The air in Everwood still smelled faintly of smoke and blood. The wyvern's corpse had been stripped for scales, bones, and meat, and the villagers proudly spoke of how their settlement had stood against such a terror.
But the event had changed more than the people of Everwood.
Lunaria, daughter of the Beastkin King, lingered longer in the village than her attendants expected. Though she kept her prideful demeanor, she walked the streets daily, speaking with the villagers, her golden ears twitching at the sound of children's laughter and blacksmiths' hammers.
Her guards remained cautious, but the fear in their eyes had lessened, replaced by respect. The memory of Itsuki's impossible sniper shot still lingered.
That morning, a formal meeting was held in Itsuki's hall. Lunaria sat across from him, her tail swaying lightly as she spoke:
"Everwood has proven its strength. My father wishes to begin official relations. We will provide food, textiles, and craftsmen. In return, he asks for your tools… and your knowledge."
Itsuki nodded slowly. "A fair start. But I won't keep our advancements a secret. If we're to build trust, your people should see what we're building firsthand."
Lunaria's golden eyes flickered with curiosity. "Then… show me."
The First Exchange
That afternoon, the villagers and beastkin stood together in the central square. From Everwood's side, Itsuki presented tools: plows stronger than any the beastkin had seen, saws that cut with ease, and even simple tools made with Itsuki's power, like sword their wooden stocks polished, their steel gleaming.
The beastkin craftsmen gasped, running their hands over the weapons. "Such precision… no blacksmith of ours could craft this."
In return, the beastkin revealed their own gifts: finely woven fabrics resistant to weather, herbal medicines unknown to humans, and hunting techniques passed down through generations.
The two peoples exchanged goods, laughter, and hesitant but hopeful smiles. For the first time, Everwood and the Beastkin Kingdom shared not just space but trust.
Training for Tomorrow
Later that week, Itsuki gathered the village's warriors on the training grounds. Rifles lined the racks, while swords and spears gleamed in the afternoon sun.
Lyra stood at his side, instructing the archers, while Selena drilled the young fighters in swordplay. Elara, ever the tactician, helped Itsuki plan formations.
But Itsuki himself took a rifle in hand, showing the villagers how to aim, fire, and reload with calm precision. The sharp cracks of gunfire echoed across the field, followed by cheers as targets shattered.
"Remember," Itsuki said firmly, "these weapons aren't meant to make you reckless. They're meant to give us a chance. to protect each other."
The beastkin guards, watching from the sidelines, exchanged uneasy looks. Yet even they could not deny the discipline and order taking root before their eyes.
Lunaria's gaze lingered on Itsuki. For the first time, she smiled not out of formality, but with genuine admiration.
That night, the village of Everwood glowed with light lamps lining the central square, fires burning warmly in hearths. Villagers and beastkin alike gathered to share food and stories, the barriers between them fading little by little.
Everwood was no longer just a rising village. It was becoming a symbol of what could be built when different peoples stood together.
And at the heart of it all stood Itsuki builder, warrior, and the man destined to reshape the world.