The merchant hesitated for a moment, then let out a heavy sigh laced with frustration and resentment. He spoke in a voice that was hesitant, yet angry:
"Fine, fine! I'll pay one hundred and fifty silver. But let me make one thing clear: if the goods don't arrive safely, you won't get a single coin, even if you wipe out every monster in the world!"

The Echo Shadow stopped midway, then slowly turned around, that same cryptic smile returning to his lips. He spoke in a low voice, but one filled with confidence:
"Agreed. Let's begin."

The sun was leaning eastward, its long shadows stretching across the muddy forest floor like the limbs of ancient creatures of darkness. The air was thick with the scent of rot and fallen leaves, as though nature itself was struggling to breathe.
The Echo Shadow guided his horse northwest of the village, his black eyes gleaming with defiance under the fading sunlight.

To him, he would always listen to the client's account, but never take it as absolute truth. In every mission he'd ever taken, it was always up to him to lead the investigation.
With his deep, extensive knowledge, he sensed within that the presence of Kheis beasts in this area was highly improbable. A suspicion toward the merchant's honesty began to stir inside him. Nevertheless, he had to confirm it for himself.

The Kheis beasts were said to dwell in the deepest parts of the forest, especially in lowlands thick with swampy terrain. Legends claimed they were once humans, before being cursed by some ancient magic that twisted their forms into what they are now.

Recalling those tales, the Echo Shadow gave a faint smile. He knew for certain: no curse alone could create an entirely new race that reproduces independently.
Even the strongest curses only affected a limited area or a handful of beings — they could not produce a self-sustaining species.
Curses that targeted individuals were far more common in a world overflowing with sorcerers, tricksters, and volatile souls.

Before continuing his journey, he decided to investigate the spot where the lovers were killed — as mentioned by the merchant. Upon arriving, his eyes narrowed with surprise.
The place wasn't far from the village; in fact, the distance between the forest and the site of the murder was greater than the distance between that site and the village itself.

Did they go into the forest, and the beasts followed them from there? the Echo Shadow wondered.
Impossible. There's no way their running speed could've carried them this far. The beasts must've come out of the forest and made straight for them.

He sighed as he examined the area.

Heavy rain must have washed away the ground and any traces of a struggle. Maybe they managed to run ten or fifteen meters before being caught.

His eyes narrowed further as he gazed into the thick woods.
The howling wind through the trees stirred unease, but the Echo Shadow feared nothing more than ignorance. Right now, every clue only brought more questions and deeper confusion.

Why would the beasts attack the lovers? Kheis creatures are intelligent — they wouldn't recklessly strike from such a distance.

As he scrutinized the area more closely, he found strands of black hair.

Black hair… like that found at the tip of a Kheis tail. Still, not solid proof. Could belong to any other animal.

Wait… what's this? Blood. After two days, it's impossible to tell who it belonged to. Most likely one of the lovers.

Shells?! he said with sudden concern, then quickly turned toward the forest, his eyes flashing like drawn blades.
Waves of thought clashed violently inside his mind. Without hesitation, he urged his horse forward, charging ahead like a seasoned warrior.

Nearly two hours passed. He swept through a wide area of the forest facing the village.
No swamps. No clues. No signs of Kheis beasts. Everything was only getting stranger.

Whatever attacked the lovers, it left no trace here, he thought, staring into the horizon.
There's no other choice now. Time to head to Marozel Village and gather the supplies.