I thought deeply about everything they were saying. The ratio of males to females in the tribe seemed drastically unbalanced—six males for every one female. That likely explained the social pressure and the norm of having multiple male partners. But there was something else that caught my attention—something more concerning.
From what I had observed, it also seemed that the rate of pregnancy among females was low. Was that part of the reason females were so treasured? But even more disturbing was this concept of the "wild nature" of the beastmen.
I turned to Sarah, who was now chatting casually with a young woman beside me. I leaned closer and asked, "What is this wild nature everyone keeps talking about?"
She looked up at me, then exchanged glances with the girl next to her, who seemed a bit nervous.
"The wild nature…" Sarah began softly. "It's the beast within. Beastmen have the potential to completely lose themselves to it, especially once they start upgrading their beastly powers. The more powerful they become, the harder it is to stay in control."
The girl beside her nodded in agreement. "That's why they need a female. We comfort them. We're their anchor… the ones who keep them from turning into monsters."
My eyes widened. "So they can actually become full beasts?"
Sarah nodded gravely. "Yes. Especially those who have awakened supernatural powers. During the awakening, the process is violent. Painful. It can be deadly if they go through it alone. That's why a male always seeks a mate strong enough to help him endure the transformation."
I swallowed hard, my thoughts spinning. "So what happens if they don't find a mate?"
"They try to face it alone," Sarah said. "Some survive… but many don't."
She paused, then added, "Sometimes, the female who supports him during awakening gains part of his strength. There's a bond that forms. They call it 'mates bond .' But it's dangerous. And rare."
I felt a chill run down my spine. This world was brutal—its rules unlike anything I had known. Love, partnership… even survival, all seemed tied to something deeper, more primal. And as I stood there among them, I began to wonder what part I was meant to play in it all.
"And you… you're not his mate, right? Wow."
The girl's voice startled me. Her words echoed in my ears, and I turned to face her.
"I heard that he treats his mates well," she continued, her voice hushed and curious. "But they never last long. Master… after every two years, he finds a new mate. When the Blood Moon rises, he goes through immense pain—pain that could kill him. So, he chooses a female to help him control it. But…" She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly, "I've never seen those women again."
Before she could say more, Sarah cut her off sharply. "Stop telling her that."
Silence fell between us for a moment. My thoughts were in turmoil, swirling like a storm inside my mind. What did she mean, they never return? What exactly happens to these women? Why are they needed—and why are they never seen again?
I hadn't noticed how much time had passed. The sun was already setting, casting a warm glow over the mountain. We began our walk back to the cave. The cheerful chatter from earlier had quieted, and the tension lingered in the air.
Back at the cave, Sarah busied herself preparing dinner. The aroma of roasted meat filled the space, but I barely noticed it.
My mind was racing. I kept replaying the girl's words over and over. Was I destined to become just another tool in this so-called master's cycle of pain and power? Was I merely a temporary solution to his curse?
I clenched my fists.
No. I couldn't just sit here and wait to be used—or worse, killed. I had to do something. I had to learn everything I could about this world, about the eagle tribe, about the beastmen and their strange ways. I couldn't be another forgotten face.
I would train. I would grow stronger.
If I had to protect myself, I would.
If I had to fight… I would.
Whatever it took—I was going to survive.
Sitting on the stone bed, my mind was racing—calculating, planning, and weighing every possible way to escape this tribe. If this so-called "Master" returned and discovered that I wasn't truly one of them, I had no idea what he'd do. Even if I could fool him for a while, the danger of the Blood Moon was real.
Dying under a cursed moon—that was not how I wanted my story to end.
Just as I was deep in thought, something cold and metallic scurried across my bare lap. I looked down and saw Tinny—a small mechanical spider—making its way toward my wrist. Its tiny metal legs tapped softly on my skin, and in a smooth motion, it leapt onto my hand. With a quiet mechanical hum, it transformed into a wristwatch and latched itself onto my arm.
I exhaled, feeling the weight of its familiar presence.
"Eat up and rest," Sarah's voice broke through my thoughts. She placed a piece of roasted meat by my side.
I looked at the food, gave a soft "thank you," and picked it up. Sarah returned to her usual spot—a flat stone near the fire—and began eating the remaining meat.
We ate in silence. The fire crackled between us, its orange glow dancing across the cave walls.
After a while, I finished my portion and murmured another quiet thank you. Sarah glanced at me and asked, "Do you need anything else?"
"I'm okay," I replied softly.
She nodded and stood. "Good night," she said before walking out of the cave, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the faint warmth of the dying fire.
The cave was quiet now, but inside my head, the storm still raged.
As soon as Sarah left and the stone at the entrance of the cave was rolled back into place, I turned my attention to Tinny.
"Tinny," I whispered urgently. "Give me a full report. How is it outside the tribe? Can I survive the wild beasts? What kind are there? How dangerous is it? Is there any safe path? Are there resources—food, water, shelter?"
I bombarded her with questions, one after the other, not even giving her a moment to respond. My voice trembled slightly with the weight of desperation and urgency.
Tinny flickered to life, a soft blue light pulsing from the watch face on my wrist.
"Processing," she said calmly, her tone mechanical yet somehow familiar and grounding. "Outside the tribe territory lies a dense, wild terrain. Predators include shadow wolves, razor-backed tigers, and sky talons—avian creatures with enhanced vision and aerial hunting capabilities. Survival outside the tribe is possible, but only with constant vigilance and proper gear."
I swallowed hard, my heart beginning to race.
"There are edible fruits and vegetation within a 12-kilometer radius," Tinny continued. "Water sources located southeast of the mountain base. Warning: terrain is unstable, and temperatures drop drastically at night. Strong energy signals also detected—possible supernatural beings or mutated wildlife."
I sat back, feeling both overwhelmed and strangely exhilarated. I wanted to escape—but it wouldn't be easy. Not by a long shot. But knowing this, having data, made it real. It gave me a starting point. A chance.
And I was going to take it.