Chapter Four: Red

Sajia walked swiftly down the mountain, his steps light. The moonlight filtered through the dense branches of the trees, casting mottled patterns on his body and playfully outlining variously sized luminous spots. This slender yet agile child resembled a small leopard navigating alone through the woods.

Sajia looked around again and anxiously said, "Uncle, where has my father gone? I can't see him, and it makes me feel very scared..."

Kamei gazed at the small figure of Sajia and said helplessly, "Perhaps he has gone to feed some small animals again. This child has liked doing such strange things since he was little..." After a pause, he looked around and lowered his voice, "Regarding the matter you mentioned, I need to investigate it thoroughly before proceeding. For the next few days, let's refrain from taking any action."

Father always says this place is very dangerous and forbids me from playing here. He doesn't know that ever since you took me here a few times, I can come in by myself now! A hint of pride appeared on Saka's face as he said, "The first time I met you by the edge of the swamp, I was still very young! I didn't understand anything. Lately, I've often been thinking about how wide this swamp really is. The uncles all want to go to the other side; their homes are over there. Once, Uncle Mem tried to ride his horse back home by going around the Gobi. But he took a long time and almost couldn't make it back... Hong, you said that in a few days, we should try to walk across together, right? If we can really get through, I will tell Father, and he will definitely be very happy and praise Saka for being a good child"

Saka walked slowly along the low earthen wall towards the east, bathed in a bright daylight. There lay the highest open space of the Bianyun Fortress, which was said to have once been used to raise the Moriyah military flag. As he approached the open area, Saka not only detected the unique charred scent produced by the burning black rhinoceros wood, but also another aroma—the fragrance of smoked meat.

A low, clear chirping sound emerged from behind the giant rock, mingled with faint rustling noises, moving lightly towards Saka's back

The little beast finished the piece of smoked meat, lazily lay down in Saga's embrace, stretched out its legs, and yawned widely like a human

"Do not die, do not die!" Saka suddenly sat up in bed, gasping for breath, his frail and thin body already soaked in cold sweat. The light in the room was dim, with only a copper lamp burning animal oil at the head of the bed, casting a flickering weak flame. Saka's shadow was cast obliquely in the corner by the light source, trembling and distorting from time to time, resembling a lonely spirit trapped in the darkness

Kamei slightly frowned and said, "Why are you still not asleep?"

Clusters of floating weeds grow along the edges of the marsh, where some unknown small insects lie in wait, buzzing softly. A faint hum spreads through the marsh, breaking the tranquility, yet it accentuates the desolation. Saka walks slowly and cautiously, his arms slightly extended to the sides, as if traversing a narrow log bridge buried beneath the surface. At times, he pauses, carefully discerning the surface of the marsh before taking another step after a long while. Saka walks slowly and cautiously, his arms slightly extended to the sides, as if traversing a narrow log bridge buried beneath the surface. At times, he pauses, carefully discerning the surface of the marsh before taking another step after a long while

Saka had never heard Wika speak to him in such a manner, and he couldn't help but feel a bit frightened. He murmured softly, "I don't want to be alone, I want to find my father..."

Sagar wiped a patch of mud on its side, and a shadow gradually fell over its star-like bright eyes: "When you go to find something to eat, do you ever get into fights with others? I think it’s likely, given all the scars on your body; it must hurt a lot when you get hurt. When my father and uncles go out to find food, they also fight, and... they even kill with knives. Hong, I don’t like them doing these things, not at all. My father and uncles go out to find food, and they also fight, and... they even kill with knives. Hong, I don’t like them doing these things, not at all. But my father says if we don’t kill, we will all starve to death!" After thinking for a moment, he said in confusion: "A few days ago when I came, I forgot to tell you that Uncle Wika has died! He died while looking for food. I’m really scared; those monsters are very big, much bigger than you. What should I do if one day my father is also eaten by them?"

He placed the small thing in his arms on the ground, then walked to the edge of the small island, took off his shoes, and waved his hand: "Hong, I'm leaving now! You should go to sleep soon!"

Wika's expression darkened, and his tone became stern: "Saka! You are a man! If one day your father is no longer here, if he dies, you must learn to take care of yourself and face everything on your own"

Kamei's expression softened slightly as he waved his hand and said, "Go back. We still need to stay here for a while. It will be very cold outside tonight. Come back to see Wika tomorrow."

The little beast devoured the chunks of meat ravenously, occasionally emitting a satisfied gurgling sound from its throat

It is not an easy task to get involved. Given that Bian Yun has lost contact with the local military for such a long time, I fear that we have long been classified in the area of the deceased in the current military roster..." Mattis lowered his head and muttered indignantly, "If it weren't for you being the leader of Bian Yun, and if it weren't for the fact that you have saved the lives of everyone here over the years, I believe the Empire of Ba would have already had a group of indifferent soldiers crossing the Qilizha to surrender!"

Although he clearly knew that Weika was buried in the nearby open space, sometimes he still could not believe that a strong man who spoke like thunder and could almost shake the house down with his laughter had simply left him. When Weika was alive, he doted on Sajia, often telling him some crude and unrefined stories, and going to the surrounding mountains to catch small animals for him. Although those little birds and beasts would ultimately be released by Sajia, Weika still took great pleasure in it. Just as he understood Sajia's kindness, Sajia also knew that this seemingly fierce uncle, who was actually gentle in temperament, was a heavy drinker and also had a great fondness for meat.

Matisse appeared somewhat anxious: "Boss! Don't worry about so much, just kill him first! You should know better than I what kind of people are in the Royal Dark Party! As for what happens after we kill him, if there really are any troubles, we can all just throw ourselves to the side of Barty..."

The creature seemed to respond to Saka's words with a soft "Goo!" As it leaped from behind, it crouched on the ground before him, shaking its pointed head and emitting low, joyful sounds. In the bright moonlight, one could see that this small beast, entirely crimson like blood, had a pair of bat-like flesh wings, two stout, forked legs, and a long, gracefully curved tail. Its head bore several deep scratch marks, and one of its ears, standing upright, was half missing. As it continuously opened its mouth to call out, its sharp, greenish teeth were exposed, giving it an ugly and ferocious appearance. In the bright moonlight, one could see that this small beast, entirely crimson like blood, had a pair of bat-like flesh wings, two stout, forked legs, and a long, gracefully curved tail. Its head bore several deep scratch marks, and one of its ears, standing upright, was half missing. As it continuously opened its mouth to call out, its sharp, greenish teeth were exposed, giving it an ugly and ferocious appearance

Upon hearing this, Sagar quickened his pace, and the conversation ahead abruptly ceased. From a very young age, he had learned to hide certain secrets deep within his heart, carefully ensuring that no one would know. Among these was the fact that the emerald-feathered oriole nesting on the mountainside had hatched a brood of naked chicks; that his eyes, he could not recall when, had gradually begun to see clearly in the dark without any light; and that after a raid on a merchant caravan, Uncle Wika, clutching a half-empty barrel of wine, drunkenly patted his chest and said that he had been present when he discovered himself. After hearing these slurred words, Sagar did not feel sadness. Although Wika never lied, the feelings his father had for him were undoubtedly more solid and powerful than anything else. The reason for choosing to remain silent was simply due to his overwhelming and unknown fear of piercing through this thin veil. Sagar did not want anything to separate him from Kamray, not even a little.

The foul odor in the air was gradually replaced by a strong burnt smell. Although Saka appeared extremely fatigued, his expression gradually became more cheerful. The mud beneath his feet changed from icy cold to warm, eventually becoming faintly hot. As a hard sensation was felt, Saka stepped onto a very small stone island hidden in the depths of the swamp. The island was covered with sharp, heated rocks, and the ground was dark and flat. The entire island was slightly elevated above the surface of the swamp, measuring only a few dozen zhang in width, resembling a gigantic stone turtle floating on the surface of the marsh.

"Boss, but over all these years, not even a larger wild beast has come over from that side. Didn't you just say that this place wouldn't become a crossing point for both sides?" Mathis asked in confusion

At the beginning, there would always be one or two fierce-looking men following Saka, carefully observing the surroundings as if a monster would suddenly leap out from the bushes at any moment. Once Saka grew a bit older and could walk without falling, Kamrei no longer allowed anyone to accompany him into the woods. From that point on, Saka, in his eyes, was no longer a child that needed constant protection, but rather a man. Once Saka grew a bit older and could walk without falling, Kamrei no longer allowed anyone to accompany him into the woods. From that point on, Saka, in his eyes, was no longer a child that needed constant protection, but rather a man

"Boss, could you please refrain from getting angry for a moment? I believe you should understand my point. Sajia is still young, and moreover, his personality is not suited to the guiding style you employ." Immediately following this was the somewhat helpless voice of Matisse.

After taking a moment to compose himself, Sajia stood up, donned his thick and loose outer garment, and walked out of the house

Uncle Wika!" Saka exclaimed, already at a loss due to this sudden turn of events

The little beast did not know whether it understood or not; it simply continued to munch away, showing no intention of responding in the slightest

After emitting a sound resembling a whimpering roar, the demon beast slowly opened its gaping maw. Sharp, greenish fangs were bared, glinting with a faint, cold light

Sagarmeran turned around, walked a few steps, then returned to pick up a piece of smoked meat next to Matisse, and walked away.

Wika's upper body lay on the ground, blood gushing from the incision in his waist like a spring. He cast a brief glance at the monstrous beast that was voraciously devouring its own legs, and a strange smile appeared on his face: "Saka, look, a person's death is so simple. Remember my words, your father cannot protect you for a lifetime..."

The forest under the glow of the night is serene and desolate, with sturdy black rhizomes standing closely together, resembling a regimented line of silent giants. On the ground among the thickets, dense clusters of thorny brambles crawl, their entire bodies exhibiting a lifeless dark gray hue, twisting into various strange shapes in the darkness, akin to dormant and motionless creatures of magic

Kamerai glared at his ever-loyal subordinate with a pale face, and after a long while, he slowly spoke: "The reason we have not been able to return home even once is that this place is a ghost realm where one can enter but cannot exit. All the new recruits who attempted to escape back to Moria have already died, and the rest have become our brothers. Although I do not know how our loved ones are doing or whether they have enough to eat... there is one thing that is beyond doubt: as long as the soldiers can hold the borders and the country remains free from turmoil, they will all live well." Although I do not know how our loved ones are doing or whether they have enough to eat... there is one thing that is beyond doubt: as long as the soldiers can hold the borders and the country remains free from turmoil, they will all live well.

Compared to the Gobi Desert, which is filled with treacherous wells and monstrous beasts, this vast and unimaginably large swamp is even more sinister and far greedier. It resembles a ghastly, gaping maw, always ready to devour. Even after months of relentless scorching sun, most of the swamp's surface has dried and cracked, yet the entire process from the moment it begins to swallow a person until they are completely submerged takes no more than the time it takes to eat a meal. Forever hungry and nearly impossible to escape, this place is like a living, breathing evil nightmare, known among people as the "Dead Swamp".

The high-ranking officials of the military in both countries are well aware that no heavily armed army can traverse this area to reach the heart of either nation. On the other side of the mountain, there is not a single person in the outpost of Badi; I have been there several times over the years, so I am quite clear about it. Kamrei glanced at Matiss's shocked expression and said calmly, "Although we number less than eighty in total, as long as there is one person still alive, we must remain here to guard this place, waiting for the moment to ignite the signal smoke in the event of an enemy attack. Because we are soldiers, and our duty is to protect our country, not to betray it."

While clearing the grain, the soldiers discovered the remains of a horse, which had been cut in half and was neatly pressed beneath the grain sacks. In several intact horse-drawn carriages, in addition to this dead horse that had been severed in two by Kamrei in the valley, they also found a bag of spices mixed in with the grain. This unexpected bounty filled everyone with joy. During the battlefield cleanup, Kamrei had previously issued strict orders to only move the grain and discard the spices. Although these cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and pepper could fetch three times their weight in gold anywhere on the continent, their current use was for making smoked meat, specifically Bianyun's smoked meat. This unexpected bounty filled everyone with joy. During the battlefield cleanup, Kamrei had previously issued strict orders to only move the grain and discard the spices. Although these cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and pepper could fetch three times their weight in gold anywhere on the continent, their current use was for making smoked meat, specifically Bianyun's smoked meat

Father! Father!" Zach cried out. Where is Father? Where has he gone?! Why is he not by my side?!

"I do not need you to teach me how to deal with everything regarding Saka!" Kamrei's deep voice echoed from afar, filled with a rare anger.

Do you agree?" Sagar became cheerful again, hugging the little beast affectionately for a while, and reluctantly said: "I have to go now! If I don't return soon, my father and the others will come looking for me. I will come back to play with you tomorrow, and I will bring you some good food then.

"Uncle Wika, you must be careful, it's about to pounce..." The voice of Sajia suddenly broke off, and after taking a few hurried breaths, he exclaimed in surprise, "Uncle, you... you really aren't dead! That's wonderful! I knew you wouldn't just leave me like this."

In the days following the return to the edge of the cloud, every night Sajia would be plagued by various gruesome nightmares. In his dreams, he would always encounter those hideous and terrifying monsters. Sometimes his father would be by his side, and sometimes he would not, just like earlier.

Narrowing its eyes, the small creature, akin to a cat, rubbed against him and caught a whiff of the aroma, letting out an excited low growl as it unceremoniously opened its mouth to bite at the piece of meat offered by Sagar.

After passing through the densest part of the mountainous terrain, the landscape gradually opened up and became flatter, with the thickets of thorns becoming sparser. Saka traversed the low-lying mountain and arrived at the foot of Qilizha. The cold moonlight once again enveloped him, covering the entire world before him. The air was filled with a pungent, damp, and decaying odor. The vast swamp, which lay between Bianyun and Moliya, resembled a colossal green beast stretching its body for miles, silently and coldly watching Saka under the moonlight. The cold moonlight once again enveloped him, covering the entire world before him. The air was filled with a pungent, damp, and decaying odor. The vast swamp, which lay between Bianyun and Moliya, resembled a colossal green beast stretching its body for miles, silently and coldly watching Saka under the moonlight.

The beetle approached silently like a ghost, suddenly leaping up and biting through Wika's waist with its massive jaws, severing him in two

Until he had walked a considerable distance, when Saka turned back to look, that small, crimson creature was still standing at the edge of the island, motionless, gazing in his direction. This had always been the way they said goodbye. Although it could not speak, it would quietly listen and accompany him in carefree play. The name "Red" was given by Saka. Long ago, Red became Saka's friend, his only friend. Although it could not speak, it would quietly listen and accompany him in carefree play. The name "Red" was given by Saka. Long ago, Red became Saka's friend, his only friend

Sagar lowered his head and gently sighed: "Are you going to sleep? But I still want to talk to you. Father and Uncle Matisse are also talking; they say I was adopted... I have known about this for a long time, but I haven't said anything. Father treats me the best; since he doesn't mention it, I will pretend not to know. Red, am I doing the right thing?"

Kamei shook his head and said with a worried tone, "I am not very certain either, but if we can assemble a sufficiently powerful army of magicians, the area within several dozen miles around Bianyun will become the most ideal crossing point of the Qilizha Mountain Range between the two countries"

Qilizha Mountain is not a Gobi desert, and there are no monstrous beasts present. Apart from a few small animals that feed on the leaves of black rhinoceros wood and chestnuts, there are also some birds and insects living there. Since the time when Sajia could walk unsteadily, Kamule and his brothers have meticulously combed through the mountains within a radius of several dozen miles. Although everyone's thighs were bloodied by thorns, it turned out that their concerns were not unfounded. As Sajia grew older, the surrounding mountains became his favorite place to visit. Just like every boy with a strong sense of curiosity, the singing birds, the leaf-eating beasts that are hardly larger than mice, and even the busy beetles scurrying on the ground all became a deep source of attraction for Sajia.

Kamei let out a hum: "Saka is a special child, kind-hearted, somewhat timid, yet very intelligent. I know what to do. In a few years, even if it costs me my life, I will try to send him out of the swamp. He cannot follow our old path; instead, he should become an apprentice at the best magic guild and, in the future, become a powerful figure like that great sorcerer, possessing strength that even gods and demons would fear and tremble before!"

As the crimson glow in its eyes intensified, the demon beast crouched low, its sharp claws protruding like daggers from the pads of its feet, already impatiently eager to pounce forward

Sajia pondered for a moment and, feeling uneasy, asked: "Can you live forever? Can we, along with our father and all the uncles in Bianyunli, be together forever?"

If any one of the edge-dwellers were present, he would certainly pick up Sajia, take him back to the fortress, and from then on, never allow him to venture out alone again. However, in the vast and clear moonlight, only this small figure was stumbling along by himself. As if playing alone in familiar woods, he took off his shoes and held them in his hand, stepping forward without the slightest hesitation, gently entering the realm of the Dead Marshes

The slender and frail body of Saka made it quite convenient for him to move among the thickets. He never worried about the menacing thorns, as there existed some wide gaps between them, sufficient for his body to pass through with ease. Over the years, Saka had not sustained a single injury in the mountains, even on nights so dark that one could not see their own hand; no thorn had ever snagged a thread of his clothing. At this moment, as the branches and leaves of the black rhizome grew increasingly dense, the only faint glimmering light in the darkness was the deep purple of Saka's eyes. Over the years, Saka had not sustained a single injury in the mountains, even on nights so dark that one could not see their own hand; no thorn had ever snagged a thread of his clothing. At this moment, as the branches and leaves of the black rhizome grew increasingly dense, the only faint glimmering light in the darkness was the deep purple of Saka's eyes.

Only nobles could enjoy the heavily spiced smoked meat, which naturally required the finest chef to prepare. The formidable old Mok, who once wielded his blade to cleave four armored beasts into eight pieces, took on this important task without hesitation. In fact, this middle-aged man, who now appeared to have only half a body, possessed culinary skills that far surpassed his knife techniques. Given that the aroma of smoked meat is greatly influenced by the type of wood used for fuel, old Mok chose not to use black rhinoceros wood; instead, he split an entire section of a wagon. This extravagant act caused everyone to feel a pang of regret, as sturdy wooden wagons were quite rare. Their natural fragrance could deter rodents, making them the perfect storage for grains, while the rats in the border region were as large as cats. Once the smoked meat was completed, its nearly perfect color and texture, along with the rich, enticing smoky aroma, made everyone forget their grievances against old Mok entirely. Faced with an overwhelming tide of praise, the beady-eyed old Mok held a large piece of smoked meat, twirling the iron fork used for skewering meat into a grand flourish with one arm, and left in silence, exuding even more majesty than when he had furiously slain the beasts years ago.

Sajia gently stroked the smooth, hairless back of the small beast and smiled, saying, "The paths leading here have changed position again since I arrived; I walked for quite a while and am completely exhausted"

The land has become increasingly distant. A layer of fine sweat began to bead on Saka's nose, as this manner of walking seemed exceedingly strenuous for him. However, the gradually thinning and treacherous mud marsh never reached above Saka's ankles. The reason why Wika was fortunate enough to traverse the entire Dead Marsh and arrive alive at the Edge Cloud was precisely because, like Saka now, he stepped on the sparse "meridians" that existed when the marsh was formed. This special soil, resembling the ridges of mountains, is a thick and resilient layer gradually accumulated by the entire marsh during its own undulations. It appears similar to other marsh layers but is significantly more solid, capable of supporting the weight of a human body. The marsh's "meridians" are generally few and irregularly distributed. The difference between Saka and Wika lies in the fact that, for some special reason, he has learned to identify the only passage through this Dead Marsh. In contrast, Wika and the very few others who also survived the crossing of the great marsh did so entirely by chance. According to the popular saying on the continent, this is referred to as the "blessing of the God of Light"

"Where is he going?" Matisse asked in surprise as he noticed Zachar walking towards the fortress gate

"Where have you been hiding? If you don't come out soon, I'm going to leave!" Saga blinked and turned around, pouting.

Matisse sighed lightly: "I know you have always regarded Saka as your own son. When we found him on the edge of the swamp all those years ago, the look in your eyes already said it all. But..."

Sajia smiled as she looked at the little beast, which was tilting its head in the same way to gaze back at her. She crouched down and held it in her arms, saying, "I haven't forgotten to bring you something to eat today. Look, it's the smoked meat I brought a few days ago. Do you like it? Go ahead and eat."

"Good child, do not be afraid, the uncle will protect you." A robust figure suddenly appeared, standing between the armored beast and the Saka.

Matisse was taken aback for a moment and waved his hand dismissively: "Boss, this is impossible! The magical military strength of the Bat Empire has never been strong enough to dare take such a reckless action. You must understand that if they lose those already few magical troops, they will be like a fire dragon with broken wings on the battlefield, no longer possessing the strength to contend with Moria!"

Sajia felt the hem of his pants being gently tugged and desperately suppressed a laugh, saying with a serious expression: "I am going back! Who told you to hide just now?"

Uncle Wika?" Saka recalled the dream from earlier, and quickened his pace in confusion

There is only one possibility: he is a member of the royal secret society. However, it is not unusual for someone to be infiltrated into the secret society at the frontline military station. If he does not harbor any ill intentions towards us, it is better not to take action against him

Wika seemed to regard the gnawing beast with utter disdain, vigorously waving the saber enveloped in golden flames, and turning around with a smile said: "Uncle is already dead! But because little Saga is in danger, he has come back to life!"

Matisse's facial muscles twitched slightly as he cast a sorrowful glance at the bright moon in the night sky... Family...? ... Does his mother back in his hometown know that he is still alive?

Red! Red! Saka put on his shoes and walked straight towards the center of the island. There, several jagged boulders jutted out, leaning at an angle against one another. In front of the boulders, the ground was deeply sunken, forming an oval-shaped pit. Thick, viscous red magma continuously surged from the bottom of the pit, rolling and boiling incessantly, emitting waves of intense and oppressive heat.

The night sky over the edge of the clouds is always clear and pristine, devoid of even a trace of cloud. Countless stars are embedded in the high sky, shimmering with brilliance, resembling sparkling gems. In the center of the horizon, a crescent moon hangs at an angle, casting a faint, bluish glow. Sajia gazes at the moon, lost in thought for a while, her pair of purple eyes shining like stars.

Saka lowered his head and said, "I can't sleep, so I thought I would come to see Uncle Wika."

Goo! The little beast let out a low sound, its pair of clear and lively eyes fixed on Saka without blinking, as if responding to his words

This is probably not possible; everyone must die, including your father, " Wika said, shaking her head

"Father, Uncle Matisse." Zachary stepped forward and gently called out to the two men sitting in front of McCaw's grave

Saka stepped back in alarm, his whole body trembling violently. As he looked around in confusion, he could see no one nearby. What enveloped him was only an impenetrable, vast darkness

Kameray's gaze was still filled with great concern as he sighed softly: "You have a point... Regardless, as long as we do not go to Rosha, the patrol must continue. As for that secret faction, it is better to observe for a while before taking action. After all, we have been brothers for some time; we cannot just kill without reason. Wika, if you can hear me, you would agree with my decision, wouldn't you..."

Matisse raised the can of wine in his hand, took a small sip, and said with a bitter smile: "Do you still not believe in my judgment? I sensed something was off about that guy the moment he arrived at Bianyun. What kind of death row inmate would not pounce on food like he does? A few days ago, when we were in the Gobi, I observed him for a long time; he is at least at the fifth level of flame energy, there is absolutely no mistake about it"

On the walls of the fortress, large torches are lit, illuminating the entire space with a bright and transparent glow. Within a radius of several hundred miles, the barren mountains are covered with dense thickets, with only one type of plant growing—black rhinoceros trees. These trees reach a maximum height of only three zhang, yet they are exceptionally sturdy. The wood of the black rhinoceros tree contains abundant tree oil, igniting almost instantly and capable of sustaining a long burn time. It is unclear when it began, but logging has become the greatest pleasure for the disabled veterans. Despite these former killers now handling all the chores of the border, whenever they gaze upon the wood piled high like a small mountain and the brightly lit fortress at night, they cannot help but feel a profound sense of satisfaction. In the past, this feeling only arose when they brought back food and watched the new recruits devour it.

"Shut up!" Kamrebo was furious, sharply interrupting him, "What are you saying? If you dare to speak like that again, I will personally kill you! Even if that old emperor has forgotten about Bianyun, it is absolutely not a reason for treason! We can make it, what about our relatives back home? Do you want to see them implicated and hanged?" We can make it, what about our relatives back home? Do you want to see them implicated and hanged?

The familiar sound of conversation from the open space shattered the vague thoughts that had been surging in Sajia's heart. He felt a sudden spasm in his chest, and the intense pain caused his steps to involuntarily slow down. Silently, two lines of tears streamed down his face, coldly falling to the ground. At that moment, he finally faced the reality in despair: that uncle, who was like a family member, could never suddenly appear before him as he had imagined, smiling and nibbling on smoked meat. Instead, he had left him forever and would never return. At that moment, he finally faced the reality in despair: that uncle, who was like a family member, could never suddenly appear before him as he had imagined, smiling and nibbling on smoked meat. Instead, he had left him forever and would never return.

In the murky and thick darkness, a faint light flickered like fireflies. Suddenly, a deep and menacing roar echoed, and a massive creature covered in green scales, the gnawing beast, leaped out from the shadows. Its long tail, adorned with sharp spikes, slithered behind it like a serpent, and its narrow, fierce eyes burned with a fierce red glow.