Shinichi recovered slowly, taking big gulps out of the red vial. The pain slowly subsided. Visible scratches decorated his face, but nothing that would last for long. He threw the vial when he emptied it and wiped his mouth. 

"We're going to that Enero village, right?" Irish began. "It's one of the larger villages in the Nikkuni Server and too many people enter its borders. There's no way those border guards would be diligent enough to thoroughly examine 2 people when there's a whole line waiting." 

Shinichi ignored him in favour of rifling through his backpack for a change of clothes.

A loud growl echoed through the quiet forest. Shinichi had grown quite intimate with that sound for years now. The deep rumble of it resembled the hungry groans of demented spirits he met in his dreams. It roared "feed me!" in volumes unbelievable for an organ to emit.

A shadow cast over Irish's eyes. His arms hugged his belly protectively.

Shinichi turned to where their supply of food (not much of a supply if it only contained rice) was usually placed. The sack had exploded and the tiny grains had now joined with their maker, the soil and grass (and of course the multitude of debris from their home) tucking away any trace of it. Shinichi turned back to Irish and raised a brow.

"My stomach calls for sustenance. If it is in the form of animal flesh, then…"

"You spoiled brat! Demanding meat at this moment…" Shinichi shook his head. His lip trembled as he recalled their tragic situation. "Even I want to eat meat!"

"Hunger is a strong enemy. If I let it fester further, it'll slowly whittle away my sanity. I might end up going crazy and start shooting fire at you just for that roasted meat."

"Are you seriously calling yourself sane right now? That's the biggest lie you've said so far."

Irish ignored that quip. "You shot a couple of birds and squirrels before!"

It took hours for Shinichi to hunt those down. Shinichi couldn't even partake in the meal as the whole cleaning process soured his appetite. Yet this ungrateful brat even had the nerve to complain that it tasted stale!

Of course it tasted stale, Shinichi didn't have any seasonings at his disposal. Not even a pinch of salt was added to it.

Shinichi glared down on Irish. "And waste my energy for you? Go hunt your own game. And don't bother asking me to cook for you."

Irish threw his head back. Sparkling tears fluttered away from his lashes and his hands flew to his chest as though trying to contain the shattering pieces of his heart together. "You hurt me, Shinichi. I'm your best friend, yet you dare treat me like this?"

Shinichi's left brow twitched. He didn't hesitate to kick this bastard on the balls.

"I should hurry to that village. My friend already saved a spot for me. Ah, nepotism sure is great!"

Whimpers of pain replied back. 

"Don't bother coming with me. The last time you tried to get a job, you almost got your kidney carved out."

"That was one time!" Irish's voice sounded muffled from where it was buried on a patch of grass.

Shinichi kicked him again.

"Okay, maybe several times… but that's beside the point! You've already sold your kidney, why can't I do the same?"

"You already sold yours as well! You can't exactly function with no kidneys," Shinichi covered his face on his hands and groaned. "Just go fix our treehouse with that mana of yours and whatever sub space thingy you got. Honestly, I can't trust you with other people. If you were sold by someone, you'd even help them count the money."

"Don't just leave me starving here."

"You're getting a bit of a tub on that belly of yours. A couple hours of fasting should do you some good."

"What do you mean? We barely eat. We're basically just skin and bones."

Shinichi stared at his thin hands and fingers and turned to Irish's own skinny figure which was currently writhing on the ground. Damn, he's correct

"Excuse me," a strong voice came from the woods.

Shinichi and Irish loosened forms immediately became taut and defensive.

From the rustling noises of shrubbery, a slender figure stepped forward. Her dark green hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail, blending with the forest's warm colours seamlessly. Her eyes were doe-like but had a sharpness in it that resembled a beast eyeing prey. She wore tunic camo pants and combat boots. Her jacket was splayed open and one look at the badge embedded on its arm showed that she was part of the Monster Military Association.

Shinichi's heated blood turned cold. This day just kept getting better and better.

A gloved finger pointed at the badge. "I was patrolling this area when I heard the crash and I couldn't help but overhear your conversation." Her eyes turned pitying as she surveyed their fallen home. She sighed. "I'll let the fact that you're occupying the danger zone go. You've mentioned Enero Village? That's quite far from here. I'll guide you there and make sure nothing harms us."

The two boys glanced at each other. One thought crossed through their minds: She doesn't seem to recognise us.

The girl cleared her throat. "Please, come with me. It is my duty to ensure the safety of Enero Village's civilians."

But we're not actual civilians of Enero village. What if we're dangerous people? Shinichi turned to Irish, who was named a terrorist in some villages. Irish had a strange expression on his face. It's negligent for an MMA hunter to do that. Hell, border and alien laws have been taught since middle school. This should be basic knowledge. It's too suspicious.

Before Irish or Shinichi could even reply, a deep rumble spoke for them.

Irish groaned. "Gods, I'm starving! I can't think like this."

Shinichi's mouth gaped open.

The girl though only seemed to find this amusing. Her lips curled and a soft laugh escaped it. "If that's the case, I'll even go as far as to treat you to a meal. Would you like to examine my ID if you are still unsure?"

"Did you just say meal? I haven't had that in weeks!"

Irish strided forward and Shinichi was too slow to stop him.