After they departed, Tuziku and his father could finally see the port a short distance ahead.They stopped to admire the scenery of the seaport from afar.
"We're almost at the port, son."
Tuziku shaded his eyes. "Woah! The ocean looks surprisingly good from here," he said with a wide grin.
"You've only just seen the beginning, son."
"Come on, let's get to the port," his father said as he resumed walking.
Tuziku followed behind.
"Father, I was thinking… I always thought the Grand Sea was impossible for humans to cross because of the dangers lurking beneath," Tuziku said.
His father scratched his head. "Hmm? Have I never told you? The people of Fuyu know a way to cross the sea safely. It's only impossible if you try without permission."
"I see," Tuziku replied, his curiosity growing.
They soon arrived at the port.
"Let's go! That's our ride!" his father said, pointing at a sailboat guarded by an armed officer.
They boarded the ship.
It sailed smoothly across the Grand Sea as Tuziku stared in awe at the endless blue below.
Before long, they arrived in the Land of Fuyu.
An armed officer was waiting to guide them as they stepped off.
Tuziku was completely absorbed by the scenery. Trees, buildings, plants, and people—everything was far more beautiful and abundant than anything he had ever seen in Hinkon.
W–what is this place?!
"Well, how do you like it, kiddo?" his father asked.
"It's beautiful, Father. The most amazing thing I've ever seen," Tuziku replied.
As they walked, he noticed the strange clothing the people of Fuyu wore. Many had on layers of soft animal fur.
Even their clothes look extremely valuable…
Soon, they arrived at a massive mansion.
A tall, slender, middle-aged man dressed in white stepped forward.
For a brief instant, Tuziku saw something strange—an image of ruined buildings, corpses, and blood covering the land.
He froze.
"Helmon! At last, you've arrived," the man said with a chuckle. "And this must be your boy. What's your name, young man?"
"Tuziku."
"You may call me Mr. Jilaal," he said, smiling eerily.
"Well, Tuziku, you'll be working hard on my farm. But since you're here for three days, why not meet my children?"
Three boys stepped forward, two clearly older than Tuziku.
"These are my sons—Jiqu, Reter, and Kavin."
"Jiqu, why don't you show Tuziku around?" Jilaal said.
"Okay, Father."
Jiqu glanced at Tuziku with clear disgust.
What's with that look? Tuziku thought.
"That's a good idea," Helmon said. "Go have some fun while I speak with Mr. Jilaal."
"Come on," Jiqu said coldly.
"M-hmm," Tuziku replied.
Inside, Reter smirked. "So you're from the other side, huh?"
"Yeah."
"I heard it's full of savages," Kavin said.
"That's not true!" Tuziku snapped.
"I'm just messing with you," Kavin laughed, smacking Tuziku on the back. "So… you got any friends here?"
"No," Tuziku muttered.
Jiqu smiled. "Then this will be even more fun."
The brothers' smiles turned cruel.
A strange fear crept over Tuziku.
"Huh?!"
Jiqu struck him across the head.
Tuziku collapsed.
The two older brothers began tying him up.
CHAPTER END