[A Few Weeks Later]


    "Haaa… at longst!"


    The two finally left the desert region, constantly training and moving every single day. After what seemed like an eternity, they finally reached civilization.


    However, it wasn''t anything like what Neron expected.


    "What is this ce…?" Confusion was evident on his face as he looked at the bustling civilization that littered the valley from a cliff that he upied alongside Lilith.


    The woman merely smiled and casually revealed something he never knew.


    "This is a Magic Beast Society." Her smile broadened. "There are lots of them scattered around, unlike the centralized system that humans operate in."


    "F-for real? Magic Beasts have a society?"


    "Yup! We''re here because I need to stock up on some ingredients that are already running low, and I can only get them here."


    "Ingredients…?"


    "Mainly spices." She retorted dismissively. "Nothing that important."


    "...."


    Neron remained silent as he took one final nce at the city from above.


    "Welp! Let''s go."


    ***********


    The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the bustling streets of the Magic Beast society. The town was unlike anything Neron had ever seen—a blend of the fantastical and the functional.


    Buildings made of stone and wood were interwoven with glowing vines and enchanted crystals that pulsed faintly with energy. The air buzzed with a mix ofughter, shouts, and the asional growl or snarl.


    It was lively, chaotic, and altogether overwhelming.


    Lilith walked ahead, her pace brisk as she led Neron through the vibrant streets. Magic Beasts of various shapes and sizes roamed freely. Centaurs pulled carts filled with exotic fruits, minotaurs towered over vendor stalls, and feline-like beings with sleek fur darted through the crowd.


    Despite their differences, they all had an air of intelligence and purpose that set them apart from the mindless monsters Neron had fought.


    "This ce is incredible…" Neron muttered, his eyes darting around to take everything in.


    "Impressive, isn''t it?" Lilith replied, a rare hint of genuine amusement in her voice. "Magic Beast societies are far more advanced than human settlements in certain aspects. They''ve been around longer, after all."


    "Why don''t humans trade with them more often?" he asked, dodging a barrel being rolled by a particrly burly lizardman.


    Lilith chuckled softly. "Because humans are arrogant and afraid of what they don''t understand. Magic Beasts aren''t fond of humans either. You''re only here because you''re with me."


    Neron nced at her, noting the ease with which she moved through the crowd. She seemedpletely at home, as if the chaos surrounding them was second nature to her.


    They stopped in front of arge, intricately designed shop with a glowing blue door. Lilith turned to him, her crimson eye glinting mischievously.


    "I need to visit an old friend. Shouldn''t take long. You''ll stay here and explore the market."


    "What? Alone?"


    "You''ll be fine," she said, waving dismissively. "This is the perfect opportunity for you to get used to dealing with different kinds of people—or creatures, in this case."


    "But—"


    "No buts," Lilith interrupted, smirking. "Consider it part of your training. Try not to cause too much trouble."


    Before he could protest further, she disappeared through the glowing door, leaving him standing amidst the bustling crowd.


    Neron sighed, ncing around. He didn''t even know where to start. The market was a sensory overload—bright colors, strange smells, and the constant chatter of creatures he''d only read about in fairy tales.


    As he walked through the maze of stalls, he tried to focus on the goods being sold. There were shimmering fabrics that seemed to change color in the light, potions bubbling in ss vials, and weapons forged from materials he couldn''t even name.


    "Hey, human!" a vendor called out, a reptilian face grinning at him from behind a stall. "Looking for something special? Maybe a charm to keep you safe?"


    Neron shook his head politely and kept moving. Despite Lilith''s reassurance, he couldn''t shake the feeling that he didn''t belong here. The asional suspicious nce from passersby only reinforced that.


    He turned a corner and found himself in a quieter section of the market. The stalls here were less shy but still brimming with fascinating wares. As he scanned the area, something caught his eye—a small figurine carved from dark stone. It was simple but intricately detailed, depicting a creature with wings and horns.


    Before he could take a closer look, someone bumped into him, hard enough to make him stumble.


    "Watch where you''re going!" A sharp, feminine voice snapped.


    Neron turned to see the source of the voice—a girl around his age with crimson eyes that burned with irritation. She had small, curved horns protruding from her head and a tail that flicked behind her, betraying her agitation. Her appearance was striking, otherworldly, and, judging by the attention they were suddenly receiving, important.


    "I—uh, sorry," Neron stammered, raising his hands in a cating gesture.


    "Sorry?" she repeated, her voice dripping with disdain. "Do you have any idea who I am?"


    The crowd around them began to murmur, creatures of all kinds stopping to watch the unfolding scene. Neron felt the weight of their stares and the growing tension in the air.


    "I didn''t mean to—"


    "Silence!" the girl snapped, cutting him off. Her tailshed behind her like an angry whip. "You dare to touch me and think a simple ''sorry'' is enough?"


    "It was an ident," he tried to exin, his tone firm despite the growing unease in his chest.


    "An ident?" She stepped closer, her crimson eyes narrowing. "How typical of a human to think they can do as they please without consequence."


    Neron clenched his jaw, his own irritation beginning to rise. "Look, I already apologized. What more do you want?"


    The girl''s expression darkened, and the crowd around them seemed to hold its collective breath. Then, without warning, she raised her hand and pped him across the face.


    The force of the blow was startling, not just because of its strength but because of the sheer audacity of it. Neron staggered slightly, his cheek stinging as he stared at her in disbelief.


    "Kneel," shemanded, her voice cold and imperious. "Kneel and apologize properly."


    The crowd erupted in whispers, some amused, others shocked. Neron''s hands curled into fists at his sides as he met her gaze, anger ring in his chest.


    But as he stared at her, he noticed something beneath her fiery demeanor—a flicker of something deeper, though he couldn''t quite ce it.


    Still, he couldn''t ignore the sting of his pride. His lips pressed into a thin line as he weighed his options, the girl''smand hanging heavy in the air.


    Then, he finally responded.


    "No."