『Merchant: I deeply regret what happened. How can I thank you? 』
said the merchant, with a hint of guilt in his voice. He knew that, given his situation, Neizan had risked his life to save him, and he couldn't let that heroic act go unrewarded.
『Neizan: It wasn't your fault. 』
Neizan replied calmly.
『Merchant: But you saved my life... There must be something I can do for you. 』
Neizan looked down, feeling his stomach growl with hunger. He knew exactly what he needed and didn't bother to hide it.
『Neizan: Do you have any food? 』
『Merchant: Of course, of course! Take whatever you need, sir... 』
The merchant hesitated before continuing.
『Merchant: May I know your name? 』
Neizan paused for a moment. Revealing his identity was something he didn't enjoy, and in this world, where trust was a scarce commodity, he preferred to remain anonymous.
『Neizan: I'm sorry, but I'd rather not reveal my name. 』
The merchant nodded, respecting his decision, and lowered his head in apology for his curiosity.
『Merchant: I understand, my apologies for asking. My name is Arthur, a pleasure to meet you. 』
Without another word, the merchant got out of the carriage and searched through his belongings until he found a small sack with bread, some cheese, and a waterskin. He handed it all to Neizan, who, despite his attempt to stay composed, couldn't hide the gleam of gratitude in his eyes as he received the food.
Neizan stepped aside and began devouring the bread eagerly, feeling how each bite restored some of his strength. The merchant watched him in silence, noting the evident need on the face of this stranger.
While Arthur and Neizan were talking, a scream suddenly echoed in the distance.
『???: AHHHH! 』
A chilling scream of agony came from the darkness of the forest. Both looked toward the direction of the sound, but they couldn't see anything.
『Neizan: What was that? 』
Neizan immediately went on alert, his hand moving quickly to the hilt of his sword, ready to draw it if needed.
『Arthur: Hey… wasn't that the voice of the man who ran away? 』
『Neizan: You're right… Hide, and let's keep our voices low. 』
They began whispering, staying focused on the forest.
『Arthur: Understood… 』
Neizan hid behind a tree, while Arthur, nervous and disturbed by the scream, took cover in his carriage. From there, he watched Neizan, who signaled for him to stay silent by bringing a finger to his lips.
Suddenly, Arthur's horse became agitated, tossing its head with wide eyes. The sound of breaking branches came from the forest, and soon a monster emerged from the undergrowth.
Peering cautiously from behind the tree, Neizan observed the creature in detail. The beast was enormous, much larger than a horse, and measured nearly seven meters in length. It had a long snout full of sharp teeth, and its scaly skin in shades of orange and black gave it a fierce look. It was a quadruped, similar to a dragon but wingless, with huge claws on its limbs and a spiny crest running from its back down to its tail. Its hind legs were strong and sturdy, while the forelegs looked lighter, perhaps designed to tear apart its prey.
With blood-stained jaws, the monster's gaze fixed on them, and it advanced slowly. Meeting its golden, predatory eyes, Neizan couldn't help but feel his heart race; he quickly looked away and held his breath. He had never seen such a monstrous creature before.
Arthur watched him with concern, while Neizan signaled for him not to move. Just then, Arthur's horse panicked and began thrashing to free itself from the carriage, which rolled away from Neizan. A terrifying roar followed a second later.
The monster violently attacked the carriage and horse, causing it to overturn. Arthur fell onto the wooden floor of the carriage, dazed, but the horse's agonized cries behind him snapped him back to reality.
He turned around and saw the beast sinking its teeth into the horse, hunting it mercilessly. Without a second thought, he escaped from the back of the carriage while the monster feasted on the animal. Then he headed toward Neizan, and they hid behind a rock about ten meters from the carriage.
The forest fell silent. It was only a moment before the sound of flesh being torn and chewed filled the air. Neizan peeked from behind the rock and saw pools of blood and strips of the horse's skin.
『Neizan: What the hell is that? 』
He whispered, while Arthur trembled and sweated in fear beside him.
『Arthur: It looks like a land dragon… 』
『Neizan: Do you think that will be enough to satisfy it? 』
『Arthur: I don't know… 』
Arthur brought one hand to his lips and the other to his chest, closing his eyes as he murmured a prayer that Neizan could barely hear.
『Neizan: When it finishes, it might come after us. 』
Predators usually hunt to eat, and once satisfied, they avoid conflicts. However, they knew nothing about this creature's behavior. Would it stop, or might it pick up their scent and attack them?
It was a race against time, and Neizan had to evaluate his options. He could escape now while the beast was distracted, but he would leave Arthur as a potential victim. He felt no attachment to someone he had just met, and ultimately, he was willing to sacrifice another life to save his own. However, Arthur had been hospitable and respectful. If he abandoned him, he would likely regret it.
『Arthur: What are we going to do? 』
Arthur looked at Neizan, his face filled with fear. Neizan responded with a serious look and placed a hand on his shoulder.
『Neizan: Don't worry, I won't leave you here. 』
『Arthur: Thank you... 』
『Neizan: We need to distract it so I can attack if it gets close. 』
『Arthur: How do you plan to do that? 』
『Neizan: I don't know, but I can try something. Do you think you could buy me some time? 』
Arthur doubted his own abilities, but after a few seconds, he nodded.
『Arthur: I'll do what I can. 』
『Neizan: If it chases you, run as fast as you can. Then I'll draw its attention toward me and attack. 』
Arthur looked into Neizan's eyes, convinced he wasn't lying. He decided to trust him, a man who had already saved him once. To Arthur, Neizan was a hero.