The next month was hell for the soldiers. Tasked with the objective of fixing the fort, the soldiers were hard at work. Unfortunately, none of their doing was able to satisfy Askyros.
"Again." [Askyros]
"B-but it's the third time we've remade the door!" [Soldier]
"Did I stutter?" [Askyros]
"..." [Soldier]
The soldier remained quiet, and decided to heed the order given.
"Yes, sir…" [Soldier]
As the soldier went back to work, Askyros went on a patrol of the interior. The mossy walls have been cleaned or replaced, and the entrance was beginning to look presentable.
"..." [Askyros]
He took in the sight of the building and sighed.
"There is still much to be done…" [Askyros]
Crossing his arms while judging the soldiers at work, the sound of footsteps approaching pulled his attention.
"Askyros!" [Ryse]
There was Ryse, coming towards Askyros with many scrolls in his arms.
"...What is it?" [Askyros]
"We have an assignment." [Ryse]
"An… assignment?" [Askyros]
"Yeah. We need to subjugate some monsters in the western forest." [Ryse]
"The western forest…" [Askyros]
He brought a hand to his chin, trying to recall any information about the western forest.
"...That place is quite far. It should take about two hours by foot." [Askyros]
"I know. Three days by horse is a lot- wait. By foot?!" [Ryse]
"...Is something the problem?" [Askyros]
Ryse stared at Askyros with a puzzled expression, but eventually regained his composure.
"...Why am I not even that surprised…" [Ryse]
He shook his head, then took out one of the scrolls in hand.
"Take this. It holds all the information you need." [Ryse]
He handed the scroll to Askyros, who took it reluctantly.
"...Why are we getting assignments now? We weren't given any for the month we were here." [Askyros]
"That's because I sent a letter to our superiors. Thankfully, they've given us a grace period of one month. Sadly, our month of grace just ended today." [Ryse]
"..." [Askyros]
Askyros felt annoyed, but also grateful. Grateful that Ryse was knowledgeable and was his right hand man. Annoyed because he now had to work.
"...Fine. I'll do it." [Askyros]
"...Huh, that didn't take much convincing." [Ryse]
"In return, make sure the soldiers are working properly." [Askyros]
"That's… kind of what I've always been doing?" [Ryse]
"..." [Askyros]
Without another word, Askyros donned his armor, equipped himself with a sword, and left.
"I can never get a read on that guy…" [Ryse]
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
As Askyros traveled to the western forest, his footprints were deeply embedded into the floor. His heavy armor made the ground give way, and the wind whistled past his ears.
("God damn… Askyros runs super fast…") [Adam]
Askyros ran until a large area of green came into view. He had finally reached the western forest.
"Hm… About an hour." [Askyros]
He took a moment to rest before entering the forest, checking the scroll Ryse gave him.
"A dire wolf?" [Askyros]
There was a drawing of a wolf in the scroll, along with a description and a few stamps.
"A very aggressive and territorial creature. It has gray fur with green streaks across it. Lives in packs… A chance of coming across an Alpheas wolf? Rating for dire wolf… one star. Alpheas wolf is three stars." [Askyros]
Askyros didn't really understand what the stars meant, so he ignored it.
"I wonder if they make good furniture…" [Askyros]
He furled the scroll back up, and hid it beneath his chestplate. The time for resting was over, it was time to work.
"Hm…" [Askyros]
Upon entering the forest, Askyros took notice of its atmosphere. Birds chirped, insects crawled the ground, and most of his vision was obscured by foliage.
"This would make a good place for an ambush." [Askyros]
Just as he said that, something leapt out of the vegetation.
("Woah! I don't remember a wolf being that big!") [Adam]
A wolf the size of a lion lunged at Askyros with its teeth bared, but Askyros was ready. He lifted an arm, allowing the wolf to bite.
"Try me." [Askyros]
The wolf bit down on his arm, but found itself struggling to pierce the steel gauntlet Askyros wore.
"A gray wolf… Green streaks on its fur… This is the target." [Askyros]
Within an instant, Askyros drew his sword and pierced the wolf's heart. The wolf let out a yelp and whine, right before falling to the ground.
"...That's one. Now, where could the rest be?" [Askyros]
As if it was on cue, the greenery around him began to rustle. One bush, then two. It continued until it seemed like the forest was alive.
("Uh… What's happening?") [Adam]
The leaves stopped, and then parted, revealing many dire wolves staring at Askyros.
"...I see. It appears that I don't have to look for the rest." [Askyros]