The Baby in the Treasure Chest

Rocks sprang up almost the instant he opened his eyes.

His muscles tensed on instinct. Though his body still ached faintly, he had already grabbed the weapon beside him, pressed his back against the rock wall, and swept his blade-sharp gaze toward the depths of the cave.

The campfire crackled.

In the orange-red glow sat a figure at ease, as though this were not a secluded hideout, but some leisurely campsite.

"Awake?"

The voice was lazy, carrying its usual casualness.

Rocks abruptly turned his head.

Rock sat cross-legged beside the fire, his clothes somewhat tattered but his expression relaxed. He held a cleanly shaved wooden skewer with a golden-brown roasted fish on it. Grease dripped into the fire, sizzling as it fell.

Noticing Rocks's gaze, he raised a hand and offered him the fish.

"Here."

"You've been unconscious for days. You must be hungry~"

Rocks's gaze lingered on Rock's face for a moment before his taut nerves finally began to ease.

He slowly lowered his weapon, his throat bobbing.

"...Rock."

The next second, he practically snatched the grilled fish away and tore into it without a shred of concern for appearances.

Grease ran between his fingers, but he did not notice at all, as though he meant to replenish all the strength he had lost over the past few days in one go.

The cave held nothing but the sounds of chewing and the crackling fire.

After quite a while, Rocks finally slowed down. Leaning against the rock wall, he lowered his voice. "Thank you."

"For saving me... from that place."

His tone noticeably faltered at the end.

"God Valley..."

As Rock turned over the firewood, he casually replied, "God Valley is gone."

Rocks froze.

He looked up blankly for a moment, then slowly let out a breath, as if