Volume 1 Chapter 10 - Whispers of the Human World
The forest path was brighter than ever, sunlight pouring through the trees as Cindy and Puff neared its edge.
They had traveled for two days since leaving the Elder Tree's grove, following the river that wound gently toward the south.
The air was fresh, filled with the scent of pine and dew. Cindy glided above the trail, her wings scattering tiny flecks of light whenever they caught the sun. Puff trotted along the dirt path below, his silver fur gleaming.
Cindy smiled softly as she looked ahead. "According to the Elder Tree, there should be a small human settlement nearby."
Puff let out a curious squeak, his ears twitching.
"I wonder what humans are like in this world..." she murmured. "Are they kind? Or..."
Her voice trailed off as a faint rustle echoed from the trees ahead.
Puff froze, lowering his body. Cindy felt it too—an uneasy ripple in the wind.
Something was off.
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The Ambush
They crept closer, staying behind a fallen log. Just beyond the clearing, three figures stood on the road — humans, but rugged and grimy. Two men and one woman, all wearing torn leather armor and carrying crude weapons.
"Bandits," Cindy whispered.
The tallest one, a man with a scar over his cheek, was rummaging through a half-broken cart.
"Damn it," he snarled, kicking a barrel. "No food left. Those merchants ran faster than I thought."
Another, shorter man chuckled darkly. "We'll just wait for the next traveler. The forest's edge is perfect for ambush."
The woman leaned on her spear, glancing around lazily. "As long as the knights don't patrol this far, we're fine. Now shut up and keep watch."
Cindy frowned, wings trembling slightly. "So humans here are like... this too?"
There was sadness in her voice. "Hurting others for food..."
Puff pawed at the dirt quietly, his eyes sharp.
She thought for a moment. They're dangerous, but they don't know we're here... maybe we can just avoid them.
But before she could move away, the wind shifted — and one of the bandits looked up.
"Hey—what's that light?"
Cindy froze. Her wings reflected sunlight like a small glowing crystal.
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Discovery
The woman squinted. "A spirit insect? No... that glow—maybe it's a mana creature. They sell high in the market!"
"Catch it!" the scarred man barked.
The three rushed forward, nets in hand.
"Oh no—Puff, run!" Cindy cried.
The silver hare dashed aside as a net swooped past. Cindy flitted upward, narrowly avoiding capture.
But the woman raised her spear, chanting. "Binding Vines!"
Roots shot up from the ground, snaring Puff's legs mid-jump. The little hare struggled, growling faintly.
"Puff!" Cindy gasped.
Her heart pounded. The memory of the corrupted wolf flashed in her mind — the fear, the helplessness, the choice to protect.
No. Not this time.
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Wings of Protection
The air around her rippled. Mana gathered in her wings like light through glass.
"Let him go!" she shouted — though the humans only heard a faint ringing voice carried by the wind.
She flapped once, releasing a Gentle Breeze that became a sudden burst of power. Leaves and dust swirled violently, blinding the bandits.
"What the—?!"
In that same moment, Cindy focused her mana.
"Wind Blade!"
A sharp gust sliced through the vines holding Puff. The little hare leapt free and immediately countered, his horn glowing bright.
"Root Lance!"
Thick roots shot from the earth, striking the ground between the bandits and forcing them back.
"Magic beasts!" one of the men shouted. "They're high-grade familiars! Run!"
The three stumbled in panic, retreating down the road, tripping over their own gear. Within moments, they were gone, their shouts fading into the forest.
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The Aftermath
Silence returned to the path. Cindy landed near Puff, breathing fast.
Her wings trembled faintly, still glowing with leftover mana.
"Are you okay?" she asked, fluttering close.
Puff nodded and gave a small squeak, bumping her wing gently as if to say I'm fine thanks to you.
Cindy sighed in relief, looking toward where the bandits disappeared.
"I didn't mean to hurt them... but I couldn't let them take you."
She looked down at her reflection in a puddle nearby. Her glowing wings flickered softly in the light.
"...Even as a butterfly, I'm still doing what I've always done," she murmured. "Protecting others."
Puff hopped closer, his ears twitching happily.
The tension faded. Cindy smiled again. "All right. Let's keep going. I think the village should be just beyond that hill."
She rose into the air, letting the wind guide her forward. Puff bounded beneath her, the path now bathed in sunlight.
Behind them, the forest swayed gently — as if the Elder Tree itself was watching over their journey.
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[Title Progress: Protector of Life – 42%]
Effect Unlocked: Nearby allies recover slight stamina over time.
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Cindy glanced at the horizon. "The world out here... it's rough, but beautiful."
She looked down at Puff with a bright smile. "Let's see what kind of people we'll meet next."
And so, with the forest at their backs and the open world ahead, the butterfly of wind and the silver hare stepped into the unknown — toward their first encounter with civilization.