Chapter 62: Deadly Rats!

An NPC eager for redemption accompanied Jack and a small wolf. 

They were right in front of the cellar door, one that would lead to an incredibly tough challenge. 

"Are you ready?" Jack asked. 

"I've never been more ready. This time I won't cower!" The hunter declared mightily. 

"Sure, sure, but you just need to act as a distraction until I find the vinegar. That's fine with you, right?" 

"Of course! Let's do this!" He seemed so hyped about fighting rats! 

They entered, with the NPC charging toward the bloodthirsty creatures. Meanwhile, Jack ran all over the place, overturning every single container. How had all this even survived the time and rats? 

He knew that he had to hurry up. The NPC's life depended on him! But after a few seconds, he already found the clear bottle he had been looking for: vinegar, hell yeah! 

The hunter was bloodied all over, but his injuries weren't critical, most being superficial wounds. Nice! They would be able to retreat without an issue. 

"C'mon, I got it! Let's get out of here!" Jack cried. 

"No way! I've finally understood something!" The hunter protested. 

"What the heck are you talking about!" 

"If I run away, I will always remain a coward! I've decided to change! It's all because of you! You've convinced me to turn my life around. I will face my fears head-on!" 

"What the heck does fighting rats have to do with your fox trauma?!" 

"It's not about the foxes or even my friend. It's about me being too weak to keep on fighting! Don't you understand?! This is my chance to make everything right!" 

"Like hell it is! Stop being a fool and come over!" Jack cried out. 

"Thank you, friend, for showing me the way, and thank you for sharing your meat with me. I will forever remember this kindness!"

God fucking dammit! It seemed like there was no way to change this guy's mind. He was now completely surrounded and utterly screwed. 

"Ah, whatever. No need to thank me. By the way, I gave you human flesh to eat. That's probably why the taste was familiar." Jack suddenly confessed. 

"You did what?! What the fuck?! How dare you! I won't forgive you! I'll ARGGG—"

Jack quietly closed the door, the man's dying screams resounding in the peaceful village. Talk about a fucking waste! 

"Woo?" (Wondering)

"Yeah, this guy won't respawn. Well, at least not him. There will be a copy coming over."

"Woo?" (Puzzled) 

"Yep, this version of him that knows us is 100% gone." 

"Woo!" (Angry) 

The little wolf couldn't believe that guy. Why had he even taken some of their precious food if he was planning to die like an idiot?! 

"Whatever, let's get going. We still need the garlic. Tell me whenever you spot white flowers." 

They did find some, but so many foxes guarded it! There were fucking 5 of them! They had probably been baited by the sweet-smelling flowers, a stark contrast to the odor of the bulb. 

Had the NPC not committed suicide, they could have baited them to the village, but this sadly wasn't an option anymore. 

Now what? Could his pet grab the garlic? It wouldn't be too difficult to gather since it was a general quest item. What if he made a diversion? If he completely gave up offense, he could probably manage to stall a while. 

The only problem was, what to do afterward? Wait, what if…?! 

"Alright, I have a plan. Do you know how to dig up bulbs?"

"Woo?" (Bulb?!) 

"Alright, here. Copy my movements." Jack spent a while teaching his pet how to dig, only giving him his approval when the surroundings were laden with more holes than a golf course. 

"Woo!" (Victorious) 

"Alright, get the garlic, and I take care of the foxes."

"Woo?" (Worried) 

"Don't worry about it, just do accomplish your task. See you soon!" 

As the little wolf saw its master heroically go toward the foxes, it couldn't help but desire strength once more. One day it would be able to fight alongside him! Ah, he was so damn cool! He always knew what to do and say! 

"Come on, you sons of literal bitches! I'm gonna make a rug out of you! See if I give a fuck about your useless bites!" 

Jack ran, and the foxes chased. The current him would have so much trouble defeating them. The only way it would be possible was if he chugged potions relentlessly. But this would be such a waste! 

— Bite! — 

— Bite! — 

— Bite! — 

— Bite! — 

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-1

-1

-1

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-1

There were so many 1 damage procs, even with Jack blocking perfectly. 100% of his attention was spent on defending, and even then, it was barely enough. At this rate, he would soon be dead— not that he would give up. 

He ran all the way to the village, his pursuers not showing any sign of wanting to give up. They were constantly biting at his heels, and it was annoying AF! 

But then, he finally reached his target. 

He was about to make one hell of an insane calculated move. Either this would work, or he would perish like a dumbass. 

He opened the door to the cellar, rushing inside. The rats were gnawing on the bones of the deceased NPC and turned their red eyes his way. 

"Don't mind me. I'm just here to buy soy sauce!" Jack shouted as he jumped straight toward the rat pack, flying above their heads. 

They were just about to tear him to pieces when the foxes arrived, dashing at him in a rage. They had finally cornered the damn human! They couldn't wait to tear him to pieces! 

Sadly for the creatures, they failed to understand the menace that the rats represented and kept going. 

The proud orange predators violently bit the rats, but the level difference made it so that the rodents didn't even flinch. Nope, they just bit back! As they began dying one after the other, the foxes realized that they had met more than their match. 

But it was far too late. The two groups colliding ended quickly in a bloodbath, with all foxes perishing. 

Jack didn't stay to watch. The rats were already turning toward him, and he'd die so fucking easily if they targeted him. He ran out of the room and slammed the door in a hurry, his heart still thumping. 

Thank God the rats wouldn't follow him anymore. Was it because of the door? Nope, while they couldn't open it, they could easily destroy it. Nope, it just happened that they liked the dark and damp interior too much even to bother going outside. 

Just as he was rejoicing about his survival, the little wolf reappeared. It was proudly carrying some garlic bulbs in its mouth, with the demeanor of a conqueror returning from battle. Even then, it looked quite comical. It had soil all over its paws and furry face. It looked way too cute! 

"Amazing job!" Jack congratulated him, rubbing its head gently. The little wolf wagged its tail, happy at the praise. 

But suddenly, Jack's body tensed up. He had just noticed the little wolf's shadow. It didn't look how it was supposed to. No, it was fox-shaped! 

There could only be one meaning to it. It had been marked to death by that guy! Since when could this random boss fight happen this soon?! 

Either way, Jack would have to get ready for a tough fight...

Creator's Thought

Using enemies to deal with other enemies doesn't always work. Sometimes they will instantly gang up on the player no matter what. In such cases, one feels pretty dumb. At least, the end is very quick in such cases. Very, very, quick indeed!