The sun had already risen, People knew about the incident from last night. But townspeople went about their work as usual, with smoke rising from their chimneys. The lights in their houses turned, and the sound of people on the street greeting each other could be heard.Joy and smiled could see in people’s heart.

However, there was a noticeable difference at the Control Center, where heated arguments and shouts filled the air. Holy orders and servants hurriedly carried piles of papers to the hall.

“I apologize, Sir,” one servant said.

“Go to sector two quickly,” a Holy order commanded.

“Yes, sir,” the servant nodded and swiftly walked away, papers flying in the air.

“What is this? Just one night,” the Holy order looked at another servant who was heading in the wrong direction. “You! Go to sector two in the west wing.”

“Yes, Sir!” the servant turned and followed the direction pointed out.

A saint with golden hair sat in the conference room, comfortably seated in an old-fashioned chair that seemed to have been decorated a hundred years ago. The chair was intricately carved in the shape of a pure white stone cross. The coldness of the chair sent shivers down her spine, but she maintained a beautiful smile on her face, despite feeling incredibly bored inside.

I hate winter, I hate all of you. Why do we have to work like this? Why can’t we connect to the main system? This is not efficient at all. Can’t you update it with encryption algorithms? Ella grumbled to herself.

“What do you think, Saint Sky Piercer?” one of the Holy orders asked as showed her a paper.

“It’s good,” Ella nodded slightly. How long are you going to drag this on? I’m also human, I want to have my breakfast. I want to rest, and I seriously need a shower! I’m covered in sweat and there are bloodstains on my dress. Haven’t you noticed?

The Holy order nodded happily and waved his hand over the long strategic table.

Crick! Guru! Guru! The grids on the table transformed into the monsters that the knights had fought the previous night.

“Why is this gorilla here?” Marquis Rexton exclaimed, grabbing onto the corner of the table.

Crack! The stone on Ella’s armchair slightly cracked.

“Sir, it’s a snow monster named Pykas Yeti, sir,” the Silver Plate knight tiredly tried to correct his master.

“Um, is it strong?” He stared at its four arms.

“Yes, Grandfather, it’s very strong. Even with all my power, I could only cut its skin. My attack stopped when it reached the bone,” the two-meter follower said.

The table changed into a monster arm that cut into the bone. Calder continued said, “its bone is as hard as black metal.”

Rexton grabbed his beard. “Mages, please change to a transparent mode.”

The Holy Order Mages nodded and sent mana through the table.

Wang! The stone suddenly turning into crystal. causing a luminous glow that enabled us to see inside with clarity. A radiant line extended, connecting to every part of the creature. Not long it turned into black color, particularly, at the center of the monster’s arms had black veins pulsated on every finger.

Rexton said, “Black blood. It’s completely corrupted.”

“How is that possible? It shouldn’t have come this far,” the higher knight said.

Rexton looked at one servant. “Please check another territory, especially on the west side, and report to the central holy.”

The servant nodded and quickly moved to another sector.

“This winter is going to make everything harder. We’re just in the second warning state,” the higher knight said, clenching his fist.

“No, no, this is not just harder, this is the worst,” the chubby civilian mayor said. “Its meat cannot be consumed. If every monster and animal gets this corrupted curse, we will face a food shortage. And this winter arrived sooner than expected.”

Rexton nodded. “Yes, Mayor, please announce the situation to the civilians and look for more hunters. Also, bring some knights. We need to gather more supplies.”

Rexton looked at follower Calder. “And most importantly, Grandson, how did you defeat it?”

Calder turned his head to Ella.

Ella nodded. “Please.”

Calder touched the table. “This negative was eliminated because of Saint Ella and her acquaintance.”

Crick! Guru! Guru! The table changed, creating people and a fight scene.

“The monster has two hearts. One in the center is used for usual physical movement, and the other is used to consume mana from nature and strengthen its attacks.”

The table depicted an animated scene of a ferocious attack, with rocks and the floor moving furiously.

Whispers filled the room as people commented on the strength of the attack, “That’s so powerful, a level four in every attack.” “What is that, a Raccoon?” “It even consumes its own life.” “Especially when it uses all four arms.”

Rexton focused his gaze on the moving raccoon and wondered aloud, “Beastkin? Why is it here?”

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As soon as the word ‘Beastkin’ was mentioned, everyone turned their attention to the same spot.

The raccoon shot arrow after arrow, skillfully dodging and shooting directly at the monster’s head.

“Grandfather, that Miss Raccoon, she was a decoy. The visual on the strategic table isn’t accurate enough. If you see it with your own eyes, you’ll notice that the arrow is aimed directly at the monster’s eyes.”

Ella was taken aback. Miss Raccoon?

People started voicing their thoughts again. “How is she able to shoot within the air with so many rocks flying?” “She’s so agile.” “Who is she? Her arrows are so swift.” “Aren’t beastkin cursed anymore?”

Knock, Knock Rexton knocked on the table twice to get everyone’s attention. “Everyone, please calm down. We’re here to discuss how we can fight and kill the monster,” Saint Rexton said.

Calder nodded and said, “I apologize to grandfather, I’ll get straight to the point. The monster has two weak points, one in the center of its body and one in its abdomen. However, both are protected by two hidden arms. We need to find a way to make it open up and reveal its weak points…”

The conference continued, with a constant stream of information being shared.

Ella leaned back in her chair, feeling restless. I want to leave. How much longer will this go on? My thought were right. I shouldn’t have let him in. The long and longer questions will arise if he’s here.

Huh, but those sad raccoon eyes, begging not to be left alone, make my heart HURT! Ugh, where is the location of the sweet shop in this town?

—§—

Rain sat alone in the refuge camp hall, in the same corner as last time. The children looked at him.

“Brother Rain, can I sit close to you?” asked a kid named Joel.

Rain swiftly showed his claw and his white fangs, hissing!

“Awaaa, sorry brother,” Joel swiftly ran away.

“May I, sister Rain?” Lauren tried her luck.

But Rain swiftly turned his head away, humph!

Lauren closed her mouth, looked down at the floor, and trembled. “This… This is a very good resource.” She grabbed her notebook and swiftly walked out, her smile widening.

Another kids tried, but Rain hissed or showed air scratched to chase everyone out.

Rain hugged his knees.

“How can she leave me like that!” Rain said.

Then he imitated Ella’s voice, “You attract too much attention and you are not part of our Holy Order. Go and rest!” His fluffy ears and tail swayed.

“Hmph! I’m also a follower, how can I be forbidden to enter?” Rain said.

Tap, tap, a plate of meat soup with bread and a cup of milk were placed in front of him. White hot smoke rose up, the meat in the soup glistened in the sunlight, and his beard had brown burned cracks with grains inside. The milk also emitted a warm sensation. White foamy bubbles rolled inside the cup, with sugar flakes and herbs on top.

Blue hair lady smiled at him. She wore a cooking apron and had her hair tied up in a bun.

Rain looked at the food and gulped, but he forced himself to look away. “No need.”

Aria sat with her knees and said, “Rain, it’s not good for your health to protest like this. You can be angry at me as much as you want, but don’t hurt yourself, okay?”

Rain glanced at Aria. “Take these fluffy ears and tail off of me, and I will eat immediately.”

“I told you, they have time lock magic that needs to be worn for twenty-four hours. I can’t take them off,” Aria explained.

“You mean, Aria! I’m so embarrassed. All the townspeople called me a Raccoon Girl. They even gave me lots of flowers in this winter time. What does that mean, huh?” Rain said, pointing to the pile of flowers beside him.

Aria looked at the flowers and gave a wry smile. “Ahem, Rain, I know you’re worried, but it’s just a simple costume. Many higher society members or actors wear attire like this at events.”

“B-but, Aria, there are no winter events here, and there aren’t any other beastkin either,” Rain replied, his head drooping.

Aria mimicked Rain’s posture, sitting with her knees up and a smile on her face. “Astra… You know, I’m so happy, truly happy. The kids are also delighted to have you here. Your presence brings them joy.”

Rain lifted his head and saw the kids playing with beastkin hairbands made of paper or wood in every corner.

“See, their love for you is actual,” Aria said.

Rain looked at the kids’ smiles and then at Aria. “I’ll eat, but I haven’t forgiven you yet. I’ll plan my revenge for this.” He grabbed his beard and took a bite, then spooned some soup into his mouth and drank milk.

Aria smiled as she watched him finally start eating. “Is it good? The ingredients produced in this area are of very high quality.”

“Um, your cooking skills are truly the best. The stew is perfectly timed, marinated, and seasoned. And adjusting the taste to make it easier to eat is also excellent. This sweet sugar makes the soup delicious for everyone,” Rain complimented.

Aria chuckled. “I added it just for your bowl.”

Rain smiled. “Thank you.”

“Enjoy your meal. I’ll continue working, or let’s call it household chores instead,” Aria said as she sat up.

Rain nodded, his spoon pausing in his mouth.

Arrrrd! As the door swung open, a few snowflakes floated in. All eyes turned towards the man who entered the Refuge Hall. His attire was unconventional, with a roughly cut fur coat hanging from his waist and bare feet. In his hand, he carried a charred black staff. His fiery red hair fell down, but unable to conceal his handsome face. His aura emitted a primal energy.

He looked left and right, noticing a woman with blue hair. He signed and then bowed to her.

Aria vigilantly observed him and nodded slightly.

He lifted his head, scanning the room. Finally, he found the person he was looking for, a youngster with a silly expression, currently eating bread. Although his appearance and frail body were different, the man was certain that this was the one he sought. A small smile formed at the corner of his mouth.

Tap! Tap! Tap! The man walked closer to Rain with his bare feet.

Thud! Rave sat opposite Rain, their eyes locked on each other.

“Can I have—” Rave began.

Swish, Rain tore the bread in half. “Here,” he said, handing it to Rave.

Rave grabbed it but didn’t eat it, instead placing it on his lap. “Thank you,” he said quietly.

“You look cool,” Rain commented.

“And you look pretty,” Rave replied.

“Girls bully me,” Rain confessed.

“You’re always too kind to them. Sometimes you have to stand up for yourself, like she does,” Rave said, his hand trembling. He lowered his head, his chin wrinkling. “Do you… have Rarity—“

“Sorry, Rave.”

Swoosh! Clack! Gang! Gang! The food tray and milk cup flew away as Rave rushed at Rain. He grabbed Rain’s collar tightly, his eyes burning bright red. “You said you’d protect her with your life!”

Bam! He pressed Rain against the wall, forcefully confronting him. “Why are you still here, alive, eating like nothing has happened, Rockman? She’s my little sister, my only remaining family… She’s my precious Rarity. Rockman, why are you still alive?” Rave continued to apply pressure, his blood veins visible on his hands.

People stood up, embracing their children. Aria glanced at Red Rave’s back, her expression darkening. An invisible blade slowly materialized in her hand. Her mana leaked causing soup and milk on the floor to transform into a swirling whirlpool.

“S-so-rry, Ra-ve, I d-do, b-best.” His breath struggled, but he smiled wildly at Rave.

“What? Rockman!” Rave exclaimed.

“Y-yes, R-Rave. I, s-still have a-alive.” He struggled, reaching out and touching Rave’s hand. “A-live.”

Rave’s eyes widened in shock, looking at Rockman with disbelief. “You’re alive… not dead.” Tears welled up in his eyes. His hair rose, as if someone had pulled it, and he felt a warmth that he had accustomed. Rave released his grips.

“Cough! Cough!” Rain smiled at Rave and said, “Yes, brother. I’m alive.”

A tear rolled down Rave’s cheek. “Thank Sun father… Rockman. You kept your promise.”

Chomp! Suddenly, a bite mark appeared on Rave’s arm. Rave looked at Rain.

“You’re lucky this time. It’s only ten fold.” Rain said.

Hands covered his face, tears streaming down. “Hahahaha, big brother Rockman, you’re truly amazing. Rarity! This man has passed the test. I will support you with everything I can.” More bite marks appeared on Rave’s arm, but beneath his covered hands, a big smile shone through.

Aria reacted, dispersing her mana into the air. “Are his friend eat sweet?”