What do I do?
It's already getting late. Should I sleep in a tree? Or something?
"First, let me pack the meat," he said.
He gathered a bunch of leaves and wrapped them around the remaining meat. Still unsure where he'd sleep, he looked around—until the boar stepped closer, giving a signal. It wanted Nolan to follow.
Nolan understood.
Wait, I haven't given you a name yet.
He reached out a hand. "Your name will be Zuru."
Immediately, something strange happened.
A glowing star-shaped symbol appeared on the boar's forehead. Nolan's palm lit up too.
The boar evolved.
Its body thickened, horn lengthened, and teeth grew sharper and larger. Standing naturally, it was now nearly eight feet tall.
"He understood—he was a beast tamer."
Energy had left his body, transferring into Zuru.
Mouth still open in shock, Nolan watched as Zuru bent down, offering his back.
Nolan picked up the meat—he wasn't sure when he'd eat again—and jumped on.
Zuru charged forward, faster than before. He didn't dodge trees—he crashed through them like they were nothing, slamming straight ahead without hesitation.
Nolan was speechless.
After a few minutes, Zuru stopped in front of a cave. Nolan slid off.
"Is this our final destination?"
Zuru nodded.
"Good." Nolan tied the meat around his waist and shoulder. Oddly, it felt light—like carrying paper.
Zuru gestured for him to enter.
Nolan hesitated. "Why do you want me to go in?"
Then Zuru shrunk—returning to his original size.
"Wow… that's really cool," Nolan said. He now understood—Zuru could control his size at will.
Zuru entered the cave. Nolan followed, cautious.
Inside, it smelled like damp earth and water. Rocks were scattered all over. As Nolan walked deeper, he saw them—22 adult boars and several young ones.
The second they noticed Nolan, they began making angry, restless noises.
Nolan froze.
Zuru stepped forward and addressed them in their language.
Nolan stood back, heart pounding.
What does Zuru want? For me to stay here? With all these animals? That's insane.
They looked furious. Nolan was scared—but he stood his ground, pressing a hand to his chest.
Just one night. Tomorrow, I'll find another place.
His eyes scanned the cave. Some of the baby boars were playing, chasing one another.
Zuru finished speaking and returned to Nolan, bowing his head.
Nolan placed his hand on it.
He understood.
Zuru had spoken on his behalf—and the others had accepted him.
Zuru gently took the meat from Nolan. Nolan didn't resist. He was still shaken by the others' presence.
Zuru carried the meat toward the younger boars. It looked like they hadn't eaten. As soon as he dropped it, they rushed in. More came running to join.
Nolan smiled.
He'd only just met Zuru, but it already felt like they were close.
Wanting to give them space—and calm his nerves—Nolan stepped outside.
Finally, fresh air. It was hot inside… probably from Zuru's body heat.
He walked a little farther toward the forest beside the cave.
That's when he saw it.
Something holding a sword.
It wore armor, and its head looked like a lion's.
It hadn't noticed him yet.
What the hell is that?
A beast-headed creature… walking upright, like a man?
The creature looked up at the stars.
Nolan crept closer—quietly.
Then it turned. Its eyes locked on his.
"A human," it said.
Nolan didn't recognize the language—but somehow, he understood. It had to be the blessing.
The creature stared at him, expression firm and unreadable. Nolan stepped back. His hands trembled, his legs moved on their own.
What now?
Should I stop time? I can't fight that…
The creature didn't speak again. It simply raised its sword—and stared straight at Nolan.
Nolan continued backing away, slowly.
He was still in shock. That thing… it looked like a beast—but walked like a man.
Nolan turned and ran—but before he could get far, the figure vanished… and reappeared right in front of him, sword drawn.
It was too fast. The blade was already pointed at the human's neck before he could react.
"Don't move or say anything," the demi-human said. "My name is Malric. What's yours?"
The human replied, "Nolan."
Nolan's chest was pounding. He raised his hand slowly. The sword in Malric's grip remained steady, still pointed—ready.
"Who are you? What are you?" Nolan asked.
Malric replied, "I should be the one asking that. Are you even human? I don't think so. You're something else—something beyond everything I've known."
He narrowed his eyes. "You don't even realize how terrifying you are. You're trying to hide your power from me… but I can see it."
In Malric's eyes, Nolan's aura flared—a swirling mix of dark and white flames coiling around his body. It was overwhelming, a force beyond comprehension.
And Nolan's energy was far more terrifying than even the Demon Lord he had once faced.
Malric could see people's power—he could sense their energy. But his ability couldn't detect Nolan's strength.
That was what shocked him. Nolan didn't even realize how powerful he was. Malric kept his sword raised—steady, but inside, he was shaking.
He didn't show it, but he understood the kind of power Nolan possessed—the kind of power that could destroy the world. He had more power than the very person who once did: the Demon Lord.