The Evolution Chronicles

"What?"

"Nothing."

Mian turned his face away and returned his attention to the smooth stones that crunched underneath his feet. His mind played the encounter he had with the pack's Patriarch only a few minutes ago as he tried but failed to distract himself.

...

Mian's gaze went to the figure standing behind Han, and he couldn't help the surprised breath he drew in.

A young man that was nearly two meters in height stood behind Han with an annoyed look on his face. The most remarkable thing about this man was the fact that he was not a demi-human, but he also was not a human. At least, that was what Mian could find out with the little information he could glean from his figure.

The young man has the skin of a human, with no fur covering his body. The only thing that made him stand out from average humans were the sharp, furry ears atop his head, and the tail that slowly swung from side to side behind him. He wore human clothes but left his forearms and his calves uncovered. Lean, firm muscles pushed against the skin that was left exposed.

"Mian, this is my son, Daniel. You should both be around the same age, and I was hoping you could get along. He can show you around our pack lands." Han introduced the young man behind him with enthusiasm. The positivity he radiated was in stark contrast with the uninterested look of his son.

Daven soon left Mian and Daniel alone to handle themselves. Daniel limited himself to snort before waving for Mian to follow him. Even though he was young, he was still a dominant, albeit at the lower end. He considered pairing him with a middle rank as an insult to his pride.

They quickly left the mansion and began to wander through the massive clearing where the pack was situated. Mian guessed it to be about half of the pack lands of his pack. That was just how big the pack that Daven built was. Han's pack paled before that comparison.

Before they could get anywhere, Daniel suddenly stopped and pulled Mian into one of the small spaces between two buildings, surprising Mian. He shoved Mian against the wall and glared down at him.

"Look, I don't know why my dad is making me show an outsider around, but make sure not to get to comfy. Things won't turn out well for you if you do." He eyed Mian from top to bottom once again before stepping back and making space for Mian to stand up.

"W-what was that for?" Mian tried to add some steel into his voice but failed. Daniel just eyed him again before snorting and walking out of the narrow space. Mian sighed, feeling confused, before following Daniel out. He felt like that was supposed to be a warning, but he was not sure what it was all about. He simply continued following the boy. He had his on plans after all.

"That is our farm. It takes up nearly half of our territory. We depend more on agriculture than on hunting, and it has paid back its worth in spades." Daniel pointed at a vast field that had a wide variety of crops planted on it. Mian could spot a few dozen figures spread out in the field, doing farm work.

Daniel continued to point out various areas until they reached the edge of the clearing. Mian could faintly hear the sound of running water as they made their way forward, causing his eyes to widen. He was surprised that he would be able to get in contact with their water source so soon.

When they reached the river, Daniel promptly pulled off his clothes and dove into the water, startling Mian. He laughed loudly when he saw Mian's surprised look.

"What? Did you think this was where we got our water that we use from? This is just where we swim. Our main water source is upstream." Daniel explained. Mian nodded before taking a spot at the bank of the lake. Smooth pebbles littered the bank and he played with them underneath his feet.

[Host, I have found something of value.]

Hana's voice suddenly popped into Mian's head, startling him. He nearly slipped into the water, causing Daniel to snort in disdain. Mian ignored him and focused on what Hana said.

'What did you find? Does the drug run through this stream?' Mian had already thought of the possibility that the drug also ran through this stream after Daniel exposed that this was just a swimming area. Hana's words only served to increase his suspicions.

[As a matter of fact, yes, the drug does run through this stream, but I also have some other information to share.]

'Go on...' Mian urged.

[Firstly, I have run some scans and have come upon the possibility that we can find the source of the drug upstream. Secondly and most importantly, I have run some scans of the Beastkin, Daniel, and I have found out that he is not affected by the numerous negative status effects that most of the pack members here are under.]

'What?!' Mian's mind exploded and he quickly turned to look at Daniel who was still swimming in the river.

"What?" Daniel caught his gaze and narrowed his eyes at him.

"Nothing." Mian turned his gaze to the smooth pebbled beneath his feet as he thought about what Hana had told him.

'What do you think about the situation? And why do you think he is not affected?' Mian quickly directed a couple of questions to Hana.

[Well, there are many reasons as to how this came to be. Firstly, it could be that he is affiliated with the culprits that are behind this scheme. On the other hand, it could be that he has simply just developed a resistance to this drug. We will have to come in contact with the drug and Daniel himself to be sure. His behavior might also hint at something.. I suggest we play along and watch him for now.]