In the continent of Hindra, the Endra Forest, the largest forested area, is abundant with evergreen plants, densely growing to the point where sunlight scarcely reaches the deep areas. Even in broad daylight, it remains dimly lit, and the forest is known for its use by various individuals seeking to exploit its nature. Particularly, it serves as the stronghold for the Ashura Forest Tribe. As a result, the interior of the Endra Forest is scattered with endless bones, animal carcasses, and indistinguishable cries echoing day and night.

Due to such circumstances, the timber harvested in the Endra Forest is commonly referred to as "bloodwood," celebrated by the citizens of Hildra.

In the heart of the Endra Forest, by the pitch-black river known as the "River of Blood," Bernardo was present.

"I messed up. Just came up with a game of threading a hummingbird's tongue through the ring's hole. Never expected the tongue to be too short. Even though it's a hummingbird?"

Bernardo is a simple merchant making a living by traveling between Mandara's Yoldra and Hildra in Hindra.

While making a living as a merchant, Bernardo occasionally engages in theft and fraud. Therefore, he is affectionately called the "Crafty Rudo" by the inhabitants of the Ashura Forest. In other words, Bernardo had come to the Ashura Forest to smuggle illegally obtained goods.

"Hey, what are you doing with a hummingbird in your mouth? Sucking nectar from the hummingbird that the hummingbird sucked from the flower?"

Bernardo turned towards the voice. There stood a tall figure with a deep hood.

Sharp eyes, a mouth reaching the earlobes, a nose curling up to the forehead, and gray fur—undoubtedly, it was a cat person.

"No, no! I'm not sucking the hummingbird! It's sucking me! The problem is, this hummingbird has a short tongue, causing the issue!"

"I see. That's particularly unusual in this forest! I would like to know your name."

"Me? I'm Rudo. Bernardo. Came up with this game while being a traveling merchant. Thread the hummingbird's tongue through the ring."

"Rudo... Bernardo. Hmm, born in Mahoto. I've been there a few times. A good land blessed by nature. No thieves or brigands there, so it's a land where you can do as you please! That place is free for all without any trouble!"

"That's right. In Mahoto, I made a living as a thief. That's why my reputation is good. It's rich in nature, and crops are abundant. Mahoto people prepared the soil, so Hindra has delicious food and easy-to-steal items! "

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"That's quite fortunate. Here, bringing travelers and merchants deep into the forest, being careful not to be found during patrols, that's how you can get your hands on valuables. So, Mahoto people are truly fortunate. If Munya gets tired of living here, I plan to create a new base in Mahoto."

"That's a masterpiece! There's no way cat people can succeed in Mahoto! No one will accept cat people there! I got it, I'm going to write about this now! It will surely be a bestseller in Hildra and Yoldra! It will be the best-selling book I've ever written! How about a signature to commemorate this? After all, it was your idea!"

"Munya is deeply moved! I never thought my idea would be read by people all over the continent! It's truly an honor! If it's with claws, of course! Munya is very confident in handling claws! So, where would you like the signature?"

"Perfect! I happened to have a rug made of human skin! I thought of it right after the cat person's claws! This is a smuggled item from a noble patron of mine! Be sure to have it in the Ashura Forest! So, carve a big signature with your claws in the middle of this rug, will you?"

"Got it. Munya can handle that easily."

Saying so, Munya swung the long and sharp claws vigorously. It descended with a spark from Bernardo's knee to the ground. The next moment, a scream roared from somewhere. Whether it was from where or from whom. In the Ashura Forest, it's something no one can know.

"What? My weight suddenly feels lighter! Just a moment ago, the weight was evenly distributed! Nevertheless, in an instant, I lost balance and knelt at your feet! What is happening? Do you know, cat person?"

"No, I don't. Munya doesn't know either. In this forest, even if an event happens right in front of you, no one can know it. That's the rule in this forest. Ashura Forest is a scary place. Munya also carefully prepares before entering every time."

"I see. Understood. Then, can you lend a hand to restore my balance? Is a deal necessary? How much do you want? Oh, right, feel free to rummage through my belongings."

"No, that's not allowed. Munya refuses that. Munya never steals or picks up things in front of others. So, as long as there are eyes around, Munya is a very kind cat person. That's the trick to survive in Hindra."

That was the last sight of Munya seeing Bernardo.

—Hindra is said to be the continent chosen by dragons. In another saying, it's also called the cursed continent.

The gentle breeze flowing over the Hindra continent occasionally carries dragons, bringing calamity to people and animals.

Although ordinary people cannot perceive their presence, very rarely, some claim to have encountered individuals who can see dragon shapes hidden in the wind.

According to those who can see them, the shapes of dragons are varied and all resemble the beautiful creatures depicted in Munyos' animal spring paintings.

Especially, the dragons appearing at certain points are of a grotesque form and have a large build.

I just want to see that sight once... seriously.

Camaro finished reading the diary he found on the roadside and casually threw it into the grass beside the side road.

Then, among the scattered clothes, shoes, and other items in front of him, he picked up a long, slender wand.

Camaro stared at the wand while resting his chin on his fingers.

The wand was made of a crystal that was transparent at the end rather than the handle, and in the center of the crystal, something resembling a lump of gold could faintly be seen.

The shape was irregular, and the color of the handle seemed to have a slightly dirty hue, so it wasn't something that could be called beautiful.