Zaber walked forward and reached the edge of the hilltop. Small stones slipped beneath his feet. He looked down.
Burned huts. Puddles left from the rain. Between them, the green forest stood silently—as though nothing had happened.
Zaber stared at the village for a long time. For a moment, memories flashed before his eyes.
"I think… there were seven human women," he said in a low voice. "What happened to them…?"
X tilted his head, responding indifferently.
"They were awaiting death anyway. Not worth remembering."
Zaber turned back. There was neither pity nor regret in his eyes.
"True. Just corpses that could walk. Not worth remembering."
He walked toward the tent. Each step was resolute and quiet.
Approaching Luna, he ordered in a cold tone:
"Luna. We are going to the city."
Luna looked at Zaber. Caution still lingered in her eyes, but there was no resistance.
"Yes, Master. It will take several days on foot. When do we set out?"
Zaber did not hesitate for a moment.
