The crisp autumn wind crept in through the cracks of the old hut, rustling the dry straw roof like whispers from the mountains.
Jiho sat in the corner of the yard, swaddled in a bundle of faded wool and propped up like a chubby snowman. He watched his father, Han Daesik, sharpening his hunting dagger under the dull orange light of evening.
Shhk… shhk… shhk…
The rhythmic scrape of metal against stone was oddly calming.
"Monsters'll be coming down early this year," Daesik muttered under his breath, testing the blade with his thumb. "I heard the wolves are already prowling near the southern ridge. And a wild boar attacked a merchant's cart near Pine Hollow. Damn things are starving... or worse, stirred by something unnatural."
Though he spoke to himself, his voice was loud enough to carry.
"Hmm... sudden monster aggression during autumn? I've read enough novels to know where this goes. Either some shady cult is opening demonic seals, or a higher realm cultivator is playing Pokémon with spiritual beasts."
Jiho blinked.
"Or maybe the beasts are just hungry, who knows. Still, better be on guard."
The heavy creak of the front gate interrupted the sharpening ritual.
"Daesik! Still sharpening that old toothpick?" came a loud, warm voice.
It was Shin Xiao, the newly appointed village chief.
Han Daesik stood up, a genuine smile lighting his usually tired face. "Xiao! You still remember how to visit an old friend?"
They laughed and exchanged a quick hug.
Jiho peeked through the gap in the hay wall and watched them like a tiny spy. He stared at Shin Xiao—young, well-fed, broad-shouldered, and wearing layered leather with fur lining. A very different presence from the one Jiho still missed.
"Old Chief... sigh. That kind old man."
"He used to visit me every few days. Even in his final winter, walking on stiff legs just to bring me little wooden animals he carved himself. No one else carved a dragon with only one tooth and called it a tiger."
"He was probably the first adult in both my lives who gave me unconditional affection. A real grandpa..."
Jiho's thoughts quieted.
"I didn't get to say goodbye. That still stings."
Back in the yard, Shin Xiao's tone shifted.
"I came about the mountains," he said. "The villagers are uneasy. Too many beast sightings. Bigger tracks, aggressive patterns. We lost a chicken coop yesterday to something fast — too fast for a fox."
Daesik's expression hardened. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"
"I hope not. But just in case… I'm restricting solo expeditions. From now on, no one leaves the village without a party of five trained adults."
"That's smart," Daesik nodded. "You want me to lead?"
"If you're willing."
Daesik turned to glance inside the house—his eyes paused for a second on Jiho, bundled like a dumpling near the fire pit.
"I'll go," he said quietly. "Just let me know when we move."
"Two days from now. And… get your boy something nice on your way back. I heard his second birthday's coming up."
Daesik chuckled. "Yeah. He's growing fast. Not long before he starts calling me 'old man'."
They laughed.
After Shin Xiao left, Daesik returned to the bench and began checking the tension on his worn bowstring. Jiho watched him in silence.
"Father… you don't need to risk your life for a birthday gift. I'm not asking for a golden rattle or a spirit beast plushie."
"But I get it. You're not just doing it for me. You're doing it because you care. Because that's the kind of man you are."
"And I… I've never had that before. Not in my last life."
"Even if my Hyperbolic Time Chamber doesn't unlock until I'm three…"
Jiho clenched his tiny fists.
"…I can still prepare. Learn the terrain. Strengthen my muscles. Learn how you walk, how you shoot, how you breathe in battle."
Suddenly, a loud fart erupted beneath Jiho's blanket. A chicken squawked in terror outside.
Daesik looked around in confusion. "What the hell was that?"
Jiho immediately burst into fake tears to hide the crime.
"Waaaah!"
Han Soeun rushed over and picked him up.
"Oh no! Did someone poop their little pants again?" she cooed.
"Damn… betrayed by my own ass. Again."
End of Chapter 6