting late. I want to have breakfast with everyone. If they find out I'm gone, they're going to start screaming."
I slowly dragged myself home. The moment I arrived, my mother and sister spotted me and charged like ferocious she-beasts.
"BRUNHILD! THERE YOU ARE!"
"WHERE WERE YOU?!"
"W-Wait! Aaahh!"
I started running on instinct as the two women chased me, eyes glowing bright red with fury.
"I'm sorry, please don't hit me!" I cried.
"Aw, we aren't going to hit you! We are going to give you a big hug!" my sister said, spreading her muscular arms. "Come here now!"
"Brunhild Skadi! Stop running away!" My mother leaped and caught me—even with the Goblin Ring equipped. "Got you!"
"Uwaaack!" She wrapped her enormous arms around my neck. I was helpless as she dragged me back to the tent with my sister, both constantly scolding me.
"Why weren't you in the tent?!"
"You passed out yesterday and now you ran off to the forest again?!"
"Just what are you thinking?! Do you think you're invincible now that you got a little stronger?!"
"Look at the wound on your arm. What the hell were you fighting?! Fenrir! Why did you let her run off?!"
"Awwr…?" Fenrir tilted his head, feigning innocence.
Well, I had bribed him with plenty of meat and the promise of more, so he had come along anyway.
"I'm sorry…" I said. "I promise I won't do it again…"
I'll definitely do it again.
"I don't believe you!" my mother said.
"We'll chain you to the tent now, so you can't escape," my sister added.
"A-Are you kidding me?!" I cried.
And they actually did chain me to the tent. While I ate breakfast with everyone, I remained chained to a wooden pillar.
"I am not a dog, what the hell is this!" I complained.
"This is what happens to barbarian children who think they're smarter than their parents," my mother said. "A fine punishment for you, girl! Next time you try anything funny, I am chaining you even more."
"This is inhuman!" I protested.
"No it's not. Stop complaining and eat your vegetables!" my mother nagged.
"We're barbarians—why do we have to eat veggies?" I sighed.
Even in my previous life as an adult, I had hated vegetables. My diet had been terribly unbalanced; I guess that's why that damn reincarnation god called me "bloated." Thankfully, barbarian physiology was incredible—they rarely got fat. They simply grew bigger and stronger the more they ate.
From what I had learned, eating nutritiously was crucial for growing stronger in this world. It wasn't just calories—magic beast meat, magic plants, and spirit vegetables all fueled the body's magical growth.
The Elemental Spiritual Roots, Beast Spirit Tattoos, and Physique expanded exponentially the more one consumed such food and trained or battled using these abilities. Or so I had heard.
Of course, with my system I could keep leveling endlessly, so I didn't need to work hard in that regard… but why not? I would take both routes—my system's cheats and the world's natural "cultivation" path.
Given how vast the Genesis Chronicles Multiverse was, I couldn't afford to slack off. The barbarians of the Green Plains were only the beginning.
"Well, hahaha, do you have to be so angry with her? Our girl came back with lots of game!" my father laughed, patting my back and snapping the chains with his bare hands. "Don't worry, dear. Daddy's here to protect you."
"Hey Ragnar! I told you to stop spoiling our daughter! She's going to grow up all wrong because of you!" my mother complained.
"Tsk, what's wrong with praising my little baby girl? She did her best, right?" he asked, patting my head. "Look how many things she hunted! She even brought down a whole Demon Wolf! Those things are not just rare—they're hard to kill for most! I was only able to kill one when I was seventeen. She's not even eleven yet and already took one down! That's my daughter!"
"Uh, couldn't you bring him alive?" my brother sighed. "Demon Wolves are such rare specimens and such majestic creatures! Please don't hunt too much if it's not necessary, okay sister?"
"Eeeh, I'm going to hunt them if I see them, bro," I shrugged. "I know your powers let you befriend beasts, but come on—that thing was looking at me like it wanted to tear me to shreds. I can't just talk to it and make it my friend like you can!"
"Ugh, so mean! You're already sounding like dad!" my brother complained. "Father, you're a terrible influence on her!"
"What?!" My father looked shocked. "You damn brat, remember who raised you before you speak like that! I'm the best dad, right Brun?"
"Yes daddy!" I nodded, hugging him.
"Hahahaha! Yeah, that's my little champion!" he laughed, hugging me back, patting my head, and kissing my forehead. "See?! See?! She's the one!"
Heh. My father was too easy. As long as I had him on my side, I could probably sneak out safely. He would protect me from Mom and my big sister's rage.
"Haah… I do admit that you did a great job there," my mother finally nodded. "Nobody at your age has ever hunted so many creatures… Over seven horned rabbits, five… no, six gray wolves, and even a Demon Wolf. And you brought back the body of a very rare Spirit Beast, the White Stag. Even if it's half-rotten, the fur, bones, and horns can all be turned into excellent equipment or elixirs."
"Really?" I asked. "Nice. Then I'm glad I brought it along in my inventory."
"Yeah, that—what the hell is that inventory of yours, lil' sis?" Astrid asked, raising an eyebrow. "You can just store stuff inside another space?"
"I guess the cat's out of the bag… yeah," I said, summoning a small spatial hole to show them and pulling out a potion. "Like this. Think of it like a hole in empty air with no bottom. I can throw whatever I want inside, carry it with me, and take it out whenever I need it. That way I can travel light."
"T-That's amazing, right?" Magnus wondered. My big brother looked as stunned as the rest of the family. "With that power we could bring along everything we want without having to carry it as we move. It would make life so much easier!"
"Yes, it's amazing," Astrid nodded.
"But we can't rely on that—that's just Brunhild's magic! We cannot abuse it," my mother shook her head. "Also, eventually she'll go her own way one day, I can tell. We can't rely on her, especially when she's just eleven! So no, we're still carrying our own stuff!"
"What? Why!"
"Come on!"
My two siblings groaned and clicked their tongues in complaint.
"Haha, well, if you want, I can still carry some of your stuff, big bro, big sis," I said, flashing the most angelic smile I could muster. "I'll help with anything I can!"
"Really?!"
"Aw, aren't you a little angel?"
Both of them pulled me into tight hugs, kissing my cheeks and ruffling my hair until it was a complete mess—despite the fact I had just washed it.
"We'll be moving tomorrow, so we still have time to relax," my father said. "How about I teach you some axe techniques from the Red Fang Style, eh? Frigga, Astrid, can you two work on the girl's pelt?"
"I was already planning something," my mother replied with a nod. "Her big brother made her a spear, so I'll use the Demon Wolf fur to make her a warm coat. It shouldn't take more than a day with Astrid's help. It'll be your birthday gift—it's coming up soon, right?"
"Yeah, in a week," I said. "What about the White Stag though?"
"It's up to you," my sister answered. "You can have either the Demon Wolf or the White Stag as a coat. You can't wear both—that'd be too hot. But maybe I could make something else with the rest."
"Hmm. Maybe another coat the family can share? Or divide it? It's a big one," I suggested.
"Are you sure?" my father asked, his voice softening. "It's your hunt, Brunhild… you really want to share it with your old man?"
"Sure!" I nodded eagerly. "You're my family, and… I love you all so much! Why wouldn't I share?"
The words came straight from my heart. I wasn't lying. They had already become far more lovable than my previous family, and I truly loved them. They had even begun to heal the depression I carried, and for that I owed them everything.
"B-Brun…"
"Aw, my cute little sister!"
"Really?"
"Hahah… that's embarrassing!"
My mother, sister, brother, and father all stared at me in surprise before breaking into warm, slightly embarrassed laughter. We might be brutes, but we were brutes with hearts, and we loved one another fiercely.
"Come here, you little brat!"
"I'm going to squeeze you!"
"Can I pinch that cute face of yours?"
"Hahah! My cute little princess of the plains!"
Before I knew it, my entire family closed in, enveloping me in a massive, bone-crushing hug. Their powerful arms wrapped around me completely. I was helpless.
"Eeek! W-Wait! Eugh…! Hahah…"
This was my family now. I would do everything in my power to give them the good life they deserved.
♢♢♢♢
An hour after breakfast, I followed my father out behind the tent. He carried his favorite axe and grinned at me. "Alright, Brun. You know I prefer swords, but you've got real talent with axes! We're going to polish that diamond in the rough. I'll teach you every technique I know."
"Okay, Dad, but… are we actually fighting for real?" I asked. "I don't want to—"
"Yeah, we are! Release your Mana Aura and use Mana Reinforcement too!" he ordered.
He leaped toward me like a blazing ox, his axe glowing bright red. "Here comes a big one! Dodge!"
"Uwaah?!"
Before I could fully react, his axe crashed down like a deadly guillotine, striking the ground right where my legs had been. I tumbled hard onto my backside.
"Hahaha! Come on now!" he laughed, hauling me back to my feet and patting my head. "Hold your axe and fight your old man! It ain't that complicated, sweetheart."
"But isn't it dangerous?"
"Brunhild, life is dangerous," he said, suddenly serious. "You have to be ready for anything. That's why I'm teaching you how to face this harsh world. The sooner you get used to danger, the better."
Without hesitation, he swung his axe in a wide horizontal arc. I barely dodged, leaping backward. I had removed my Goblin Ring to avoid relying on its speed, yet I was still surprisingly fast.
"Heh, you're quick! Now try to dodge these!"
RUMBLE!
My father stepped forward and swung again. His Aura surged, unleashing dozens of crimson waves—a storm of slicing energy that tore through everything around me.
"Aaahh!"
I panicked and sprinted, dodging frantically. Several attacks nearly struck me, but I used the shield he had given me to block. After only an hour, the wooden-and-steel surface was already covered in slashes and cracks.
"Good! You're developing a sharp sense of danger!" he praised. "Alright, Daddy's going to use a bit more power this time!"
"A bit?!"
As I retreated, he charged like a blazing ox in full stride.
CRASH!
"Uwaaah!"
His shield slammed into mine, shattering it into pieces. The force sent me flying, tumbling across the grasslands and rolling down a small hill.
"Brun! You okay?" he called, waving from above.
"Damn brute! I'll show you—I'm pissed!"
I charged back and activated Shadow Step, appearing behind him in an instant. The skill let me move through shadows and teleport short distances—one to three meters. It was perfect for surprise attacks, though its ten-second cooldown prevented spamming.
"Hey, Dad!"
"Ah!"
His eyes widened as my axe came down. I didn't strike him directly, but the force created powerful ripples and slicing winds that cut into his armor and shield, pushing him back several meters.
Yet he didn't fall. The giant of a man held his ground, smiling once the dust cleared.
"Atta girl! That's the spirit of a true warrior! Bwahahaha!"
He laughed heartily and charged again. I avoided with Shadow Step once the cooldown ended, then swung at him. He intercepted with lightning reflexes, our axes clashing.
CRAAASH!
A violent explosion of red sparks erupted as our Mana Auras collided. I had grown stronger, but my father was still one of the mightiest warriors in the clan. His Mana Aura alone was at least ten times larger than mine.
A clash like this would always end with me losing.
Thus…
"UAAH!"
I unleashed my Spiritual Power. Dozens of small crimson fists materialized, hammering his body until he staggered back.
"Uuuooohh?! W-What was that?! Your ability? Awesome! You're so talented!"
"Haaa… Haaa… and you're such a brute!"
"Heheh, thank you! Come on, girl—you won't get stronger by complaining!"
"When are you going to teach me a technique?!"
"Right now is a good time!"
He charged once more, his axe blazing red as his full Aura manifested. Fiery winds swirled around him, fueled by his Fire and Wind Spiritual Roots and amplified by his Ox Spirit Beast Tattoo—a deadly combination he had perfected over four decades.
"Red Fang Axe Style."
"First Form."
"Searing Cleave!"
A burning cleave descended. I stared in awe for a split second before using Shadow Step to escape.
BOOOM!
A long, crater-like scar shattered the ground where I had stood.
"Can you do it now? Watch closely!" he called. "Step forward, gather your Mana into your arms, and release it through the axe! Your Aura will burn hotter the more you concentrate it. Once released, it'll ignite even without fire elemental roots. Got it? Here it comes again!"
In that moment, I realized the Red Fang Clan were no mere cannon fodder. If even my father was only average among greater threats, then the other clans and monsters we might face were terrifyingly strong.
I cannot falter. I have to grow much stronger—or we will all die.
"Come at me!"
I roared like a true barbarian and charged with everything I had, coating my axe in Mana Aura and Reinforcement while activating War Spirit Aura Embodiment.
His Searing Cleave rushed down. Explosions of burning mana erupted around me as I met his axe again and again.
"Haaaah!"
CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!
Crimson sparks and flames flew with every collision. I slipped behind him with Shadow Step when he least expected it, striking with full force. He answered with a maniacal grin and sent me flying each time.
I lost count of how many times I rolled down that hill. Yet the harder we fought, the more natural my movements became. Imitating him slowly grew easier.
Still, he was too strong.
"Hehehe! What's wrong? Come at me, my girl!" he laughed, unleashing dozens of burning waves.
I steadied myself, swung my axe, and dissipated his attacks with my combined auras. Then I Shadow Stepped behind him—only for him to predict it, drive a fist into my stomach, and launch me backward.
This time I stayed on my feet, roared, and charged again. Crimson runes flared brighter across my skin.
"Wait, those runes?!"
His eyes widened. "It must be your Physique. Enough hard training can awaken such power. Come on—this is just the beginning!"
His axe descended like a guillotine. Instead of attacking from behind, I Shadow Stepped over his arm.
"Huh?!"
I swung directly at his face, channeling everything I could into Searing Cleave.
CLAAASH!
He caught the axe between his teeth, flames licking his face, then spat it out and threw me to the ground. His fists came raining down.
Pain exploded through me. I clenched my teeth and surged my Spiritual Aura, giant burning fists hammering him back.
"Damn old man!"
I leaped high with Wild Cat's Leap and kicked his face with all my strength.
"AHAHAH!"
He laughed.
He actually laughed.
His next punch nearly made me vomit my lunch, but I refused to yield. It was time for the trump card I had been saving.
He charged like a giant, axe raised to split me in two. I smiled, Shadow Stepped aside and activated the Charge Attack skill—then immediately followed with my improved version.
"Red Fang Axe Style!"
"First Form!"
"Searing Cleave – Burning Claw!"
I fused it with Wild Cat's Leap and War Spirit Embodiment, evolving the technique further.
"ROOAAAARR!"
A giant crimson tiger surged from my Aura. My father's eyes widened—he couldn't react in time. The attack struck with a massive explosion.
BOOOM!
"Uuooohhh?!"
Unable to resist, he was blasted off his feet and rolled down the hill.
"Haha… I won! I WON!!!"
I laughed triumphantly, raising my arms in victory.
"Hahahaha!"
My father chuckled as he climbed back up. "Well done, my precious daughter! But don't get cocky—I wasn't even using thirty percent of my real strength!"
"Yeah, yeah, I still won!"
"You did, and you learned the first form beautifully. You even improved it with your magic? Burning Claw… that's a fine name!"
"Yeah! It's cool, right?!"
Multiple level-up notifications flashed before my eyes.
Ding!
[Your Skill [Mana Manipulation – Tier 1: Level 9/10] has Leveled Up!]
[Your Skill [Mana Aura – Tier 1: Level 3/10] has Leveled Up!]
[Your Skill [Mana Reinforcement – Tier 1: Level 3/10] has Leveled Up!]
[Your Skill [Weapon Talent: Axe – Tier 1: Level 2/10] has Leveled Up!]
[Your Skill [War Spirit Aura Embodiment – Tier 1: Level 1/10] has Leveled Up!]
[Your Class Skill [Magic Rune: Wild Beast Path – Tier 1: Level 1/10] has Leveled Up!]
[Your Class Skill [Charge Attack – Tier 1: Level 1/10] has Leveled Up!]
[Your Class Skill [Healing Flame – Tier 1: Level 1/10] has Leveled Up!]
[Your Class Skill [Shadow Step – Tier 1: Level 1/10] has Leveled Up!]
[You have learned the Weapon Technique: [Red Fang Axe Style – Tier 1: 22%]!]
I celebrated as I saw all the level-ups. This day of hard work had ended well. I had leveled every skill at least once… wait, Archery was still level 1, right? Yeah. I have to train that one too.
But above all, I had learned the Weapon Technique. Unlike Skills, Weapon Techniques don't level up—they gain proficiency in %. Once they reach max, they rank up, become stronger, and help me use and learn them better.
"Looks like you've grown stronger," my father said warmly. "It's getting late. Let's head back for dinner. I think your mother and sister are finished with your gift."
They were. When we returned, a huge barbecue of Demon Wolf and Horned Rabbit meat was already roasting. My mother and sister greeted me with more than just a coat—they had prepared a wonderful surprise.
-----