A good number of warwolves had entered my territory. Performing an exact headcount proved to be rather difficult given the fact that they were in the midst of combat, but I could at least discern that there were somewhere between fifty and a hundred of them. Yeah, so I'mma go ahead and say that it doesn't really take a genius to figure out that these are probably Lyuu's people.
Man, I know it was just one day, but this is what we get for putting off our little trip to her parents' house. I should've just forced her to go. Er, actually… On second thought, we might've ended up missing each other if we really did leave today, so this might actually be for the better. Well, Lyuu, congrats. Your laziness paid off.
"Is it just me, or are things looking pretty bad for them?" I muttered under my breath. "It looks like they're being attacked by every monster they encounter."
Unlike the humans, the warwolves didn't have magical items capable of repelling monsters. Naturally, that meant they were constantly under attack. In fact, they had only chanced upon my territory because they were in the midst of fleeing from one of their many assailants. That said, they had yet to be done in. In fact, as far as I could tell, they had yet to suffer even a single loss. Their excellent teamwork was stopping them from winding up as some strange animal's dinner. For now. Though I praised their efforts, I knew they weren't sustainable. Each wave of beasts would render more of their warriors incapable of combat.
It was only a matter of time before they were sent to the grave. Though I was heartless, I wasn't heartless enough to leave what was likely Lyuu's next of kin to die. I had to act. Plus, they might feel like they owe me if I lend them a hand. Which means I might actually get to solve this with words instead of getting jumped by some blood-crazed father.
"Well, I guess I've got no choice but to step in," I groaned. "Alright newbies, you guys go on ahead and kick the shit out of all the monsters in the area. Should be a breeze with how much you've all grown. Just make sure you watch your backs. The warwolves will probably attack you, so make sure you retreat as soon as you're done getting rid of all the monsters."
The red snake, the crow, the twin-tailed cat, and the waterball all telepathically acknowledged my orders and immediately set off.
"Sorry, Nell, but I think that's probably going to be it for today. You mind doing me a favour and heading back to the dungeon?"
"Sure, I don't mind," she said with a smile.
"Thanks. Can you show her the way back, Rir?"
The ever-reliable pup barked in affirmation as he walked over to the hero, who promptly jumped on his back. It was a smooth motion, one that proved she had already long gotten used to riding him.
"Alrighty then. I guess it's time for me to get to entertaining the guests…" After watching both mount and rider head towards the dungeon, I reluctantly began to carry out my next task.
***
Orochi, Yata, Byakku, and Wspirit had done their jobs well. They had drawn all nearby monsters off the warwolves by engaging them in combat. Wow, is it just me, or have they gotten a lot stronger since I last saw them? Though I guess it's only natural seeing as how Rir's the one in charge of getting them up to speed. Man, having competent subordinates is the best thing since sliced bread.
Though they were no longer being attacked, the beastkin were still on guard. Those that were still able bodied remained positioned around the perimeter of their formation, while those no longer capable of combat rested within the safety bubble created by their brethren.
Much to my surprise, the warwolves were skilled in the art of detection. They noticed me coming way before I got to them; their warriors were ready with their weapons raised by the time I arrived. Oh right, now that I think about it, Lyuu's was always kinda good at that kinda stuff too. She's got a pretty good nose. And pretty good ears too.
"Hey, over here."
I raised my voice as I stepped out from between the trees and hopped over a log for added effect. I had gone out of my way to signify that I wasn't trying to get the jump on them, but for some odd reason, the action only seemed to put them even more on guard. Their eyes narrowed into slits as they readied themselves to jump into combat. Huh. That's weird. I thought they'd be more chill.
"Don't let down your guard! He's probably a monster! And I bet he's just trying to lure us to our deaths!" shouted one of the warriors.
"Calm down man, I'm not a monster," I said. "I'm just your everyday normal guy."
"Do you really think we'd fall for that? Why would any normal person be all the way out here!? Do you know how dangerous this damned place is!?"
Well, there goes plan A.
"Alright, sure, whatever you say." I rolled my eyes. "But you know what? It doesn't matter what I am. Because you need my help."
Directing my gaze at the injured members of their group caused the warwolves' expressions to twist in bitter vexation. None were as far as being on the verge of death, but some were damn well close. Individuals with deep, open gashes and missing limbs could easily be made out amongst the crowd. I suspected that they would likely die of blood loss if left untreated.
"I can get you somewhere safe so you can treat all your buddies. All you gotta do is follow me. Either that, or you can sit around and watch them die. I don't really care either way, so it's all on you."
If they trusted me, they would also get the added benefit of reuniting with Lyuu. I wasn't planning on truly abandoning them even if they chose to err on the side of caution. I couldn't do that. Not to Lyuu's family. My backup plan, which I admittedly was reluctant to go through, sounded like a major pain in the ass to pull off. It entailed joining my pets in hunting down all the monsters in the area to ensure the warwolves' safety. Like, come on guys. Just trust me. I really don't want to have to resort to Plan C.
It was impossible for me to know whether my intentions had gotten through or not, but fortunately, the warwolves had at least chosen to consider my proposition. After a brief period of discussion, a rather young looking man stepped out of the crowd. His eyes, sharp as those of a wild animal's, remained trained on me as he spoke.
"Can we trust you?" He spoke in a tone that carried with it a sense of strength and dignity. It alone was enough to tell me that he was a warrior, and likely one of high birth.
"You already know I'd answer with a yes either way, so honestly, I don't think what I'm about to say matters," I said. "But yes, you can, and should, trust me. It'll be what's best for you."
"…Fine." After a brief moment of hesitation, he agreed. "Men, lower your arms."
"Come on, boss! You don't have to do this! We can still go on!" shouted a warrior.
"Thank you. You're all very reliable, loyal to the bone," said the warwolves' leader. "But far too many of us have been injured. We will need rest if we wish to push on."
"…Right. Got it, boss."
The leader's judgement was not challenged any further. The pack immediately began following his orders by lowering their weapons and assisting the wounded.
"So you're the warwolf chief?" I asked, appraisingly.
"That I am. I should introduce myself. I am Vergillus Gyroll, leader of the Gyroll Pack," he said. "Thank you for your help."
A quick peek at Vergillus' character sheet confirmed that he was both their leader and the strongest of their warriors. He's even got himself a fancy title. "Chief of the Warwolves," huh? That's pretty cool. Wait, that totally makes him Lyuu's dad, doesn't it?
Question marks began floating around in my head as I reached the conclusion. It just didn't make sense. Just looking at him, I wouldn't have expected the warwolf chief to be anywhere past his twenties. Weren't chiefs all supposed to be older men? Apparently not, I guess. Welp. There goes that trope.
Wait, wait waiiiiiiiiit a second. Let's do some quick math. Lyuu's seventeen. If he's thirty, then that means he's gotta have been banging chicks since he was twelve. Or thirteen or at the latest. Holy fuck. He got laid when was thirteen!? Nononono, that can't be right. He's probably just baby-faced. Yeah, that's gotta be it. I'm willing to bet that he's actually thirty five and just looks like he's still in his twenties. That'd mean he had her when he was eighteen. Yeah, that definitely sounds way more plausible.
…But what if he isn't?
…
Alright, you know what? Fuck this. I'mma just assume that he's thirty five and stop caring.
"So does that mean you're Lyuu's dad?"
"You know my daughter!?" The warwolf's temper suddenly flared up at the mention of the less successful of my two maids. His expression contorted into one of violent rage. "Then you must be the Wicked Forest's Demon Lord!"
"Yup, that's m—"
"Curse you, Demon Lord! Consider your life forfeit!"
Oh, come on…