NOVEL NEXT Chapter 20: Chapter 20: Star Mark Evolution
Chapter 20: Star Mark Evolution
Haru's current location was on the eastern coast of Ghost Island, in a region locals referred to as East Town. The northern coastline was the site of the abandoned small cruise ship. Most of the inland area of the peninsula was designated as a Crescent Tiger nature reserve managed by the Blanchett Corporation, while the eastern side connected to the mainland of the Azian Continent through the Ochima Federation. The western coastline, on the other hand, housed a settlement known as West Town, where Ochima's official envoy, Sloane, had chosen to stay.
Apart from East and West Towns, the island lacked proper roads. Two off-road vehicles rattled along uneven terrain, finally arriving at West Town.
Unlike the touristy East Town, with its amusement parks and attractions, West Town grew silent as night fell. Few neon lights flickered, and the streets seemed like a ghost town, evoking the feel of an entirely different era. The vehicles came to a halt outside a modest hotel, and the passengers disembarked.
From the lead car, Sloane adjusted his sparse hair and tightened his trench coat. Kanzai, who had been riding the same car, stepped out next. Though not particularly tall, his bristling spiky hair, dyed in yellow with black streaks like a tiger's stripes, made him an imposing sight. Combined with his rash behavior, he resembled a wild tiger disguised as a human.
From the second vehicle, Shizuku and the other recruits followed, dressed in sharp suits that exuded professionalism. The group entered the small hotel, looking the part of a well-organized team.
However, before entering, Kanzai suddenly turned back to glance at the roof of the second vehicle, where a green-feathered bird flapped its wings and took off into the night.
Shizuku, naturally curious, also turned to look. "Did you see something?" she asked.
"A bird," Kanzai replied. "It's the same bird we saw by the ship earlier. When we drove off, it landed on the car roof and stayed there until now."
Shizuku tilted her head. "Is that so?"
"Yeah, there were two birds perched on the rocks near the ship earlier," one of the other recruits chimed in, slightly embarrassed. "But we didn't notice if one had flown onto the car."
"Probably just a coincidence," someone else added dismissively. "No need to dwell on it."
"Yeah, the other bird is gone, and this one flew off, too."
The group murmured among themselves as they followed Sloane upstairs. Before heading to their respective rooms, they first gathered in Sloane's quarters for a briefing.
Looking over the team of amateur hunters he had hastily recruited, Sloane said solemnly, "I estimate that Blanchett Corporation won't easily agree to let us investigate the reserve. They'll likely wait until the Kukan'yu Kingdom voices no objections before relenting. Babimyna's team started their investigation the moment they arrived, likely aiming to wrap up their mission and end this collaboration quickly. It probably won't take the full 20-day term."
He loosened his tie, his tone growing graver. "Starting tomorrow, I'll be negotiating with the Blanchett representatives as the official envoy. Let them delay as much as they want. Meanwhile, I'll rely on you, our civilian experts, to carry out the actual investigation."
Shizuku raised her hand, curiosity shining in her eyes. "What exactly are we investigating?"
"The Crescent Tigers, perhaps?" someone speculated. "That species is iconic to this island. They were only supposed to exist within Kukan'yu Kingdom before now."
"Are we supposed to capture any Crescent Tigers?" Shizuku continued, her curiosity unabated. "I've heard they're stunning. I'd love to see one."
Sloane's face darkened. "We're here because we know almost nothing about this island. If you want a reason, it's because, for 24 years, the Kukan'yu royals have been shrouding this island in secrecy, avoiding any mention of it."
---
Unaware of their conversations, Haru had already maneuvered the green bird perched on the car to fly away, settling it on the rooftop of the hotel. This bird, along with its counterpart stationed near the abandoned ship on the northern coast, faced the same dilemma.
If Haru disconnected his consciousness from their first-person control, the two birds would revert to their last-issued commands: pecking themselves to activate the Star Mark healing ability whenever they spotted a human, thereby signaling him back in East Town.
But Haru couldn't afford such an action just yet. Both birds stayed vigilant: one keeping watch over the hotel in West Town, and the other hiding in the wilderness near the northern coastline, spying on Babimyna's team and their activities.
---
Meanwhile, in East Town, Haru contemplated the situation while resting in his room. His adoptive mother's ill-fated escape had somehow drawn in Kukan'yu's royal representatives. This was an adversary far beyond his current capabilities. However, he resolved to observe and gather information, saving any action for the future when he would have the strength to act.
Nearby, the little gray bird lay sprawled on the bed, its head tilted as it snored softly. Haru chuckled at the sight, placing the bird on the bedside table before lying down himself. Yet, even in sleep, his control over the two green birds continued, leaving him restless throughout the night.
The next morning, Haru splashed cold water on his face in the bathroom, shaking off the fatigue. The commotion startled the little gray bird, which fluttered in confusion.
"Let's grab breakfast," Haru said casually.
The bird perked up immediately, hopping onto his shoulder with excitement.
After feeding himself and the bird, Haru carried a large bag of meat and set off to find Toru, using the positions of the two white-marked birds as his guide.
---
Deep in the forest outside East Town, a Crescent Tiger lay beneath a tree, lazily basking in the shade. Upon spotting Haru approaching with his supplies, the tiger leapt up in joy, pouncing on him with enthusiasm.
"Okay, okay, calm down," Haru laughed, playfully wrestling with the tiger before regaining his footing. "If you want food, sit properly. Now, stay still."
The tiger obediently sat as Haru unloaded the meat. It hesitated for a moment, then eagerly began devouring the feast.
As Haru petted the tiger's neck, he mulled over his Star Mark ability. His current method of control felt rigid, lacking flexibility. If he could modify the commands after applying the Star Mark, it would open up new possibilities.
Fueled by this thought, Haru decided to test it.
His ability, Song of the Earth, likely emerged under intense pressure during his encounter with the wolf pack, shaped by his subconscious into the most efficient solution for survival at the time. However, this was his first attempt to deliberately develop or optimize it further.
"Alright, big guy," Haru muttered, scratching the tiger's neck. "You're the perfect test subject. Ready? Three, two—"
The tiger's consciousness suddenly blacked out, as though a film reel had abruptly stopped playing. A new layer of awareness overrode its own, pushing it into the deepest recesses of its mind.
After an indeterminate amount of time, the tiger sensed a faint, silvery light breaking through the void. It felt like the comforting glow of the moon, beloved by its kind.
The "film" resumed playing.
The tiger's consciousness surfaced, once again perceiving the forest scenery through its eyes and the smells in its nose. Yet, its body no longer obeyed its will, as though it had turned to stone.
In its mind, Haru's jubilant voice echoed:
"Amazing! My ability is still evolving. Can you hear me, Toru? Respond if you can!"
(End of Chapter)