In this chaotic and twisted world, Corrupted and Evil Ones were everywhere. Many fanatical people, influenced by Corruption, worshipped them and sacrificed their lives and everything they had.

For nearly a thousand years, countless organizations of this nature had appeared worldwide. They deceived ignorant followers, harming innocent people.

Regal Ones and their humans around the world fought against the Evil Ones, but in this world of rampant mysticism, cults remained active in the darkness.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

But Felix never expected to come across one of them so soon.

Having been discovered, Felix stepped forward and out of their hiding spot, his voice steady despite the storm raging within him. “Let them go. Whatever you’re doing here—it ends now.”

Internally, Felix was surprised at himself for sounding so stern and brave. Who knows, he might just be able to pull off this heroic front, unexpected and unwanted though it might be.

Dr. Hart chuckled, a low, chilling sound. “Do you even understand what you’re looking at? This is progress. A gift from the Goddess of Life herself. These poor souls were broken, incomplete. I’m making them whole again.”

“By turning them into monsters?” Sorath growled, drawing his dagger.

Dr. Hart tilted his head, his pleasant smile never faltering. “Monsters? No, no. You’re thinking too small. This is evolution, perfection. The Goddess’s vision brought to life.”

Dr. Hart stepped closer, his movements unnervingly smooth. His gaze flicked to Felix, lingering for a moment before his expression suddenly shifted into something uglier.

“And you, Regal One. So pristine, so untainted. You could never understand how weak and flawed humans are.”

Felix’s fists clenched at his sides, his voice sharp. “I understand enough to know that you’re an insane fucker. I mean seriously, worshipping a thing like that?”

“A deluded cultist, that’s what he is.” Albrecht remarked, a slight sneer curling his thin lips.

Hearing these words, Dr. Hart became very displeased. “What cult? I worship a god! A god! The greatest god!” His eyes suddenly shone with incomparable brilliance, like an octopus baring its suction cups lined with fangs and claws. “She is everywhere, at all times. She is the origin of all life, the greatest god! To offer everything to Her is your blessing!”

Dr. Hart laughed loudly, the sound echoing through the cavern. “And I? I am a Blessed One.”

To demonstrate, he held up his arm and dragged a scalpel across his forearm, splitting the skin open. Before their eyes, the wound closed almost instantly, leaving no trace of the injury.

“Impressive, isn’t it?” Dr. Hart said, his tone now almost conversational. “The Goddess’s blessings are boundless. Pain, death—mere inconveniences to one such as I.”

Felix’s eyes narrowed as Dr. Hart turned back to the table, picking up another instrument. He gestured toward one of the cages, where the only intact young woman, clearly the kidnapped Clara, cowered in the corner.

“Perhaps I should show you more,” Dr. Hart mused, smiling affably at them.

“No,” Felix snapped, his voice echoing through the room. “No more crazy shit.”

Dr. Hart met his gaze, his expression darkening. “I do not listen to you, Regal One.”

The air grew heavy as Dr. Hart stepped away from the table, his movements fluid and unhurried. His confidence was unnerving, and Felix’s instincts screamed that this would not be an easy fight.

“Be careful,” Felix said, his voice low but firm. “We don’t know what he’s capable of.”

Sorath moved to Felix’s side, his dagger gleaming in the dim light. “Whatever he is, we’ll take him down.”

Thel’s eyes scanned the room, calculating. “Focus on him. The captives—especially the pregnant woman—must be prioritized. We can’t allow the thing inside to come out alive.”

The words sounded ruthless, but knowing the purpose and fate of the fetus monster, it was necessary perhaps even merciful.

Dr. Hart spread his arms wide, several spider legs tearing through the flesh of his back before the skin knitted back into themselves. A smile full of teeth and malice stretched impossibly wide on his face and he stared at Felix with unnerving focus. “I have never had a Regal One as a test subject before, but I find myself eagerly looking forward to the prospect.”

The battle for the captives—and their own survival—was about to commence.

The dim, claustrophobic space of the underground facility was now charged with an ominous energy. The air felt heavier, oppressive, as though the very walls themselves were bearing down on them. Dr. Hart stood at the center of it all, his grin sharp and predatory, his glowing eyes locked onto Felix. 

Felix stood poised, his body tense, his senses honed by hours of training. With a soft exhale, he shifted into his hybrid form. Muscles rolled underneath deceptively velvety skin, his ears sharpening and his claws glowing faintly with an ethereal light. His tail lashed behind him, signaling both readiness and apprehension.

The next second, two extended spider legs struck with horrifying speed, aiming straight for Felix’s neck and chest. The rest sliced through the air with Felix’s humans as targets.

“Stick to the plan!” Felix called, his voice carrying a commanding edge that was surprisingly authoritative for the boy always out of his depth since arriving in this world.

Sorath met the hairy black arachnid leg aimed at him head-on, his dagger flashing in the dim light. It stabbed at him, but he dodged and parried with precision. He slammed his shoulder into a second one, gritting his teeth at the heavy impact not assimilar to being rammed against an uprooted tree trunk, but still managed to push it back and away from Albrecht and the captives.

“Got this one!” Sorath crowed, his confidence palpable.

Thel moved swiftly, never staying in one spot but always positioning himself with a tactical view of the room. His eyes scanned the chaos, calculating every movement. “Focus on deflecting them. Don’t let them cut you off! Felix, try to get to the woman!”

Virgil darted toward the cages, his nimble fingers working quickly to pick the locks. “Just keep the freaky appendages away from me, yeah?” he shouted, ducking just in time to avoid a blunt impact to his head from a spider leg striking nearby.

Albrecht, unexpectedly steady and methodical, knelt beside an unconscious young man with his arms replaced with shark fins, quickly checking his pulse. “They’re alive,” he announced, relief in his voice. “I’ll stabilize the victims. Cover me!”

Dr. Hart stood in front of the surgical table with an outward calm, one eye locked onto Felix while the other remained trained on his masterpiece. “Without the Goddess I would have been just as worthless as those worms you are trying to save.” He taunted, his voice low and reverent. “Oh, but to have the Goddess’s gaze on you. You will never know anything more powerful or intoxicating.”

Felix grinded his teeth, his claws slicing through one of the spider legs only for it to regrow in quick succession from the severed stump, preventing him from reaching the center of the room. Dr. Hart hissed, clearly feeling the pain, but smirked as it regenerated itself.

“That’s not power,” Felix shot back. “It’s decay.”

Dr. Hart sneered, raising a hand. In it was a familiar small, opened vial filled with murky liquid. Tendrils of dark energy began to coalesce around it, pulsating with malevolent intent. “So proud. You Regal Ones seem to forget. You are not the only ones with power in this world.”

He downed the liquid in one gulp and at the same time, those several foot long spider legs seemed to only increase in length and circumference. They struck out, drilling into the ground around Felix. He dodged, his movements quick and fluid as he danced through a veritable forest of legs, but the oppressive energy made it harder to breathe, harder to focus.

Sorath, spotting Felix’s struggle, picked up one of the empty cages and threw it at the doctor, distracting him. “You okay, Felix?” he called out, not waiting for a response before fending off another attack from his left.

“I’m fine!” Felix replied, though his heart was pounding. He glanced at his humans, watching our of the corner of his eye as they moved with surprising efficiency.

Thel snapped out, “Virgil, the left cage is clear. Move on to the next! Sorath, keep assisting Felix!”

“On it!” Virgil called, freeing another captive before rolling away from a flailing spider leg.

Albrecht injected the contents of a small vial into a man suffering the most signs of Corruption. He glanced up, his eyes meeting Felix’s. “We’ll get them out. Focus on the target!”

Felix nodded sharply, the trust in Albrecht’s voice steadying him.

As the battle raged on, Dr. Hart’s attacks grew more frantic the closer the clock ticked towards the birthing. There was no longer any plan to the strikes dealt by his arachnid appendages, and he seemed uncaring that his laboratory was being destroyed around him. His only concern was the successful birth of his masterpiece no matter the relentless assault by Felix and his humans.

“You’re ruining everything!” Dr. Hart snarled, his expression thunderous. The spider legs around him thickened, the dark energy coating them growing more volatile.

The air grew colder, heavier, as though the cavern itself was reacting to his displeasure. Felix felt it then—a deep, unnatural pressure settling over him. His breath hitched, his fur standing on end.

It was born, the Corrupted in the pregnant woman’s womb was born! 

As the woman screamed in pain, the nearly S-Rank Corrupted was officially born. The powerful aura of Corruption around it made Felix a little breathless. 

After Dr. Hart saw the creation of his most satisfying work, he was so overjoyed that his arachnid appendages flailed wildly and he quickly prepared for the sacrifice. 

Dr. Hart knelt on the ground, clasped his hands, facing the sky through the openings in the cavern above that were punched through by the force of his spider legs during the battle, and recited an invocation with piety and gratitude before anyone could stop him. 

In this world, S-Rank Corrupted and above had a corresponding invocation. As long as their invocation was recited, their attention could be attracted. 

The invocation was like a string of incantations. By reciting these incantations, one could summon Evil Ones. 

The situation here was already chaotic enough. If another actual S-Rank Corrupted was summoned here, they would have no chance of survival! 

At some point, Thel had managed to slip through the wall of spider legs around Dr. Hart. He lunged at Dr. Hart with all his strength, one of the doctor’s own surgical blades in his hand. 

After a human bonded with their Regal One, the physical power of the human would become ten times stronger than that of ordinary unbonded humans. The weakest bonded human could also beat three strong men. 

Unfortunately, he was not dealing with an ordinary human, but with Dr. Hart, who was a B-Rank Corrupted, and he couldn’t get any hits in at all.

Felix moved a beat later than Thel, heart in his throat, half of him flabbergasted at Thel’s actions. He, too, didn’t make it to Dr. Hart in time to stop him from reciting the invocation though he did manage to meet Thel. The two could only stand back to back as they watched Dr. Hart warily. 

“O’ Lady of Life and Renewal,
Beacon of hope in a decaying world,
Great Goddess of Life,

Your devoted follower calls upon you.
I humbly beseech you to come to my side,
To hear and answer my prayer.”

The invocation had the contamination properties of the Corrupted, but at the same time, other people would also be affected by the powerful mystical energy, thereby infecting them with Corruption. 

Almost as soon as Dr. Hart finished reciting the invocation, Felix and others in the half-destroyed laboratory felt as the surrounding air became thinner and the temperature, which was originally quite chilly to begin with, began to drop below freezing temperatures. 

And unbeknownst to them in the distant sky, a cloudy white eye the size of a grapefruit appeared out of thin air. It opened lazily and looked towards the underground laboratory. 

This intangible gaze caused a splitting headache to form in the humans around Felix. They didn’t even dare to raise their heads, because an S-Rank Corrupted was no longer something they could just look at casually. 

Who would’ve thought that the invocation recited by Dr. Hart would really summon an S-Rank Corrupted!

“She’s watching,” Dr. Hart whispered, his voice trembling with mindless awe and reverence. “The Goddess of Life sees us now.”

Under this malevolent pressure, even Felix’s body seemed to slow down a notch. Although he was less affected by the Corruption, being an A-Rank Regal One himself, beside him, his pets and the humans who were captured were in very bad condition, and grotesque signs of Corruption began to grow all over their bodies. The captives began to cry and despair. In the end, they would still die at the hands of the Corrupted. But they really want to live… 

Save them, save them! Who could come to save them?

Amidst the crying around him, Dr. Hart looked particularly ecstatic. He couldn’t control his excitement and exclaimed to the sky, “Goddess! Goddess!” 

He waxed his praise and love for his goddess and master. Then, he pointed at the newly born Corrupted and presented his masterpiece to the Goddess of Life. 

“O’ Great Goddess of Life, this is a sacrifice given to you by your devout follower, please accept it.” 

The Goddess of Life seemed to be very satisfied with this sacrifice, and the surrounding Corruption seemed to rise a bit more. The gentle sound of rocking water could be heard, as if enveloping Dr. Hart in embryonic fluid. 

Dr. Hart’s face was a little flushed, and it seemed that even if he were to die for the Goddess of Life right that instant, he would be more than willing. 

Felix was nearly out of his mind with panic. What should he do? What should he do? How on earth could this be stopped? He was just an A-Rank trainee, how could he save everyone here? 

For the first time, Felix regretted taking his humans along with him. He had only endangered them! Some owner and master he was.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Felix felt extremely helpless and angry in his heart, and hated himself for being weak. If only he were smarter. Maybe he would have acted differently. If only he were stronger. If he were stronger, he might be able to save the others. 

Felix felt as if his head was going to explode. He tried his best to adapt to this world, but in the end he found that his best didn’t mean anything. 

Just what the hell kind of world was this?!

AN: So sorry for the delay! 😖 irl and my other wips got in the way. Add to that my stockpile is at 0 😱 I will likely not be updating as frequently as before. Need at least a week or so to rebuild it before I can go back to the old schedule🤦‍♀️ so please bear with me 🙏 thank you💛

Dr. Hart suddenly fell silent, staring at her cheek and arm with an unusually gentle gaze.

Clara became even more flustered, her face turning red.

Dr. Hart lifted his head, his warm brown eyes seeming to glow with lit embers within. He smiled, which made him appear even more approachable and handsome. He asked, “You said you liked me and were willing to do anything for me. Is that true?”

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Clara thought it was just a sweet moment between lovers and, with a happy heart, replied, “Of course, I’m willing.”

Dr. Hart’s lips curled into a sweeter smile, and he couldn’t resist taking her hand in his own. “That’s really wonderful…”

He moved even closer, and with his other hand, gently stroked the young woman’s skin, as if caressing a rare treasure.

The cold touch made Clara shiver, and she almost wanted to push him away.

But by the time she realized, she found that Dr. Hart had already trapped her completely in his arms.

He whispered the most strange words in her ear with the sweetest voice.

“If that’s the case, then offering everything to the Goddess should be acceptable, right?”

Clara’s expression froze on her face. “Goddess?”

Dr. Hart’s expression suddenly became crazed at that moment.

“She will like you, She will like everything about you…”

*

The forest air grew colder as Felix and his humans crept through the dense trees. The moonlight barely pierced the thick canopy above, casting faint shadows on the ground. Felix’s ears twitched, catching the faint sound of Dr. Hart’s hurried steps ahead. Every instinct in his body screamed that they were heading toward something vile.

The metallic scent that had first alerted him was now overwhelming, mingled with the sickly-sweet aroma of decay. Felix’s stomach churned, but he pressed on, his breath almost held anxiously in his chest.

Sorath, eyes sharp and glinting like silver coins, motioned for the group to stop. He pointed ahead, where Dr. Hart was disappearing behind what looked like a thick curtain of vines. Felix strained his eyes and saw it—a jagged opening in the earth, hidden by the dense underbrush.

“A cave?” Virgil whispered, his voice barely audible.

Thel inclined his head, carnelian eyes flashing with interest. “Or worse.”

The group waited until Dr. Hart disappeared into the darkness before cautiously following. The narrow path twisted downward, the air growing damper and more suffocating with every step. Felix led the way, his supernatural vision and enhanced senses guiding them through the labyrinthine tunnel.

As they descended, faint echoes reached their ears—muted groans, the clinking of metal, and a low, almost rhythmic humming that sent shivers down Felix’s spine.

“Does anyone else feel like we’re walking into a nightmare?” Albrecht murmured, adjusting his gold watch habitually in a nervous tick.

“Just don’t scream and alert our perp,” Sorath quipped, though his hand rested tensely on the hilt of his dagger. Even though they had yet to confirm anything, it was clear he was already of the mind that the amiable village doctor was the sinister source of the disappearances.

Call it an almost bloodhound instinct.

Indeed, when the tunnel finally widened, opening into a cavernous underground private laboratory, the sight that greeted them was worse than any nightmare.

The room was dimly lit by flickering, makeshift bulbs hanging from frayed wires. The walls were lined with cages, each one holding a human in various states of distress. Some were unconscious, their faces pale and bodies unnaturally still. Others muttered incoherently, their eyes wide with terror.

But this wasn’t what was most shocking and disturbing of all.

Felix’s gaze traveled to the center of the room, where a pregnant woman, emaciated but for the unnaturally large bulge of her belly, was strapped to a surgical table placed in pride of place like some grotesque altar. Even from here, Felix could see the poor woman twitching and convulsing, the skin of her belly distorting along with her as if the thing inside was also writhing in agony.

A sharp, acrid stench filled the air, a blend of chemicals, blood, and something unidentifiably foul. Felix felt an uncontrollable urge to gag and he pressed a hand to his mouth to keep from retching.

It was very clear now. Dr. Hart was a B-Rank Corrupted, higher than most of the average statistics shown on Mzia’s official web page.

There were more people locked up here than they had thought and Felix was almost shocked that none of these disappearances had hit official news other than the occasional superstitious speculations. 

Except for Clara, who had only just been brought here yesterday, everyone else had been modified. Parts of their bodies were missing, replaced by other Corrupted limbs or organs.

The room was filled with wailing and despair.

Dr. Hart closed his eyes in obvious enjoyment, finding these sounds nothing short of heavenly music.

He looked at these people with tender affection, as though he were gazing at treasured possessions he had kept for many years.

For Dr. Hart, this was his masterpiece, the most perfect offering to his Goddess!

Since childhood, Dr. Hart had been deeply interested in human body modification.

He was extremely curious about what would happen when human and Corrupted genes merged, how powerful and monstrous they could become. Perhaps even overtaking the apex species of their society, the Regal Ones themselves.

This ambition tormented him continuously, and it was the driving force that led him to become a doctor.

After becoming a doctor, Dr. Hart began his experiments, but all of them were carried out on guinea pigs, rabbits, and other small animals of the like.

As time passed, Dr. Hart grew unsatisfied with merely combining limbs from two different animal species. He wanted to experiment on humans for real.

However, with the current level of biological advancement, he was far from able to fulfill his obsession.

He could only continue his experiments on animals, using them to soothe his increasingly obsessive desires.

Unfortunately, these experiments were soon discovered by his wife.

Although his wife didn’t say anything at the time, Dr. Hart still saw her scared expression and caught her secretly planning to call the Combat Division.  Why? How could she? He just wanted to realize his dream. Why didn’t even his wife, who he had known as childhood sweethearts support him?

She was simply a fool! A useless, empty-headed woman! 

For his lifelong dream, Dr. Hart had no choice but to kill his wife. This was his first time killing someone, but he was not panicked or sad because at the moment he killed his wife, he met Her, the most powerful and magnanimous Master in the world—the Goddess of Life.

The Goddess of Life possessed half the Life Godhead and could bestow followers with a Corrupted power related to life. After being blessed by the Goddess of Life, Dr. Hart became a B-Rank Corrupted with the ability to ignore the genetic conflict between two species and combine the genes of one organism with the genes of another organism.

With this new ability, he was able to realize his dream for many years and carry out experiments that only fanned his obsession. All the people who have disappeared over the years have been equipped with Corrupted limbs and organs by him, but the effects of the experiments always fell short of his expectations. Those humans equipped with Corrupted genes were not strong, and the strongest ones were only D-Rank.

In order to create stronger Corrupted creations, and to express his devotion to the Goddess of Life, Dr. Hart began to work on the prenatal body. He thought, since the effect of the experimental product fused later was not successful, would it be much better to directly fuse the Corrupted genes into the fetus growing inside a pregnant woman? As soon as this idea appeared, Dr. Hart was so enamored that he immediately carried the plan out.

He began to lure and catch pregnant women, preferring to target single mothers among the overlooked population of their society—“leftover humans” or “strays” who were never chosen by a Regal One master and thus lacked protection—and Corrupted genes were transferred to the fetus in those pregnant women. After the operation, those pregnant women began to slowly feel the gradual metamorphosis of their child, frightening and strange as it grew in their womb little by little, and finally bursting out of their bellies. 

In the underground lab, in addition to kidnapped victims, there was also a twisted piece of flesh.

It had no limbs and needed to use the eyelashes on the many eyes growing from its body to move forward, like a caterpillar. This thing was a test product given birth by a pregnant subject when the experiments were first conducted. It was a failure of course and only deserved to be fed to the true masterpiece as a nutrient supplement.

Dr. Hart could still recall the painful screams of the pregnant woman when she gave birth to it. 

That melody was more beautiful than any angelic choir could produce. 

Dr. Hart then looked at the most recent pregnant subject on his surgical table. The thing in her belly was his most satisfying test product in a long time.

He was very excited, because this masterpiece was also a sacrifice to be offered to the Goddess of Life. The current rank of the Goddess of Life was S-Rank, and She was still one step away from becoming an SS-Rank Evil One. As long as he offered this sacrifice to Her, and She swallowed it, She would become a supreme Evil One, worshiped by everyone, and gain many more followers!

And he would become the Evil One’s most favorite follower of all. 

At this time, Dr. Hart suddenly thought of the young Regal One and his four pets who were staying at his parents’ inn. From the first moment he saw those carelessly laughing humans, Dr. Hart knew that they would’ve been very suitable subjects for his experiments. The results of integrating Corrupted genes into their bodies would definitely be outstanding. But it’s a pity—they were bonded to a Regal One. It would be unlikely to successfully capture one at his power level nevermind that it would have been impossible to avoid detection even if he had succeeded. 

For the lucky souls that they were, they had been chosen by a Regal One practically straight out of school and were clearly cherished by their master. A far cry from the many unwanted strays out there.

Dr. Hart’s expression twisted fiercely with jealousy and wrath, but quickly returned to normal. At the moment, his masterpiece was more important.

*

The situation was worse than they imagined, Dr. Hart was conducting unnatural experiments! Moreover, he was a crazy follower of a high-ranking Corrupted! 

The rank of a Corrupted that could gather followers was generally not too low, at least an S-Rank Evil One. Once Dr. Hart summoned that powerful Corrupted and helped it ascend to Ss-Rank Evil One status, everyone here would die. No, not just them, not even the entire Misty Springs Village would escape. 

“Dear gods…” Albrecht breathed, his face pale.

Virgil’s normally sparkling eyes were darkened. “What the hell is this place?”

“An abomination,” Thel said, his voice neutral but an underlying disgust could be detected. “A temple to madness.”

At the far end of the room stood Dr. Hart, his back turned to them as he hummed to himself. He was bent over the surgical table with the pregnant woman on it, his hands deftly manipulating the attached machines around her. The subject beneath him—the emaciated woman clearly having her nutrients greedily absorbed from her by the thing in her womb—let out a weak moan, her body jerking as Dr. Hart worked.

Seeing the pregnant woman in pain, Dr. Hart only found it particularly interesting and exciting. This test product was his most perfect masterpiece. Although it was not S-Rank, it was still the pinnacle of A-Rank. He just had to wait for another hour and it would rip its way out of the womb.

Dr. Hart’s face lit up with twisted reverence as his hand gently caressed that grotesquely swollen belly.

His eyes were filled with fervor for his deity. “O’ Great Goddess, you will surely like this. They will become your most devout nourishment!”

“You are the greatest, the most selfless, praise be to you!”

With horror, Felix realized that the pregnant woman was still conscious as tears of despair flowed uncontrollably from the corners of her eyes.

Felix swallowed hard, his claws unsheathing instinctively. At the same time, Albrecht attempted to send off a call to the Combat Division.

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But the next second Dr. Hart whipped around, a sharp spider-like protrusion extended from his back and pierced through Albrecht’s phone, nearly stabbing his hand as well if he hadn’t dropped it fast enough. Any signs of the amiable village doctor were gone, replaced by the crazed zealot Corrupted beyond recognition. His eyes glowed faintly with an unnatural light.

Dr. Hart’s face was full of anger. “Did you think I really didn’t notice you all? No one can ruin my sacrifice!”

The next morning at Misty Springs Inn began with an air of anticipation. Felix had been looking forward to exploring the village, imagining quaint shops, scenic paths, and perhaps even some local delicacies. The rising sun painted the sky in soft pastels, and the scent of dew and bamboo wafted through the open windows of their room.

Felix stretched lazily on the plush futon in his human form, his silvery-white hair falling in soft waves over his shoulders. Sorath and Virgil were arguing over who got the last ricecake from the breakfast spread they bought from a pastry shop axross the inn, while Albrecht combed his sleek blonde hair fussily and dithered over what to wear for the day. Thel was already by the door, his expression one of impatient expectancy.

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But their lighthearted morning was interrupted by the sound of hushed, panicked voices drifting in from the lobby below.

“What’s going on?” Felix asked, stilling slightly at the tone of distress.

“Only one way to find out,” Sorath said, tossing the last ricecake into his mouth and heading for the door.

The group descended the wooden staircase to find a small crowd gathered near the check-in desk. The innkeeper, Mr. Hart, stood with a furrowed brow, trying to calm a distraught young woman. Beside him, his wife also looked pale and worried.

“What’s the matter?” Felix asked, stepping forward, subconsciously exuding his A-Rank Regal One aura which immediately commanded attention.

The young woman turned to him, wringing her hands together. “It’s Clara,” she said, her voice trembling. “My s-sister, sh-she hasn’t come back. She said she was going to explore the outskirts of the village yesterday afternoon, but… she never returned. I thought she might’ve stayed out late, or maybe stopped by the local pub but now…”

Mrs. Hart who had been speaking with Mr. Hart chimed in. “I told Amanda’s sister not to go near the forest. Strange things have been happening there.”

Felix’s gaze sharpened, and his humans exchanged uneasy glances.

“What kind of strange things?” Thel asked, his tone calm but probing.

“Disappearances,” the old woman whispered, lowering her voice as if the word itself might bring ill fortune. “People—both tourists and locals—go into the forest and don’t come out. Some say it’s the mist—gets into your head and leads you astray. Others say it’s something… unnatural.”

Virgil pulled out his phone, quickly navigating to local social media pages. “Let’s see if anyone’s posted anything helpful,” he muttered, his thumbs moving rapidly across the screen.

Albrecht, noticing Felix’s concern, stepped forward. “We’ll help search,” he declared. “Standing here worrying won’t bring the young lady back. Felix?” He turned to their master, waiting for confirmation.

Felix nodded. “Of course. We’ll do everything we can.”

Virgil frowned at his screen. “Nothing except rumors about people disappearing near the forest,” he reported. “Some vague warnings, but no concrete details.”

“We’ll have to rely on the old-fashioned way then,” Thel raised an eyebrow. “Let’s split up into pairs and cover as much ground as possible.”

The young woman hesitated, still wringing her hands. “Are you sure? It could be dangerous…”

Felix offered her a reassuring smile, though unease prickled at the back of his mind. “Don’t worry. I’m part of Mzia’s Combat Division. We’ll be careful.”

The eyes of the young woman, Amanda and the Harts brightened in surprise and hope.

“Oh! Officer, this, this is such good news! We are much more reassured now!”

Felix smiled awkwardly, now almost regretting letting that information slip. “There’s no need to call me ‘officer’, I’m only a trainee.”

So the group headed out, their earlier plans abandoned in favor of the urgent task at hand. The village, so peaceful the night before, was bustling with activity during the day. Locals and tourists mingled, and strangely enough, no one seemed to spare the news that a young woman had gone missing other than a brief word of gossip here or there.

Felix and Albrecht took the lead, heading toward the forest’s edge where Clara was last seen. Virgil and Sorath veered towards the neighboring shops and establishments, and in particular the local pub, questioning anyone they encountered, while Thel stayed behind to coordinate with the innkeepers and gather more information.

Felix and Albrecht walked through the bustling village, warm from the mists wafting from the natural hot springs that ran underneath the village. 

“This isn’t how I imagined our morning,” Felix said, his voice low.

“Life rarely goes as planned,” Albrecht replied, his tone one of pompous wisdom. “But my dear is handling it well, like a true officer of the Combat Division.”

Felix glanced at him, a faint blush dusting his cheekbones. “If I didn’t know you any better I’d have thought you to be sarcastic.” In fact, if those words had come from Thel’s mouth, Felix would be positive that the man was indeed being sarcastic about his earlier slip of the tongue.

Albrecht smiled down at him, “My dear, what kind of pet would I be if I showed such disrespect for my master? I am not a ruffian like some.”

“…” By some, Felix had a feeling he was referring to three conspicuously absent men. He side-eyed the pleased expression on Albrecht’s handsome face at having managed to subtly put down the others in front of Felix.

Felix felt it was better to let Albrecht—and the others for that matter—to think they have managed to be quite sly and cunning.

Before long, they passed by the village square, Felix sniffing the air instinctively. His heightened senses distinguishing among faint traces of human scent, to something darker mingled within—a faint sweetened metallic tang that made his incisors sting.

“Do you smell that?” Felix asked, his voice tightening.

Albrecht frowned, taking a step closer to Felix. “I don’t, but as a Regal One your senses are much keener. Lead the way, dearest.”

Forgoing the earlier plan to head towards the forest edge, Felix followed the scent, his steps quickening as it grew stronger. His mind raced with possibilities, none of them comforting.

Meanwhile, Sorath and Virgil had little luck with their inquiries. Most villagers were tight-lipped, their answers vague and evasive. Frustrated, Sorath muttered under his breath, “They’re more scared of the rumors than they are of someone actually missing.”

“Can you blame them?” Virgil replied, his eyes scanning the horizon. “If people are really disappearing, they probably don’t want to be next.”

Their conversation was interrupted by a call from Thel. “Felix and Albrecht might have found something. Head towards the local clinic.”

Sorath and Virgil exchanged a glance before turning in that direction.

*

The sweet metallic scent wafted through the air like a ghostly whisper, tugging at Felix’s heightened senses. It was faint yet distinct, lingering just enough to make him uncomfortable. He paused mid-step on the cobblestone path behind Misty Springs Village’s local clinic, his eyes narrowing.

“It’s him,” Felix murmured, his voice barely audible over the distant hum of villagers going about their day.

The small clinic looked cheerful and inviting from the outside, painted in soft pastel hues with flower boxes under its windows. A handmade wooden sign that read “Misty Springs Clinic” swung gently in the evening breeze. The warm lighting from within should have been comforting, but to Felix, it felt like a façade masking something sinister.

Sorath stepped up beside Felix, pale eyes scanning the building. “You’re sure? The doctor?”

Felix nodded, raising his nose slightly to take a deeper inhale. “That scent—it’s coming from the clinic. It’s stronger here.”

Virgil crept closer in curiosity and peeked through one of the windows, cupping his hands around his face to block out the glare. “Looks normal enough. Clean, organized. Maybe a little too perfect. Reminds me of Thel’s ocd ways.”

Thel crossed his arms, his expression unreadable as if he didn’t hear the offhanded dig. “Appearances can be deceiving. Still, we can’t act on a hunch alone.”

Just then, the clinic door swung open, and Dr. Elias Hart stepped out, whistling a jaunty tune as he locked up behind him. He looked every bit the affable village doctor, his white coat swapped for that plaid coat and slacks combination they had seen yesterday. He glanced around the empty street, his smile as bright as ever, before strolling off with an easy gait.

Felix stiffened. The scent intensified as Dr. Hart passed by, the sweet metallic tang clinging to him like a second skin.

Sorath smiled carelessly, but his fingers tapped a restless rhythm against the side of his leg. “He’s definitely up to something.”

Thel frowned, his voice low and measured. “Suspicious, yes. But we need proof before jumping to conclusions. Felix, are you certain it’s him?”

“Yes,” Felix said firmly. His tone carried an edge of certainty that made the others exchange glances.

Albrecht adjusted his fine wool coat, his gaze following Dr. Hart as he disappeared down the path. “Then we shall follow him.”

The group trailed Dr. Hart from a safe distance, their footsteps careful on the cobblestone path that wound through the village. The cheerful ambiance of Misty Springs seemed to darken the farther they walked, the hum and chatter of villagers fading into the background.

Dr. Hart meandered through the village with a practiced nonchalance, stopping occasionally to greet passersby. He exchanged pleasantries with a shopkeeper, chuckled at a group of playful children’s antics, and even paused to observe a chipmunk that crossed his path. Yet something about his movements felt rehearsed, like an actor playing a role.

“Is it just me, or is he trying too hard at a normie act?” Virgil whispered, his voice barely audible.

“It’s not just you,” Sorath replied, his hand twitching slightly and his eyes flickering slightly to the hilt of a dagger tucked into his right boot.

When Dr. Hart turned a corner and left the bustling part of the village behind, his demeanor changed. His cheery whistle faded, and his pace quickened. He glanced over his shoulder, his warm smile replaced by a cold, calculating expression.

“Whoa, psychopath alert,” Virgil muttered under his breath.

The group picked up their pace, careful to stay out of sight. Felix’s sharp eyes and sensitive ears kept them on Dr. Hart’s trail as he took a detour around the outskirts of the village, avoiding well-trodden paths.

“Where is he going?” Albrecht pursed his lips, his tone a bit annoyed.

The answer came when Dr. Hart veered off the path entirely, slipping into the dense forest that bordered the village.

The forest was a different world. Tall, ancient trees towered overhead, their gnarled branches forming a canopy that blocked out the moonlight. The air was thick with the earthy scent of moss and damp leaves, but that faint sweet metallic tang still lingered, guiding Felix better than any beacon or compass could do.

Dr. Hart moved with purpose now, his earlier casual stroll replaced by brisk, deliberate strides. He didn’t bother to conceal his path, crushing leaves and snapping twigs underfoot.

“He’s getting sloppy,” Sorath remarked, an almost wolfish grin spreading across his face. “Probably thinks no one would dare follow him out here.”

“Stay focused,” Thel said sharply. “We’re not here to provoke him—just to gather information.”

Felix, leading the group, raised a hand to signal them to stop. He crouched low behind a bush, his head tilted slightly as he listened with intent.

Ahead, Dr. Hart had come to a stop in a small clearing. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small vial of dark liquid, holding it up to the faint sunlight trickling in through the leafy canopies above. Felix’s stomach churned as the sweet metallic scent grew overpowering.

“What’s he doing?” Virgil whispered, leaning closer.

Dr. Hart muttered something under his breath, his words too quiet to make out. He uncorked the vial and poured its contents onto the ground. The dark liquid seeped into the soil, and for a moment, nothing happened.

Then the ground trembled.

Felix’s hair stood on end as an unnatural energy rippled through the air. The shadows around Dr. Hart seemed to deepen, writhing like living things. The faint glow of his warm smile was long gone, replaced by an eerie, otherworldly aura.

“What the hell is that?” Sorath hissed, his hand gripping his dagger.

“Something unnatural,” Felix said, his tone grim. His instincts screamed at him to act, but he forced himself to stay hidden.

Dr. Hart stood motionless for a moment, as if waiting for something. Then he turned and began walking deeper into the forest, his movements swift and unerring.

Felix rose slowly, his eyes locked on the retreating figure. “We need to follow him. Whatever he’s doing, it’s not good.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Thel gripped Felix’s shoulder firmly but gently. “Careful. If he senses us, we’ll lose any advantage we have.”

The group exchanged tense nods before continuing their pursuit. The deeper they went into the forest, the stronger the unsettling energy became. Felix’s heart did a funny little jump as they approached what felt like the center of the disturbance.

Whatever lay ahead, he knew it would be nothing short of trouble.

The moon hung high above, its silvery light filtering through the thin veil of mist that clung to the bamboo surrounding the hot spring. The gentle rustle of leaves in the evening breeze harmonized with the soft trickle of water spilling over the stones. The small private spring, just outside the sliding doors of their inn room, was nestled into the landscape like a hidden sanctuary. Steam rose in lazy curls, meandering around the edges of the natural pool and giving the setting an dreamy quality.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

In his full cat form, Felix stretched languidly on a smooth rock at the edge of the spring, his sleek, silvery-white fur glowing faintly in the moonlight. The heat from the water and the cool touch of the night air created a perfect balance, lulling him into a state of utter relaxation. His tail flicked lazily, dipping into the warm water occasionally as he listened to the chatter of his humans. 

Sorath leaned back against the edge of the spring, his muscular arms stretched along the edges. His long shaggy dark hair was tied up in a knot, and he wore an easy grin, clearly enjoying himself. “This,” he declared, his voice echoing slightly in the enclosed space, “is what I’m talking about. No dishes, no arguments, just bliss.”

From across the pool, Virgil splashed lazily, his legs kicking up ripples in the water. “And no chores either,” he added with his own mischievous grin, tossing a small pebble at Sorath, which bounced off his chest with a plop into the water. “I could stay here forever.”

“See? Isn’t this better than worrying about training schedules or fighting evil for a night?” Albrecht cooed, leaning his chin on his folded arms resting on the edge of the spring. His bright blonde hair flopped into his eyes, for once loosened from their usual slicked back style, and his typically arrogant demeanor had relaxed, his features softened in the soothing warmth of the water.

“I guess,” Felix murmured, flicking his tail dismissively. His voice had a sleepy lilt to it, though the tip of his ears twitched in agreement.

Virgil swam over in probably what he thought was a sneaky manner, a wet hand reaching out to flick water droplets at the medium sized silvery white cat. “You’re way too uptight, Felix. Look at you—you’ve turned into a fluffy puddle of stress. This is why I keep telling you to chill more.”

Felix cracked one ruby eye open to regard his annoying human. “Sure, Virgil. If only your idea of chilling wasn’t sending others into stressful knots with your antics.”

Virgil laughed brightly, sending ripples across the surface of the pool. “Hey, I was entertaining everyone. There’s a difference.” He splashed some water in Felix’s direction, the droplets gleaming like liquid silver in the moonlight.

Felix hissed softly, leaping nimbly to another rock to avoid the spray. His white fur puffed out slightly, making him appear like an annoyed cloud. “Stop that. Or I’ll land on your head next time and we’ll see if you won’t go bald prematurely.”

“Gasp! Felix! You wound me!”

Thel, seated against a backdrop of a thick cluster of bamboo, quirked his lips up slightly in a manner that was either amused or condescending. But then again that was the norm for the youngest of Felix’s human pets. He was resting with his arms crossed, his eyes closed but clearly still engaged in the conversation. “Don’t waste your energy on him, Felix. You’ll only encourage him.”

“Oh, come on, Thel,” Virgil retorted. “You’ve to admit that without me to liven things up it’ll be so boring.”

Thel opened one sharp, carnelian eye, his smirk taking on a mean little twist. “Hardly.”

“Enough bickering,” Albrecht demanded from the far end of the pool. “Anyone up for some wine?”

At some point, he had brought over a tray with a porcelain wine jar and small cups, which now sat on a flat rock within arm’s reach. Carefully, he poured a refreshingly chilly cup of plum wine and held it out to Felix with a flourish. “Here, dearest. Try some of their plum wine. I heard it’s quite tasty.”

Felix turned his head lazily, blinking at the offered wine. He transformed briefly, his form shimmering until he appeared as a young man with silvery-white hair, pointed ears, and that large fluffy tail. Taking the cup, he muttered, “Thanks, Albrecht,” before sipping the wine, his shoulders visibly relaxing. “I needed this. No more wilderness simulations, no more survival drills. Hah~”

Albrecht sat perched on the carved stone at the edge of the water next to Felix, a towel neatly folded over his lap. His attentiveness hadn’t entirely dissipated, even in this relaxed setting. In fact, Felix felt as if the attention of all his humans were even more unnervingly focused on him than usual. 

Thel’s gaze always settled on him when not closed in meditation. Sorath and Virgil would also glance over under wet lashes too often to be casual. And Albrecht was even clingier than usual. Case in point—

Albrecht glanced at Felix’s damp fur critically. “You’ll need a proper grooming session after this,” he said, looking like he was already mentally cataloging the brushes and oils required.

Felix groaned. “I’m fine, Albrecht. I don’t need a full spa treatment every time I get wet.”

“That’s debatable,” Albrecht replied primly.

Sorath chuckled. “Leave him be, Al. He’s finally unwinding, and you want to ruin it by brandishing a comb?”

Thel, sitting upright with perfect posture in his own submerged stone seat, sipped his wine with deliberate refinement. He glanced at Virgil, who had taken to floating on his back, arms stretched out like he was drifting in a lazy river. “If you keep guzzling water and lounging like that, you’ll look like a bloated corpse.”

Virgil’s eyes sparkled, “How did you know I was trying to do an impression of a drowned man!”

Felix choked on the sudden laughter. He looked up to meet Virgil’s bright twinkling eyes, a playful smile splitting the other’s face.

Sorath and Albrecht rolled their eyes in long-suffering exasperation. Thel only snorted.

It was a testament to the hot springs’ relaxing effects that no one picked at the opening Virgil gave and launched into a new volley of insults and banter. Instead, conversation lulled into a comfortable silence as the group settled further into the hot spring. The water lapped gently against the edges, the soothing heat seeping into their muscles and calming their minds.

Felix stretched languidly on his rock, his fur damp but drying quickly in the warmth. His ruby eyes drifted shut, and for the first time in what felt like days, his mind was at ease. Work and training still weighed heavily on him, but for now, he allowed himself to let go.

Thel poured a ladle of warm water over his shoulder, the sound breaking the silence softly. “This place has its charms,” he admitted.

“Not bad for a discount booking,” Albrecht added with a hint of pride.

“Still doesn’t explain why it was so cheap,” Sorath said, casually paranoid like a good heir of an affluent family. “I get the feeling there’s more to this place than meets the eye.”

Felix’s ears twitched at Sorath’s comment, and a faint unease crept into his otherwise relaxed posture. He couldn’t quite place it, but something about Misty Springs didn’t sit right with him. He sniffed the air absentmindedly, catching a faint metallic tang that made his nose twitch and ears flatten against his head.

Virgil noticed his subtle change in demeanor and splashed him again lightly. “Hey, don’t start brooding already. This is supposed to be a getaway, remember?”

Felix batted at the water with his paw. “I’m not brooding,” he muttered, though his tone was distracted.

Sorath reached over and gently scratched behind Felix’s ears in apology, eliciting a reluctant purr. “Virgil’s right. Just enjoy the moment. I’m probably just being paranoid.”

The group lingered in the spring for a while longer, the tranquil atmosphere working its magic. Eventually, the chill of the night air began to creep in, prompting Thel to stand and drape a towel over his shoulders.

“We should head back inside,” he announced. “Dinner will be served soon, and I’d prefer to eat without worrying about catching a cold.”

The others reluctantly followed his lead, stepping out of the water and drying off with the soft towels provided by the inn. Felix transformed back into his human form, his damp silvery-white hair cascading over his shoulders.

As they made their way back inside, Felix cast one last glance at the moonlit spring. The faint unease lingered, but he shook it off. For now, he chose to focus on the warmth of his humans’ presence and the promise of a hearty meal waiting for them inside.

*

Like the rest of the place, the dining hall of Misty Springs Inn was a cozy haven of rustic charm. Exposed wooden beams crisscrossed the ceiling, and walls adorned with faded landscape paintings added a touch of homeliness. Tables were arranged with simple linen cloths, and the warm glow of hanging lanterns cast soft shadows across the room. The scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the earthy aroma of roasted vegetables and herbs, inspiring an increased appetite in all who entered.

Felix and his humans made their way to a table near the center of the room, where a small vase of daisies provided a cheerful touch. The group settled into their chairs, the remnants of steam still rising from their skin after their soak in the hot spring.

Virgil stretched his arms over his head with a contented sigh. “Man, if the food is half as good as that soak, I’m gonna roll out of here.”

Sorath smiled contently, scanning the room as a server approached with glasses of water. “This is my kind of ambiance. Nothing worse than posh pretentiousness when trying to eat.”

Albrecht arched an eyebrow, clearly disagreeing, but he replied diplomatically. “Both fancy restaurants and simple family-owned diners like this one have their merits. I’m confident the meal will be satisfactory.”

Thel, seated with his back perfectly straight, glanced at the handwritten menu provided. “Rustic and straightforward. Looks like there will be a focus on seasonal, local ingredients.”

Felix only leaned his chin on one hand. He was quieter than usual, still basking in the relaxation of the hot spring. His silvery tresses, slightly damp, framed his face as he glanced over the menu. “Everything sounds good. Let’s order something to eat and turn in early tonight.”

As they waited for their food, the murmur of conversation from other tables filled the air. Felix’s head tilted slightly as snippets of nearby discussions reached him.

“How many has it been so far,” an older man whispered to his companion at a corner table. His voice was low but tinged with fear. “Just vanished without a trace. No footprints, nothing.”

“It’s the forest,” another man muttered, shaking his head. “They say something’s not right there. I warned them not to wander too far, but these kids don’t listen…”

Felix glanced toward the source of the voices but said nothing. He caught Virgil’s curious expression as the young man leaned forward, resting his arms on the table.

“What’s all that about?” Virgil whispered, nodding toward the nearby tables.

Albrecht shrugged carelessly, swirling his water in its glass. “Sounds like local superstitions. Small towns always have their ghost stories.”

“Disappearances don’t sound like a ghost story to me,” Thel interjected, his brow furrowing slightly. “It might be worth keeping an eye out just so we don’t get taken off guard.”

Felix nodded his head slowly. It might just be rumors in the end, but it didn’t hurt to exercise caution. Especially when he couldn’t shake the faint unease that crept into his mind.

Their attention shifted when the doors to the dining hall opened, drawing a few greetings and cheerful calls from the other guests.

A slight, well-dressed man entered, his presence friendly and approachable. He wore a plaid coat over a casual shirt and slacks, and his warm smile instantly lit up the room. His tawny hair was neatly combed, and his kind brown eyes scanned the hall as if greeting each person individually.

“Dr. Hart!” an old woman near the entrance exclaimed, her face brightening. “Good to see you!”

The man chuckled softly, waving a hand. “Good evening, Mrs. Bailey. How’s your knee feeling?”

“Much better, thanks to you,” she replied, her gratitude palpable.

The dining hall seemed to shift as more guests and locals greeted him warmly. He moved slowly from table to table, exchanging pleasantries and checking on the well-being of others.

Sorath, observing the scene, leaned closer to Felix. “Quite the popular figure,” he remarked, his voice laced with curiosity. “Local hero, it seems.”

“Elias!” A chiding call from the proprietress who had welcomed them earlier could be heard from across the room. 

“Sorry, mom, got held up back at the clinic.”

Felix found his gaze lingering on the man, now known as Dr. Elias Hart, the local village doctor and son of the innkeepers of Misty Springs Inn. There was something about him—a subtle aura Felix couldn’t place. His senses, sharper than his humans’, picked up on a faint metallic scent emanating from the doctor. It wasn’t overpowering, but it clung to the air around him, distinct and unsettling.

Felix’s brow furrowed as he tried to pinpoint the source of his unease. The metallic tang reminded him of blood, though it wasn’t quite the same. It was just a bit off with a hint of a sugary sweetness.

“Felix?” Thel’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. “Something wrong?” Intense dark eyes watched Felix with an unwavering gaze.

Felix blinked, shaking his head quickly. “No, it’s nothing. Just spaced out for a second.”

Thel’s sharp gaze flicked toward the good doctor before returning to Felix. “You’re tense,” he observed. “If something’s bothering you, we should discuss it.”

“It’s fine,” Felix said, offering a small smile. “Let’s just eat and enjoy our stay.”

Their food arrived shortly after, and the conversation shifted to lighter topics. Virgil and Sorath debated whether they could convince the cook to share the recipe for the roasted garlic bread, while Albrecht marveled at the perfectly cooked seasonal vegetables.

Yet Felix couldn’t shake the odd feeling Elias Hart had left behind. Even as the doctor exited the hall, bidding everyone goodnight, the sweet metallic scent seemed to linger. Felix kept his thoughts to himself, not wanting to alarm his humans, but the strange whispers of the locals and the unsettling presence of the doctor weighed heavily on his mind.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

As the group finished their meal and made their way back to their room, Felix couldn’t help but survey his surroundings closer, his instincts tingling. Something wasn’t right, but he pushed the thought aside for the moment. He was supposed to be on vacation. Felix only hoped he wouldn’t be that unlucky.

AN: Felix: Is a nice relaxing vacation too much to ask?!

Author: Yep. U.U I too enjoy slice-of-life but sometimes a bit of trouble is needed to keep things interesting 😆

As Felix exited the Combat Division training facility, the weight of the week lifted slightly from his shoulders. He was met by Ella and James, his newfound friends over the past week of grueling training together. Ella, always bubbly, clasped her hands behind her back, bouncing slightly on her feet. Jameson Garnetsby, who goes by James, was a freckly young man with red-orange hair and warm hazel eyes. He adjusted the strap of his gym bag over his slightly plump frame. Unlike Felix and the others James had gone to an Ivory Sanctuary at a satellite city of Mzia Capital.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“So, hot springs this weekend, huh?” Ella said, pouting slightly. “I’m so jealous! That sounds amazing. Meanwhile, I’m stuck visiting several pairs of parents with my pets. I dread the weekend of schmoozing.”

“Better you than me,” James teased, smirking. “I’m holing up with my guys and marathoning every game I haven’t touched since training started.”

Felix laughed, waving off their complaints. “I’ll let you know if the Misty Springs Inn is any good. Maybe next time we can all go together.”

Ella beamed. “It’s a deal! Don’t forget to take pictures.”

“Yeah, don’t get too comfortable,” James joked. “You’ll make the rest of us feel bad for not living it up.”

Before Felix could reply, a low rumble of a motorcycle approached. Sorath pulled up, his piercingly pale gaze hidden behind a pair of dark sunglasses.

Ella and James exchanged wide-eyed looks. “He’s picking you up on that?” James asked.

Felix sighed. “Yeah. Pray for me.”

After saying goodbye, Felix climbed onto the back of the bike, wrapping his arms around Sorath’s waist.

Sorath wasted no time revving the engine of his sleek black motorcycle, the low growl vibrating through Felix’s chest as he clung tightly to Sorath. The silvery-haired Regal One wasn’t sure what was scarier—the sheer speed they were traveling at or the almost gleeful way Sorath zigzagged through traffic like it was an obstacle course. The city blurred into streaks of light and color as the motorcycle weaved through traffic with precision that bordered on recklessness.

“Do you always drive like this?” Felix shouted over the roar of the engine.

Sorath barked out a laugh, sharp and guttural, almost like a wolf dog’s. “Where’s the fun in playing it safe?”

The bike surged forward, weaving through a tight gap between two trucks. Felix yelped, tightening his grip around Sorath’s midriff until his knuckles turned white. “You’re going to get us killed!”

“Not a chance,” Sorath replied, his voice cocky. “I’ve got reflexes like a—”

Before he could finish, they sped past a flashy red sports car that was aggressively changing lanes. Without missing a beat, Sorath cut the car off with a deft swerve, forcing it to hit the brakes with a screech. The motorcycle darted ahead, and Sorath threw his head back in another loud, dog-like laugh.

Behind them, the sports car skidded to a halt at the side of the road, and its driver—an obviously spoiled human with perfectly styled hair as red as his car—poked his head out of the window, screaming obscenities. “You stupid fuck! You think you own the road?”

Felix, flustered and embarrassed, glanced over his shoulder at the irate driver. “Can you not antagonize people?” he snapped.

Sorath shrugged. “What? He had it coming. Guy drives like he’s in a fashion show.”

Felix had had enough. Releasing one arm from Sorath’s waist, he pinched his side—a sharp jab right into Sorath’s well-defined abs.

“Oi!” Sorath flinched slightly but kept control of the bike. “What was that for?”

“Slow down!” Felix shouted. “And stop cutting people off! I’d like to get home in one piece.”

Sorath grumbled something under his breath but eased up on the throttle, the motorcycle settling into a steadier pace. Felix let out a relieved sigh, though his grip on Sorath didn’t loosen.

“You know,” Sorath said after a moment, his voice still tinged with amusement, “you’re a lot meaner than you look. Guess I shouldn’t be surprised, though. The cute ones always have a bite to them.”

Felix didn’t dignify that with a response, choosing instead to focus on not having a heart attack before they reached their destination.

When they finally pulled up in front of Sphinx Tower, Felix stumbled off the bike with shaky legs and wild, disheveled hair. He shot Sorath a glare as he tried to compose himself.

“Next time,” Felix said, brushing strands of hair out of his face, “I’m taking the bus.”

Sorath blew him a kiss, taking off his shades and tucking it into the dip of his shirt collar. “Suit yourself, but you’ll miss out on all the fun.”

“Fun?” Felix muttered, shaking his head. “More like a near-death experience.”

As they walked toward the large, imposing vehicle with sweeping lines, prominent tailfins and chrome accents—Albrecht’s car of course—where the others were waiting, Albrecht immediately rushed over, his bright green eyes narrowing at Sorath. “This is precisely why I said you shouldn’t pick him up. Look at him! My dear’s a disheveled wreck!”

“I’m fine,” Felix muttered, still trying to smooth his hair down.

Sorath shrugged, throwing the keys and catching them deftly with one hand. “If anything did happen, Felix would be able to save the both of us.”

Felix puffed up in indignation before Albrecht could, jabbing his finger into Sorath’s admittedly shapely chest. “That’s no excuse for driving like you have a death wish! In fact, you can’t drive like that with or without me there as a safety net!”

He then climbed into the car, leaving Sorath rubbing his chest in bemusement and the rest of the pets who witnessed Felix giving him a dressing down to snicker with various degrees of amusement.

The car cruised down the highway, the chatter of Felix’s humans filling the air. Thel was in the driver’s seat, his posture impeccable as always, hands gripping the wheel at the perfect ten-and-two position. His crisp white shirt, recently ironed, seemed almost to reflect sunlight into the cabin. Beside him, Albrecht was animatedly gesturing with his phone, his excitement evident as he rattled off details about various discounts and promo codes.

Felix sat in the backseat, sandwiched between Sorath and Virgil. Virgil was sprawled lazily, flipping through his phone and half-listening, while Sorath leaned his elbow against the window, his usual devil-may-care smirk plastered on his face.

Felix blinked at the screen being shown at him. “Wait, you use coupons now?”

“Yes,” Albrecht said proudly. “Thel introduced me to this app, and it’s revolutionized how I approach spending. Why pay full price when you don’t have to?”

Felix raised an eyebrow, still puzzled by Albrecht’s newfound thriftiness.

“Efficient living is never a bad thing,” Thel said from the driver’s seat. “And if it stops him from hemorrhaging money on unnecessary extravagances, all the better.”

“I mean, just look at this deal!” Albrecht exclaimed, holding his phone up for Thel to see. “Half off on premium grooming products if you buy in bulk. And this one—two-for-one afternoon tea sets at that swanky café we passed last week. Can you believe the savings?”

Thel glanced at the screen during a red light and nodded approvingly. “Impressive. I had no idea you’d taken to the art of frugality so quickly, Albrecht. It’s refreshing.”

Sorath snorted from Felix’s left. “I don’t know what’s scarier—Albrecht as a coupon collector or Thel actually actively encouraging it.”

Albrecht turned in his seat, giving Sorath an affronted look. “Shows what you know. This is a skill, Goodwine. Do you have any idea how many subpar deals I had to sift through to find these gems? It’s practically a full-time job!”

“Sounds exhausting,” Virgil muttered, not looking up from his phone. “Why bother when you could just… I don’t know, not care?”

Felix stifled a laugh, amused by the exchange. “Come on, Virgil. Don’t you think it’s kind of endearing? Albrecht and Thel bonding over deals?”

“Bonding?” Sorath said with a lazy smirk. “More like nerding out. Next thing you know, they’ll be trading coupons like collectibles.”

Thel, unfazed, arched an eyebrow in the rearview mirror. “Mock all you like, but you’ll appreciate it when we save on that outrageously expensive whiskey you insist on drinking.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” Albrecht said suddenly, scrolling through his phone with renewed vigor. “I think I just found a flash sale on bath oils—hot springs-themed bath oils! Perfect for this trip!”

“Tell me you’re joking,” Sorath groaned.

“I never joke when it comes to quality,” Albrecht replied primly, his nose slightly in the air.

Virgil leaned over to Felix, stage-whispering, “We’ve lost him. He’s officially been consumed by the coupon void.”

Felix laughed, shaking his head. “At least they’re having fun. You two could try being a little more supportive.”

Both Sorath and Virgil raised skeptical eyebrows, their expressions clearly saying “I’ll pass.”

By now, Thel and Albrecht were deep in discussion about the pros and cons of different coupon apps, their enthusiasm contagious enough that even Felix found himself mildly intrigued.

“So,” Felix asked, leaning forward slightly, “what’s the best deal you’ve ever found?”

“Oh, that’s easy,” Albrecht said, turning to Felix with a triumphant grin. “This trip. I got our reservations for the Misty Springs Inn at half price with free meals included!”

Felix blinked. “Really? That’s actually pretty impressive.”

“See?” Albrecht said, shooting Sorath a smug look. “Even our dearest appreciate my efforts.”

Sorath rolled his eyes, but there was a faint smile on his lips. “Fine. You get one point for that. But don’t think it means I want to hear more about bath oils.”

Thel and Albrecht ignored the two ignoramuses behind them and continued their discussion, occasionally breaking into laughter over particularly absurd discounts they’d come across, while Felix alternated between amusement and mild confusion at how much joy they seemed to derive from their newfound hobby.

Eventually bored with the coupon talk, Virgil pulled up a vlog on his phone about Misty Springs Village. He propped it on the dashboard for everyone to watch.

The video featured a cheerful influencer walking through the scenic village surrounded by steaming hot springs of various sizes. “Misty Springs Village is one of the most popular destinations in the region,” the influencer said. “With natural hot springs scattered throughout the area, it’s perfect for recharging or just relaxing with family and friends.”

The video transitioned to shots of Misty Springs Inn, a rustic yet large and homey establishment nestled at the heart of the village. The influencer pointed out the private hot springs for each room and the larger communal springs divided by gender.

“Looks fancy,” Virgil said, scrolling through more posts. “This place is all over social media. We’re lucky to get a reservation.”

Felix glanced at Albrecht, who was still scrolling through his app. “You got all of this with a promo code?”

Albrecht smiled smugly. “Of course. I don’t settle for anything less than perfection, even at a discount.”

The car rolled into Misty Springs Village just as the setting sun bathed the quaint scenery in a dusky golden glow. Felix leaned against the window as he took in the sight of the charming little village. Steam wafted up from natural hot springs scattered throughout, creating an ethereal haze that gave the town its name.

Through the rolled down windows the faint scent of sulfur, mingled with the crisp freshness of mountain air blew in. The streets were lined with charming shops and restaurants, all decorated in a quaint, rustic style that added to the village’s charm. Most of the buildings were also crafted from weathered wood and stone, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

“Wow,” Virgil said from the backseat, sounding impressed for once. “It’s like stepping into a postcard.”

Sorath inhaled, stretching as he climbed out of the car. “Smells like wet rocks and sulfur, though.”

“That’s the springs,” Albrecht corrected, adjusting his scarf despite the warm air. “You’re supposed to find it charming.”

“Charming’s one word for it,” Sorath commented with a raised brow.

The group made their way to the unmistakable Misty Springs Inn. The building was a sprawling yet rustic structure, its wooden beams and sloping roofs giving it the appearance of a grand mountain lodge. Lanterns hung along the entrance, their soft glow inviting guests to step inside. 

As they approached, Felix noticed the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the inn. Tomato vines climbed the wooden fences, and a working well stood nearby. A large sign above the double doors read Misty Springs Inn – A Family Tradition.

“This is it,” Albrecht said, his voice tinged with excitement. “Isn’t it lovely?”

The lobby was equally inviting, with polished wooden floors, a stone fireplace crackling in the corner, and plush seating scattered throughout. The air smelled faintly of lavender and cedar, and a friendly old woman approached them with a warm smile.

“Welcome to Misty Springs Inn! You must be Mr. Fitzgerald’s party,” she said, her tone welcoming.

Albrecht stepped forward, straightening his scarf. “Indeed. The reservation for a large room with a private hot spring.”

The proprietress nodded, handing him a set of keys. “Everything is ready for your stay. Meals are served in the dining hall at noon and seven in the evening, and if you’d like for your meals to be brought up, just let us know. Your room is on the second floor, with a stunning view of the main spring.”

As they made their way to their room, Felix felt the tension of the week begin to melt away. For the first time in days, he allowed himself to relax. “This place might actually be worth the hype,” he said, his voice tinged with relief.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“Just wait until you see the hot springs,” Albrecht said with enthusiasm. “You’ll be thanking me for this getaway.”

Felix shook his head with a smile. Despite the chaos and bickering that usually surrounded his humans, he had to admit—this trip was off to a good start.

The sky outside the Combat Division headquarters was painted in hues of orange and pink as the sun set. Felix trudged down the street, his body aching from the day’s demands (having gone through another simulated mission this time in an urban setting under the demands of their taskmaster Sergeant Flintstone.)

His mind replayed the day’s events—the Corrupted’s disturbing appearance, the sting of embarrassment from his secret weakness getting out, the ease and savagery with which Jax dealt that killing blow. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was out of his depth, relying too much on luck and ingrained instinct.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

When he finally reached his apartment building, the thought of a slice of pizza and sleep was the only thing keeping him moving. But as he approached his door, he heard the unmistakable sounds of an argument inside.

“Just one quiet evening,” he muttered, steeling himself before stepping in.

Even after the hot shower back at headquarters, every muscle in his body screamed for rest after the day’s grueling training. His silvery-white hair was still slightly damp from the shower, and he hadn’t bothered to fix his clothes after haphazardly throwing them on. All he wanted was a quiet evening to recharge, but the scene that greeted him was anything but peaceful.

Virgil was sprawled on the couch, throwing peanuts into the air and catching them with his mouth. Occasionally, one would bounce off his face or the couch, adding to the growing mess of snack debris surrounding him. “When’s Felix getting home?” he whined, his voice a mix of boredom and dramatic petulance. “I’m dying here. Someone text him. Is he almost home?”

Sorath, standing at the sink with his sleeves rolled up, was scrubbing a seemingly endless pile of dirty dishes. His jaw clenched tighter with every peanut Virgil dropped on the floor. “Maybe if you spent half as much time cleaning up after yourself as you do whining, this place wouldn’t look like a trash heap.”

“Relax, Mister Mzia,” Virgil drawled, not bothering to look away from his peanut toss. “I’ll clean it up later.”

That set off the fiery tempered motorcycle enthusiast.

Sorath slammed a plate onto the drying rack so hard it clattered dangerously. He whirled around, water dripping from his hands, his stormy blue-grey eyes blazing. “Later? Later?! That’s what you said all the previous times! It’s been so many times I’ve lost count! Are you a sloth or just a slob?”

Virgil yawned, barely looking up. “I’m busy conducting valuable snack research. Felix needs to know what’s worth eating.” He caught another peanut and crunched loudly. “I’m contributing in my own way.”

Sorath’s sudsy hands slapped onto the marble counter with an audible smack as if it was a certain someone’s face. “Snack research? Are you serious right now? You’ve done nothing but lounge around all day while I’ve been cleaning up your mess!”

“Okay, now you’re exaggerating, don’t think I don’t know you’re just taking your frustrations out on me—”

“That’s it!” Sorath shouted, his voice rising. “I’m done cleaning up after you! Even an infant makes less of a mess than you! You’re impossible to live with!”

Felix stood frozen in the doorway, watching this domestic spat playing out in front of him. None of them seemed to have noticed his arrival back home, too distracted with the shouting.

“As if you’re any better! Don’t act like a saint when I know you’ve been drinking from that secret stash of yours just this morning!” Virgil countered, jumping up and pointing at Sorath accusingly.

“Like you’re one to talk, at least I know when to stop before turning into a wretched drunkard that pukes all over the place!”

Felix pressed his lips into a tight thin line. Just what did his pets get up to while he was at work? There would be a serious discussion on this later. “Uh, guys? Can we not do this?”

But the bickering continued. And it seemed to only be getting worse, with Thel suddenly deciding to join in as well.

The tall young man’s raven curls were as usual, meticulously combed and parted to the side, managing to remain neat even now after an entire day. He had been silently ironing his crisp white shirts at the dining table the whole time, but only chose now to chime in with his usual cutting tone. “You really shouldn’t expect much, Goodwine. St. Lilith’s contribution to this household begins and ends with his ability to turn oxygen into carbon dioxide.”

Virgil was now jabbing his accusing finger at Thel’s direction with an offended expression. “Huh, then I guess sarcasm must be what you bring.”

“Better sarcasm than laziness,” Thel retorted, folding a perfectly ironed shirt just so to add to the finished pile next to him. “Perhaps Felix might consider sending you back. You will be sorely unmissed.”

“You’re just mad because I’m not some uptight neat freak,” Virgil shot back, gesturing at Thel’s shirts. “What’s with all the ironing, anyway? You going to a funeral or something?”

“It’s called not looking like an abandoned vagabond,” Thel snapped. “Did you not learn anything in school? It’s no wonder you’re 22 and still unchosen until Felix came along and was gullible enough to pick you.”

Albrecht sat by the window, scrolling through his phone with an air of practiced indifference. He didn’t so much as glance at the displays of ire and spewing of vitriol around him, though his posture suggested he was perfectly aware of every word being exchanged. Occasionally, he would tut or exclaim at something on his screen, as if the unfolding chaos wasn’t worth his attention.

“You could help, you know,” Sorath growled, glaring at him.

“Help with what?” Albrecht replied, still engrossed in his phone. “This riveting debate? Or the thankless task of cleaning up after that giant infant? I think I’ll pass.”

Felix pinched the bridge of his nose, the day’s exhaustion making his patience thin. “I’m serious. Cut it out.”

Not even Albrecht paid him any mind, too busy doing whatever it was on his phone.

Finally throwing his hands up in exasperation, Felix made his way to the fridge, all the while wondering when these guys would notice that he was actually back. He pulled out a box of leftover pizza, the thought of a comforting slice lifting his spirits ever so slightly.

“Felix,” Thel’s voice suddenly cut off the fight that might have spread to Albrecht as well judging by the irritated looks on both Sorath and Virgil’s faces. It was no surprise that Albrecht opening his mouth would’ve just escalated things and might’ve even been better if he had not been pulled into the argument. 

Oh, now you guys notice that your poor, exhausted owner is back. Felix turned to see him standing there, arms crossed and gaze stern. “You shouldn’t eat that.”

Felix blinked slowly, confused. “It’s just pizza.”

“It’s junk,” Thel said bluntly. He walked over, plucking the box from Felix’s hands. “You’re a Regal One. You need proper nutrition to keep up with your training.”

“I’ve had a long day, Thel. Just let me have this,” Felix said, trying to stay calm. But even as he had managed to remain composed when his pets were infighting, he now suddenly found himself feeling a little more than annoyed. 

But Thel was unyielding and did not heed the warning in Felix’s tone. He opened the garbage chute and dropped the box in without a second thought.

Virgil bolted over from the living. “Hey! That was Felix’s dinner!”

“It was garbage food,” Thel replied, unfazed. “Felix needs real sustenance, not whatever poison you keep stocking in the kitchen.”

Virgil bristled, stepping closer. “Watch that controlling asshattery! Felix is our master—he can make his own choices.”

Sorath, still fuming from the earlier argument, sided with Thel. “Maybe if you stopped filling the apartment with junk, we wouldn’t have this problem in the first place.”

The three of them devolved into another round of shouting. Felix stood there, his hands clenched into fists, his ears buzzing from the sheer volume. And his pizza gone down the garbage chute.

Finally, he snapped. “Enough!”

Everyone froze. Even Albrecht startled and finally looked up from his phone.

Felix’s fluffy white cat ears popped out from his silvery hair, twitching angrily, and his long, feathery tail lashed behind him like a whip. His ruby eyes glinted with frustration. “Coming back home shouldn’t be as exhausting as going to work! Is that too much to ask?”

A sudden chagrined silence filled the room. Sorath looked apologetic, Thel frustrated at himself, and Virgil opened his mouth several times as if to say something.

But before anyone else could speak, Albrecht rose smoothly from his seat, his earlier uncaring replaced with calm precision. He crossed the room and placed a hand on Felix’s head, gently stroking his hair. His fingers brushed over Felix’s twitching ears, calming their erratic movements.

Felix stiffened at first but couldn’t stop the tension from draining out of him under Albrecht’s soothing touch. His tail swished more slowly, and the fire in his ruby eyes dimmed.

“What are you doing?” Felix muttered, though his voice had lost most of its edge.

“Relaxing you, my dear,” Albrecht said simply, his tone as smooth as his movements.

To Felix’s horror—and slight relief—it worked. A soft purr built in his chest, and the tension in his shoulders eased.

Once Felix seemed more relaxed, Albrecht pulled back, his hand lingering for just a moment on the velvety softness of those pointed ears before he straightened. “Clearly, we all need a change of scenery. Which is why I’ve taken the liberty of planning a little getaway.”

Felix repeated skeptically. “A getaway?”

Albrecht held up his phone, displaying a reservation confirmation. “Misty Springs Inn. Three nights, two days. This weekend, starting tomorrow after you get off from work.”

Virgil’s face lit up. “Hot springs? Seriously?”

Sorath crossed his arms but didn’t argue. Even Thel seemed intrigued, though he muttered something about clever distractions.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Felix wavered, the exasperation over Albrecht being extravagant yet again struggled with the prospect of a getaway. The latter eventually won out and loosened the remaining knots in his shoulders. “Fine. But next time, leave the pizza alone.”

Thel raised an eyebrow and looked like he was about to protest but Albrecht only smiled dotingly. “Duly noted. We shall simply have gourmet pizza instead.”

AN: ever wonder what your pets do while you’re not home? 😆