Continuing westward, I found myself at the wretched CT Village—a place I’d much rather avoid, if I’m being honest. As I mentioned in my last entry, I hold no prejudices against most species, but this lot? They're the exception. The CTs. They're one of the bestial tribes living under the Nature Clan's care. Imagine human bodies, but with ridiculous cat tails and those obnoxious feline ears perched atop their heads. Do they even have human ears? Frankly, I’ve never been close enough to confirm, nor would I bother with such trivial details.

Normally, I’d take the scenic route just to avoid this detestable place, but alas, my current lack of resources meant I had no choice but to pass through.

The village, as expected, was infuriating. They don’t trade, they don’t produce, and I’d wager they wouldn’t even know how to hunt if their lives depended on it. And yet, they have everything handed to them—homes, fountains, food, you name it. Why? Because of her. Ventus. The so-called “Goddess of Justice” and leader of the Alphas. For someone who prides herself on fairness, she’s shockingly partial to this lot.

As I meandered through the village, trying not to gag on the suffocating air of entitlement, I noticed a commotion in the square. A large crowd had gathered, and my curiosity got the better of me. Against my better judgment, I moved closer.

And there she was.

Ventus herself, standing amidst the CTs, petting them as though they were house cats, her gaze fixed on the heavens like some saintly figure.

The sight of her churned my stomach. Anger bubbled within me—she was the one who created the weapon that brainwashed my mother. She was the leader of the Alphas. She was the person I despised most in the world. And yet, as much as I hated her, fear clawed at my insides. Ventus is far beyond my league. She could erase me with a flick of her wrist, or worse—with a single thought.

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I had no plans, no strategies, no secret techniques to take her down. Meeting her now was far too soon. I decided to slip away before she noticed me.

But luck, as always, was not on my side.

“Human,” she called, her voice smooth yet commanding. “May you come here for a moment?”

I froze, my brain scrambling to process the fact that she had noticed me. Of course, she had. I was the only human in a village full of feline rejects. What a fool I was to think I could slip by unnoticed.

“Hmh… n-no?” I stammered, trying to play it cool but failing miserably.

Her head tilted, her expression bemused. “No? Why not? Do not worry, I will not harm you.”

Her patronizing tone set my teeth on edge, but I forced myself to stay calm. My life was on the line, after all. Ventus’s unique ability to see through lies—and emotions—meant any attempt at deception would be futile.

“I a-am busy,” I managed, still facing away from her. “I’ve something important to do… something I need to finish quickly.”

“Oh, I see.” Her voice softened, but I could feel her gaze boring into me. “But do tell me, why is a young… human… traveling alone?”

I bristled at her words. Young? Human? How dare she speak to me like I’m some wide-eyed child? Still, I had to think fast, crafting a response that was both truthful and vague.

“W-well, you see,” I began, swallowing my pride, “I’m on a mission to help my mother. She wouldn’t let me leave otherwise, so… I ran away from home.”

Ventus regarded me with what I could only describe as pity. Pity! Me, pitied by the likes of her? I wanted to scream. Instead, I clenched my fists and waited for her to respond.

“If that is the case,” she said at last, “you must be hungry. A human infant such as yourself needs to eat properly. Please, help yourself to some food before you leave. I truly hope you succeed in your mission.”

I stood there, stunned. This was the person I loathed above all else—offering me help while I was on a mission to destroy her. Even though her tone was dripping with condescension, her offer seemed genuine.

After what felt like an eternity, I forced out a response. “Thanks. I… appreciate it.”

I took some food and left the village without looking back. My pride was bruised, my nerves frayed, and my hatred for her burned brighter than ever. But at least I survived the encounter. For now.