Uchiha Hikaru had already made a full circuit of the house. Although he had found nothing obviously unusual, he still felt that something was wrong. Otherwise, he would not have noticed that the old man's expression differed from everyone else's.
"You two young men have already circled my house twice. I really don't understand what you mean by it. I'm old and can't stand much trouble anymore. Aren't you staying here for the night? Then sleep peacefully!"
Although the old man looked very aged, Uchiha Hikaru felt that it was only a surface appearance. The actual situation was certainly not that simple.
"Old man, to be honest, there's something I really want to ask you. Why is your household the only one here in these deep mountains and forests? Where did everyone else go?"
Since the old man had said as much and had already noticed him investigating the place several times, Uchiha Hikaru saw no harm in asking directly. He did not mind letting the old man know what he truly thought.
"I've been rooted here for decades. The others often met with misfortune and died because there are many ferocious beasts living here."
The old man wore an expression of deep regret as he spoke, but Uchiha Hikaru could tell that he was actually secretly pleased.
Uchiha Hikaru found the old man's thoughts terrifying. He was definitely no ordinary man. Having lived in these deep mountains for decades without being devoured by the beasts here meant he was certainly not simple.
"Then... you..." Uchiha Hikaru had merely wanted to probe the old man with that tone. He felt there was definitely something suspicious about this, but he did not want to say it so bluntly.
After all, Uchiha Hikaru was staying in someone else's home, so he did