{Moving to the main story. P.O.V is now 3rd person}

{Takes place in the Jungle of Alrith. Kinoto's first day in the AUs}

“Where is this? Who are you?!” Kinoto yelled.

“Eh... What do you mean Tora-sama?” A voice called.

Looking at the woman Kinoto questions what is going on. He then puts two and two together and…”Ah!” Kinoto had figured out what was going on. He figured the best way to get information was to ask. Doing the best weak voice he can, he asked, “ Ugh...Where am I?”

“Tora-Sama! You’re recovering in the Lotus hut! Don’t you remember getting shot down by the 5 Civicals?” A woman’s voice frantically asked.

“Ah! Yes! Where are they?” Kinoto asked, hoping to get some more information.

“They’re recovering themselves in the Alrith temple of heroes. I’m surprised they even spared you! We thought you were a goner!” The woman sighed as if scolding Kinoto.

“They what? What do you mean spared?” Kinoto asked again. He’s getting desperate at this point. What was going on? Why was he here? What’s his purpose?

Countless people whispered among themselves. One person was actually a loud enough whisperer that Kinoto can hear him. Listening closely to the conversation, here’s what kinoto heard:

“I can’t believe they spared Tora. I mean come on! He betrayed the village and harmed all 5 of our Civicals!” One man whispered.

“But come on, didn’t he have a reason for betraying the village? I heard it was because someone told him to or else the 5 Civicals would all be killed!” The other man whispered. Surprised because of the oddly specific detail, Kinoto glanced at the man. What he saw shocked him and made his heart beat a little. His hair was chocolate brown like any other but there was something about the loose style of the hair that caught kinoto off guard. Not only that but his face was just mesmerizing to look at. His eyes chocolate brown and his facial shape was both sharp yet soft. His skin tone a slight tan which makes him hypnotizing. Adding to the tone, his lips were perfectly moisturized and soft. It makes Kinoto want to stare at him longer but he’s holding back the urge to. Kinoto glances at him again as the two men keep talking. Glancing a bit more downward, the loose, sleeveless, green hoodie perfectly compliments the man’s shape. His muscles were so firm yet he looks so friendly. Kinoto’s mind randomly wandered and thought of the most indecent things.

Kinoto blushed a deep red as soon as his mind even touched the place of indecent things. Out of reflex, Kinoto covered his face with both of his hands and turned away from the beautiful man.

“Eh?! Tora-sama! What’s wrong?! Are you catching a fever? Your face is red!” The woman screeched.

“Ah! No, I’m not. I was just a bit exhausted,” Kinoto said, trying to calm down. Kinoto swore he saw the handsome man snicker as he heard a faint ‘pfft’ in the background even though everyone in the hut was chittering away.

“Yes, we know you’re exhausted but we really need to go to the temple for the trial.” The woman scolded.

“Suka...He’s tired. At least give him lunch before the trial.” Another woman interrupted.

“Ah, her name is Suka. I should keep that in mind.” Kinoto thought.

The other woman then called in 2 females and instructed them to prepare a meal and get water from the river nearby. They do as instructed and bring back a small meal. “Looks more like a snack than an afternoon meal.” Kinoto thought silently. Being grateful he even got any food, he gladly ate up the food and drank the water.

“Now that you’re fed, come on, let’s go to the temple now. The king and the 5 are waiting.” Suka nagged again.

“Alright,” Kinoto said as he stood up from the mat bedding. Walking to the temple, he looks around and sees this really was the jungle of Alrith. The market, cobblestone and dirt roads, the nearby freshwater river, and the golden and bright temple right in the middle. Everything was so organized. “As expected of Alrith,” Kinoto mumbled so softly that no one heard.

Arriving at the temple, the handsome man suddenly came behind Kinoto and whispered in his ear. “All you have to do is make this story have a happy ending.”

Kinoto then blushed profusely both on his ears and on his face. He turned around, yet no one was there. There were only countless strangers following to spectate the trial. “Ugh. The indecent thoughts came back…”

To be continued.