---
Kai's claw remained tight around the Frog-Prince's chest, the monster's skin bulging and twitching, his pulse like a sludgy river under Kai's grip. The battlefield was silent but for the rasp of shallow breath and the bubbling of acid blood pooling at their feet.
Akayoroi narrowed her eyes. "Those stories were real?"
Kai's voice came out hoarse. "You said… Japan?"
The Prince nodded solemnly. "Yes. That was the name. The native there… they mistook Bufo IX for one of their own, a creature meant to entertain, a mascot. A living plush, round-bellied and green. They called him Lucky Frog-Kyun."
Azhara blinked. "Lucky… what?"
"They adored him. Millions lined up to see him. They gave him food called sweet rice cakes and skewered treats. Children squealed, old women blessed him for luck. They took something called selfies, they can capture your appearance with that. How scary! But it doesn't harm anyone."
