Cursed Odyssey

The sun had vanished completely.

Joseph moved through the moonlit village beside his guard, both transformed by new clothes—Joseph in a black hooded robe, the guard in fresh armor. In the darkness, they were unrecognizable.

Adrian had promised a second guard by morning, but for now, they walked alone.

Someone's still following me. His sixth sense hadn't quieted since morning. Two days running, and his secret stalker remained patient. Joseph pretended ignorance—for now.

They reached the village center just as shouting erupted into the quiet night. Joseph's lips curled as he slipped behind a bush.

"YOU!! I KNEW IT!! YOU DID SOMETHING TO MY CROPS!!"

Uros, a purple-horned Zott, pointed an accusing finger at his target—Jori, a young human with orange hair.

"What are you talking about?!" Jori shot back.

"Just like the leaders said! No Lagos, just an earthquake! You wasted our time with lies! Used the distraction to sabotage your only competition!" Uros's voice cracked with rage. "You think I'm stupid?!"

"Haven't you heard? Lord Adrian confirmed Lagos exists—we're sacrificing the outsiders to appease him!" Jori's incredulous laugh rang hollow. "You live under a rock? And how does that relate to your failure as a farmer? Don't blame me for your inadequacy! Where's your proof?"

"PROOF?" Uros stepped closer. "I have witnesses! Several people saw you sneaking behind my house the night it happened!"

"Impossible! I was first at the holy house that morning! Who are these lying witnesses—probably jealous Zotts!"

"Those witnesses are the most trustworthy in Hano! Igry and Palo, the honest sages! They'd never lie! They were skeptical at first, held back from speaking because they trusted you!" Uros's voice broke. "How do you expect my family to survive winter when all my crops have withered?"

"I DON'T KNOW! NOT MY PROBLEM! FIGURE IT OUT!" Jori snapped.

The commotion drew neighbours from their homes. Doors creaked open, curious faces emerging from the darkness.

"Poor Zotts complaining about human superiority again!" An old man laughed from his doorway. "Think your primitive species could survive without us?"

"Without our strength and hunting skills, you ants would've starved long ago!" another Zott roared. "Who built most of the houses you sleep in? Show some respect!"

"AT LEAST WE'RE NOT DEMONS! I know the stories—you used to eat us like animals! Wouldn't surprise me if you're behind the missing children!"

"You think I'd eat anything as disgusting as a human? Racist piece of shit!"

"YOU'VE DONE IT BEFORE!"

"What evidence? Your old racist folk tales? And now you've brought outsider humans—benefited greatly from them, haven't you? Some setup between your leader and the outside world? Didn't we agree to execute all outsiders to keep our bloodline pure? To honor our ancestors?"

"Rules can bend! These children are a blessing! As long as they don't breed, what's the problem?"

"What if they do? What disrespect to our ancestors! Their existence spits on our heritage—your greed blinds you!"

"Your heartlessness blinds you! Killing innocent children over ancient rules? Is that justified?"

"YES! How are we even the same tribe? They're cursed!"

"Without them, we wouldn't have advanced so far in one day! Maybe we can finally end the winter famines! They're not cursed—they're blessed by our ancestors! You're just angry they didn't help you instead. This is the future Lord Adrian foresaw when we were all blind!!"

"Wait!" Another voice cut through. "They did try to help you! In that shithole district Rert! Then you nearly killed the boy—knowing he's meant for sacrifice! You're trying to forsake us to Lagos!"

"Your people scorn them at every turn, threaten to kill them again! What do you expect?"

"I don't care about their help! Don't care about his worthless life, you blasphemers! Watch as you're all led to ruin by these cursed methods!"

"Lagos doesn't exist! Just a hallucination!! This is only an excuse to let outsiders live among us! Lord Adrian betrayed us—was he blinded by greed? Did you all plot to destroy my plants?" Uros's voice cracked over the growing crowd.

The tension had reached a breaking point. This quiet night had become the village's worst conflict in centuries—a simmering pot finally boiling over. Everyone had felt it brewing, but none predicted this eruption.

"ENOUGH!!"

Yrll, the Zott leader, burst through the parting crowd.

"HOW DARE YOU BLASPHEMOUS MONGRELS UTTER SUCH INDIGNANCE ON HALLOWED GROUND! THIS IS WHAT I'D EXPECT FROM CHILDREN! SHAME ON ALL OF YOU!"

His voice cut through the chaos like a blade.

"The outsiders stay due to circumstances beyond our control! The benefits they've provided cannot be understated—even I must admit this. But remember—they remain outsiders! They will never be one of us! Yet no harm will come to them! Guards will monitor them constantly! Interact at your own peril! I WILL PERSONALLY DEAL WITH THIS TOMORROW!"

He turned to Uros. "As for your crops—we'll investigate thoroughly, question all parties. I won't stand for such crimes. Your family have been the best farmers for generations. I'm confident this wasn't poor agriculture."

"Th-thank you, leader..." Uros bowed slowly.

"Shut it," Yrll growled, anger radiating from every word.

"We'll hold another congregation tomorrow afternoon for all adult men. We'll review the ancient rules, our history, and why tonight represents the biggest failure of my leadership! I bear this responsibility too! UNDERSTOOD?"

Fear flickered in their eyes. Respect kept heads low. Uncertainty hung thick in the air. Uneasy glances, clenched jaws, tight fists—but no one dared speak against Yrll's command.

"NOW GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!"

Within the dispersing crowd, one figure stood out among the Zotts—though in reality, he wasn't a 'man' at all.

Joseph… he thought inwardly. Perhaps I can...

---

The crowds scattered. Only then did Joseph emerge from hiding.

His guard, leaning against a nearby wall, caught his expression beneath the disguise. Sadness mixed with understanding in those eyes—more mature than his years suggested.

His arrival has brought a turning point to this village. I had no idea tensions had escalated so quickly. Even I'm uncertain if this is all bad. In the end, it's not my decision... It's in the elders' hands. I have faith.

Joseph took a deep breath, and the guard glimpsed something almost like happiness as he spoke.

"Let's keep going, shall we?"

The guard nodded curtly.

---

They reached the isolated field before the library. Not to enter—Joseph knew the librarian would kick him out regardless of payment—but for another purpose entirely.

Joseph lowered his hood. Crimson eyes and ashen hair caught the moonlight's glow.

He'd walked past 'them' and given the signs. Any second now...

"Hey hey! Ghost cumstain! Don't think you were slick with that disguise!"

Of course. The blonde problem child Lee emerged with his usual goons—tall ginger Kalo and the ragged, timid brown-haired Poro. All striking their ridiculous poses.

"You had a full day and this is the best insult you can come up with? Frankly I'm disappointed th—"

"At least I'm not short!!"

"I'm not that short!" Joseph screamed in a whisper. "Also be quieter, please," he continued, yawning, covering his mouth. "I'm not looking for attention right now."

"Fine, we'll be quiet!" Kalo boasted.

"You idiot!" Lee elbowed him through gritted teeth. "We're not supposed to agree with him!"

"But we should stay quiet... How else will you get revenge? We don't want others coming, right boss?" Poro whispered, shrinking back.

"Ugh..." Lee clicked his tongue. "Fine, whatever. As long as I get to kick his ass again!"

"Again? You haven't touched me once. Also, shouldn't you kids be home sleeping? Your parents are worried," Joseph raised an eyebrow.

"Sh-shut up! I was tired from intense training that morning! You caught me off guard!" Lee quietly roared. "Rematch me now if you're a real man!" He drew his wooden sword with exaggerated flourish.

Joseph's still injured. Wonder if he can handle them, and how he'll respond... The guard watched from the background.

"I refuse," Joseph shrugged.

"WHAT?!" Lee blurted.

"Coward!" Kalo echoed.

"Who's the coward? Look at yourselves—ganging up on someone who was at death's door hours ago?"

Lee looked genuinely stunned. From the guard's reaction, it seemed Joseph spoke truth. Lee turned deadly glares on little Poro.

"I-I thought you knew, boss! It was all over town!" Poro trembled, expecting punishment.

Lee clenched his fist, then released it with a long breath.

"I'm a man of honor! Had no idea... Even if you are a filthy outsider! So what happened?" Lee calmed himself, sheathing his sword.

Man of honor? Didn't stop you from trying to triple-team me last time... Joseph kept the thought private. At least he doesn't pick on the disabled.

"Long story. Got stabbed in the chest in Rert district." Joseph lifted his shirt, revealing the large red mark.

Lee's eyes bulged before returning to normal. His followers had less composed reactions.

"Anyway, enough of that." Joseph tucked his shirt back in.

"Yes... enough. Let's go, guys. We'll rematch once you're fully recovered! Promise me in your god's name you won't skip out!" Lee's glare intensified.

"Only if you honor your side of our last agreement..." Joseph's crimson eyes glinted.

What? Lee nearly blurted before the memory returned.

"You promised on your ancestors you'd do me one favor if I beat you yesterday. You're a man of honor, aren't you? How can I honor a promise to a liar and sinner?"

"I'm no sinner! I fully planned to honor that contract!" Lee's retort came swift as wind. "Fine, what do you want? I have the right to decline unreasonable or stupid requests! Understood?"

"Don't worry! Just a simple task!" Joseph played along.

Lee waited expectantly.

"I want you to join me tomorrow collecting deer antlers in the village outskirts!"

Huh... Lee blinked in shock. He'd expected some humiliation ritual. Relief flickered across his face before he could hide it.

He opened his mouth to respond, but Joseph continued.

"You can join us too, if you want." Joseph smiled, looking toward the shadows.

Something twitched in the darkness.

The three boys followed Joseph's gaze. A figure lurked there, seeming to debate between fleeing and stepping into the light.

"It's okay. No need to be embarrassed, truly! I've always wanted to meet you..."

From the shadows emerged a single figure.

A young Zott, tall and muscular like his kin, with scales the colour of faded jade and piercing amber eyes. His horns were small but sharp, black as obsidian.

"Hello there..."