The Pack Leader was nearly Twice my Height (5'10"), and their Fur, despite living in the Wild, was Glistening a Pure White.
"...H-Hello. I'm-"
Before I could finish my Sentence…
The Pack Leader bowed his head to me.
'…Wha?'
Lifting their Head, the Leader looked at one of the other Wolves, and that Wolf barked, immediately running into the Forest.
"...Um-"
Once again, before I could finish my Sentence, he looked at another Wolf, who, like the previous one, barked. But instead of running into the Forest, he ran into the Corpses lined along the Battlefield, and began rummaging through them.
'What is going on?'
The Wolf, a few moments later, ran back towards us, and walked towards me, dropping 3 things onto the Floor.
…3 Skill Crystals.
'Skill Crystals?'
I looked at the Leader, and all he did was look from me to the Skill Crystals.
'…Are they for me?'
Nervous…
I bend down and pick up the Skill Crystals one by one.
'…There's a different one. …Is this really alright?'
I looked to the Leader for confirmation, but…
They were already gone.
'Where'd he go!? He was just- …Hm?'
The other Wolves began to move into the Forest…
Leaving me behind.
"…I guess… I'll head back?"
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
I returned to the Camp, bringing along a Kobold Corpse for Dinner…
'…I still don't feel comfortable with eating Kobolds.'
Although I'm slightly disgusted, it's not like I had much of a choice.
'It may taste like Beef, but that taste coming from a Bipedal Dog-Looking Creature is definitely affecting my stomach.'
Looking up through the Trees, it was exactly Noon, with the Sun high in the Sky.
'Alright. Let's count today's Spoils.'
Placing the Kobold Corps aside, I place down the Bag made of some kind of Deer Hide, and spill out its contents.
After the Wolves left, I noticed that some of the Kobolds had some interesting Items on them, from Knives to Belts, and some even had some valuable-looking Accessories, like Rings and Necklaces, which you wouldn't usually expect creatures with Fur to have.
'4 Rings, 3 Necklaces, 8 Knives, 13 Belts, and 3 Bags. Including 4 Skill Crystals. …I wonder if "Identification" works on Items… Might as well test it out.'
Focusing on one of the Rings…
Nothing happens.
'…Guess not. …I'll make Dinner.'
As I begin cooking the Kobold Meat…
A Rustle sounds from behind me.
Before I could turn around, I felt a Sharp Object press against my Neck.
"...Etta?" I was shocked.
"...Sett?"
I could feel her heavily breathing as she put down her Dagger.
I turn around, and could see that her face was red, and she was sweating profusely.
"Etta!?"
She collapsed on the Bed of Leaves, and I quickly rushed to her side.
"Uuugh… I don't feel so hot… Actually, I feel REALLY hot." She said.
"Hold on. I'll find something to cool you down."
I said that, but…
There's no Water nearby, and I don't think Leaves are gonna cut it.
'What do I do, what do I… Alright. I guess that's my only option.'
Rummaging through the Items, I take a few Knives and a Bag, and head into the Forest.
'I need to quickly find something. Water would be best. Is there any Water nearby? Will Etta be alright on her own? …Aaah! Too many Questions!'
Rushing as fast as I could through the Forest, I scratched the Trees with one of the Knives to not lose my way back.
'There's gotta be a River or something. I vaguely remember the View from the Cave, and can kinda make my way there-'
Just as I said that, I started to hear the distant sound of Flowing Water.
'Alright! Mission accomplishED-!!'
I stopped just as I emerged from the Trees.
There was indeed a River, which was exactly what I wanted...
What I DIDN'T want was to almost fall off a CLIFF leading down a WATERFALL.
'…That was seriously close. …Hm? Those are…'
At the Foot of the Waterfall was a Hut…
And then another Hut.
Then another. And another. And…
I accidentally found the Base of the Kobolds.
'Holy… Kobolds don't just live in the Wild? …They seem more like a Tribe than Beasts. …They were also at War with the Wolves…'
Shaking my head, I get back on track.
Taking the Deer Skin Bag, I test to see if it had any Holes in it by trying to collect Water.
To my Luck, it collected Water just fine, and didn't have any Holes.
Filling the Bag, I close it Tight with my hand, and began running back, following the Marks I made.
After a few minutes, I finally made it back to Camp…
And there are Wolves.
...3 of 'em.
Moving things around, and dragging different Animals and Pelts along the Floor.
At first I was startled and hid, but…
After watching for a moment, they moved in specific ways, not messing with anything that wasn't theirs, and bringing more Firewood for the Fire.
'…What's up with them?'
Stepping out from hiding, they immediately notice me, and all ran towards me.
I flinched in surprise, but…
They all sat down in front of me, as if waiting for Orders.
'…This is… Odd.'
"...D-Did the Pack Leader send you guys?" I guessed.
The Wolf in the Middle was, to my surprise, one of the Dark Gray Wolves I saw before.
That Wolf nodded in response.
"So they did… What were you guys… doing?"
Taking another look around…
There were plenty of Animals in a pile, and in another Pile were Roughly Made Pelts.
'Wait, what about Etta!?'
Etta was still breathing heavily on the Bed of Leaves.
I gave a sigh of relief, and went over to her.
'Hmm… What would be good to put on her Forehead? …Ah, right.'
"Can you bring me one of the small Pelts please?" I look to the Wolves.
The Dark Gray Wolf turned their head to the right, and the Wolf to their Right immediately went towards the Pile, and grabbed what looked like a Rabbit Pelt.
"Thank you." I took the Pelt.
I poured some of the Water onto the Pelt, and made sure it was clean. Afterwards, I cut a smaller Piece from the Pelt, small enough to fit on Etta's Forehead, and soaked it with the Freezing Cold Water.
Placing it on her Forehead, I let out another Sigh of Relief.
"...Now all we gotta do is wait." I said to myself.
Tying the Bag to a Tree, I walked over to the Fire…
And realized that I left the Kobold Meat in the Fire, causing it to Char.
'…Oops.'
Giving a different Sigh, I place the Charred Meat onto a Rock, and walked over to the Pile of Animal Corpses.
"...Did you guys hunt these?" I asked the Wolves.
The Dark Gray Wolf nodded.
"...Thank you."
Taking a small Rabbit, I inspect it for Bugs or the like, and found nothing wrong with it.
Taking a Knife, I cut the Rabbit by the Neck, and hung it up to drain the Blood.
"Rabbit Blood isn't good for you, so draining the Blood is the best option. Let's do the same for the rest." I said to myself.
I did the same to the remaining 2 Rabbits, and then hung the Deer, and finally the 2 Boars. Because of my Literal Lack of Strength, I had the Wolves help me.
"I'm surprised you guys managed to catch Boars. They're pretty tough, aren't they?" I looked at the Wolves.
They looked at each other, then looked at me with tilted heads.
"...Ahh, right. Fantasy World. …I'll keep that in mind." I Noted.
After around an Hour, I couldn't see any more Blood dripping from the Rabbits, so I took those down first.
'…I think these guys deserve a Reward.'
Taking the Three Rabbits, I remove the Pelt, only leaving the Meat and Bones left.
After a few more Minutes, I finally dismantled every piece of the Rabbits, from Front Legs, Hind Legs, Shanks, Saddle, etcetera, etcetera…
And finally, I placed them all on Plates made of Bark that I Carved and Cleaned as the Blood Drained.
"...Random Question, but… What Animal Meat do you all prefer?" I asked the Wolves.
The Wolves tilted their heads, looked at each other, then all looked at one of the Boars that were still hanging.
"Alright. Within 15 Minutes or so when its Blood finishes Draining, you guys can have the entire Boar to yourselves." I said.
They all looked shocked and looked at each other again.
"I mean, you guys caught it, right? Then it's fair to say that it's already yours."
Although they seemed weirded out…
I could tell they were happy from their Wagging Tails.
"Uuuuugh."
"Etta!?"
I placed down the Plates of Rabbit Meat and rushed over to her side.
"...Sett. Where- Agh. My Head hurts…" Etta said, placing her hand on her forehead.
"You had an extremely high Fever. It looked serious, but… It might've just been caused by your Blood Loss. It only lasted a little over an Hour." I said.
She noticed the Wet Rabbit Pelt, and slowly looked around…
And her eyes immediately widened when she spotted the Wolves sitting behind me.
"SETT!!"
She looked like she wanted to grab me…
But Horror struck her eyes as she looked down at her Missing Left Arm.
"...It's alright, Etta. They're not Hostile."
She didn't seem to be listening…
"...Etta-"
"They did this before, too…" She interrupted.
'Before? …Ahh, I almost forgot they were Regressors…'
"...Rain betrayed me as well. She nearly killed me, and took my Magic Stat as well." I told her.
She turned to me, shocked.
"T-They tried to kill you too?"
"Yeah… Rain called it "Mana Corruption". My Muscles were destroyed, and when I couldn't move, she took my Magic Stat somehow…" I explained.
"...Her Unique Skill is {Stat Plunder}. She can take a Random Amount of a Single Stat she chooses from a target, so long as that Stat is lower than hers." Etta said.
'To have a Unique Skill like that… She'll be troublesome if we meet again in the future.'
"Arlo's Unique Skill is {Hero}, which gives him Double EXP, and gives him the "Luck" Stat. Blake's is {Smith}, which lets him Craft Anything so long as he has the Materials and Mental Blueprints." Etta continued.
'…Things just keep getting more and more complicated.'
"...Ah! Right! I should probably explain, uhm… Them." I looked at the Wolves, who were still sitting still.
I explained to Etta how I accidentally found the War between the Kobolds and Wolves, and how I took part in killing the Kobolds from Enemy Lines. I also explained the Marrow Blade and my meeting with the Pack Leader.
"...T-That seriously happened?" Etta seemed more Shocked than I was.
"...Want some Skill Crystals?" I took out the 4 Skill Crystals.
"Holy… Wait, isn't that {Tooth and Claw}!? How did you get that!?" Etta shouted, taking the Crystal from my hand.
"{Tooth and Claw}?"
"Ugh, just eat it already!" She shoved it into my mouth without giving me a chance to respond.
It immediately dissolved in my mouth.
----------------------------------------
[Acquired Skill]
{Tooth and Claw} {F-Rank} {Active}
(Creates Sharp Claws and Teeth on the Users Body)
(Strength Stat Doubles)
[Usage Requirements :]
(Hands/Paws and Teeth)
----------------------------------------
"Doubles Strength!?" I was stunned.
"Tch. To think the Wolf King would give you a Skill of their Pack…" Etta muttered.
"...Anyways, here. These are Skill Crystals for {Fang}. With these 3, you should be able to upgrade it."
I handed her the Crystals, and she took them one by one.
With a sigh…
"...{Fang}, E-Rank. …What about yours?"
"I need another Skill Crystal to get it to E-Rank." I said.
"...What about your Level?"
I just shook my head.
"...I can't Level Up."
"...Maybe there's a different Method to Level Up. I'm sure we'll find-"
"My Unique Skill restricts me from Leveling Up." I interrupted.
"...W-What?" She was at a loss for words.
"It's not all bad. I can exchange EXP for Stat Points, albeit less than when you Level Up."
"Exchange EXP… for Stat Points?"
'…I shouldn't tell her I can Copy Skills and Magic. I don't know what that'll do in the future.'
"...What about your EXP? How much do you have?" Etta asked.
"36."
"...You've been busy while I was out."
"Tell me about it. First my Muscles get Destroyed, I rush to make a usable Weapon, a War between Wolves and Kobolds occurs, and I STILL had to burn your Wound. I have had one HELL of a day, and I just want to sleep for about a week." I plopped myself onto the Grassy Floor.
"...Wow. …And you did a pretty decent job, too." She said, inspecting her wound.
"Ha. Over 10 Hours of Labor and I only did a "Decent Job"? …I guess that's Fantasy for ya. Not that I could do much with 2 Strength and No Magic."
"...2 Strength? …What are your Stats?" Etta seemed confused.
"2 Strength, 0 Magic, and 1 of everything else." I said.
"...H-How are you even Alive?" She looked even more confused.
"What!? …What are YOUR Stats like!?"
"Currently? ...6 Strength, 3 Endurance, 8 Agility, 5 Dexterity, 4 Intelligence, and 3 Magic."
…My Jaw Dropped.
'Th-... That's over 1000 EXP worth of Stats… This…'
"...THIS ISN'T FAAAIIIRRR!!!"
. . .
. . .
. . .
----------------------------------------
[Killed a Kobold]
{+4 EXP}
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It's been a few Hours now.
Etta is still resting, and the Wolves, which I call "Maid Wolves" with how much they're Cleaning the place, occasionally going out to Hunt a Rabbit or Two and the occasional Boar, were working both tirelessly and seemingly effortlessly.
I, on the other hand, am out hunting Kobolds while the Maid Wolves take turns keeping the Camp safe. I just took out my First Kobold of the Hunt, so things are going well, I guess.
"...Like hell they are. Where are all the Kobolds? I've been out here for Half an Hour, but only found One… Do I have to get closer to their Camp?"
'No… There's way more than One, even Two Hundred Kobolds there. Not to mention Blue Kobolds, and maybe even a Leader. It's Suicide… But, maybe I can take out some Sentries.
With a Plan in mind, I head over to the river.
. . .
. . .
. . .
'Now, if I were a Kobold Sentry, where would I be? …And how the hell do I get down there?'
Although I knew where the Kobold Camp was, it was still far down a steep Cliff at the base of a Waterfall.
'I would have to go around the entire Cliff after crossing the River, but even then I don't know where to go. …Things are getting more and more complicated.'
I give a deep sigh, and decided to give up for today.
'…This blows.'
. . .
. . .
. . .
"Welcome back. How many?" Etta said, lying comfortably in her Bed of Leaves.
"One… They seem to be taking more Caution after the War with the Wolves. They lost roughly 50 Troops. Why wouldn't they be?" I sighed.
"Hmm… That's a problem. …Maybe talk with the Wolf King. They might be able to help you in taking over the Kobolds with Numbers."
"No. The Blue Kobolds can easily take on Two Wolves at Once and are on Par with Gray Wolves. Although the Wolves have Numbers, the Kobolds have Strength."
"Numbers are more than enough. They just need a Strategist."
"...I'm not a Strat-"
"Oh my god- Just take the Job already! You! Gray Wolf! Take him to the Wolf King!"
To my surprise…
The Gray Wolf just snorted and turned their head, ignoring her completely.
"...YOU WANNA DIE?" Etta was pissed.
Once again, to my surprise, the Wolf just snorted.
"...I'll go. Stop bullying them already." I sighed.
"Hmph. These Dogs need to learn some Discipline." She took out her Dagger.
"Enough. I'll go with the Gray Wolf. The other two will stay here with you to keep the Camp safe."
The Gray Wolf looked at the Two Wolves, who then both nodded in return.
"Well, if you do end up fighting those Kobolds, bring back something nice from the for me. Just "That Knife" would do." Etta said.
""That Knife"?"
"You'll know it when you see it. Oh, and don't die. If you do, I'll kill you."
'…But I'd be dead.'
"...I'll be careful."
"You better. Now, hurry up and get going! I'm tired, so I'll just sleep all day!"
After Etta flopped onto her Leaf Bed…
We went towards the Wolf King's Land.
. . .
. . .
. . .
"...By the way."
It's been roughly an entire Hour of Walking. I'm surprised we haven't made it already.
"...What should I call you?" I asked the Gray Wolf.
We both stopped, and the Wolf looked straight up, through the Trees.
…Blue? No…
"...Sky?"
The Gray Wolf nodded.
"Then… I'll be in your care, Sky." I gently pat them on the head.
Sky was startled at first, but after a moment their Tail began to wag relentlessly.
"Now, let's go pay a visit to your Boss."
. . .
. . .
. . .
…It was a Cave.
A Cave very well hidden behind a few Trees and Bushes, completely invisible to the Outside. From the inside, the Entrance looked entirely natural. In a way, it was like a One-Way Entrance.
'It's no wonder why the Kobolds haven't attacked this place. Even if they found it, it still looks similar multiple areas we passed on the way here.'
There were Wolves at the Entrance, but Sky went in first, meaning they weren't hostile towards me.
*Grrrrr*
…At least, not physically.
It was, in all honesty…
…An Amazing Home.
There were multiple Paths branching towards the Left and Right, and even some that lead downwards into a Sub-Section. Sky led the way, and we were moving smoothly through the Confusing Tunnels.
Finally, after a few twists and turns…
…We Enter a Large Room…
…With even Larger Wolves.
The Normal Wolves had a Light Gray to their Fur, and reached just about 3-5 Feet. The Gray Wolves had a Darker Shade of Gray, with some even being Pitch Black, and reaching 5-6 Feet in height.
And now, the Newer, Larger Wolves had Pure White Fur, and were nearly 3 Meters Tall.
As for the Leader, whose Fur was Pure White and Eyes a Bright Cyan…
…He easily reached over 4, maybe even 5 Meters.
'Now that I take another look at them…'
'…Holy Hell these Wolves are huge.'
The Larger Wolves glared at me without a sound, and a few of them even glared at Sky more ferociously.
'…What's up with them?'
"Human…"
I was startled at the sudden voice. I looked around but couldn't find who spoke.
It was then that I noticed the Necklace around the Wolf Leader's Neck.
"...Is that a Translation Device?" I made a wild guess.
"Impressive. Seeing as how Humans haven't wandered here for quite some time, I have had no need to use it. Until now, that is." The Pack Leader said.
'…Well, that makes things easier for me.'
"...I found the Kobold Camp." I blurted.
They all looked shocked, and were seemingly speaking amongst themselves.
"...Are you sure it is their Main Camp?" The Leader asked.
'Main Camp?'
"...There's more than One Camp?" I was surprised.
"You'd be surprised at how fast the Kobolds reproduce. Our Scouts have found Two of their Camps so far, but every day they seem to inch closer and closer to here, OUR Main Base."
"That's… Bad. The one I found was at the Bottom of the Waterfall, North of here. Actually, North of here would be a Cliff. To get Down we would need to cross the river first." I said.
"At the Base of the Waterfall, hm? …Sadly, it would seem that our Scouts have already discovered said Camp. It's nigh Impossible for us to Attack at the moment, due to their Terrain Advantage." The Pack Leader said.
'Damn it… This was my only shot…'
"...What about the Other Camp? Is that one possible?"
"Ahh, well, is it alright to say you arrived just in time?" He said.
'I did?'
"We are almost ready to launch an Attack on their Encampment. In all honesty, this Battle is a 50/50 War. There will be Losses on Both Sides, but our Victory is not Guaranteed." He continued.
"Not Guaranteed!? Then why commence the Attack!?" I was surprised.
"We do not have a Choice… Their Encampment is far too close to ours. If they expand in our direction any more, it would only be a matter of time until they discover this place without our notice, and we will end up as the ones on the Surprise End."
'…Damn it. He's right.'
"...Then, at the very least, let me join in on this Attack." I said.
Multiple Wolves around me snorted.
"...Glad to have you with us, Human."
The other Wolves immediately looked at the Leader with shocked faces.
"Well, at least I'll bump that 50/50 to a 49/51." I said jokingly.
"Haha! I'll take those Odds!"
And 20 Minutes Later…
…We were prepared for War.