Chapter 48.1

The beastly bellows and the restless clatter of hooves and claws echoed off the curved stone walls of the secret passage, sending a chill down my spine. This was not the sound of peace.

The descendants of the giant beast race were all born in human form, but one day they would suddenly begin to manifest their animal forms. This process was similar to the way that ordinary humans learn to talk and walk.

Some children would manifest their animal forms earlier than others, but there was always a relatively narrow window of time during which this occurred. Those who manifested their animal forms too early or too late would be considered aberrations.

Every year, the week of Betan Day is a time of great change for the giant beast human children who are nearing their third birthday. This is the time when they will undergo their first transformation, and it is a time of both great excitement and great danger.

On the one hand, the transformation is a natural and necessary part of their development. It is the moment when they finally embrace their animal nature and become full-fledged members of their tribe.

However, on the other hand, the transformation can also be a time of great upheaval. The children's bodies are changing rapidly, and they may experience physical discomfort and emotional instability.

Additionally, the release of their animal nature can sometimes lead to unrestrained aggression.

For this reason, the children's families and elders need to be extra vigilant during this time. They must provide the children with the support and guidance they need to safely navigate this critical period of their development.

The day when a child of the Beastman tribe transforms into a beast for the first time is a day of both joy and anxiety for the family.

On the one hand, it is a time of great celebration, as the child is finally coming into their own as a member of the tribe. On the other hand, it is also a time of great danger, as the child's newfound strength and aggression can be difficult to control.

The adult Beastmen must use all of their strength and skill to subdue the child without harming them. This is often a difficult task, as the children are often wild and unpredictable. It is not uncommon for chickens to be sent flying and roof tiles to be smashed during these transformations.

However, the adult Beastmen know that it is important to be patient and gentle with the children during this time. They understand that the children are simply struggling to come to terms with their new nature.

With time and guidance, the children will learn to control their strength and aggression, and they will become valuable members of the tribe.

No matter how difficult the transformation may be, the Beastmen know that it is a necessary part of their children's development. They are confident that their children will emerge from this experience stronger and wiser, ready to take their place in the tribe.

But no matter what, they are still young children, so how cruel can they be?

The sound Kevin was hearing now was the sound of one of those anomalies.

It was the sound of an adult who had manifested their animal form a little too late than early, and who was now growing restless and agitated.

The giant beastman before him was unlike any other. He had grown more than ten years beyond the average, and the word "young" no longer applied to him.

In a serious fight in human form, Kevin could only rely on experience and skill to win more than half the time. In terms of raw strength, he was no match for Oswald at all.

And now, if he were to transform into his beast form again, the suppression of his body shape and power would only worsen. If he were to go berserk...

Kevin thought with a wry smile. The three of them might not be able to hold him off.

The enormous shadow on the wall was oppressive. Kevin did not rush over recklessly, but instead walked towards the back of the stone wall step by step, careful not to make too much noise so as not to disturb the already restless beast.

As it turned out, he had been right not to rush over. The person behind the wall did not seem to want to see him very much.

With each step Kevin took, the enormous shadow on the wall took a step back. The beast's breath, which had been echoing through the secret path, grew thicker with each movement. If Kevin did not know who was behind the wall, he would have assumed that the other party was either trying to escape or planning to retreat and attack him.

"Your Majesty?" Kevin called out when the shadow took another step back.

The ferocious beast let out a low growl from the bottom of its throat, a warning sound.

Kevin thought for a moment and took another step forward. "Oswald?" he asked.

The beast was silent for a momentary pause.

Kevin was bewildered. He had not seen Oswald react to his address before. Was he struggling with how to address him? This reaction seemed naive, especially considering that Oswald's mind would be liberated after he transformed into his beast form. It was not a good thing to imitate the giant beasts and the human race.