Star woke up slowly inside his tent. Morning light filtered softly through the canvas. He lay still for a moment, listening to the forest sounds. Birds chirped happily. Leaves rustled in the breeze. One of his horses snorted, already awake and ready for the day. Even though he had been homeless for the past week and truly alone, Star felt quiet satisfaction in his chest.

"Well then. Let us start a new day," he whispered to himself.

[Good morning host,] Jezebel chimed warmly in his mind.

"Good morning," Star replied with a bright smile. He stretched his arms and sat up. His silver hair fell loosely around his shoulders. He ran his fingers through it, then whispered, "Radiant Veil of Sanctuary, deactivate."

The faint pink-silver barrier around the campsite shimmered and disappeared. Star stepped out of the tent into the cool morning air. He stretched again, then started his morning routine. He fed the two horses, brushed their coats until they shone, checked their hooves, and gave them fresh water from the stream. The horses nickered softly and nudged his shoulder.

Star smiled as he worked. These simple tasks helped him feel grounded.

[This is good,] Jezebel spoke again. [You are adapting well to this life on the move. But if you want to survive the challenges ahead you will need another strong skill soon. Should I begin searching for a suitable candidate?]

Star paused while rolling up his sleeping mat. "Yes," he said quietly as he packed the tent. "If you find someone appropriate let me know."

[Understood~]

He hitched the horses to the cart and continued traveling at a relaxed pace. The forest road was peaceful. Sunlight danced through the leaves. Wildflowers grew along the path. During a midday break in an empty field, Star practiced his skills. The free movement felt good. Soon sweat covered his skin from the exercise.

By late afternoon the weather grew hot. Dust from the road stuck to his clothes. Star wiped his forehead. His body felt sweaty and uncomfortable. A small side path caught his eye.

"Hey can you tell me where that path leads to?" He asked the system and it chimed in preparation for a response

[Assessing... Answer! The path leads to a small stream do you wish to take a dip?"

"You know it" he said sighing at the inconvenient timing. He guided the cart off the main road and tied the horses to a sturdy tree. They had shade and grass. He left most of his belongings in the cart, took a small towel and clean clothes, and walked to the stream. The forest felt calm. Birds still sang overhead.

The water looked clear and inviting.

Star stood at the water’s edge for a moment.

"Use Jewels Gaze," he murmured.

A soft pink-silver glow appeared in his eyes.

[Analyzing water,] Jezebel reported. [Purity level high. Minor natural mana traces present. No detectable toxins or curses. Safety for bathing eighty six percent. Minor risk of wild animals in the area but it is currently clear.]

Star nodded. "Good enough."

He took off his cloak and folded it neatly on a flat rock. Then he removed the rest of his clothes until he stood naked. His skin was smooth and pale. His slender body and soft curves gave him an almost ethereal beauty. Silver hair flowed down his back. He stepped slowly into the stream. Cool water rose from his ankles to his waist. A small shiver ran through him, but it quickly felt refreshing. He sighed and lowered himself deeper, letting the water wash away the dust and sweat.

The stream felt like a gentle friend. Star floated quietly, eyes half closed, enjoying the peace.

[How far until the location of the mission?] he asked Jezebel silently.

[The significant settlement with the Shattered Veil, according to the map should be...]

Jezebel’s voice suddenly cut off. One moment she was there. The next, only silence. Like a radio network that was intercepted mid running. As if the lights went off.

Star frowned and stood up straight. "Jezebel?"

No answer.

"Jezebel? Are you there?"

Nothing. The warm presence in his mind was gone. It felt blocked. A cold feeling settled in his stomach.

Before he could react, a heavy net with glowing dark runes shot out from the trees on both sides. It slammed over him, wrapping tightly around his naked body and pinning his arms. The net’s magic surged and cut off all his skills.

Star gasped. His eyes widened in shock. "What?!"

Strong hands grabbed him from every direction. The men dragged him roughly out of the water. He struggled hard, splashing and twisting, but the net only tightened and sent painful jolts through his body.

"Got him!" a rough voice shouted. "Secure the prize!"

At least twelve men in dark leather armor with crimson collars stepped out from the trees. They moved like professionals. A tall man with a scar across his cheek grinned as he stared at Star’s struggling form.

"Beautiful," the scarred man muttered. "Even better than the rumors. The Silver-Haired One is ours now."

Star tried to call Jezebel again, but only silence answered. Panic rose inside him. He might not be able to break out of this.

The men quickly wrapped him in a thick coarse blanket and carried him toward a hidden reinforced wagon. Star’s heart pounded as he heard their crude words.

"Look at that face," one man laughed. "Soft as a noble lady. He’ll fetch a high price."

Another chuckled. "Skin like silk. The boss will be happy, but maybe we can have a little taste first."

"Careful," a third said. "Boss said the goods must stay undamaged. But a little touch never hurt anyone, right?"

They put Star inside the dim wagon. Heavy chains lined one wall. Several men stayed close, staring at his blanketed body with hungry eyes.

The scarred man reached out first. His rough hand slipped under the blanket and touched Star’s thigh. "Come on pretty one. No need to be shy. We have a long ride. Let’s get friendly."

Star pulled away sharply. "Do not touch me," he hissed. His voice came out soft and higher than usual.

The scarred man laughed. "Feisty. I like that." His hand moved higher.

Suddenly the wagon door slammed open. A tall, imposing man in better armor and a heavy crimson cloak stood there. Everyone went quiet. This was the boss.

"What is happening here?" the boss asked in a low, dangerous voice.

The scarred man froze but kept his hand in place. "Just checking the merchandise, boss. Making sure the pretty boy is secure."

The boss narrowed his eyes. He raised his hand. Dark magic flared around his fingers. "I said the goods must remain undamaged. Not even a single inappropriate touch. Not in a landslide."

The scarred man tried to pull back, but it was too late. The boss used his skill. A crushing force wrapped around the man’s entire body. Bones snapped loudly. Flesh compressed with horrible wet sounds. The man screamed once before his body folded in on itself. Arms and legs crumpled. His torso collapsed. In seconds he became a grotesque ball of meat and shattered bone, no bigger than a large melon. Blood and fluids spilled onto the floor.

The other men stepped back in terror. No one dared speak.

The boss looked at the bloody mess without emotion. "Let this be a clear lesson. The Silver Prize is valuable. Anyone who damages him will suffer the same fate. Or worse. Now secure him properly and prepare to move."

Two men moved quickly. They kept their hands professional as they fastened padded restraints around Star’s wrists and ankles over the blanket. Star breathed fast. He stared at the remains on the floor, feeling sick, but stayed silent.

The boss stepped closer and looked down at him. "You are even more beautiful than the reports said. Star Denice....you are truly magnificent. Your Delicate features. That soft body will be perfect for our sell. Do not worry. As long as you behave, you will not be harmed. Much."

Star met his eyes with defiance. "What do you want from me?"

The boss smiled thinly. "That is not your concern yet. You are the asset now. The Silver-Haired Price. Our client has very specific tastes and deep pockets. Rest quietly. The sedative will help."

A cloth soaked in strong sedative pressed over Star’s mouth and nose. He tried to hold his breath, but the fumes burned. His vision blurred. The last thing he saw was the boss turning away as the wagon doors slammed shut.

The peaceful road had betrayed him. The quiet life he was building disappeared in one afternoon. As darkness took him, Star held onto one last thought. He would find a way out. Jezebel would return. He would survive this.

The wagon started moving. Wheels creaked along the forest path as the kidnappers carried their valuable prize into the unknown. Star lay limp in the restraints, his silver hair spread across the bench like a fallen banner. The forest sounds faded behind them.