I observed the Karnok’s movements as it prowled closer, its eyes never leaving me.


    It was larger than the other two, so it was likely the boss. The tension in the air thickened, each breath feeling heavier than the last.


    Toonka''s hands were on his knees, trying to catch his breath from his encounter with the first two.


    His magic flickered faintly as he prepared himself for another attack.


    The third Karnok lunged, its jaws snapping with unnatural speed. I dodged, ducking just in time to avoid its vicious bite. My heart pounded in my chest as I rolled to the side, narrowly missing the creature''s claws.


    "Come on!" I shouted to Toonka, desperate to finish this.


    He glanced over, his eyes still shimmering with his enhancement magic. "Hang on!" he shouted back, his voice strained. With a burst of energy, he leaped at the nearest Karnok, landing a punch that sent the beast staggering backward.


    I didn’t waste any time. Seeing my opportunity, I closed the distance between me and the third Karnok. It was trying to right itself, clearly off-balance from the fight with Toonka. I raised the plank above my head, gripping it tightly as I swung with all my strength toward its head.


    The plank struck with a sickening crack. The Karnok let out a strangled yelp before falling to the ground, twitching slightly. Its glowing eyes flickered for a moment before dimming entirely. It wasn’t dead yet, but it was down—just enough for me to finish it off.


    I quickly stepped back, pulling my foot back and kicking it in the ribs with everything I had. The creature let out one last groan before finally going limp.


    Breathing heavily, I wiped the sweat off my forehead and glanced over at Toonka, who had already finished his fight. The two other Karnoks were sprawled on the ground, motionless.


    Toonka wiped his brow, looking at the fallen creatures. "I didn’t think they''d be that strong."


    "We managed," I said, sounding unexpectedly calm. "But we need to figure out who''s behind this and why they’re controlling these monsters."


    Toonka nodded, his expression turning serious. "Right. The magic in their eyes, the way they moved... someone definitely has control over them." He looked at me. "You think it’s related to the ruins we came from?"


    "It’s possible," I muttered, feeling the weight of the situation. "But we’ll need more information. There’s something going on, and I don’t think this is the last of it."


    The sound of footsteps approaching snapped me out of my thoughts. A few brave townspeople had started to come out of hiding, cautiously looking at the carnage in the marketplace. The merchant we’d sold the Karnok to earlier was among them, his face a mix of confusion and awe.


    "Guess it’s time to spread rumors," I smirked.


    I stood on a big crate and called over to all the people.


    "My name is Ji-won. I''m a detective," I shouted to all the townsfolk. "I live in the forest with my assistant, so feel free to come visit. No case goes unsolved," I added.


    Toonka sighed and shook his head. "You really are something, detective."


    I glanced over at Toonka, flashing him a grin. “What can I say? I know how to rile up a crowd.”


    As if on cue, a man shouted, "Hey, were you the ones who killed the Karnoks?" causing a domino effect of people wanting answers and shouting at us.


    "Who are you kids? Did you bring those beasts here?" a woman shouted.


    "What’s a detective doing here? I thought that profession didn’t exist anymore."


    "What is with these weirdos?"


    "Ji-won? What a strange name. Is he a foreigner?"The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "Mom, what’s a detective?"


    The merchant we’d sold the Karnok to earlier looked at us with his mouth wide open.


    "Well, I created enough chaos. Let’s go home," I said contentedly and stretched. I was tempted to take the Karnoks since they cost a decent amount of coins but carrying them all would be too heavy for just me and Toonks.


    "You''re a menace," Toonka muttered, shaking his head.


    As we left the marketplace behind, I glanced at Toonka. "You ready for the next step?"


    He gave me a sideways glance. "I’m starting to regret being your underling, detective."


    I grinned. "Well, it’s too late now."


    "Hey, someone’s got to keep things interesting," I replied with a grin, not looking back as I made my way down the quiet streets. The townspeople were still murmuring, but I was done with the noise. I don’t have a reason to stay anymore.


    The walk back to the cabin was pretty calm. The air was cooler now, and the quiet of the surrounding forest felt more comforting than ever. It didn’t take long before we reached the cabin.


    I pushed open the door, and we both stepped inside.


    "Home sweet home," I said sleepily, putting my bag of coins on the desk.


    Toonka didn’t answer immediately. He just stared at the place with an unreadable expression. He walked over to the small table and brushed his hand against it.


    "I’m going to rest. Don’t make too much noise,” he finally spoke and plopped onto the bed.


    Well, it’s understandable why he’d want to sleep. It was an exhausting day. But that doesn’t mean he’s hogging the bed again!


    I lay down on the bed next to him and tried to go to sleep.


    Who had controlled those wolves was watching me. I don’t know but I know one thing for sure: They''re a threat to my goal of having a peaceful life.


    ***


    "The Karnoks failed," a masked figure said, their voice deep and resonant.


    "Failed?" A sharp voice cut through the tension. A figure with tattoos running along their arms stepped forward. "Didn’t you say those creatures were enchanted and wouldn’t lose to fools."


    "They weren’t stopped by fools," the masked figure replied, his tone sharp. "It was apparently the work of someone who announced himself as a detective. His name is Ji-won Park, It’s a name I’ve never heard of so he must have been a foreigner."


    "Detective?" another figure scoffed, this one leaning casually against the wall. "I never realized they still existed."


    The masked leader went on "This one is different. He isn’t from here, and his methods are dangerous. He seemed to know the Karnoks were being controlled easily and the kid seemed very knowledgeable since he knew the Karnoks nature even though there''s no proper way of knowledge in a town as insignificant as that."


    A murmur spread among the group, a mix of agreement and doubt.


    "It’s not only that the kid is capable of" A figure joined in they’re voice as smooth as silk “He was the one with the enhancement magic. Enhancement magic was supposed to be gone years ago due to physical and mental strain that all the people who had used it died."


    The masked figure sighed. "He’s slightly strong and knowledgeable, we’ll dig up information about him as well as the detective."


    The tattooed figure slammed their fist against the table. "Then I’ll go check him out. I was bored anyway. I''ll go see what they’re all about."


    "Do as you wish," the leader said flatly. "Don’t underestimate him. This Ji-won might not be as weak as he appears. If you underestimate him, you’ll end up like the Karnoks… dead."


    The tattooed figure smirked, the snake tattoo on their arm looked as if it slightly moved. "Are you worried about me? Don’t worry, I''ll take good care of myself."


    The leader just gestured to the door. “Quit acting like that and just go.”


    Without another word, the tattooed figure turned and left.


    "That kid with the detective could be useful," the leader muttered, almost to themselves.


    ***


    The next morning, I woke up to sunlight streaming through the cabin window. Toonka was already up, sitting at the table with a cup of steaming tea in his hand.


    "You’re finally awake," he said, not looking up.


    "Good morning to you too," I replied, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.


    “By the way, I went shopping. We have about 30 silvers left,” he said nonchalantly, gesturing to the food and clothes in the bag next to him.


    He couldn’t have asked? This little brat. Well it''s good to give out praise every now and then.


    “Good job” I said nonchalantly.


    I never said I was good at praising.


    Toonka ignored it and nodded toward the desk. "You should take a look at this."


    I walked over and saw a newspaper. It was about me and Toonka, about how we saved the village from Karnoks and me being a detective, this must have been a big scoop for these people.


    "Looks like your performance yesterday got people''s attention. There are a lot of oddballs out there who are interested in you.."


    I smirked, setting the papers down. "That''s good we’ll start sifting through them today."


    Toonka raised an eyebrow. "You’re eager for someone who barely survived yesterday."


    "Survived is the key word," I said, grabbing a piece of bread from the table. "If the people are asking for help, it means we’re already making an impact."


    "Or painting a target on our backs," Toonka muttered.


    "Good," I replied with a grin. "Let them come. It’s more fun that way"