3 CHAPTER I Part 2 - THE CITY OF KORNI

I woke up lying on the ground, I opened my eyes and as soon as they saw the face of that monster above me, I got up.

I pushed against his heavy body and backed away as far as I could.

I had just woken up and was already terrified; but he didn't move, he was just lying there.

"Is dead?". I said scared, and doubtfully I stung him with my foot.

I was looking at the motionless body of that thing on the ground; her eyes were dark, lifeless: the yellow glow from before was gone.

I wanted to get closer, but I was afraid that he would wake up and attack me.

At that I heard a growl and my stomach started to hurt. A burning grew every second making me writhe on the ground.

My stomach burned, a large amount of saliva came out of my mouth and a sweet smell entered my nose.

I was hungry, very hungry, a hunger like I had never felt before, and a familiar feeling came to me. It was as if I had experienced this before.

I was looking around for food, and a giant piece of meat was lying on the ground.

«This is weird, I'm sure it wasn't there... *Grunts*... what a difference it makes.»

The aroma of the meat was sweet, I could taste it in the air, and the steam emanating from her only made her more appetizing.

The drool began to fall from my mouth, the hunger was enormous and I began to feel something hot in my belly.

I didn't wait any longer, I jumped on that big piece of meat and took a big bite out of it. I didn't bother to chew it well, I was so hungry that after two quick bites, I swallowed it.

His taste was delicious, his meat was watering in my mouth and I could not help moaning with pleasure at such delight.

I continued to eat parts of that meat, reveling in its taste and texture. No matter how much I put in or the portion size, I wanted more and more, to the point of doubting whether it was me or my body that wanted food.

With each bite you could see how the volume of that meat decreased; Then, in the blink of an eye, the world changed.

It was as if reality tinkled; the atmosphere so alive by the bright rays of the sun disappeared, and in its place appeared a discolored room.

The bright light that illuminated this room disappeared, the sweet and pleasant smell was replaced by a metallic smell, combined with the aroma of raw and rotten meat.

The chunks of meat still on my hands were replaced by raw and gray meat, which bloodied my hands up to the middle of my forearm.

That huge chunk of meat on the ground flickered, transforming into that monster's nearly consumed body.

Instinctively I stopped and was horrified.

"What's... going... on?". I asked anguished. "What's going on?!"

My voice trembled, my breathing quickened, and a desire to vomit filled me. But no matter how big they were, or how hungry I was, I couldn't expel what I had consumed: my body didn't want to allow it.

"*Gulp*... "

"... What is happening to me?... ". I said almost crying. "What's all this?!... Please... someone... help... ". I pleaded to the nothing.

I inhaled as much air as my lungs could hold, trying to contain my emotions. The tears that wanted to flow from my eyes were interrupted by the self-imposed calm that i caused myself.

I swallowed again, my jaw was shaking and my breathing was shaky.

I let out a sigh, staying calm; I relaxed my expression, got up and went out onto the balcony.

I took a deep breath, and then a big sigh, stretched my arms out into a T-shape, and dropped forward.

My abdomen collided with the concrete railing of the balcony, causing my body to rotate 360° in the air.

...

«This is a dream, just that... a simple nightmare that will soon end. I will wake up in my house, lying in my bed, and my father and my sisters will be there; I will be able to visit my mom, and I will go out with my friends... soon it will all end.»

The fall was quick, I could feel the ground approaching, the wind in my hair and a great calm knowing that this was going to end.

...

I hit the ground and it was pretty hard, I guess I fell out of bed. Relieved, I opened my eyes, hoping to finally see the ceiling of my room... but no.

What I saw was a great celestial sky, white clouds that passed slowly, and that balcony from which I had fallen...

«I'm not that dumb... »

«I know this is not a dream! I just... didn't want to accept it.»

"What a difference it makes... ". I whispered to me, giving up.

I raised my upper body and sat for a while on the floor while looking at my arms. I squeezed them and moved in search of any injury or fracture.

I get up and do the same with my legs: I stretch and move them, and they respond normally; I squeeze my back and roll my body to each side, but I don't feel anything bad.

I look up and see the distance from which I fell.

"What the hell is happening here?". I said looking up.

A growl from my stomach interrupted, I put a hand on it, and the hunger only increased.

«Looks like I'm still hungry, but I'm not going to eat that thing again. Even though I had almost eaten it all... »

As soon as I thought about it, my mouth filled with saliva.

«No, I prefer to eat what was in those dishes; Also, since the basement is open, I might find something there.»

I went into the restaurant and a strong stench came out of it; I wanted to cover myself with my sleeve, but before I could even lift my hand, the smell disappeared.

«This no longer surprises me, in this world there are and strange things happen. The sooner I get used to it, the better it will be.»

I went to a table that was still standing, but I couldn't eat what was on it.

The food, and I mean everything, was rotten; their appearance indicated that this had already been like this for several days, there were even flies flying over them.

"What's going on here?... Does food rot faster in here, or what? I'm sure it looked good yesterday, though it's not like I'm paying attention to detail either."

«This is very rare: it is not possible for food to change so much in one night. Unless... my arm... my wounds must have healed while I was unconscious and... »

«No, even if that were true, I would have taken weeks to fully heal; It would have left a scar, not to mention that I would have died bleeding to death, or from not eating all that time.»

"Everything here is very weird." I said covering my face with one hand.

«Wait... That's it! There was a person who... No, that huge dog must have killed him. Although, no. If I'm alive, maybe him too.»

I ran into the basement, ran quickly downstairs, and found that man's lying body. Well, what was left of him.

He was split in half, and much of what must have been his cuerpo is missing. From the dried blood and the advanced state of decomposition, I know this has stayed that way for several days.

Luckily I have seen corpses before, I have also witnessed operations and I have a certain tolerance for blood. But I still feel uncomfortable watching all this.

«I have to find someone soon, but first I must clean the blood and dust that... »

I looked down and saw my clean sweatshirt.

«I'm sure a lot of blood from that thing had fallen on me, not to mention my own, which came off my arm when he bit me.»

The holes in the arm of my sweatshirt are still there, but there is no blood, neither fresh nor dried. I look at my hands, I touch my mouth, and there is no blood either.

"So it was a dream?... No, but... And this corpse?... "

My head is starting to ache from thinking so much, and the hunger I still have doesn't help at all.

I ran to the fifth floor and there it was: the body of that huge animal was still there; although, now in the upper part of his body, only his bones remained, stained with blood and remains of flesh.

«If that thing is real and it killed that man... What happened to me?»

«Damn it!... The more I think about it, the more my head hurts and the more frustrated I get.»

«I'd better find someone alive, because if they don't me explain what's going on, I'm going to go crazy.»

I leave this place and feel a great heat in my body, my throat itches, my fingertips burn and my eyes burn.

It's as if my whole body is sensitive: sometimes the sun's rays seem to burn my skin and sometimes they don't; the sight bothers me and I can't help but blink several times and then cover myself with my hands.

«Now what is wrong with me?! Eating that thing made me sick?!»

After a few seconds I fell to my knees from the pain, I tried to breathe calmly and my body returned to normal; the pain and burning disappeared, and I was able to recover.

I kept walking, because I had no other choice.

In me there were traces of those strange sensations: they returned to their initial intensity for a few seconds and then they were gone.

The torment, though it only lasted a few seconds, was finally leaving and it didn't seem like it would return.

I look at the streets I walk through and some buildings have been reduced to rubble; others are still standing, but badly damaged.

Now I am passing through a kind of square and there is a fountain in the center. But one part is broken, the water has already disappeared and I see cracks in the ground, as well as in its entire structure.

«I wonder what happened to the people who walked around here. Will they continue to live? What happened to this city?... Where is everybody?»

I turn right at a corner and see her, a girl. She has dark hair, she has it short and it seems that she is looking for something in the rubble.

I am happy and say: "Hi".

She just turns and looks at me in surprise; she immediately starts running to the other side.

I look back and see nothing.

«Wait. Did I scare her?»

"W-Wait!... I won't hurt you! Wait!... "

I yell at him to wait, but she won't listen.

«She may not understand my language.»

She is quite fast, although I must say that I am not in good shape either.

She turns a corner and I lose sight of her, and when I turn the same corner I no longer see her.

«Where did she go?... ». I wonder, as I look at the doors and windows of the buildings.

The girl had disappeared; the buildings are with the doors closed, the windows broken and everything in silence.

«I don't remember hearing a door close, and she couldn't have gotten through those broken glass: she would have cut herself, as well as making noise.»

«Perfect, I finally find a person and the first thing I do is lose them after five seconds. Well done, clumsy!»

I was disappointed in both myself and my luck... Looking on the bright side, I now know that there are humans here. Yes, that is a positive thought.

I keep walking until I hear the voice of a girl behind me.

"You, stop there!". Said the voice of that girl.

I stop abruptly and turn slowly, raising my hands.

"Stop! Don't move anymore!". The girl screamed in a threatening tone.

"C-Calm down!... I won't hurt you". I said nervously.

"Why were you chasing me?"

"I wasn't chasing you… well yeah, but not to do something to you. I was happy to find another human, that's all. You're the one who started running when you saw me."

"Do you have a gun with you?"

"No, I have nothing."

It was the truth, my dagger had been left in the restaurant, and my pockets were empty.

"What do you want?"

"Nothing, I just wanted to talk to you and ask you where we are."

"This is the city of Korni, or at least what remains of it."

"I-I see... this... What's your name?"

"That is what I am asking you. Who you are? What are you doing in this city?"

"I'm... umm..."

"Speak Now!"

"Horniyor! My name is Horniyor!"

"What are you doing here?". She asked in an intimidating way.

"I would like to know that too... ". I told myself sad.

"What thing?!". She asked annoyed.

"... Nothing!". I responded nervous. "I got lost in the forest and when I saw this city I came here."

"Turn around."

I turned around with my hands still raised and I saw her, it was that girl with black hair.

She was a little taller than me, she was wearing a kind of hooded blanket that covered her entire body, and she had an outstretched hand with which she pointed a dagger at me.

"Like I told you: I'm not armed, so... could you put down your gun?". I asked with a forced smile.

"You don't seem to be lying... ". Said that girl as she looked at my whole body, analyzing me. "Well, I'm Ana, nice to meet you".

She hid her dagger inside her cloak, turned around and said, "See you ... ".

"W-Wait... Can I go with you?"

She immediately pointed her dagger at me and said:

"I'm busy and I don't want to be disturbed, so go away."

"Wait a minute, I'd like to know what happened here". I clarified, while raising my hands to my shoulders. "Where are they all? Are there more humans?"

"What happens? You don't know what's going on? Were you asleep all this time or what?". She asked, surprised.

"What? I do not... "

"Look, I have no time to waste with you. I'm very busy at the moment, so if you want something, find me in the market tonight. Go to Ghonar's tavern and wait for me there"

"Ghonar?... Wait! Where do I find the market?!... "

«That girl had run away and I couldn't even ask her name. Ah, no, yes, she told me, her name is Ana... And where is that market?»

«Well at least I know I'll find her again, I just have to find that market she talked about; possibly it refers to the market in this city.»

«This city is huge: I don't know where her market could be.»

«I have an idea! I will look for a tall building, from there I will be able to see better, and maybe I will find that market. I have until the evening, so it's okay... Wait... No, it's not okay. There could be more of those things, there might even be something else out there: I better be careful.»

«Now that I think about it, I am surprised that the market continues to function: I thought this city was abandoned. I guess the survivors managed to adapt to this place.»

I have already been walking a lot in this city, until now I have not met another human or anything else; But I have heard roars in the distance, along with the sound of buildings falling.

There is something else in this city, something big, and I hope I don't run into that soon... better never.

Right now I'm going up some stairs: I didn't find a very tall building other than the restaurant I came from, but I did stumble upon this place. It's like a huge pillar, it's very wide and you couldn't see the end from the base.

Right now I'm going up it in search of a good view of the city; every few steps there is some kind of hole in the wall, I guess it's his windows, and the stairs spiral around.

«I wonder what this place is.»

I have already climbed a lot, in fact I can see the wall that surrounds this city. This place is really huge, I see the door I came in through and it's pretty far away.

«I must have walked quite a bit: I am in awe of myself.»

I take half my body out of this window, and the wind is very strong at this height: I almost fell. I look down and feel a great fear of falling, a feeling of attraction towards the ground is present, and I feel as if the ground is calling me.

I hold on tight from the inside and look up.

There was still a long way to go to the end. «Now that I think about it... why climb to the top? After all, I just want to see the city and I can do it from where I am. If I go up everything, in the end it should go down again, and the truth is that I am lazy.»

I lean against this window and think of the city.

It sure must have been a very busy place. I look at that square that had passed before, I imagine when it still had water, and I think of the people who must have walked there.

«Will they still live? Have they managed to escape?... I guess I'll never know.»

I look further into the distance, and I can see an area of the city separated from the rest; the streets to enter are blocked by rubble. It is as if a section of the city is closed.

«I guess the market must be there. Surely several people improvised a shelter and there they hide.»

A smile forms on my face at the thought of this, I look down and realize how far I have to go down, and my joy turns to laziness.

«Well, at least it's good exercise, although I wish I was down... I wish I could fly.»

Unless you decide to jump, which would be suicide, there is only one way to get down. So I started going down... This is almost as difficult as going up... I need to exercise more.

After leaving this place I decided to go to that isolated area of the city, but there was a problem... «Where is it?»

I had seen that area from a great height, but since the stairs were spiraling, I lost my position and from here I cannot see that area.

«What am I supposed to do now? Do I go back up? No, I will not go back up.»

«I had seen that area attached to the wall that surrounds this city, I remember that it was to the right of the main entrance; I just have to go back to that entrance, then cross the wall to the right and I'll run into that place.»

«Yes, it is a good plan.»

It wasn't complicated, I walked towards the entrance and saw all that debris and traces of dried blood all over the way; I felt good, I was still hungry, but I could hold on.

I felt the cold air touch my face. I don't think it's more than 9 in the morning in this place; the sun seems to have risen a short time ago, and its rays feel warm on my skin; it's a nice feeling.

There were no incidents as i walked, and i had managed to reach the entrance without a problem.

Now I was touching the wall with one hand as I walked, and my head was confused: a lot of strange things had happened since I got here.

First those monster girls in the forest, then there is this destroyed city, and finally, that thing that attacked me. «What is supposed to be happening in this world?»

«I'm not sure I understand my situation, I don't know how I got here or where I am; I also don't understand what those girls or that thing that attacked me were, and what confuses me the most is knowing why I'm still alive.»

«I am not complaining that I survived, I am very grateful for that, but I would like to know how.»

I keep walking this wall, the lack of noise and the warmth of the sun rays make this very relaxing. It's nice not to have to put up with the sound of the horns and the noise of the engines; the smoke and garbage in the streets; Not to mention the hustle and bustle of big cities.

«I could get used to this. The lack of people is scary, but loneliness can be very beautiful.»

«It shouldn't be long before I arrive: I've been walking for a long time; actually, i think i'm starting to hear something... yeah, they're like voices.»

«Yes, I am not confused; it's not very audible, but yes, they do look like voices. Voices of many people talking to each other.»

«I must be getting closer... »

«This is amazing, yes, there are more people here, and I discovered their hiding place. Things are going well.»

I am in front of that makeshift wall and I hear how there are several people. It seems to be very busy on the other side. Well I'm here, now I just need to know how to enter.

There are two floats attached to the wall, one on top of the other, and to the right a row of buildings. I see through their windows and inside there is nothing; They are empty, they have no furniture, just a flat wall on the other side.

I can go under cars. It seems that this barricade is not made for humans. I guess it's for bigger things... or dumber.

I slide back under the carriage and feel like I'm doing something illegal.

When I get up I appear in an alley, it is dark because of the shadow of the building to my right; it's empty, and at the end I see light, that's where the voices come from.

At the end of this alley you can hear the voices of the people: I am nervous. I don't know what's behind that corner, but I'm already here, so I'll go there and that's it.

It took me a few seconds to gather my courage, because I don't know what awaits me on the other side; I say a few words of encouragement to myself and after a long inhalation and a few slaps on the cheeks... I move on.

I turn the corner and see it. It was like a bazaar, there were several food stalls, weapons, among other things. There were those who had wooden shelves, and others who only sold on a blanket on the floor.

There are also buildings that function as premises, in fact, the entire street seems to be made up of pure commerce and establishment.

«Now that I think about it, maybe this place was always like this, the buildings seem to be built precisely to offer their services.»

«This was not improvised, this place was always a market. When everything happened, people concentrated in this area and barricaded themselves, or something like that.»

I put the hood on: I didn't want to draw too much attention, although I think it stood out more.

I was asking for an item and, after exchanging a few words, I was asking about Ghonar's tavern. After visiting a few stalls, I knew where that tavern was, but I didn't go there.

I decided to visit other places first, after all, I still had no issues there. I'm going to wait until dark to enter, in the meantime I would like to see the other places: I wanted to know more about this world and this city.

But I couldn't go around asking around. If it were known that I was not from here, several people will wonder: How did I get here? Where am I from? How did I avoid those things?

I didn't want anyone to know I wasn't from this world, at least not for now.

I looked closely at which place I would enter, it should be one where I could get a lot of information, but it wouldn't seem strange to have "distinguished" clients. In the end I decided on another tavern, where people with shady jobs tend to meet, people who are going to kill regrets, etc.

Anyway, it is a place where you can get a lot of information: it is perfect.

I went into the tavern. The place was silent. I was walking between several tables with people at them and I felt how everyone was looking at me, although it could have just been my imagination.

I sat down in one of the chairs at the counter. The man who was attending asked me what I was doing here, I only answered that I was passing through, he looked at me for a long time and said: "What can I do for you?"

"I didn't really come here for a drink."

"Get out then. We don't give alms here. I already have enough problems to waste my time with people like you."

"You have problems?"

"What do you care?"

"Hey, I'm just trying to help."

"If you really want to help give me the claw of a Dog of Death, if not, go away". Said the man, pointing at the door with his thumb.

"Dog of Death?"

"Yes. Haven't you seen them? They are those four-legged things that are in this city."

"Ah... and why do you want one of his claws?"

"A customer asked me to bring it to him. Apparently those things are stronger than iron swords."

"I see". I said thoughtfully. "So, until today is the deadline, right?"

"Yes something like that. The guy I sent for that should have returned yesterday: he's probably already dead."

"How about I get you one?"

"What? Now you will tell me that you have one hidden in your clothes”. He said incredulously.

"No, but I can get you one, in fact, I can get the two front legs for you". I said showing him my hands with my claw fingers.

"Listen, brat. I'm not playing. This is a serious matter. If you are not going to consume something better than go."

Apparently I had infuriated the guy and the others in the tavern were muttering things. I could hear things like that I was just a kid, that I didn't know how scary those things were, and that I should go.

"I'm serious". I said seriously.

"Ha?!". He exclaimed annoyed. "And how do you plan to get them?"

"That's my problem. But if I get them, what do I get?"

Perfect, now I had a chance to get information. If I managed to bring him the claws of one of those things, I could trade it for information.

"Perfect, if you can get me a single claw of those things, I'll give you what you want. What's more, if you bring it to me before dark, I'll give you a separate gift."

"Done deal".

I shook hands with that man and we exchanged a handshake to close the deal. I got up from my chair and walked out of that tavern.

«This was perfect, I know where a corpse of those things is, I just had to go there and come back before dark.»

I left the same place where I had entered. I slipped under those cars, I walked to the entrance of the city and then I ran to that restaurant; I went up the stairs and there it was.

The partially eaten corpse of that thing was still there, and next to it the dagger that I had forgotten. I took it and with it I tried to break the points of articulation that joined his claws with his hands.

I tried to embed the dagger many times, I squeezed it hard over and over again, but it did not separate. «That man was right, the bones of this thing are very hard.»

In one of those attempts I broke the dagger.

"Damm!... Now how am I supposed to get its claws out?". I said frustrated as I threw the handle of my broken dagger.

I couldn't carry his whole body: it was too big for me, and when I got there it would be too late.

In a desperate act I used my hands. I grabbed one of the claws and raised it as if trying to dislocate it, and to my surprise the claw did dislocate.

"How strange... I guess I managed to weaken his joints with the dagger". I said, moving my shoulders.

Perfect, I already had the claw; But seeing that I could get more, I was tempted.

It is said that greed breaks the bag, but I still had time left, and I was not losing anything trying. But I wasn't going to try to pull claw for claw, I was going to rip his hands off, that way I could take it all at once.

I couldn't use that dagger anymore, so I positioned that thing's legs and stomped on its wrists. If I could weaken that area, I could rip off your entire hand and remove it.

I stomped on his feet, and on the first try I managed to break his bones.

"What... ?". I said surprised.

«I couldn't believe that I had made it. I thought those things were harder than iron. I suppose he must have been weakening the entire time he's been dead... I hope he still want the claws of this thing.»

«A deal is a deal, so I hope he keeps it.»

I repeated the same with the other leg, and like the first one, it broke on the first try. Now I had both claws of that thing. I grabbed one of the tablecloths covering the tables and wrapped those claws in it.

Luckily the claws had no more blood or meat... «After all, I had eaten them.»

It had already been about 2 hours since I left the tavern and it was still a long time before the sun went down.

I went back to that tavern. On my right arm I carried the tablecloth with those claws and put them on the table for that guy.

"Here you go". I said, setting the tablecloth on the counter.

The man unwrapped the tablecloth carefully and looked at them in surprise.

"You really brought the two front legs!". He said with great surprise in her voice.

Everyone in the tavern fell silent as they watched curiously.

"How did you get them?!". That man asked. "What did you do? Did you kill one of those things?!"

"The deal was that I would bring you the claws and you would give me something in return."

"Sorry, I can't believe you really brought the claws, and in just a few hours... Who are you, boy?". He asked curiously.

"Just a guy passing by". I answered disinterestedly.

I said this thinking it would sound great, but I don't think it had that effect.

"Thank you anyway. I'm saved!". The man exclaimed with a big smile on his face.

"Never mind. But I'd like to ask you a favor."

"Sure, whatever you want."

"Well, I actually want two things. The first is information."

"Okay". He said strangely. "And the other?"

"Do you see that one of those hands is missing a claw?"

"Yeah, what's up with that?"

"Here I have it... "

I took the claw out of my sweatshirt pocket and showed it to him.

"... I would like you to make me a dagger with it."

"Sure, it won't be a problem. I'll take it to a friend and have your gun ready in a few hours."

"So fast?"

"What did you expect?". That man said in a smug tone. "I have great contacts. If you want something do not hesitate to ask me, whatever it is, I will get it for you."

"Thanks, but I just want that."

"I understand, and regarding the information you wanted... what exactly do you want to know?"

"Everything: What happened to this city? What are those things? Did the same happen in other cities? How can I reach them? That kind of information."

"You're not from around here, are you?"

"I'm the one with the questions."

"I'm sorry, you're right. About what happened to this city: it was attacked for those things. Since the Demon Lady took over as Demon King, many things have changed in this world. First: some demihumans had certain changes in their behavior due to the demonic lady's demonic power, and the Dogs of Death are her creation. She was not satisfied with ruling the demonic realms, her goal is to rule the human territory as well. Her army has already passed through here, and what happened here also happened to other cities. As far as I know, the only place that hasn't fallen yet is the capital, but it's just rumors. Maybe they've already taken it, or maybe there are still other safe places, I don't know exactly."

"How long ago did this all begin?"

"I do not know. But this city fell a couple of weeks ago: a month at the most."

"I see."

"Anything else?"

"No, that would be it. I'll be back in the night for my gun."

"Wait a minute."

"Something happens? Or do you want something else?"

"Actually, now that you mention it... I wouldn't mind if you worked for me: you seem to have good skills. I would pay you well."

"Thanks, but no."

The claws had been luck and I can't do much. I mean, I was lucky to kill that thing, I even died, or should have died; I still don't know exactly what happened. But I can't let this go to my head, I'm still a normal boy.

"It's a shame."

"If that is all... "

"No no wait. I told you I'd give you a gift if you could deliver it to me before dark, and I'm a man of my word. Go to Lance's shop, tell him you're on my side, my name is Kraul, he will give you something, consider it my gift."

"In agreement. Then see you."

"Yes, and thanks again."

I left that place feeling good, like I had done a good job. Now we just have to go where that guy Lance.

"I wonder what it will give me, I don't think it's a weapon, maybe clothes, or some object... I think I should carry a backpack, it would be nice to take several things with me."

After asking in a few places, I came to this Lance´s store. It was a building with two large men at the door and there was a curtain as an entrance.

I went through it and entered.

This was a place that sold slaves, I know because there are several people in chains. They are all young, my age or a couple of years younger than me. Now that I see it, there are only women, and they all have only one piece of cloth to wear.

From the dirt and tousled hair they don't look like girls, but by the shape of their bodies I know they are.

Now I have a conflict with myself: a part of me sees this and is not comfortable. I feel the desire to free you all. The other party understands that these things are normal in this world; even in my world this existed. Also, if I managed to free them, which wouldn't be easy, what would happen next? I couldn't take care of all of them, least of all in this world and in this city, and they would soon find us and recapture them.

«Better to leave it like that. I'll talk to that Lance, take what he has to give me, and go.»

A blond haired man approached me.

"Good afternoon, young man. What are you looking for?". He said in a polite tone.

"I come from Kraul, he told me to come here and that you would give me something."

"I see, in that case, come with me". The man said as he pointed the way with one hand.

I followed the man to a room within this room. It was a huge room, inside there were several cages, and in them there were several girls, some human, and others like the ones I found in the forest: although here there was more variety.

"Go ahead, pick the one you want". The man said, spreading his hands.

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, you can have whatever you want."

"Okay, in that case... "

I walked around this room a bit, looking closely at the cages. There were many girls, all of different species, and I had to choose well, although it didn't really matter: I was not going to stay with that girl.

"I'll choose this one". I said, looking at one of the cages.

"Understood."

The man brought his hand to the lock and flashes appeared on his palm. They were like small ashes of different colors. They all went to the lock and as soon as they touched it they disappeared.

The man opened the cage, and from it he took out a girl with silver hair, she was smaller than me, and her skin was white, although she was somewhat dirty. She looked somewhat hurt and she was also wearing only a piece of cloth.

"He is your master now. From now on you belong to him, do you understand?"

The girl just nodded her head. She looks like she is scared. The man released her from her chains and handed her over to me.

"That's all?". I asked curiously.

"Yes, unless you want to buy another."

"I'm fine, tanks."

"Tell Kraul this pays my debt, and good luck. I hope you enjoy the company of that girl, and if you want another slave you know where to find me."

I left that place together with that girl. She was just shyly following me: surely she must be thinking that I will do something to her.

I went back to the tavern with that girl. Kraul sees me, and when he sees me with the girl he says, "Wow, I see you picked a good one."

"Really?". I answered doubtfully.

"Yes, it is not common to see someone with that hair color, in fact, it is my first time."

"I see."

I chose her precisely for that reason, the color of her hair caught my attention.

"I hope you enjoy my gift."

"Excuse me... Do you have a place where she can clean herself?"

As soon as I said this, the girl felt embarrassed. I know this because her cheeks flushed and she pulled away from me a little.

"Sure, I have a bathroom upstairs. You can use it if you want."

"Thanks. I would also like clothes for her. Do you know where I can buy it?"

"If you want, I can get it for you."

"Thank you, that would be very useful. I promise to pay you everything."

"You don't have to do that."

"Are you sure?"

"You saved me. You brought not only a claw, but also the two hands of that thing. Now I can fulfill the order and can also sell the remaining claws. Ask me what you want, I'll take the rest of those claws as payment".

"In that case, I'd also like a place to stay for a few days."

"Sure, I have a room upstairs, you can stay there."

"Thanks."

«This was good, everything is going well for me. May this good luck last me... No, it is unlikely, and now that I thought about it, it is less likely.»

I will enjoy my luck for now.