The Crimson-Eyed Monster

Phini, her thoughts consumed by the mystery of the burning house, had no inclination to investigate further tonight. Thus, she continued to ponder while making her way back to Angela’s house.

On the way…

“?!”

Phini, her hand resting on her chin, happened to see something startling.

A monster with glowing crimson eyes emerged from the front door of a wooden hut.

The creature, resembling a mindless zombie, shambled forward onto the dirt road with a limping gait.

Upon witnessing this scene, Phini immediately halted. She stared intently at the creature as it stepped into the moonlight. Just like the other monsters, it seemed completely oblivious to her presence, passing right by her.

“…”

Watching the ghoul leave the wooden hut, Phini’s unease about Kabi Village intensified. Yet, despite her thoughts, she couldn’t pinpoint the exact source of the contradiction.

‘Perhaps I should ask Angela later?’

Rubbing her chin, she pondered for a moment. Finding no clear answers, Phini ultimately decided to abandon the question for now. After all, she was an outsider, completely unfamiliar with this settlement. If not for Angela’s explanations, Phini wouldn’t even know where she was!

As for why Phini wished to understand these monsters at all, it was largely due to Angela having saved her. Since the girl had shown her kindness, Phini felt obliged to try her best to unravel the mystery of these ‘ghosts’ and completely resolve their threat.

Suspecting these entities might be more complex than they appeared, Phini soon found herself back at Angela’s house.

Realizing she had arrived, Phini raised her head to glance beyond the fence. The lights inside the house were burning brightly, as if awaiting her return. She surveyed her surroundings, and only after confirming that no red-eyed monsters were nearby did she push open the gate and enter.

“Angela, are you asleep?” Phini called out the moment she stepped inside.

“You’re back!” Not long after, Angela emerged from the back rooms, her face beaming with relief and a happy smile.

“Yes, it’s as I suspected. For some reason, the ‘ghosts’ you mentioned always ignore me. Even when I pass by them, they act as if I don’t exist,” Phini said calmly, gently stroking her chin.

“Oh? Really?” Angela’s face was etched with surprise. It seemed she hadn’t anticipated such a result.

“Yes, but there’s one thing I’d like to confirm with you, Angela.”

“What is it?”

“Let’s discuss it inside.”

Feeling as if something was watching them from the darkness outside, Phini swallowed the question she was about to ask, instead gesturing for Angela to retreat further indoors.

“Mm.”

Perhaps she sensed something as well. Even without Phini stating the reason, Angela nodded understandingly and turned back. Phini followed, promptly closing and locking the main door behind her.

“So, Phini, what did you want to ask?” Once they had settled down, Angela inquired.

“I recall you saying that the ‘ghosts’ are afraid of the ashes collected from Ash Mountain, correct?” Phini mused aloud.

“Mm.”

“Then… just now, I saw one of those monsters emerge from a house in the village.”

“From a house?!”

“Yes.”

“No… that can’t be, can it?” Angela looked at her with an expression of disbelief, as if finding her words impossible to swallow. She seemed to hope Phini was merely joking.

“It’s true. I don’t know who lives in that house, but tomorrow, I’ll take you to see it.”

Who actually lived there? Phini had no idea. Having only been there for a week, her acquaintances were very limited. Aside from Angela and the healer, Renard, Phini barely knew anyone else.

“This… alright then.” Angela’s heart remained filled with doubt. If what Phini said was true, wouldn’t the notion that the ‘ghosts’ feared the ashes and could only glare from the outside contradict itself entirely? Therefore, Angela felt it was essential to get to the bottom of it.

“You should go rest first. We’ll go see it tomorrow.”

Though the monsters didn’t target her, Phini was absolutely certain of one thing: they definitely would not ignore Angela! She wasn’t sure if it was because Angela was a local, or because she herself was no longer entirely human. In any case, for Angela’s safety, Phini decided to postpone the visit until daylight. After all, that house didn’t have legs; it wouldn’t run away.

“Mm, then goodnight, Phini.” Feigning a moment of thought, Angela likely understood Phini’s concerns. She said nothing more, simply nodded, and left for her room.

“Alright, I should get to sleep too.” Watching Angela leave, Phini realized it was getting late. She stretched, yawned, and slowly rose. After rummaging through the wardrobe for clothes, she headed toward the washroom.

Thus, another night filled with monster roars passed.

As dawn arrived, the clamor that had filled the streets gradually began to subside. By the time the morning sun had spread to every corner of the village, the roars had fallen completely silent.

Phini opened her eyes.

“Is it morning?” Looking up at the ceiling, illuminated by the sunlight outside, Phini muttered to herself.

“It’s quiet outside too…”

She carefully listened to the situation beyond the walls. Only after hearing no more monster roars did Phini slowly sit up. Rubbing her eyes, she turned her head to look at the window beside the bed. The curtains glowed with golden light.

“I wonder if Angela is awake yet?”

Seeing that it was already morning, Phini didn’t linger in bed. She swiftly got up and dressed. Once ready, Phini opened her door, left the room, and entered the small courtyard.

“Are you up?”

Angela was standing in the courtyard, watering the plants. Noticing her, Angela turned her head, meeting Phini’s gaze.

“Mm, you’re quite an early riser yourself.”

“So, are we going to see that house you mentioned last night?” Angela asked while continuing to water the plants.

“Yes.” Phini nodded with certainty.

“Mm, then let’s go once I’m done watering.”

Ten minutes passed as Angela finished her chores.

“Let’s go!” After putting away the tools, Angela walked over and gestured to her.

“Mm.”

Guided by her memory, Phini led Angela down the dirt roads. They walked for about ten minutes before Phini brought them to a rather dilapidated house.

“This is it.”

After comparing it with her memory from last night and confirming it was identical, Phini pointed to the hut where she had seen the monster emerge.

“This house…” Hearing Phini’s confirmation, Angela gazed at the structure, a profound hint of unease on her face.

“Do you know the people who live here?” Seeing her hesitate, Phini immediately realized she knew something.

“Mm, this is Uncle Macon’s house.”

“Uncle Macon?”

“Yes, Uncle Macon is the oldest person in Kabi Village.”

“I see…”

“Uncle Macon! Are you there?” Recalling what Phini had told her, Angela couldn’t help but shout toward the house.

“Wait!” Hearing Angela’s loud call, Phini instinctively reached out to stop her.

However, before Phini could make another move, the front door opened. A few seconds later, an old man emerged from the house, leaning heavily on a cane. A benevolent smile graced his face.

Hearing Angela’s call, the old man slowly shuffled toward her with faltering steps.

“Good morning, little Angela,” the old man greeted her kindly.

“Good morning, Uncle Macon.” Receiving his greeting, Angela politely returned it.

“So, little Angela, why are you here so early to see an old man like me?”

“Uncle Macon, when did you go to sleep last night?”

“Well, I went to bed right when night fell. Why do you ask?”

“Did you feel anything unusual?”

“No, I slept very soundly.”

“Oh…”

“Is something wrong?” Uncle Macon, sensing a hidden meaning in Angela’s words, tilted his head in confusion.

“Nothing, Uncle Macon. You should go back inside and rest.”

Seeing Macon still had questions, Angela likely realized this matter couldn’t be discussed with him directly. Therefore, she chose not to tell him about the monster emerging from his house, deciding instead to conceal it for now.