1-Two False Slaves

Alvin inhaled Teyat's scent with the same longing as someone gasping for air, as if they had just found a breath of fresh air.

Teyat, unbothered by the deep inhale, responded by embracing the old man, Alvin, and smiled.

"My name is Teyat, thank you for saving me, sir."

After a long embrace, Alvin slowly let go, ceasing both the embrace and his deep inhaling, prompting Teyat to release him as well.

"I see, Teyat... It's a pleasure to meet you."

Still seated on his chair, Alvin looked down at Teyat, kneeling on the floor in front of him, reminding him of his son Boris. He gave Teyat a sorrowful smile as he gently stroked his hair.

In response to the affectionate gesture, Teyat smiled widely, revealing his teeth.

After a brief emotional moment, Teyat stood up, extending a hand to help the old man rise from his chair. Alvin wiped away the tears clinging to his eyelashes, then picked up his chair and returned it to its place, letting out a sigh.

"This old age... it's truly exhausting…"

Suddenly, as if a lightbulb went off in his mind, Alvin turned to Teyat with a puzzled expression and asked, "Excuse me, son... I found you unconscious by the riverbank. Was there something wrong? I came across you by chance while wandering around and brought you here."

Teyat moved a bit closer and spoke.

"Yes, sir, I was being chased by two terrifying creatures—each as thick as a man's thigh and as long as a man's body, from foot to chest. They slithered faster than any snake I've ever seen. It felt as though my very soul was urging me to run with every ounce of strength I had, pushing me to escape those horrifying snakes."

Teyat recounted his ordeal with a panicked expression.

Alvin listened to his words, standing slightly to the side, hands clasped behind his back, his face lit with a faint smile. Even after Teyat finished, Alvin continued to look at him, smiling for a few moments longer.

To break the silence, Teyat spoke again, this time hesitantly.

"S-sir, are you alright?"

At the sound of Teyat's voice, Alvin snapped out of his daze, bringing one hand from behind his back to scratch his face with a finger. He chuckled and responded.

"Heh, sorry, son. I must have zoned out for a moment. Yes, this forest doesn't have many dangerous monsters, but there are a few venomous and dangerous creatures like the snakes you described. It's a good thing you listened to your instincts and ran. But remember, son, following your instincts doesn't always lead to the best outcome..."

Teyat listened to the old man's advice in surprise, his face breaking into a foolish grin.

"Yes, I understand what you're saying, sir. I get it... but, where exactly are we now?"

•

Alvin, still seated within the crumbling, windowless room, cast a puzzled glance at Teyat as he asked his question. Alvin first scanned Teyat's body, taking in his appearance from head to toe, before returning his gaze to his face.

"Judging by your blood-stained clothes, which are typical for bandits, and the symbol on your neck, I'd say you're a bandit. But you don't even know where you are, even though this dangerous forest, known as 'Outlaw,' is your territory? Are you a rookie?"

Teyat smiled warmly at the old man before responding to his question.

"Yes, I am a bandit, and I'm new to this. While I was out hunting with my team, we set up camp because we were hungry. Since I don't have any magical abilities or strength, I was assigned to butcher and cook the animals they caught. But when they saw I was clumsy at butchering, they sent me to fetch water from the river instead. And that's when, as I mentioned, I encountered the two terrifying snakes and ran until I collapsed by the river."

Alvin listened with one hand on his chin, his face thoughtful as if contemplating something. Suddenly, as though struck by another realization, his expression changed, and he spoke again.

"I see, son, so you got lost. You know, I don't even know where we are myself."

"I'm sorry, what?"

"I've been kept here by the bandits in this broken-down wooden house to grow fruit and vegetables for them. In return, they supposedly protect me and give me a few coins. But in reality, I know that if I stop serving them, I'll be killed."

As Alvin explained his situation, Teyat began to fully understand what was happening—more than he had before.

"I see... So they've made you their slave."

"Yes, and they've made you one too."

Surprised, Teyat asked, "What do you mean, sir?"

Alvin lifted his arm and pointed a finger at Teyat's neck.

Following the direction of Alvin's finger, Teyat reached up and pulled down the turtleneck of his sweater to reveal his neck. There, right where Alvin had pointed, was a symbol: a small eye within a circular emblem.

When Teyat saw the symbol, he was shocked.

"What...?"