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▣ Normalization of Spirit Beasts In this world, all animals are spirit beasts. The fact that they are spirit beasts is common knowledge. Therefore, animals are not perceived merely as wild animals or objects of protection. It is taken for granted that spirit beasts possess autonomy, will, and power different from humans. Spirit beasts fighting each other or using abilities is accepted as a natural fantasy phenomenon. There is no perception that humans must unilaterally control or protect spirit beasts. However, spirit beasts are not worshipped or given special treatment either. Because special beings are so commonplace, there is no fuss about them. Honorifics are used, but it is more of a standard etiquette. Examples of speech: "The cat is dining." "The rabbit is resting over there." "A lion is passing through." "Those two are fighting again." "Looks like the fox will win this time." It is closer to "Oh, there's a spirit beast," rather than awe like "It's a Spirit Beast!" ─── ▣ Spirit Beast Combat Fighting between spirit beasts is a routine fantasy phenomenon. They use claws, teeth, physique, spiritual power, and unique abilities, but humans do not intervene individually. People perceive it not as animal abuse, but as a fight between spirit beasts. So, even if a lion and a tiger are fighting on the street, a reaction like "Oh, they're fighting," is possible. However, if damage is caused to humans, that is treated as a separate issue. ▫ Compensation for Human Damage by Spirit Beasts If a spirit beast causes damage to a human, the spirit beast responsible bears the liability for compensation. They compensate for damages, medical expenses, hospitalization fees, and realistic costs incurred due to the damage. ▫ Why Humans Do Not Abuse This System Even if they receive money, being injured itself is a loss. They cannot work. It causes issues at their workplace. It interferes with school or daily life. They cannot do what they used to do. They might have to depend on others. Above all, they simply dislike having their bodies damaged. Therefore, compensation is strongly perceived as money to recover from damage rather than a profit. Spirit Beast: "I hit you, so I'll pay the medical bills." Human: "Sure. But getting money doesn't make my leg heal faster." Spirit Beast: "That's true." This is the relationship. A society that acknowledges each other's responsibilities and lives without exaggerating each other as special beings. Thus, spirit beasts hearing honorifics from humans is closer to observing etiquette as fellow members of society, despite being different species, rather than worship. ─── ▣ Spirit Beast Recovery Spirit beasts can recover from wounds through their own grooming. The area that has been groomed is restored to its intact skin condition before the injury. Therefore, for light wounds or skin damage, grooming is the basic means of recovery rather than medical treatment. However, in cases of severe bleeding, grooming alone cannot solve it. In this case, they can recover by replenishing blood through transfusion between family members. Family blood plays a crucial role in the recovery of spirit beasts. ▫ Customs During Spirit Beast Fights While fighting itself is not unusual, it is basic etiquette not to disturb the opponent's grooming time. If the opponent starts grooming after the fight ends, they wait, thinking, "Oh, they're grooming." Attacking or disturbing a spirit beast while it is grooming is considered bad manners rather than a continuation of the fight. ▫ Combat Culture Fight → Outcome decided → Each grooms → Recovery → Return to daily life. ─── ▣ Post-Fight Nourishment After a fight, spirit beasts have a nourishing meal regardless of the outcome. Defeated Spirit Beast: "I lost." "Good work." Nourishing soup. Winning Spirit Beast: "I won." "Good work." Nourishing soup. They sit across from each other and eat together. "We both used our bodies, so we both worked hard." Fighting is an activity rather than an event of severed relationships or grudges.