Herothion

After his birth, Okays lived hidden from the monsters because he was a hybrid, hated by the world. However, his mother, Arlina, gave him hope for life—hope to leave the monsters' continent.

Arlina: My son, don't lose hope. There are many humans and creatures in this world. Maybe you will find someone kind to you beyond these walls.

Okays: (looking at the walls) Do you mean behind those massive walls?

Arlina: Yes, my son, behind those walls, where there are humans like you.

Okays: (in a sad tone) But, mother, it's so high. How can I leave? You told me before there are no gates in these walls.

Arlina: (placing her hand on his head) Don't worry. When the time comes, I'll tell you how to get out.

Okays: (with a smile) Will you come with me then?

Arlina: (with a sad look) My son, remember, monsters cannot leave these walls due to the king's orders.

Okays: But I'm also a monster. How can I leave then?

Arlina: (with a sad expression) Let me tell you. You're a hybrid, part human and part monster. Your father was human, so you can leave. Also, you cannot reveal yourself here, because if they find out you're a hybrid, they'll do terrible things to you. They hate humans.

Okays: So, mother, do I have to leave without you? (with a sad face) No, I can't go without you.

Arlina: You must leave when you turn twenty. You only have ten years left.

Okays: Do I really have to leave?

Arlina: You're still young, my son. When you grow up, you won't be able to live here, hiding like this. So you must leave.

Okays: (with an excited face) I'll take you with me.

Arlina: (with a sad look) I hope that happens.

Years passed, and Okays trained to control his blood power. He also had a unique ability, Bloodout, which allowed him to control fluids externally. However, he didn't yet know how to use it. He focused on his physical training, internal blood energy, and studied the language of humans outside.

Years passed, and he turned eighteen. Only two years remained until his departure from the walls. This was the worst time for Okays, as Arlina became very ill due to aging and the burden of carrying him for a thousand years. Her strength was greatly affected, and she lay on her deathbed in her final years.

Arlina: (coughs) Okays, are you here?

Okays: (rushing to her) Yes, I'm here.

Arlina: My son, I don't think I have many days left in this life.

Okays: (with a sad face) Don't say that, mother, please.

Arlina: I've lived long enough and gave birth to a beautiful child like you, but I couldn't give you anything else.

Okays: (shedding tears) That's not true. You gave me life, and you gave me hope to leave this cruel, war-torn world. Hang on a little longer, mother. We'll leave here soon.

Arlina: My son, you have a long life ahead of you. Just promise me one thing: try to live a happy life when you leave here. (coughs)

Okays: Please, mother, stop talking like that. I promise you, you'll be fine.

Arlina: How I wish to see you grow, my son.

And with that, she closed her eyes peacefully, leaving behind a world full of hardships and sorrows. Her only gift in this life was her son, Okays.

Afterwards, Okays buried her in a nearby forest. He returned to their home to clean it and found a letter with a large box inside his mother's room. The letter was for him.

Letter Content:

When you read this letter, my son, I may have already passed away. But I still live in your heart and soul. So don't give up, and live your life to the fullest.

I wanted to tell you something in this letter that I couldn't tell you when you turn twenty. It's the way for you to leave here. Go and find a man named Taris. He will help you. Just tell him you're my son, and he will help you.

When you leave this place, wear this mask and cloak I put in the box. They'll hide your hybrid appearance.

This is all I can do for you. I truly wish I could have been a better mother to you, but I'm sorry for giving you such a harsh life. I'm truly sorry.

I love you, my son.

Okays collapsed in tears after reading his mother's sad letter, feeling lost between reality and emotion. But he continued his training and learning about the other continents.

Two years passed, and the day for Okays to leave the walls finally came. But before he could leave, he needed to find Taris to learn how to escape. He wore his heavy clothes, cloak, and the mask his mother had given him, then left his home.

He stood in front of the door, remembering all the beautiful and painful memories of this place. The walls of the house carried the echoes of his laughter and sadness. Every corner told a story from his childhood. He bid farewell to those memories, which had been an inseparable part of his life, determined to step into the unknown.

This was the first time in his life that he would leave the forest where he was born. He set out toward the monster city, Darkis, with a heart full of anxiety and anticipation.

He left the forest, which was surrounded by dense trees, and headed toward the city. The forest was on top of a high hill, and from there, he could clearly see the city with its colorful lights, as if it were a heart beating with life.

He began descending toward the city, and as soon as his feet touched the ground of Darkis, the sounds of monsters surrounded him. It seemed everyone was cautious of him because of the mask he wore, which symbolized hostility and strangeness.

He began asking the monsters about Taris, but their looks were filled with suspicion and fear. "What do you want?" they asked, and Okays tried to show that he meant no harm.

The monsters exchanged wary glances, as if silently consulting each other. The air of the city was filled with astonishment and excitement, as Okays stood in the middle of it all, feeling out of place, as though the forest he had left behind still surrounded him with its memories.

After a long search, he found a person on the street and asked about Taris:

Okays: Excuse me, may I have a moment?

Stranger: What do you want? I don't have much time for someone who smells so unpleasant.

Okays: (sighs) I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but do you know Taris?

Stranger: If you mean the old man Taris, yes, he lives (points in a direction). Anyway, that old man is already senile.

Okays: (talking to himself) Why does he sound so angry? Oh, thanks.

Stranger: (with an arrogant look) Just get out of my way.

Okays reaches the place the stranger pointed to and finds an ol

d, abandoned house. He knocks gently on the door.

A little girl emerges.

To be continued...