The party was saved by Gulf, who suddenly appeared.
In the dark forest, the howls of wolves echoed through the trees. The rough breathing sounds came from all directions, and it was impossible to grasp the number and location of the enemies. It was already difficult just to run without falling.
Besides, it was hard to see the figures of their companions. Were they all here? For now, all they could do was run while holding Lauren’s hand.
“Ah, my precious dead body!”
“I’m sorry, but please prioritize survival for now! Don’t stop!”
Flames rose from various places. Perhaps Elana was providing cover. Suddenly, a huge body fell in front of them with a thud. They hurriedly stopped and stepped back. It seemed they had narrowly avoided a strike from a powerful arm.
Releasing Lauren’s hand, they ran, creating a pincer movement with the Werewolf in front of them. If they passed on both sides, the enemy would be confused for a moment.
“Grrr, Ghaff”
Or so they thought, but it immediately turned towards them and leaped at them. They managed to dodge by jumping to the side, but they would be killed sooner or later like this. They had to move quickly, but the more they thought about it, the more they slipped on fallen leaves and lost their footing. Another mouth immediately appeared, trying to bite them.
“Hii!”
The sound of teeth clashing sent shivers through their bodies. If they were bitten by such a jaw, they wouldn’t stand a chance. Their bones would be easily crushed.
They wanted to grab something to stand up, but their hands only grasped fallen leaves and dirt. It was like drowning on dry land. Right, the dagger, they had to fight back.
A dull pain shot up their wrists, and they were thrown into the air. Their vision spun, and pain shot through their backs. They had the bad luck to collide with rough tree roots. When they opened their eyes, they were met with the face of a wolf with its mouth wide open.
They had seen this sight before, the mouth of death. It was still chasing them, but they couldn’t die here.
“Gik!”
They kicked the open mouth with all their might from below. The opponent clutched their jaw and writhed in agony. Just as they thought this was their chance, a green light passed before their eyes. It swiftly attacked the Werewolf and slashed its shoulder.
“Are you okay? Can you stand?”
A woman’s voice descended from above. Looking up, they saw a woman with a dog-like beastman figure standing there. Her body was glowing faintly green. Was she the source of the green light that had just saved them?
“Who are you?”
“Explanations later, let’s go! Grab my hand.”
A soft palm was extended. As soon as they grasped it, they were pulled forward and began to run at an incredible speed.
“W-wait!”
“Be careful not to fall.”
It was a strange sensation, as if they were floating or sliding. In no time, they caught up with their companions who were running ahead.
“Arisugawa, are you alright? And why are you glowing green?”
“More importantly, who are you?”
“I told you, explanations later. Follow me.”
Pulled by her again, they proceeded through the forest. Were they really glowing green? As they turned right and left, the wolves’ howls gradually faded into the distance.
Before they knew it, the surroundings had become strangely quiet.
“You’re safe now that we’ve come this far. I’m Lassie, you seemed to be in quite a bit of trouble.”
“I’m Hiroaki, thank you for saving us.”
The beastman girl who called herself Lassie had a slender nose, large ears, and a cute appearance. She was slender, and what stood out most was her green aura. It had been vaguely present even when they first saw her.
“I don’t usually interact with people from outside. Now, welcome to Kooshi village.”
Kooshi? Is that her race’s name? They had never heard of it before. And what appeared in front of them as they were welcomed was a village with a strange appearance. Houses made of large leaves, purple and blue streetlights, and even mushrooms big enough for a person to sit on. It was like a fairy tale world. A village where fairies might live.
“That was close, you really saved us.”
“No problem. It was my first time fighting too. Phew, real combat is so exciting, I’m still out of breath.”
Lassie pressed her chest and chuckled. They had a mountain of questions, but first, they needed to confirm if everyone was accounted for. Lauren, Pauline, Piyo… yes, everyone was here. However, they hadn’t escaped unscathed. Hiroaki had also injured himself while running away.
“I’m sorry to be selfish, but I’d like to get treated somewhere.”
“Oh, right. Oh dear, you’re injured. Did you get bitten? I heard that if you get bitten by a werewolf, you turn into one.”
Is that so? If that were the case, they would have turned into a Werewolf long ago. Perhaps it meant something like getting rabies from a dog-related creature.
While checking on the safety of his companions, Sharin nudged Hiroaki with his elbow.
“Hey, it looks like we’re being watched.”
They had felt that since they entered the village. Many eyes were hidden behind houses and in the shadows of plants, staring intently at them. Were all of them Kooshi?
