Volume 2 - CH 31

The werewolf, with its eyes eyes white and fangs bared dripping with saliva, sprung at me. It swung its sword at me, which I received with my own sword. I shifted the direction of its power horizontally, but at that moment the werewolf ditched its sword and bit at me.

Are you serious…? It’s totally turned into a beast. I hit its sharp fangs with my sword and held back the coming werewolf before my eyes.

“…You seriously reek!” I shouted while kicking the werewolf away. I chased after the flying werewolf and cut up its legs. Regardless, the werewolf slammed its arms against the ground and launched itself again.

That’s some tenacity. It moved its sharp claws before my sight. I immediately ducked down and dodged its attack. As the werewolf sailed over me, I turned my blade around and slashed it up.

…As the werewolf’s blood spilled everywhere, it finally stopped moving. I glanced over to Livia and Orphe. They both seemed to be having hard fights, but they both managed to defeat their opponents.

It still seemed to be breathing. With his legs cut up like that I doubt he’ll be able to move without a potion to treat them. Even still, the still unconscious werewolves let out groan like sounds.

…They’re a lot wilder than any lesser monster. What exactly did they do?

“…I get that the magic stones were the cause, but aren’t they completely monsters?” I don’t know how to restore their reasoning either. Even with appraisal, I still couldn’t figure out what was happening in the werewolves’ bodies. I might be able to figure it out if I watch them the moment they use the magic stones though.

“You are right… It would be very dangerous if all of the werewolves can use those magic stones.” Added Livia.

We knew that very well having actually fought them. Supposing the northern werewolves have equal numbers to us, using those magic stones would immediately put us at a disadvantage. …Too bad we couldn’t make an alliance with the slime tribe. This isn’t the time to bring that up though.

“…Orphe. Do you really know nothing about those magic stones?”

“…Yeah, sorry.”

“No, you don’t need to apologize. If you don’t know about them, then all we can do is get ready to fight against them.” I wonder if the slime tribe knows about those magic stones? I should try talking with them once more.

“What should we do?”

“Let’s go to the slime village and ask about those magic stones. Then,” I looked over to the unmoving werewolves. …They are still intelligent beings, so I don’t really want to kill them.

But I don’t know what they’ll do if I leave them be. Also, leaving them severely wounded like that would just be a cruel joke to prolong their pain. I put my hand on my sword hilt.

“…We should probably kill them.”

Livia nodded. “…I agree. If you don’t want to lord Crest, then leave it to-”

Orphe stepped in. “No, let me do it. This is my responsibility.”

…I bit my lip. I don’t intend to leave this to someone else.

“No, I’ll take care of it.” I tightly grasped the hilt and drew my sword. After instantly beheading the three of them, I let out a sigh. …It’s somehow different from killing monsters.

I had just been talking to them moments ago, and I still perceived them like humans.

“Lord Crest, you don’t need to worry about it.”

“No, let me mind it. I don’t want to become a common murderer.” I would be mad if I could kill someone without hesitating. I looked to the bodies and picked up the swords the werewolves carried before turning back to the village.

“Let’s hurry back to the village and let everyone know the situation.”

“Yes, understood lord Crest.”

“Yeah, let’s hurry back.”

The two of them followed behind me.

“…I’m glad they didn’t get away. Our enemy would have learned of our current state if they did.” Orphe had a point. Regardless though, it’s still just a matter of time.

“You’re right. But they’ve probably already figured out our rough location.”

“…What do you mean?”

“I’m not sure what the northern werewolves are aiming for, but it looks like they knew where your werewolf village was, Orphe. …Basically, when the werewolves they dispatched to this area don’t return they’ll probably realize there’s a strong opponent around here.”

“…Oh! So they’ll be able to trace back our location then!”

“Pretty much. The only question is which decision they’ll make. Will they send their army here to deal with the werewolves here… or will they invade the slime village first…”

I don’t know how much information the enemy has. If they don’t know where the slime village is, then they’ll probably attack here first. We just need to prepare for whatever happens. I took a deep breath before speaking.

“Anyway, let’s hurry back to the village. Once we get back we need to tell everyone about those magic stones.”

“…However, wouldn’t learning about such a difference in power infect everyone with fear?”

“I guess so. But that’s why I’m bringing this with us.” When I held up the sword I picked up earlier, Livia tilted her head curiously. …As we made out way back to the village, Orphe’s face remained grim. He was probably staying as calm as he could. But he still couldn’t completely remove the weight of his emotions.

Well… The one who feels most responsible for the northern werewolves is Orphe after all. He didn’t have to try carrying all of that himself though.