Lukas opened his eyes slowly, feeling his body light and refreshed. The deep exhaustion that had brought him down the previous day seemed to have completely evaporated during the night, as if a tide had carried all the fatigue away.

The excessive mana expenditure, the muscle aches, and the mental exhaustion had been replaced by renewed energy, as if his young body recovered with impressive efficiency.

He stretched on the bed, the soft sheets sliding over his skin. The linen fabric felt cool against his body, and the pillow still retained the warmth of his head.

A smile appeared on his lips when he saw the first rays of sunlight filtering through the bedroom window, golden beams dancing through the air, illuminating dust particles like tiny stars.

Tilbo was in his usual corner, his metallic carapace shining softly with silver veins of mana. The giant ant seemed to have recovered well during the night, the scratches on his shell were already less visible, as if the metal were slowly regenerating.

His antennae moved in greeting as soon as Lukas sat up, a familiar gesture that had already become part of the morning routine.

Prata, curled within an improvised web on the ceiling, descended with silent grace. Her silver body slid down the thread with a fluidity that Lukas never grew tired of admiring. She touched his shoulder with a front leg, her multiple eyes reflecting the morning light.

Astra, meanwhile, stirred inside the padded box, letting out a low, sleepy chirp. The little eagle was still half-asleep, her head tucked beneath her wing, but the sounds of movement in the room gradually woke her.

"Good morning, Tilbo. Good morning, Prata. And good morning to you too, Astra," Lukas said, approaching the eagle first.

He carefully extended his hand, and the little bird gently pecked at his fingers, a sign of growing trust that warmed his heart.

"You were amazing yesterday. Get some more rest today."

He quickly dressed in a simple tunic and light trousers, feeling the cool fabric against his skin.

The room still carried the faint scent of the forest and the effort of the previous battle, earth, sweat, and a slight metallic smell of dried blood. However, the morning air flowed in through the open window, bringing with it the aroma of fresh bread and herbs from the garden.

Lukas descended the stairs with light steps, his heart lighter despite the curiosity still bubbling in his mind about the forest.

In the main hall, the breakfast table was set.

The white tablecloth was stretched neatly, and the ceramic plates gleamed beneath the morning light.

A basket of warm bread occupied the center, releasing fragrant steam. Beside it sat bowls of fresh fruit, assorted cheeses, and a pitcher of Lirium juice.

Judite was already devouring a piece of bread with jam, her tongue sticking out as usual, focused on spreading the red preserve over the crispy surface. A smear of jam already decorated her cheek.

Aurora sat at the head of the table, holding a cup of herbal tea in her hands. Her white hair was tied into a loose braid over her shoulder, and her violet eyes lifted when she saw Lukas.

A gentle smile appeared on her lips, though Lukas noticed a shadow of concern within it, a subtle tension his mother was trying to hide.

"Good morning, Mom. Good morning, Sister," he greeted, taking his seat.

"Good morning, Brother!" Judite replied with her mouth full, waving the bread. Crumbs flew through the air.

Aurora poured him a cup of Lirium juice and pushed the basket of warm bread toward him.

"Good morning, Lukas. Did you sleep well?"

"Very well," he replied, taking a piece of bread and spreading butter on it.

"I’m completely recovered."

They ate in relative silence for several minutes. The sound of spoons against ceramic bowls, the steam rising from the tea in spirals, and the birds singing outside created a familiar and comforting atmosphere.

But something was different.

Clavor’s chair was empty.

His father, always present in the mornings, reading documents, drinking bitter coffee, watching his family with quiet pride, had not appeared.

Lukas slowly chewed a piece of cheese, looking at the empty seat.

"Mom... where’s Father? Didn’t he come for breakfast?"

Aurora sighed softly, exchanging a quick glance with Judite before answering.

"Your father left early today. He’s handling matters in the forest and in Forest Village," she said, her voice calm, but carrying a tone Lukas knew very well. The tone she used whenever she wanted to protect her children from something troubling.

"You don’t need to worry, Lukas. He promised he would take care of everything."

Lukas frowned, feeling the tingling of curiosity grow in his chest.

"He explored the forest yesterday, didn’t he? What did he find? Those rats... they weren’t normal."

Aurora carefully placed her cup on the table, her long fingers tracing the porcelain rim. The sound of ceramic against wood was the only noise in the hall for a moment.

"Yes, he did. And he discovered something serious," she said, her voice lower.

"A high-rank monster was born in the forest. It’s not just a rat infestation. It’s something that corrupted the animals, making them larger, more aggressive... and intelligent."

Lukas felt a chill run down his spine. His violet eyes widened.

"What kind of monster? What kind of power does a monster need to have to... to make Father act like this?"

Aurora hesitated for a moment, choosing her words with maternal care.

"It’s a creature that unites rats through corrupted mana. They grow beyond normal limits. Your father found an entire horde last night. Hundreds of red eyes in the darkness. He barely escaped to warn us."

She paused, her violet eyes distant for a moment.

"That’s why, this morning, he went to Forest Village to evacuate all the villagers. They’ll temporarily move to nearby villages. Our family and the families around us will take in anyone who needs shelter for a few days. It’s safer that way."

Judite stopped eating, her large eyes filled with concern. The jam on her face was forgotten.

"Everyone’s leaving? What about the crops?"

"The harvest can wait," Aurora replied, affectionately ruffling her daughter’s hair.

"The important thing is protecting people. Clavor will return with reinforcements. Count Hark has been called. The monster is far too strong for one person to face alone."