Book 1 - Chapter 2 - Family

The Massacre of the Multicolor Leaf Forest.

The name stood out like a dark stain in the annals of Leaf City's history. It referred to the tragic event that led to the deaths of a dozen merchants and around twenty armed bandits.

The incident sent shockwaves through Leaf City. Previously untouched by the cold fingers of war, the city now grappled with a new reality, as if a page had been torn from a grim fairy tale and brought to life.

The town's usual hum was replaced with an oppressive silence when somber-faced mercenaries rolled into town. Their wagons creaked under the weight of mutilated corpses, painting a haunting picture. The eerie silence was broken only by the groaning of wheels, a sound louder and more chilling than any spoken horror.

The mercenaries urgently recounted what they had found to the city's leaders.

Rumors spread like ripples in a pond, taking flight on the wings of fear—was it the work of a deadly high-level spirit beast that roamed the forest? A shiver ran through the crowd; parents clutched their children tighter, recalling ancient bedtime tales of bloodthirsty creatures.

Yet another whisper began to circulate among the townspeople: the slaughter had been executed by an enigmatic martial artist passing through. This theory, strangely enough, provided some small comfort; a human perpetrator, though frightening, was more understandable than an unknown monster.

For the ruling class, however, it represented a more menacing threat than even an evil spirit beast. After all, a rogue martial artist could be a wild card, a potential disruptor to the balance of power.

The peaceful days were replaced by restless nights. The city fortified its perimeters, barricaded the forest entrance, and abandoned the once-frequented road. But the silence from that place did nothing to quell the oppressing fear.

Growing anxiety among the populace, fueled by their fervent desire to bring light to the mystery, finally prompted the authorities to assign the task to a group of guards responsible for the city's management.

They were sent on an expedition into the heart of the forest. The city also rewarded mercenaries and brave volunteers willing to venture into the dangerous territory.

After extensive preparations and strategic planning, the exploration team embarked on their mission, fueled by the hope of uncovering traces of the beast—or the mysterious martial artist—and putting an end to the fear gripping their city.

However, their efforts proved fruitless. They scoured the forest's outskirts, searching for any signs that could lead them to the culprit. Yet, no trace of the creature resembling the perpetrator was found.

It was speculated that it had likely retreated deep into the heart of the forest, a treacherous and risky prospect for the soldiers and mercenaries comprising the team.

Despite the tempting rewards, not even the allure of wealth could convince them to undertake such a risky endeavor. Defeated, they were left with no choice but to return empty-handed.

To quell the persistent rumors and restore calm, the authorities narrated that a powerful martial artist was responsible for the massacre. They hoped this purported expert was merely a fabrication and would not suddenly emerge with nefarious intentions.

Over time, the frenzy surrounding the incident gradually subsided, eventually fading from the people's collective memory as they resumed their daily routines.

***

Three years after the Massacre of the Multicolor Leaf Forest

A young boy gleefully chased butterflies amidst the vibrant vegetation on a sunny spring day, his laughter pure and innocent.

At first glance, the scene might have appeared ordinary. However, the location where the child played was far from ordinary. It was the heart of the Multicolor Leaf Forest, a place considered extremely dangerous due to the creatures that resided inside.

Yet, despite the tempting presence of prey scurrying on two feet, none of the surrounding creatures dared to make a move. Deep within the forest, the creatures whispered of a guardian so formidable that even the fiercest dared not tread near.

Countless deaths had taught them the peril of approaching that area and attempting harm against the peculiar little being protected by the monstrous entity.

It wielded a deadly power, ready to strike down anyone foolish enough to harm the child. Only insects and small creatures were allowed to draw near, always under watchful eyes.

Although only three, the boy appeared older, around five or six, with dark brown skin, jet-black hair, and brown eyes so dark they tended to black.

Dressed in shimmering silvery silk garments that glistened in the sunlight, he seemed remarkably unfazed by the dangers of the forest as he gleefully pursued the butterflies. So engrossed was he in his game that he nearly wandered past the invisible boundaries his mother had carefully set.

At that moment, a sharp sound caught his attention, followed by a voice that resonated in his mind. The sound would have been nothing more than indecipherable noises emitted by some unknown beast to ordinary humans. But for the child, it was as clear as any spoken language.

"Not a step further, my dear,” came the gentle reproach from an unseen speaker. The boy paused, the playful gleam in his eyes fading to contemplation. "Remember the boundaries I set? Even when playing, awareness is key. You promised me, didn’t you?”

Surprised by the voice, the boy immediately halted, his expression filled with concern. He responded uniquely with a touch of sadness, producing a series of sounds that conveyed his understanding and remorse. "Yes, you're right, mother. I'm sorry, I'll return immediately."

With those words, he hurried back to the safety of his home, where he resided with his mother.

This boy was the very same newborn who had been rescued during the tragic incident three years ago. His mother, a spirit beast in the form of a spider, had valiantly saved him. They had lived together in the forest's heart for the past three years.

Their dwelling was a vast, dome-shaped spiderweb measuring 10 meters in radius and 5 meters in height. It was securely fastened to the ground, and at its center, there was a spacious recess through which the child could crawl. The entrance would then be sealed during sleep hours, providing protection.

As he made his way through the slit, his mother appeared, her many eyes glistening like dewdrops in the soft light, each reflecting a fierce, protective love as she watched over him. She reassured him, "Do not fear; I am not angry. I simply want you to be cautious. Now, it's time to eat. Come."

The child's eyes sparkled with innocent joy, and his lips stretched wide, revealing tiny teeth as he dashed forward to embrace his mother. Although the sight of a giant spider would typically evoke fear in most, it was the epitome of comfort and warmth for him.

He eagerly took a seat, the ground cool beneath him, as the aroma of the freshly cooked meal reached his nostrils. A fish, its scales shimmering even in death, and assorted insects sizzled over a small but roaring fire nearby.

While such a fire would typically threaten the web, this was no ordinary spiderweb. Its unique composition rendered it impervious to the flames. Moreover, a large opening at the top allowed smoke to dissipate, a feature that would be sealed during the night, creating an enclosed sanctuary.

As mother and son blissfully enjoyed their meal, the tranquility was interrupted by two sharp cracking sounds as if something were breaking.

Alarmed, the spider swiftly gazed toward the silk bags, sheltering her two eggs. They quivered vigorously, emitting the peculiar noises that had captured her attention. In a matter of moments, the silk bags burst open, revealing two tiny spirit beasts within.

One was a delicate spider, her dark purple body adorned with mesmerizing silver swirls. The other, a sleek snake, her black scales interrupted by intricate gold patterns. Their tiny chests heaved as they eagerly consumed the remnants of their shells to quell their hunger.

As they caught sight of the towering presence of their mother, they instinctively shuffled towards her, drawn by an invisible bond of kinship and security.

Their gazes then landed on the little boy standing beside her, a blend of puzzlement and curiosity in their eyes, while they continued their feast on the eggs and silk sacks that had cradled them for so long.

"Finally, they have emerged!" The mother spider was overwhelmed by the numerous emotions she was feeling. For three years, she had been waiting for this exact moment. Finally, she was able to meet her children — the legacy of her beloved.

However, she quickly suppressed her excitement and focused on inspecting her offspring to ensure there were no issues with their birth. She discovered that both were females and were in perfect health.

Relieved, she fetched water from roughly made wooden buckets to cleanse the tiny spider and snake. Once cleaned, she prepared to introduce her daughters to their human brother.

"Step forward, my dears," the mother spider coaxed with a tender, encouraging tone. "Meet your big brother, who has eagerly awaited your arrival. Remember to listen to him and avoid any quarrels. Boy, come closer. These are your two little sisters. Don't be afraid."

The boy hesitated, then stepped closer with a deep breath, his heart thudding loudly. He had watched the eggs with growing curiosity, imagining the siblings inside. Now, seeing them alive and vibrant, his heart swelled with a mix of wonder and anticipation.

The boy knelt down, his hand trembling slightly as he reached out with a shy but genuine smile. “Hello, I'm your big brother,” he whispered, his voice a mix of awe and assurance.

The tiny spider, responding to his gesture, cautiously extended one slender leg to tap against his skin gently, her touch as light as a whisper.

The little snake, eager to join in, darted her thin tongue in and out in quick, playful flicks, eliciting delighted giggles from the boy as each ticklish touch surprised him.

"Now that we're all together, it’s time to receive your names," the mother spider declared with a joyous tremble in her voice, a moment she had cherished in her heart for years.

She pointed to the little spider first. "You shall be called Xing, for you shine like a star." Turning her attention to the little snake, she continued, "And you, little one, shall be called Ye, for you possess the enchantment of the night that cradles the stars."

Finally, she shifted her gaze to the young boy, who had yet to receive a name. All this time, the spider had been postponing giving him a name until all her children were born.

At the moment, she recalled what her beloved one told her: ‘Darkness, although it appears to engulf them, can protect them from the dangers of life until they become strong enough to stand on their own.’

"As for you, little one, your name shall be Hei, symbolizing the vast, protective embrace of darkness. Your task is to protect your little sisters, just as darkness safeguards the night and the stars. Do you understand?"

Hei's eyes gleamed with recognition and pride. Finally, he received a name, one with such a profound meaning. Swallowing a lump of emotion, he murmured, "Yes, mother." But curiosity bubbled within him. A question he had for a long time and that he had postponed asking until his mother would give his name. "Mother, what's your name?"

His mother was taken aback by the question, recalling a distant memory from her days as a low-level spirit beast when venturing beyond her lair required utmost caution.

‘You saved my life, and I am forever indebted to you. I see that you have no name. How would you feel if I gave you one? Since you are like a precious treasure stumbled upon by chance, I shall call you Bao Bei.’

Bao Bei was the name bestowed upon her long ago. Rekindling that memory, the spider smiled at Hei and added, "At another time, they called me Bao Bei. But to you, my love, I'll always be 'mother.'"

Hei's face lit up, the warmth of the revelation enveloping him. Excitement took over as he scampered off, immersing himself in play with his newfound siblings. Their joyful laughter, harmonized with playful growls and hisses, became the enchanting symphony of the Multicolor Leaf Forest.

Though newly born, they were spirit beasts gifted with innate understanding and mobility. They embraced their roles as siblings, ready to embark on the adventures that awaited them in the wondrous Multicolor Leaf Forest.

***

A month had passed since the birth of Xing and Ye. They had grown stronger and were no longer quickly exhausted during playtime. They had also increased in size, standing as big as a palm.

As Hei, Xing, and Ye sat down for breakfast, enjoying a meal of insects and apples, Bao Bei wore a severe expression, indicating that she had something important to share.

"Listen closely, my little ones. You have grown enough, and it's time to begin training. You must learn to be more self-sufficient and master the art of hunting. From this point forward, you will be responsible for capturing the prey I assign to you. Do you understand?" Bao Bei asked, her eight eyes focused on her children.

Hunting, a crucial skill for carnivorous spirit beasts. While it was an innate instinct, it was important for young ones to receive guidance, especially during the early phases of development, to navigate the dangers that accompanied hunting. Mothers were responsible for teaching their offspring how to hunt, although the approach varied among species.

Bao Bei wanted all three of her children to learn the art of hunting as soon as possible. In a dangerous world like theirs, the uncertainty of life meant being prepared for any situation. She also wanted to ensure their independence in case something happened to her.

Hei, Xing, and Ye gazed up at their mother, their eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty, struggling to grasp the sudden shift in their daily routine. Until now, Bao Bei had always provided them with food, and they had grown accustomed to it. Confusion washed over them as they grappled with the idea of hunting on their own.

Hei’s voice trembled slightly, "Does this mean you won’t bring us food anymore?"
Xing clutched closer to his side, "I don’t want you to leave us, Mother."
With a quiver in her voice, Ye asked, "Aren’t you going to be with us anymore?"

Bao Bei's heart tightened at their anxious words, and she quickly knelt to their level, her voice soothing as she reassured them. "No, no, what are you thinking, my little fools? I have no intention of leaving you. You must learn to hunt, but that doesn't mean I'll be gone. Will you do it for your mother?"

Relieved, the three nodded happily, no longer worried about abandonment. Bao Bei chose not to disclose the actual reason behind their training, not wanting to burden them with unnecessary concerns.

After finishing their meal, they ventured out of their massive spiderweb home to embark on their first hunting lessons.

"Always remain vigilant, my little ones. No matter how weak a creature is, approach cautiously and assess the situation carefully. If you decide to attack, do so and end their life quickly. Playing with prey is not acceptable, understood?" Bao Bei instructed, her gaze sternly fixed on Hei, Xing, and Ye.

Hei immediately signaled his understanding, and his sisters followed suit. Seeing their comprehension, Bao Bei continued her explanation.

"Respect what you kill and eat. Every creature has its purpose; taking a life means getting your hands stained with blood. Only kill when necessary and never for amusement. And when you do kill, waste nothing. Honor the life you've taken by using the prey's body fully."

Bao Bei then led them through the underbrush, her movements a silent whisper against the foliage. She skillfully demonstrated how to blend into the shadows of the vegetation for an ambush and how to artfully set traps with twigs and leaves. She executed several strategic maneuvers to simulate capturing prey, each move precise and calculated to teach them the essentials of survival.

Xing and Ye initially struggled, as it was their first time applying their skills voluntarily. However, being spirit beasts, an instinct guided their movements and actions. It took them only a short time to internalize the lessons. Nevertheless, they still needed practice with a real, moving target to truly master the art of hunting.

On the other hand, Hei faced a more significant challenge as a human. Lacking specialized abilities like web-spinning or venomous fangs, he found it more difficult to adapt to the hunting techniques taught by his spider mother. Being a spider herself, Bao Bei possessed extensive knowledge of spider and snake tactics, but translating them into something usable for a human presented a unique challenge.

"Mother, I can't do it. I'm not like Xing and Ye, who have poison and powerful fangs. I can't produce webs either. Why am I so different?" Hei expressed his frustration, his face filled with sadness.

Whenever he gazed into the water, Hei saw only his own two eyes reflecting back—so unlike the numerous eyes of his mother, a stark reminder of their differences. A pang of alienation would grip him, a quiet yearning to understand why he didn't possess the same gifts as his sisters.

Born and raised in an environment devoid of humans, Hei was unfamiliar with the concept of being human. Bao Bei purposely kept him in the dark about his origins, fearing their species differences might cause her to lose her beloved son.

Seeing his sad face, Bao Bei hurriedly reassured him while ordering Xing and Ye to continue their training. "Hei, listen to me. You don't have to be sad. Being different is nothing to be ashamed of. Just like Xing and Ye, you are special in your own way. There's nothing wrong with that, and I love you just the same, okay?"

Hei listened to his mother's comforting words, wiping away his tears, his eyes still red. "But I want to hunt just like Xing and Ye, with you by my side. Why can't I do it?"

"Don't lose hope, my dear. You will succeed, I promise. You worry so much about being different, but did you know you can acquire sharp fangs and inject venom, too? For example, you can let your nails grow and shape them into claws. By biting with enough force, your teeth can become weapons.

As for producing poison and webs, there is a way for you to develop those abilities, too. But for now, it's still too early. In the meantime, you can use weapons to improve your hunting skills." Bao Bei explained, offering a glimmer of hope to her son.

Hei's excitement reignited upon hearing that he could eventually possess the same abilities as his mother and sisters. He eagerly anticipated his future growth. "Alright, mother, I'll be patient and wait until I'm older. Until then, I'll learn how to use weapons. But what exactly are weapons?" Hei inquired curiously.

"Good boy, that's the spirit. Weapons come in various forms, each with its characteristics. While I'm no expert, I have a basic understanding of their usage. The one I want to teach you to wield is the spear," Bao Bei declared.

Weapons, the tools of death used by humans and demons. Bao Bei's eyes clouded with a dark memory. She had witnessed countless spirit beasts felled by the thrust of a gleaming weapon wielded by a human or a demon. However, she couldn't let her personal feelings hinder her son's future. For Hei's sake, she set aside her aversion and decided to introduce him to the world of weaponry.

With a graceful sweep, Bao Bei extended one of her formidable spider legs, the movement fluid like silk floating on a breeze.

"Before wielding a spear, you need to understand its anatomy. It combines a long shaft with a piercing tip. Just as my leg serves as an extension of my body, your spear needs to be an extension of your body."

With a swift lunge of her leg, it snapped crisply in the air, creating a resonating rumble. Hei instinctively recoiled, feeling the weight of the sheer force, realizing the fatal power behind such a strike.

"Spear materials vary. The lightest and most delicate are made of wood. However, a wooden one is just fine since you're still small. Besides, I'm not able to shape the metal, so it's the only choice at the moment."

She went on, creating a vivid mental picture of spear combat, emphasizing the balance between range and maneuverability.

"The spear is mainly used from a mid-range distance. The longer it is, the greater the range advantage, reducing the chance of being reached by the enemy. However, a long spear can impact your agility due to its reduced maneuverability.

In the future, you can choose the length of your spear depending on what size you feel comfortable with. Occasionally, you might throw the spear to hit an enemy from a distance, but be cautious; losing your weapon could leave you unarmed."

Hei absorbed her teachings, a collage of images and sounds flooding his young mind. Thanks to her ability to communicate via the mind, Bao Bei’s unique method of blending visual and auditory lessons allowed him to grasp complex concepts, even though he had yet to experience them directly. The spear’s resemblance to a spider’s leg fascinated him, solidifying his yearning to master it. To him, it was the ideal weapon.

Hei’s identity had been a growing ache in his heart. His distinctiveness from the forest creatures, coupled with the advent of his siblings, Xing and Ye, amplified his insecurities despite his mother’s love. After all, he never met another human. Yet, the promise of becoming like his mother, paired with the allure of the spear, ignited fresh hope in him.

While finishing her detailed spear overview, Bao Bei’s multi-faceted eyes studied Hei's reactions, "So what do you say? Do you like it as a weapon?”

Hei's eyes sparkled, "Absolutely! When do we begin?"

"First, choose your tree,” she replied, her tone playful. "Since your first spear will be a wood one, then you can choose which tree you want your spear to come from."

Hearing that he could choose the tree from which his weapon would emerge, Hei smiled and immediately rushed to look around for the most majestic and robust tree in the area.

They were at the forest's heart, and there was much thicker vegetation than the outside area. After all, the trees were older and more resistant. Choosing which one was the most robust was a difficult task.

'Where do I start? Mother said I could pick anyone, but the trees look the same, though. I don't know what to choose...’ Hei thought to himself as he struggled to find the right tree.

Unable to see the difference in hardness between the trees, he decided to go according to the hue of the leaves. After all, although they were similar in the trunk, the trees had leaves of different colors. The tree that Hei chose had a nocturnal blend of deep purple, green, and blue, reminiscent of the night sky.

Ever since he and his two little sisters received their names, he had begun to appreciate the night more than the day, despite Bao Bei still not allowing him to stay awake late into the night.

"Mother, I want that one," Hei said as he pointed at the chosen tree.

Upon seeing his choice, Bao Bei felt a warmth surge in her. Without a word, she deftly snapped a branch using a spiderweb thread. Bao Bei immediately took the branch that was about to fall to the ground and started quickly working on it by cutting it at various points. It didn’t take long before the thick branch took the form of a spear.

When the spear was finished, Bao Bei placed it on the ground near Hei's feet to make him look closely. "Here, this is your spear. For now, you can use this. In the future, we'll see if we can find you a metal one when you grow up, okay?"

"Yes, thank you, mother. I'm really happy. Thank you very much."

In a burst of emotion, Hei rushed into his mother's embrace, every ounce of him pulsating with joy and gratitude. Bao Bei, perceptive as always, allowed the moment, understanding the depth of his feelings.

Once he calmed down, Hei set his eyes on the spear resting on the ground. Meanwhile, Xing and Ye, intrigued by what was happening, curiously came closer to inspect the unfamiliar object on the ground.

With a gentle nudge from Bao Bei, Hei grasped the spear. It was a solid wooden construct, demanding a fair bit of effort from a child of his age and size. Furthermore, since it was 1 meter long, it was somewhat strenuous for Hei to maneuver it, considering he was just a meter and a few centimeters tall.

As Hei lifted it, a torrent of emotions flooded Bao Bei: pride for the boy she'd raised and fear for the future she'd crafted for him. The path she set him on was irreversible, especially since she had infused him with her blood, steering his destiny toward the path of cultivation.

Yet, she believed in the spear's potential as a tool for protection, not malice. Weapons were not inherently evil but extensions of the wielder's intentions.

Bao Bei wanted Hei to learn to use the spear to protect himself and his two little sisters. Moreover, she trusted him fully — a human raised by a spirit beast that wanted to be like them.

In her eyes, Hei wasn't just a human; he was a bridge to the old dreams of her long-lost companion. While she hoped he'd forge his own path, her maternal instincts yearned to protect him from the burdens of destiny. Pushing these thoughts aside, she introduced Hei to the rudiments of spear handling.

Although Bao Bei's expertise wasn't rooted in human techniques, her experiences battling foes gave her insights into the weapon's potential. She knew, however, that Hei's true mastery would come from human guidance and actual combat. But all in due time.

Fumbling initially, Hei's determination was unyielding. Inspired by his mother's grace, he persevered. He knew it would be difficult, but the thought of looking like his mother spurred him on.

"Keep it up, Hei," Bao Bei encouraged. "Train with it every day, and in the future, you will see that you will be familiar with it. Xing, Ye, come with me. Let us resume your workouts. You must put the same commitment as your big brother into training, alright?"

"Yes, we will do our best. We promise." the little spider and the little snake said in chorus.

Both of them saw how hard Hei was training, and they didn't want to be outdone. But, at the same time, they were also eager to hone their unique abilities. They wanted to be able to use them quickly.

To increase their survival skills, Bao Bei made them undergo intensive physical workouts in addition to their hunting training. After all, the body was a fundamental aspect of a spirit beast that should be strengthened absolutely. This concept was valid even for humans and demons, especially for martial artists—in the cultivation world, the body was both a shield and weapon.

This rigid training regime soon became a habit in Hei and his two little sisters' lives. Although it was tiring, they still practiced hard every day under the strict supervision of Bao Bei, making her heart swell with pride due to their improvements.

***

A month into their rigorous training, the trio's progress was becoming palpable, and with that came a thirst for more intense sessions. However, Bao Bei firmly resisted their pleas, emphasizing the significance of rest.

Determined to enforce adequate rest, she began herding them into their den for a post-lunch siesta, even joining them to ensure they indeed rested.

It was during one of these afternoon naps that the unexpected occurred.

A sudden disturbance jolted Bao Bei from her slumber. To her immediate concern, Xing and Ye were squirming beside her, their distress evident in their rapid breaths. Moments later, they awoke, their eyes wide with confusion and fear.

"Mother, what's going on? I feel something pinching all over me." Ye said with fearful eyes. It was the first time she felt such a sensation, and she didn’t understand why. Then, turning around, she saw that Xing was also in the same condition, and she started to get even more panic-stricken.

Bao Bei swiftly recognized the symptoms. "Ye, Xing, take deep breaths." she began, her voice steady and reassuring as she examined their condition. In an instant, she immediately recognized what was wrong and hastened to explain to them.

"Calm down. There is nothing to be afraid of. You are simply molting."

They exchanged puzzled looks. "Molting?"

"Remember that day we see those translucent husks of beetles and butterflies on tree barks? That's molting, too. It's nature's way of saying you've outgrown your past selves. So, every now and then, parts of you are shed. Xing, you’ll shed your exoskeleton, and Ye, your skin."

"And does it take a lot?" As Ye felt the initial discomfort, panic consumed her. It felt alien, and for a moment, she wished she could escape her own skin. But a realization dawned as Bao Bei's calm voice filtered through her distress. This was growth, natural and inevitable. She took a shaky breath, reminding herself to trust the process and the comforting presence of her family beside her.

As for Xing, while discomfort was undeniable, she couldn't help her innate curiosity. Each segment of her exoskeleton that shed revealed a newer, tender layer beneath. It was a bizarre mix of vulnerability and exhilaration. "This is me," she thought, "evolving, becoming."

"Well, it depends. But it is an important process, and it shouldn’t be rushed. So stay calm and let the molting continue. You must complete it properly and throw away every single old part of your body. You also have to remember that the molting should only be done if you are in a safe place."

Ye and Xing's tension eased somewhat with their mother's reassurances, though a trace of apprehension lingered in their eyes since it was a new experience. However, the warmth of their mother's confidence wrapped around them like a comforting silk. Finally, they decided to listen to their mother and let the molting process take its course. Meanwhile, Hei, who had woken up from the bustle in the den, stood by his two little sisters with a careful look.

"Mother, will I also molt as Xing and Ye?"

"For you, Hei, it's different. You don't need to molt, but it's a good thing, you know? Molting is a delicate process if you don't have someone to protect you. You have to stand still, and if you move a little, you can cause bad molting, which could lead to serious consequences.

Therefore, Hei, your role becomes even more crucial now. You must safeguard Xing and Ye during their molts when they are most vulnerable. Can I count on you?"

Hei nodded, determination clear in his eyes. "Yes, mother. I'll protect them."

Seeing Ye and Xing's frightened faces and feeling that the molting was dangerous, Hei thought, for the first time, it was okay to be different from them since he would be able to protect his two sisters during those times. Then, thinking back to his mother, he said, "And you, mother? Don't you molt? I never remember seeing you do it."

"Good boy, you have watchful eyes. As for me, I also have to molt, but not as much as Xing and Ye. They were born recently and grow fast, so they often have to molt. I am already in the adult phase, and therefore, I don't have to do it so frequently. I also have some control over this process, so I can decide when to do it. When the time comes, you must protect me, okay?"

As she said this, Bao Bei put one of her legs down to caress Hei's head. Happy to be able to help his mother, Hei focused on the two that were molting. Under the Bao Bei's guidance, he occasionally helped Xing and Ye with their molting, cutting off, with his two hands, the parts that were being thrown away.

Three hours passed before the molting process ended. Then, finally, Xing and Ye, exhausted, were laid on one side by Beo Bei while, helped by Hei, she used some water to clean them. The two of them then went to sleep after the grueling process.

In the meantime, Hei looked at the discarded exoskeletons; he found them very alluring. They were a tangible testament to growth and transformation. He felt a twinge of envy but also a burgeoning sense of responsibility. He might not have experienced molting in the literal sense, but his journey had its unique challenges. And now, he had the added duty to protect his siblings during their vulnerable phases.

"Mother, what do we do with these? Can I keep them?"

"And what would you like to do?"

"I don't know... but throwing them away would be a waste."

"You are right. Then, how about eating them?"

To this answer, Hei was stunned. He didn't think these wastes could be eaten. Then, seeing him speechless, Bao Bei said.

"The molting process is very tiring and consumes a lot of energy. So, it happens to become hungry after finishing it, and being in the wild without energy is very dangerous. Therefore, sometimes eating one's molting becomes necessary. But don't worry; it tastes good if you cook it first with fire."

Convinced by his mother, Hei decided to help her with preparing food. Ultimately, they opted to prepare Xing and Ye’s molts together with a couple of rabbits caught in the morning.

As Bao Bei knew that humans had trouble eating raw food, ever since Hei had become able to eat solid food, she had always prepared cooked food for him, and this custom was also passed to Xing and Ye.

A fragrant smell was soon transmitted in the den, which awakened the two sleeping little creatures. Being still exhausted by the molting, they were more hungry than ever. So, together with their mother and brother, they put themselves in a circle around the fire. Then, the whole family ate together to recover from that tiring day.