Ryder had spent nearly three weeks observing the village, hidden among the snow-covered trees of the boreal forest. Each day, he dedicated himself to studying their language and customs, piecing together fragments of information to build a clearer understanding of this strange world. Yet, the language presented challenges even to his advanced processors. It seemed to be a fusion of several ancient Earth languages—Mandarin, Japanese, and Thai—making it difficult for his systems to produce a reliable lexicon. After weeks of analysis, he had achieved a 75% translation accuracy—enough to comprehend basic conversations but not the nuanced subtleties of their speech.

During his time in the shadows, Ryder identified key individuals within the village who played important roles in its operation. These observations were critical, not only to understand the village’s social structure but also to anticipate potential threats or allies.

Zhou Hong was the first figure Ryder chose to observe closely. As the apparent leader or lord of the village, Hong exuded a calm authority. He seemed down-to-earth and genuinely concerned for the well-being of his people. Ryder often saw him mediating disputes, directing communal tasks, and ensuring food and resources were fairly distributed. While Hong's demeanor suggested he was approachable, his leadership also marked him as someone to approach with caution.

Another prominent figure was Shibata Kina, the village’s hunting master. She was a formidable presence, skilled and disciplined. Kina was one of two individuals Ryder suspected was aware of his presence. He had observed her and a group of hunters examining his tracks in the snow, their expressions marked by curiosity and wariness. Kina’s keen instincts and methodical approach made her a figure of both interest and concern.

The second individual tracking him was Liang Lei, the captain of the village militia. Lei was likely a trained military man, judging by his disciplined movements and the way he carried himself. He was the only villager adorned in armor, albeit crude by Ryder’s standards, and armed with weapons that suggested both practicality and ritual significance. Lei’s sharp gaze and methodical patrols reinforced Ryder’s suspicion that the captain had been monitoring his movements.

While Ryder cataloged the roles and behaviors of the villagers, another anomaly captured his attention. His instruments had been registering intermittent spikes resembling electrical discharges. If he were still on Mars, he would have reported such readings to an engineer. Yet, in this world devoid of electricity, these spikes defied easy categorization. Ryder’s analytical mind struggled to reconcile the readings with his surroundings. Were they natural phenomena? A result of his own systems adapting to this new environment? Or something entirely unique to this world?

As the questions lingered, Ryder refocused on the village. The information he had gathered, combined with his growing lexicon, provided a foundation for deeper engagement. He began to consider his next steps when a sudden sound shattered the tranquil air.

“BRUUUUU!”

The deep blast of a trumpet echoed across the fields, sending a ripple of activity through the village. Ryder shifted his sensors toward the source of the sound and soon spotted movement on the horizon. A group of people approached, accompanied by a cart pulled by two massive white tigers. The sight gave Ryder pause. His database quickly cross-referenced the image, returning several possible matches. The closest resemblance was a mythical creature from ancient Earth lore—Byakko or Baifū, the White Tiger of the West.

“Mythological creature?” Ryder mused, his processors analyzing the implications. Could this be a natural species of this world, or something entirely different?

Accompanying the cart was a group of approximately twelve guards, their fine armor gleaming even in the muted light. Their weapons were masterfully crafted, a stark contrast to the simpler tools of the villagers. They moved with precision, their formation tight, suggesting a noble guard force.

Ryder shifted his attention to the villagers, who were gathering near the central bonfire. Their expressions ranged from awe to apprehension as they murmured among themselves. From his concealed vantage point, Ryder’s advanced audio sensors captured fragments of their conversation, though his lexicon struggled to decode some of the words. Adjusting his position for a better view, he noted the tension in the air, the unspoken weight of the arrival pressing on the gathered crowd.

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ZHOU HONG’S PERSPECTIVE

Zhou Hong, the chief of the hunting and farming village of Ansu, looked at the carriage pulled by Frost Tigers, accompanied by twelve noble guards, and felt a cold sweat breaking out on his brow. "What is Lord Feng doing here?" he muttered under his breath. Making a quick gesture, he ordered the villagers to present themselves properly and directed those who could to take the children away from the central square.

"I wonder if he has heard about Inaba's daughter? Or could it be…" His thoughts raced, each scenario more troubling than the last. What could prompt such an unexpected visit from their landlord?

The carriage halted in the middle of the village, and the guards moved to form a protective perimeter around it. Their fine armor gleamed in the firelight, and their weapons—ornate yet functional—spoke of both status and deadly efficiency.

One of the guards stepped forward and retrieved a scroll from beneath his armor. Unfurling it, he read aloud in a commanding voice:

"Lord Feng of Shenfang Province hereby orders the village of Ansu to hunt and kill a Chimera to present its skin, to be made into a winter coat for his newest wife, Lady Lingxin."

As the proclamation ended, a hush fell over the gathered villagers. The gravity of the order was clear. Chimeras were rare and dangerous beasts, their hunts fraught with peril. Zhou’s jaw tightened, but he forced himself to remain calm as the guard stepped aside.

The carriage door opened, and a woman emerged.

Lady Lingxin, skin as white as snow and hair as black as a raven, and eyes like two blue sapphires, dressed in expensive silk robes and wearing a snow leopard coat for warmth, was a beauty rarely seen outside of major cities.

Hong took his eyes off Lady Lingxin and bowed. "Lady Lingxin, let this lowly one welcome you to our village."

A little "huh" was all that indicated she had answered.

"Forgive this lowly one for his question, but does Lady know how dangerous it is to hunt a chimera at this time of year?"

One of the guards suddenly pulled out his guandao at Hong. "Are you questioning Lady Lingxin's decision?" he said in a firm and threatening tone.

"N-no, I'm just pointing out that such a hunt will take time and resources to carry out," Hong replied, swallowing hard.

Lady Lingxin raised her hand, and the guard withdrew his weapon. "I have heard from traveling merchants that this village is very good at producing exceptional skins and furs, so it shouldn't be a big problem for you to produce a chimera. Or is it just falsehoods that have been spread, hmm?" she said in a voice as sweet as honey and sharp as a knife.

"N-no, of course not, my Lady," Hong replied, cold sweat running down his forehead.

"Hmm. I thought so. I will stay here in the village until I get my fur. What is your name, lowly one?" she said, brushing some of her hair out of her face.

"Zhou Hong, the village chief," Hong replied.

"Well then, Hong, take me to the best house in the village."

Lady Lingxin turned and stepped back into the carriage. Hong looked up and saw that there was someone else inside the carriage. What he saw made his blood run cold. Sitting inside was a Cursed Doll.

Lady Lingxin smiled when she saw what Hong was looking at. "I hope it won't bother you that I have my 'friend' with me," she said and closed the door.

"Of course not," Hong replied to the closed door.

He turned and, with a gesture, dismissed the rest of the villagers. Kina and Lei approached Hong as he began to lead the group.

"She can't be serious," Lei said in a quiet but determined tone.

"You know as well as I do that we don't have much to say about the matter," Hong replied.

"Hong, do you realize that this could be the death of many of our hunters?" Kina said, giving him a sharp look.

Hong sighed. "I know... Kina, start preparing your best hunters. Lei, can you provide them with better equipment?"

Lei crossed his arms. "I'll look for what's there... but it's not just the chimera I'm worried about."

"You mean the unknown that's been around the village for a few weeks?" Hong asked.

Lei nodded.

"We'll take it one thing at a time... if we're lucky, maybe it'll stay away," Hong said, drawing a deep sigh.