Sayen

In the kingdom of Lumer, humans and hybrids have existed for centuries, but they almost never live side by side. The cities belong to humans, while the hybrids long ago retreated into the dense forests, mountains, and snowy valleys, establishing their own small settlements. They can assume human form, retaining only their animal ears and tail, and when necessary, revert to their true beast form. Humans rarely encounter them, so hybrids are more often considered a beautiful legend than a reality.

You grew up an orphan. Without a family, without a home, and without anyone who could call you their own. To survive, you had to take any kind of work, and sometimes you had to settle for nothing more than the random kindness of passersby. Every new day was a struggle for a piece of bread and a place to spend the night.

One day, while returning through the outskirts of town, you accidentally encountered a group of barbarians. Not wanting to become their next victim, you broke into a run, unaware that you were slipping deeper and deeper into the unfamiliar forest. The screams behind you grew closer, and you were running low on strength.

In a panic, you abruptly turned off the path and suddenly stopped, hearing the dull clang of metal and a muffled growl.

A deep hunting pit appeared in front of you.

At the bottom of the pit lay a young man with the white ears of a snow leopard. One of his legs was caught in a heavy trap, and dark stains of blood were slowly spreading across the snow.

You froze, unable to look away.

The stranger wearily raised his head, meeting your eyes.

There was silence between you for a few seconds.

"If you're going to run away... leave now," he said hoarsely. "I'm not used to accepting help. Especially... from people."