บท 165: A Test

With a neutral expression and a trace of weariness, Johan finally stood, his cheek still stinging from Aoi's slap. Just as he opened his mouth to say something, a deep, ancient-sounding voice interrupted the silence between them.

"Well done… young man," the voice echoed, brimming with an old wisdom that felt timeless.

Reflexively, Johan and Aoi became alert, standing on guard as they scanned their surroundings, trying to pinpoint the source of the voice. Finally, they spotted a large parrot perched on a nearby tree branch. The bird watched them intently, with an almost… wise gaze.

"A wild parrot?" Johan muttered, narrowing his eyes in confusion. The bird looked much like an ordinary parrot, but the way it observed them and the intelligence in its voice were far beyond anything they'd ever encountered.