Amaya looked over to a tree which the girl was hiding behind.

“It’s okay. The monster is taken care of.” Amaya reassured her.

The girl cautiously peered out, making sure it was really safe. Once she believed it, she fully left the safety of cover.

It was all clear now, she had fox ears sticking out the top of her head. She was definitely an animal hybrid.

Her hair was nappy and her clothes were battered, covered in dirt.

The cheeks on her face were bony, sinking in, like she hadn’t been eating properly.

Amaya thought to herself. ‘Poor girl. She doesn’t look healthy at all. Who knows how long she’s been out here.’.

[ Analyze Activated ]

She studied the girl’s stats, and to say the least, a girl like her shouldn't be out here in the first place.

( Emi: Level: 1 Hp:8 Mp:6 Atk:2 Speed:5 Endurance:9 Exp: 0/100)

( This Creature Has Multiple Negative Effects Active: Starvation, Dehydration, Vitamin Deficiency, Exhaustion.)

The girl finally spoke.

“Umm. Why are you staring? Are you going to eat me?” She asked, a bit terrified.

Amaya chuckled and reassured her once again.

“You're okay. Nobody's going to eat you.”

Questions about the girl still ran through Amaya’s head. How did she get all the way out here? And where were her parents?

So, Amaya asked up front.

“Did you get separated from your parents somehow?

A look of sadness came to the girl’s eyes as she gazed to the floor.

“My parents aren’t around anymore. They’ve been gone for a while. I think it’s been a year now.”

No parents and lost in a forest, It was a miracle how this kid was still alive. From the looks of it, the girl had been taking care of herself all this time.

The old man made a suggestion from the wagon.

“I have business to take care of in town, so I’ll be busy. But, if you’re okay with it, you should take her to get some food and a bath. After that, you can decide what you want to do."

It was the best course of action for now.

Amaya agreed with a nod, before looking back at the girl.

“Come with us. We’ll make sure you get help. We’ll even get you some food. I’m sure you’re hungry.”

The girl didn’t even have to think about it. Her eyes became lively and she nearly jumped up.

“Y-You’ll actually give me food? Really??”

Amaya nodded with a smile, “I sure will. You won’t be able to function with an empty stomach.”

Amaya's leg was unexpectedly hugged by the girl, joyfully expressing her gratitude.

“Thank you!! You’re the coolest.”

It made Amaya happy to see that she could help someone.

The wagon set in motion, taking them towards the town.

It then occurred to Amaya, the girl’s name. So she asked.

“What should I call you? You have a name, right?”

I took a moment as the girl was stuck in thought, staring at a bracelet she had on. She did eventually snap out of it and reply.

“Oh. I’m called Emi.”

____________

Amaya gazed out her room window, having a fantastic view of the town square. Many street vendors handled and sold their merchandise to passerbys. It was all very lively, which made Amaya wonder what the capital was like.

‘Must be crowded at a place like the capitol if this town has this many people.’

She studied the faces of all the people, only a few of them seemed gloomy. Overall, everyone was happily enjoying their day.

“And here I am, In another world with the same bad luck as always. I wonder if I’d be able to find a stable job here.”

I need to make money for myself somehow. I guess I could just get a few coins from the monsters I kill, but that would take forever.”

This was something she’d have to worry about another time, Emi had just got out of the bath. It made all the difference. Her skin was sparkling clean, no longer covered in dirt, and her hair wasn’t sticking out in every direction anymore. Emi even had a nice set of clothes on, which the old man had bought for her.

“Well you look nice. I bet you’re ready to get some food now.” said Amaya.

Emi hopped up and down. “Yes yes yes yes. What are we getting?? Can we get some meat?? Like chicken drumsticks??”

Her expressions were adorable, and she was drooling at the thought of food.

“Sure. We’ll get you as much as you want.” Amaya giggled.

Since the Inn was right in front of the town square, they only had to walk outside to reach one of the food vendors, who greeted them with a kind smile.

“Good day. What would you like?”

Amaya placed 12 silver in front of him, having already seen the prices.

“We’ll take four chicken drumsticks. With whatever seasoning you recommend.”

After the vendor added everything, he handed the drumsticks to both Amaya and Emi. Before a single second passed, Emi was already sinking her teeth into them.

Chomp. Chomp.

“Mmm. This is the best!!” she shouted happily.

In moments, both of her drumsticks were devoured down to the bone. Meanwhile, Amaya had only taken only two bites out of her own.

“Is there anywhere you want to go?” Amaya asked.

Soon, she would have to hand Emi over to the orphanage. They were the only ones that could find a home for her.

Emi pressed her finger up against her chin, thinking.

“Hmmmm. Can we go over to the river?” she asked.

“Of course. Why there?”

“I don’t know. I always found it very pretty.”

“We can go. But you’ll have to lead the way. I’m not sure where it’s at.”

“Okay. It’s this way, follow me.” Emi jumped with energy.

Her whole mood changed from joyful, to frightened when she turned around. In front of her was someone who she recognized all too well.

Standing in front of her was a man with a beard, dressed in a leather jacket. He looked down at Emi with a menacing glare.

“You damn Demi-HUMAn. You’re supposed to be gathering my materials. Why are you enjoying yourself!”

By the man’s side were 2 other men, having the attire like run-of-the-mill thugs.

“I-I’m sorry.” Emi’s gaze shifted to the floor.

Watching this whole event unfold, Amaya stood in confusion.

What was this man talking about?