The Man With Kofe

"So, what brings you here?" the same girl asked, her tone casual but laced with curiosity.

"I don't know," Zen admitted, shrugging. "I was just wandering, and we saw a town. Figured it'd be good to stay for a while.

"Sure, why not? Come with us," another girl chimed in, flashing a quick smile.

Zen fell in step behind them, but just as they entered the outskirts of the town, a dire realization hit him.

The Core. What do I do with the Core?

His heart lurched. He couldn't just stroll into town carrying something that could get him executed. Thinking fast, he veered off. "Give me a minute," he muttered, ducking behind a tree.

In a flurry, he crouched down and hastily buried the Core under a patch of loose soil.

What the fuck am I doing?

From behind him, he heard muffled giggles. He turned his head slightly to see the girls whispering amongst themselves, their smirks growing. Muki, the little traitor, let out a perfectly timed meow, almost as if she were laughing too.

Zen straightened, dusting off his hands as casually as he could, but the damage was done. The tallest of the girls raised an eyebrow, suppressing a grin. "Umm… don't you want to wash your hands?"

Zen froze. His face burned.

"No, no! It's not what you think!" He waved his hands frantically, but the girls only burst into laughter. Defeated, he scratched the back of his head, forcing an awkward smile.

Fantastic. A new town, and I'm already the weird guy who disappears behind trees.

They set off toward the town, the girls chatting as they walked, pointing out the landmarks along the way. The Inn—apparently run by an innkeeper with an attitude, the domestic shed housing cows and buffaloes that provided dairy for the whole town, the bustling central market, and countless other small details that painted a picture of their daily lives.

Yet, for all their talk, they were careful. Not once did they mention their names, and Zen, too awkward to ask, simply listened. It was his first time speaking so openly with strangers, and the realization made his stomach twist.

By the time they reached the Inn, the sun had dipped lower, casting a warm glow over the wooden building.

"See you around, Zen," the tall one said with a casual wave.

She's cute. And oddly comforting.

Zen gave a small nod in return before stepping inside.

He barely made it through the door before a voice boomed across the room.

"No pets allowed!"

Zen flinched, his heart nearly jumping out of his chest. The innkeeper, a gruff-looking man with a deep, raspy voice, didn't even glance up from the glassware he was wiping.

"Well, sir—" Zen began, attempting his most diplomatic tone.

"No," the man cut him off. Just like that. No negotiation, no consideration, just a flat rejection.

Zen deflated instantly. "Alright then," he muttered, shoulders slumping.

"Wait," the innkeeper said suddenly, finally looking up. His sharp eyes studied Zen before narrowing. "What kind is it?"

Zen perked up, turning slightly so the man could see Muki peering over his shoulder. "Not sure. Found her in the forest."

Something flickered across the innkeeper's face—surprise, maybe even disbelief. Wild creatures didn't just follow humans, not without a reason.

Zen went on, explaining how he'd discovered Muki, how her family had been slaughtered—hollowed out like empty shells.

The innkeeper's fingers tightened around the glass he was holding. His eyes darkened, a shadow of something old and terrible passing over his expression.

For the first time since Zen had walked in, the man looked genuinely interested. Or maybe… deeply disturbed.

"So, you're a runaway, huh?" the innkeeper asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and mild amusement.

Zen scoffed, leaning against the counter. "More like kicked out."

"Kicked out?" The man finally gave him a proper look. "What'd you do?"

"Well…" Zen hesitated, then squinted at him. "What's your name, sir?"

"You can call me Captain."

Zen raised an eyebrow. Why does no one tell their real name in this town?

"Alright, Capitan, I'm Zen," he said smoothly, only for the innkeeper to let out a deep sigh.

"It's Captain."

"That's what I said. Capitan." Zen's eyes gleamed with stubborn determination.

The innkeeper shook his head like he was deeply, personally disappointed in whatever forces had brought Zen into his life.

"So," he grunted. "What did you do?"

Zen gave him a lazy smile. "Something bad. Unknowingly."

"Like?"

"I'd prefer to keep it a secret," Zen said, his voice dropping to an eerie whisper.

Captain—studied him for a second before sliding a room key across the counter. Zen placed a few crows in return, the metal coins clinking softly before disappearing into the man's calloused hand.

Without another word, he made his way upstairs and collapsed onto the mattress. The bed was stiff, but it was a bed nonetheless. Muki, meanwhile, was already busy exploring, pawing at the furniture as if the entire room was hers to conquer.

After a while, Zen packed away his belongings and headed downstairs. By now, the inn was alive with noise, the scent of roasted meat and spiced drinks filling the air. The tall girl from earlier was weaving between tables, balancing trays with practiced ease. A young boy, probably a helper, darted around carrying dishes. And behind the counter stood the ever-disgruntled Captain.

Zen strolled up with a smirk. "Evening, Capitan."

The innkeeper's frown deepened into something almost existential.

Zen's gaze briefly met the tall girl's, but she quickly looked away.

He leaned against the counter. "What's the drink here?"

Captain didn't bother answering. Instead, he slammed a wooden mug onto the table, its contents sloshing slightly.

Zen eyed the murky brown liquid inside.

…This looks like it could either cure a sickness or cause one.

Zen eyed the murky liquid with pure skepticism. It looked like someone had scooped up a mug of mud water straight from a swamp. He wrinkled his nose.

This better not kill me.

Before he could protest, Captain grabbed a small pitcher and poured in a splash of milk. The dark sludge lightened into a more inviting brown.

Zen hesitated, then took a sip. His throat burned. His body rejected it instantly.

He coughed. "Are you trying to poison me?"

Captain let out a deep, belly-shaking laugh.

So, he does have emotions. Good to know.

Without a word, the old man grabbed a small stick of sugarcane and dropped it into the mug. "Try now."

Zen took another cautious sip. His eyes widened.

"What the—?!" He took another gulp. "This is… completely different. It's actually good!"

Captain smirked. "It's called Kofe. Our specialty. Gives you energy. Might keep you up all night."

Zen's excitement faltered. He shot the man a deadpan look. "So I won't be able to sleep?"

Captain just shrugged.

Zen hummed, taking another sip. Actually… this might work in my favor. If I can't sleep, I can roam the town alone. Figure out what to do with the Core.