It was as if a rampaging red bison had rammed into Tyrus, chewed him up, and spat him out. A wave of pure disbelief crashed over him, causing his mouth to gape and flap like a fish. Initially, he suspected that Elder Treant was playing a trick on him or testing him with lies. Something became clear to Tyrus as he continued to stare into the old tree's eyes.

Elder Treant wasn’t lying in the slightest.

That can’t be right, Tyrus thought. He was a member of a distinguished family in the Beastfolk Kingdom that possessed a primary affinity for lightning? So many holes in the reasoning made it sound unbelievable.

How could Elder Treant be certain about Tyrus's relation to them? Just because he shares similarities with the Tiger Tribe in terms of appearance and affinity, it doesn't mean he's part of a prestigious family like the Great Lineages. As far as he knew, obtaining the lightning element was a fortunate coincidence. Who said that being part of the Tiger Tribe and having a primary affinity for lightning was exclusive to them?

Playing along with Elder Treant's assumption wouldn't help him understand why he was abandoned. That would mean he was loathed and dismissed. It didn't explain why the person in his dreams stated Tyrus wished to meet the King of Beastfolk. He struggled to believe that he actually wanted to see the person who left him for being weak. Then again, he didn’t know what he was like beforehand, so it might be true.

Alas, as Tyrus sat there lost in thought, a passing idea entered his mind. Technically, he wasn’t a Beastfolk, but a Demi-human because of his hybrid status, but he’s referred to as a Beastfolk, regardless. Although the situation was unexpected, he was determined to get answers. In order to confirm something, asking another family-related question was necessary.

“As you know,” he began, “I’m not fully Beastfolk because of my human side. Because of that, I want to know if they’re a family just like me or…”

Elder Treant went silent once again; a slew of emotions passed through its blue eyes. “Do you recall what I said when we first met? About how it’s been a long time since a black tiger entered the Wildwood sanctuary?”

Tyrus hesitated for a moment. “Yes… I remember. Are you saying the family are black tigers?”

“To be precise, they are a pure-blooded family of black tigers. Regarding my knowledge of this matter, a black tiger family member divulged the information to me in person. Throughout their visit, I attentively listened to their words. My perception of detecting insincerity is keen, and the person spoke only the truth. Owing to that, it was a shock to come across someone of your prestige in Wildwood.”

Tyrus shivered as a cool breeze tickled the back of his neck while he examined the ground. The more Elder Treant explained, the more he found the situation believable. If they’re a family of black tigers with the same primary affinity as Tyrus, then it would make sense to be a part of them. However, if he was involved with a family with that much status, then why was he in Lethos? Was he really forsaken?

Reflecting on it, there might have been a few things that could be linked. Selena called him a special cub when he showed her his ears, which may indicate she knew his identity or something else. In one of his dreams, he was being carried while wrapped in thick blankets as a toddler. Their neck didn't resemble that of a Beastfolk, even though fog concealed their face. In the following dream, the person he was with seemed human as well, although it was difficult to discern beneath the armor.

“If I may speak my mind, I have a feeling as to why the family has 'neglected' you. It may be because of your Demi-human status. They banished you from the kingdom because of your mixed blood. Harboring a Demi-human in a prestigious family was likely an unfavorable circumstance.”

“A prominent rule of law in the kingdom is that the mighty are favored over the weak. Your human side might be a hindrance for you to be a member of that family. The laws of the wilderness are deeply intertwined with the customs of the Beastfolk Kingdom, yet more structured.”

…The more I hear about the kingdom, the more it makes sense, Tyrus thought. Weak individuals were not worth the king's attention, only the strong. A custom that closely mimics how animals behave in the wild where only the predators are feared and the weak scurry away. And Tyrus’s situation was a product of those customs, all because he was a Demi-human.

"So, I'm the son of the King of Beastfolk?" he asked quietly.

“While it's possible, the probability of you being someone else's child is higher. You'll be related, but you could be the offspring of his siblings or even their offspring. It is hard to say. Has your mother not told you anything about your roots?”

Tyrus's ears sagged. “Never met her or my father. I lived alone in hiding for a while because I always felt like my life was in danger; and because I’m poor at the moment. My small size and Beastfolk heritage make me a more noticeable target. Aside from that, someone took care of me when I was a baby, but I don’t know who exactly it was or if they’re real. If they are real, then that person may have been my parent, or someone closer.”

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There was a high chance Wanderer was that same person given the clues, but he wouldn’t get his hopes up. Deep inside, he found it unfair that he was born in an unpleasant situation. The more he reflected on it, the more vexed he became.

What kind of heartless person throws away their own kid because of their blood? It was quite stupid unless he was missing a key detail. But the real question is, why did it happen to him? Life was really cruel in handing such a bizarre situation to him. Though he wouldn’t wish it upon others, he still felt like he drew the short end of the stick.

Wanderer's bestowed words to Tyrus were still ablaze in his mind. Fated to live a hard life because of the gods was what Wanderer said, but it wasn’t the gods that did so but the black tigers. They disliked him because they were under the assumption he was weak because of his human blood. Although he was just a baby, they still went ahead with it. It all stemmed from because he was weak.

“The King of Beastfolk treats hybrids with the same disregard as we treat ants for being inferior,” Tyrus said slowly.

That was what the person in his dreams said to him back then. It was all coming together like a singular key, finally finding the correct lock. His strength was the primary reason he was in this mess. Changing the view of others was the task of a person who was seen as inferior. They had to work hard to earn the respect they deserved, relying solely on their own abilities. Proving the king wrong about hybrids being inferior would also prove him and the family wrong if he were strong enough to do so.

Strength really dictates his path, Tyrus mused. With so much information presented to him, he couldn’t help but feel like everything being said was truthful. Believing most of it, even without solid evidence, wouldn't cause harm. If everything was determined to be untrue, then let it be. It would sting a bit, but there was nothing else he could do. He’d just have to continue climbing the ranks of power and fame so that no one would call him weak or walk all over him.

Also, it would be humorous if he disproved a family similar to the imperial family of Lethos. The boy who was discarded for his blood became one of the most powerful people in the world and returned to taunt them. What would their expressions be like? Anger? Confusion? Or even admiration? Meeting a family member or traveling to the Beastfolk Kingdom is the only way he would know.

“Elder Treant, how strong was the black tiger before me? I want to know how far apart we are in terms of strength.”

“I require a moment to deliberate. It has been many years since we met. Comparing the amount of mana swirling in your body to his…” Elder Treant gave it thought for three long seconds. “To put it plainly, you are a small seedling compared to a mighty tree. You have much work to do if you wish to reach their strength.”

Instead of feeling even more dejected, Tyrus only smiled. It was an answer he expected and didn’t have a problem with. He already knew he was weak, to begin with. Training his body and mana would only shorten the gap, he’d just need time. As long as he didn’t slack off, he’d make it there.

Once I’m strong enough, I’ll show those black tigers they made a mistake. Meeting with the King of Beastfolk? Sure, why not? It won’t be now, but I’m definitely giving him a piece of my mind for making me live like this. If the mighty are favored over the weak, then so be it. I’ll force that darn family to see me as part of the mighty.

Tyrus stood up abruptly, fist clenched tightly to his heart. Alongside his goal of gaining strength and money for a life of luxury, another was made. Depending on how things played out, it would take time to achieve the goal. He would train himself to become stronger than them. If the system was like the wild, those who were weaker feared or respected the stronger ones. He’d be the one to stand above them all.

There was also the choice of ignoring them completely, but he felt as though that was almost impossible. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, but they would always be on his mind. The family that wronged him were all living well, while he was the opposite. Besides, if he were to suddenly show up in their lives as a better version of himself, it would be immensely satisfying to observe their reactions. A hybrid which they deemed weak was way better than they were and came for payback.

Engrossed in his thoughts, a smile playing on his lips, he remained unaware of the angry fairy buzzing in his vicinity.

“Tyrus!” she said into his ear. The boy's face fell as he idly played with his ear. Calling him by his own name instead of Savior? Though he gave up on correcting them, it was quite surprising.

“Sorry, I was thinking about something. Did I ruin my haircut?”

“Thankfully, no; I finished just before you stood up. While you were snickering to yourself, I tried to get your attention, but you ignored me, so I had to shout out your name. I'm sorry for what I did and it won't happen again.”

“Don’t worry about it,” he said while feeling his new haircut. Meadow trimmed his bangs straight above his brows and his locks fell short of his shoulders, grazing his human ears instead. Washing and drying it would be less annoying from now on.

“If I kept thinking about them, I would’ve gone crazy. A lot of information was slammed into me, and I now know I have people related to me out there. They’re over at the Beastfolk Kingdom, living well while I’m here on my own. It’s a bit frustrating, but I can’t do anything about it now.”

Meadow puffed out her chest and pouted. “Yeah, I’ve been listening and keeping quiet about your whole situation. How dare those Beastfolk treat the Hero of Wildwood like this? You aren’t weak in the slightest! Taking on a drake all on your own at your age is no laughing matter. Those fools made a mistake and underestimated you before you could even walk! Don’t let them get under your skin.”

“Thank you for the kind words, but I won’t let it get to me now. There are more important things to worry about. Improving my magic and body is a must, and now I have to think about Beast Transformation as well. I think there’s more to it than I previously thought.”

“Beast Transformation?” Elder Treant inquired. “If I may ask, what stage are you in terms of the transformation? Partial or full body?”

Tyrus whipped his head toward Elder Treant. “What do you mean by that?”

“There are two stages of Beast Transformation for a Demi-human: partial and full body. Partial transformation is the ability to change specific body parts, while full body transformation involves changing into a beast. It is a challenging and intricate process to enhance the form. Full body results from acknowledging and accepting oneself fully.”

Overcome with shock, Tyrus dropped to his knees with his jaw hitting the floor as the realization hit him.

So I’ve been using an imperfect form this whole time? I think I’m going to go crazy. It’s just one thing after another…