In the middle of a silent forest stood a small wooden house, built from rough logs and surrounded by towering trees. Inside, everything was simple—wooden walls, a worn floor, and a bed where Haruto lay unconscious.
A faint sound pulled him out of the darkness.
Pain throbbed through his head as he tried to move. It spread sharply, forcing him to stay still for a moment. Slowly, he opened his eyes. His vision was blurry at first, the ceiling above him unfamiliar. After a few seconds, it cleared, and he realized he was inside a room.
He turned his head slightly.
Beside the bed sat a girl.
She wasn't human.
Soft brown hair fell around her shoulders, and from it rose a pair of dog-like ears. She sat quietly on a wooden chair, watching him without speaking.
Haruto tried to sit up, but his body refused to obey. A sharp pain shot through his chest.
"Don't move," the girl said calmly. "You're not fully recovered yet."
Haruto stared at her, his expression tense. It was his first time seeing a demi-human face to face.
"…Are you a monster?" he asked weakly. "Are you going to eat me?"
The girl frowned slightly.
"What are you saying?" she replied. "I'm not a monster. I guess… you've never seen a demi-human before."
She stood up without reacting further and walked toward a small table. After pouring a cup of water, she placed it beside him.
"I understand why you're wary," she said quietly. "Humans hate demi-humans. Many treat us like slaves. So… it's natural for you to be shocked."
Haruto opened his mouth, but she continued before he could speak.
"I know you don't trust me. But I won't harm you. If you still feel uneasy after you recover, you can leave."
She paused at the doorway.
"Until then… don't try to move."
Without waiting for a response, she stepped outside, leaving Haruto alone with the faint sounds of the forest.
He lay back against the wooden wall, staring at the ceiling.
"…Sophia," he murmured quietly. "I'm not shocked because I saw a demi-human. I knew about them. But… how can I understand her language?"
The system responded instantly.
[While you were unconscious, I analyzed her language patterns and integrated them into your cognition. That is why you can understand and communicate with her.]
Haruto closed his eyes briefly.
"…And my head… why does it still hurt?"
[Your body sustained damage while you were drowning. Recovery takes time. Rest is recommended.]
Hours passed.
The pain in his chest gradually lessened, and the dizziness faded. Eventually, Haruto managed to stand, though his legs trembled slightly. He looked around the small room. It was simple but clean—a wooden table, two chairs, shelves filled with herbs and bandages.
He walked toward the door and pushed it open.
An endless forest stretched before him.
Tall trees surrounded the house in every direction. There were no roads, no signs of other people—only wilderness.
In his current condition, leaving meant death.
After a moment of silence, Haruto made his decision.
He would stay.
Just then, the door creaked open behind him.
He turned.
The demi-human girl stepped inside, carrying a tray of food. She placed it gently on the table. Haruto sat across from her, watching her carefully.
"Why did you help me?" he asked. His voice was calm, but cautious. "If I were a bad person… I could kill you once I recover."
She didn't seem surprised.
"I know," she replied softly. "But I have a magic ability. I can sense intent—malice, kindness… things like that. Not all humans are the same. Some want to enslave us… but some have helped us too."
She paused for a moment.
"In this world, the gods created many races humans, demi-humans, elves, demons, beastfolk, and others. There were places where different races lived together peacefully."
Her voice grew quieter.
"…My village was one of them."
Her eyes lowered.
"Until that night."
Tears fell silently onto her hands.
"They attacked while we were asleep. No warning. No mercy. Fire everywhere…" Her fingers tightened. "They killed everyone. The elderly… the children… no one was spared."
Her voice trembled slightly.
"I survived by hiding in the river. After that… I had nothing left. No home. No family. So I came here. This forest is quiet. Peaceful."
She wiped her tears and looked at Haruto.
"I know you didn't ask for my story. But… I wanted you to understand."
Haruto's expression darkened.
"…So you're not like the others," he said slowly. "Where did you find me?"
"I was collecting water by the river," she answered. "You were lying there, barely breathing. I brought you here."
She hesitated for a moment.
"You've been unconscious for a week."
Haruto's eyes widened slightly.
"…A week?"
The weight of lost time settled over him.
The girl stood and began cutting the food into smaller pieces.
"If you still don't believe me, that's fine," she said quietly. "I won't force you."
Haruto stepped closer, his body still weak but steady.
"I didn't say I don't believe you," he replied. "You saved my life. If not for you… I'd be dead."
He paused.
"…Let's be friends. I want to help you too. My name is Haruto Kurosawa."
The girl looked at him for a moment before speaking.
"…Miyuki Kiyora."
She was about to say more
Then her ears twitched.
Her expression changed instantly. The softness in her eyes disappeared, replaced by sharp alertness.
"…Wait," she whispered.
The forest outside fell silent.
No wind. No birds. No insects.
A strange pressure filled the air, heavy and suffocating.
Haruto felt it too.
Something was watching them.
Then
A deafening explosion shattered everything.
The house burst apart in an instant. Wood splintered, flames erupted, and the force of the blast threw them into chaos.