The forest grew restless, and the loud noises made Lukrut and the other members of the Swords of Darkness tense, their eyes darting around.
"Is something coming?" someone whispered as they readied their weapons.
Momonga returned to their planned location. "If possible, fall back. This noise might be from the 'Wise King of the Forest.'"
Everyone froze, exchanging anxious glances, and drew their weapons, preparing for whatever might emerge. Nfirea, who had been picking herbs, quickly stowed them in his bag and moved closer to the group, uneasy.
"This could be tough," he muttered, hearing the heavy rustling. Judging by the sounds, whatever was approaching was big—and likely powerful.
Nfirea glanced at Momonga. "Mr. Momon, can we leave this to you?"
Momonga grinned. "Of course. Narbe, let's go."
As they stepped forward, Nfirea called out, "Mr. Momon, please don't push yourself too hard."
Momonga waved dismissively and moved ahead. Those watching him depart were still a bit worried but hoped everything would go smoothly.
Soon, Momonga and Narberal Gamma reached the agreed spot, where Aura and Genji were waiting.
"So, how should we handle this 'Wise King of the Forest'?" Momonga asked.
Genji shared her idea. "When it comes out, we can lure it here, create some noise, and control it."
Momonga thought for a moment, then nodded. "Sounds good. Aura, attract it here."
Aura immediately straightened, serious. "As you command, Lord Genji."
In a flash, she vanished into the forest. Genji turned to Momonga. "Once Aura has it coming our way, we'll start."
"Understood," Momonga replied, positioning himself.
The noise drew closer, and everyone became tense. They didn't know the full extent of the Wise King's power, so they prepared for a tough fight. Momonga raised his greatsword, bracing himself.
Suddenly, a heavy object crashed into his sword with the force of metal striking metal, sending a jolt through his arms. A long, snake-like tail appeared, then withdrew behind the trees.
Momonga hadn't anticipated an attack of this speed and weight and realized this wouldn't be easy. Genji watched intently from the side.
Then, a deep, intimidating voice echoed through the trees. "You... blocked my attack? I've never met someone as strong as you."
Momonga's face grew rigid, unsure of its tone. The voice continued, "Intruders in my territory, if you leave now, I will overlook this... graciously."
Momonga smirked. "A foolish offer. Why would I leave? Or are you simply hiding back there because you're insecure about your appearance?"
The creature's voice boomed with anger. "So careless, intruder! Witness my splendid form and tremble in awe!"
Slowly, the Wise King of the Forest emerged from the bushes, revealing a towering figure with a long, curling tail, covered in silver-white fur marked with strange symbols.
It was... a Djungarian hamster—only massive.
Momonga blinked, a faint memory surfacing. "Is this... a hamster?"
"Yes," Genji murmured, sizing it up. "Much larger than any pet hamster I've seen before."
Momonga suppressed a laugh. "Well, everyone... let's go ahead with the plan."