After Long Mo left, Hu Jiao Jiao prepared breakfast for the cubs, then went back to supervising the stone house construction.

Meanwhile, Long Yao, full from breakfast, immediately returned to the hut to nap.

“Awoo~ While Dad’s away, I’m going to sleep all I want! That way, I won’t be tired when he comes back!”

In his simple mind, Long Yao didn’t realize that he couldn’t get enough sleep in advance.

Long Ling’er, on the other hand, went down to the river to clean her beloved little knife. This was her daily ritual—washing it with clear water, then carefully sharpening it to keep the blade keen. She treated it with the utmost care, as if it were a rare treasure.

She bent over a large stone, intently honing the knife, when a pair of familiar shoes appeared in her view. They were made by her mother.

Looking up, she saw Long Zhong and instantly pouted.

“Third Brother, don’t sneak up on me like that! You walk so quietly, just like an elf!”

In the deep, dark forest, they say elves appear out of nowhere, often frightening unwary beastmen just for amusement. Some tales even say they’ll lure beastmen away to devour them. In the minds of beastmen, elves are akin to human ghosts. Often, beastmen parents would tell such stories to keep mischievous cubs from wandering too far.

To Ling’er, Long Zhong, with his serious, quiet demeanor and habit of teasing her, seemed just as sneaky as those mythical elves.

Long Zhong said nothing, simply reaching into his pocket and handing her something black.

“What’s this?” Long Ling’er stretched her neck to get a better look, though she didn’t reach out to take it just yet.

“It’s for you,” Long Zhong muttered, taking two steps forward to place the object in her hand.

Long Ling’er inspected the item carefully. Made of animal hide, its surface was covered in short fur that felt rough to the touch. The stitching was unrefined, clearly the work of a beginner, but there were no scratchy seams.

She tilted her head, wondering aloud, “What’s it for?”

Looking closer, she realized it was shaped like her beloved knife. Curious, she slipped the knife inside.

“Wow, it fits perfectly!” Her eyes sparkled as she turned to Long Zhong, her excitement spilling over. “Third Brother, did you make this cover for my knife?”

Long Zhong quickly turned away, feigning indifference. “I just threw something together. I figured it might keep you from accidentally hurting anyone.”

In truth, he was more worried she’d hurt herself. She was a young girl, after all, and that knife was sharp.

But Long Ling’er, as if oblivious to his gruff tone, beamed. “Thank you for making my knife a cover, Third Brother. I love it!”

She clutched the cover fondly, adding, “My knife loves it too.”

“It’s just a quick fix,” he replied, expression darkening as he corrected her. “I didn’t make it specially.”

Ling’er only chuckled, her smile growing brighter. With a huff, Long Zhong walked away.

Meanwhile, Long Yu was striking a towering tree with his fists, each punch honing his strength and stamina. Before the tree’s massive trunk, he looked as small as a blade of grass, each punch met only by a dull thud. Yet he remained undeterred, swinging over and over.

One punch, two punches… hundreds, then thousands.

If he persisted, he thought, someday he’d knock that tree down. Someday he’d be strong enough to protect his family and fend off any who would harm them. He’d be the strongest beastman, protecting his brothers, sister, and mother.

Not far from him, Long Xiu stood in quiet focus, his eyes closed, listening to the sounds around him, his slingshot in hand. He focused on the whispering breeze, rustling leaves, and birds flapping their wings—sounds most would find impossible to pinpoint.

A faint breeze swept by. The birds, bothered by Long Yu’s steady pummeling, scattered from the branches. The moment their wings took flight, Long Xiu’s ears twitched, and in an instant, he raised his hand, launching a stone with precision.

Thwack.

The stone hit its mark.

Long Yu withdrew his fists, watching in surprise as a gray sparrow fell to the ground, twitching briefly before going still. Turning to Long Xiu, his face usually stern, he smiled with pride. “Second Brother, you hit it!”

Long Xiu was just as surprised, then a small smile crept across his pale face.

“Well done.” Long Yu retrieved the sparrow, placing a hand on Long Xiu’s shoulder in approval. It was the first time he’d seen his younger brother smile.

For as long as he could remember, Long Xiu had been a quiet, withdrawn presence, shunning the sun and avoiding contact with others—even his own siblings. Long Yu had never thought he’d see him smile.

Taking Long Xiu’s hand, Long Yu placed the sparrow in his palm. Long Xiu set down the slingshot, his fingers trembling as they brushed the bird’s soft, warm feathers. Its body still held a trace of warmth. This was his prize, his first catch—something he’d won on his own.

It might have been just a small sparrow, but to Long Xiu, it was a huge step forward.

“Big Brother, I did it. I can really do it.”

It took a moment, but Long Xiu managed to speak, his voice shaking. He wasn’t useless anymore.

Maybe now, his mother wouldn’t find him entirely worthless.

Long Yu’s face softened with pride. Though Long Xiu couldn’t see it, he nodded emphatically. “Yes, you did. You’re amazing.”

Long Xiu’s legs trembled, unused to standing for so long. Long Yu reached out, steadying him.

“Take it easy, Second Brother,” he said, frowning slightly. “You don’t need to push yourself so hard.”

I’m your big brother, he thought. Even if you never grow stronger, I’ll always take care of you.

Long Xiu pressed his hand over Long Yu’s, which was covered in thick calluses from countless punches.

“Big Brother, if you keep punching like that, your hands will end up like my eyes—useless.”

Long Yu froze, then pulled a stern face.

Then he remembered that he couldn’t see, so he deliberately spoke in a slightly angry voice:
“Who’s the big brother here?”