It has been about three weeks since Kokona obtained the Infernal Core and Tino's malnourished body started taking a proper shape thanks to Kokona's pampering.
"See that gate? That's Torii. It marks the territory of Beastfolk. We are close to Cerberus."
Kokona said while pointing at a Torii-like gate far in the distance.
"Gate? Torii~?"
However, this was the first time Tino heard such words, so he could only tilt his head to the side in confusion.
"It's that large, red thing in the shape of the cave entrance where we stayed when we met for the first time."
Kokona found that explaining about gates is surprisingly difficult, so she did her best to explain as easily as possible.
"Oh~ It's big!"
Tino could tell that the gate is really big even from the distance as it was towering over the surrounding trees.
"We will meet other Beastfolk on the way from now on, so if you see someone, place your right fist over your heart. They will do the same, so don't be startled."
"Over my heart? Why~? What's that for?"
"It's a form of greeting. We Beastfolk have strong bonds, we were raised to be respectful to our brethren with this simple greeting. Not doing it is considered rude."
"Hee~"
One of the two burly men standing in front of the gate shouted when Tino and Kokona approached.
They were the gatekeepers.
"Halt!"
Kokona placed her right fist over her heart, so Tino followed after her.
Seeing the two greeting them, the two gatekeepers returned the greeting.
"You are ...Mad Dog? It hasn't been even two months yet! You have already finished your Adult Ceremony!?"
The second gatekeeper who recognized Kokona asked in disbelief.
Hearing the gatekeeper's words, Kokona's eyebrow started twitching.
She really does detest her title.
"Raging Bull."
Kokona addressed the gatekeeper and nodded. Normally, as Kokona's senior, the gatekeeper with the title of Raging Bull should have gotten angry about Kokona's taciturn answer, but he let it slide as if he was already used to it.
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This caused Tino to feel very perplexed. Kokona's usual gentle smile and lengthy explanations were not to be found.
"I see. As expected of you. And? Who might this be?"
Raging Bull looked at Tino.
"Tino."
Kokona answered simply.
"Tino who?"
"Just Tino."
Raging Bull scratched his head and sighed.
"Hah, hurry up home, I'm sure your family will be delighted by your return."
"Yes."
After the two had passed under the gate, Tino was far too startled to talk to Kokona. He has never seen her like that. Why was she acting so strangely? That man has also called her Mad Dog. Is that perhaps the title she spoke of before?
"U, umm...?"
In the end, he mustered all the courage he could and turned towards Kokona.
"What is it?"
She asked him with a gentle smile.
Tino was startled by the quick change of her attitude again, but he wasn't scared this time.
"Nothing~"
He said cutely and grasped her hand.
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Tino and Kokona met many people on the way to Cerberus and Tino was able to admirably greet all of them.
He noticed that the people who recognized Kokona were looking at her with the utmost respect and slightly noticeable fear.
Although he couldn't understand why, he knew that the fear was unneeded as Kokona is the most gentle person he has ever come in contact with. Naturally, she's the only person he has ever talked with, so he might be a tiny bit biased.
Before long, they arrived in Cerberus.
"Woah~"
Tino exclaimed as he looked up at the high walls enclosing the entire village.
As they have already walked past numerous checkpoints, they didn't have any trouble entering as they pleased.
The first place Kokona went to was the so-called Spirit Lodge. It's a fancy-looking place where Beastfolk complete their Adult Ceremonies and receive honor and respect.
As soon as Kokona and Tino stepped inside,
"Mad Dog, huh? You were quicker than I expected."
An old woman in red-white clothes addressed Kokona.
"Elder ."
Kokona placed her fist on her heart, the elderly woman returned her greeting.
Naturally, Tino did the same while timidly hiding behind Kokona's legs. Although he could deal with it on the road, there were just too many people in the village. He was scared silly.
"What have you brought me, girl?"
Kokona reached into her pocket, took out the green crystal and presented it to the elderly woman.
"Infernal Core... a frenzied one? As expected of the Mad Dog."
She turned her back towards Kokona and kneeled before an altar.
"Come, Mad Dog. Give your ancestors a prayer."
Kokona signaled Tino to stay where he is and kneeled next to the elderly woman.
"Dear Ancestors, your descendant, the Mad Dog has become a splendid adult and brought you a wonderful gift. Please, bestow your blessings upon her to help her with her future adventures."
The elderly woman placed the Infernal Core onto the altar and prayed. Once she finished the Infernal Core dispersed in dust and two green earrings appeared in their place.
"Congratulations, Kokona the Mad Dog. Starting today, you are an adult and free to choose your own path. May you find success wherever you go."
The elderly woman said and placed the earrings in Kokona's hands, her eyes tearing up.
"Grandmother..."
"You girl. How could you go and fight a frenzied Infernal? You really are mad, aren't you? Wanting to shock your granny to death."
The elderly woman, Kokona's grandmother, said emotionally as she hugged her granddaughter.
"Not only you did something so reckless, but you also brought someone with you. It? No, he? is not one of the Beastfolk is he?"
She asked while sizing Tino from the head down.