Beast Blood

Chapter 7: Departure

I wandered the streets in a daze until my thoughts were interrupted by a tap on my back.

"Boy, come with me."

It was my uncle!

As if latching onto a shred of hope, I followed my uncle all the way to the city gates.

"The deputy mayor has already begun investigating your identity, and the consequences will be unthinkable if he finds out."

My uncle handed me a bag containing food and clothes as he spoke in a hurry.

"Also, the deputy mayor has also sent someone to Rowe Academy to report in so that he can snatch the spot from you. You have to move quicker than him. Go now, see if you can make it to Rowe before he does."

I nodded. Then, I turned back to look at the small town that I grew up in.

"Don't worry about anything and just go. You have to study hard and become strong. I'll look after your mother for you."

Then, he handed me a pouch. It felt heavy, and when I looked inside, it was filled with gold coins.

"That's for the road, and here's a map, too. Rowe Academy is this place marked in red. You just have to follow the arrows and you'll find it. I have military orders to attend to so I won't be able to take you there. You'll have to handle it yourself. And also, here's a letter from the Lord Mayor. When you arrive, hand this directly to the vice principal."

My uncle explained everything simply to me. He might appear cold on the outside, but in fact, he was a kind man. A feeling of gratitude surged within my heart. Biting my lip, I thanked him.

"Thank you... Uncle!"

This was the first time I called him uncle. He was taken aback for a moment, but then he waved his hand as if it were nothing.

"Alright, now go. Live like a man, and remember. You were raised on human soil. Once you grow strong, you must remember that everything you have was given to you by humans. If you remain weak, then I'll wait here for your return. No matter what happens, this is your home."

I nodded hard. Then, turning around, I began my journey.

The Samiant Mountains stretched on for thousands of miles, and I would have to trek through one of the mountain peaks to get to Rowe. No matter what, it was going to be a long journey.

I walked in large strides along the mountain roads that grew narrower and narrower, making my way up the mountain. It was currently winter, and a touch of white capped the mountain tops. With snow still piling on, it was not hard to imagine how cold the temperature was. The higher I went, the colder it became. When I was near the peak, I could not stand the cold any longer and took out a cloak to cover myself with. Only then did I feel a little warmer.

"Help! You bastard, get away from me!"

I heard a faint voice in the distance, followed by a series of lecherous laughter.

Following the source of the noise, I saw a brute harassing a girl at a secluded corner of the forest. The girl's leg was injured and blood was sliding down her ankle. Sitting on the ground, she backed away from the man little by little using her hands.

"Pretty girly, I'll take good care of you if you show me a good time."

As he said that, the man pounced on the girl who kicked and scratched at him. Her clothes were ripped open, exposing her fair skin. But soon, her resistance angered the man. He slapped her hard across the cheek, beating her unconscious.

The man let out a wretched laugh and began eagerly undoing his pants.

I felt anxious. This man looked big and strong. Even though my fighting abilities far surpass my peers, I was not sure if I was capable of taking down a large man like him.

Then I had an idea. I shouted in their direction.

"Quick, over here! There's a r****t here! Report that man to the guards!"

At the same time, I quietly threw a few stones over the other side to try and make some noise, making it seem as if people were approaching.

Sure enough, the man stopped when he heard the noise. Then, he scampered off without turning back. He was gone in just a moment. Worried that he would return, I watched from a distance for a while to make sure that it was safe before carefully making my way over.

Then something strange happened, the girl that had almost been r***d disappeared. I looked everywhere but there were no signs of her. Then, I saw an injured wildcat nearby.