Having borrowed the hunter’s strength, I succeeded in escaping the Dark Elf territory.
I ran through the forest, where visibility was almost non-existent, carrying Ryoku’s cage. The only thing I could see was the young hunter, emitting a pale blue light. He was flying between the trees like a ninja, borrowing the spirits’ power. Karubene, running alongside me, was also breathing heavily. His usual lighthearted banter was gone, replaced by an unusually serious expression.
Cowardly Ear was also trying her best to keep up. I really wanted to carry her on my back, but I didn’t have the luxury to do so right now.
“Hah, hah, wait!”
Cowardly Ear suddenly stopped. Was she at her limit? No, it didn’t feel like that.
“Something’s coming. Something big.”
The rabbit spirit trembled, clearly frightened. The next moment, I felt the ground shake beneath me with an upward thrust. I might have even been lifted into the air slightly.
“Wh-what was that? Hey, wait, this is abnormal.”
Immediately after, a series of small quakes began. A rumbling sound echoed from the earth. Even the hunters couldn’t stand and were rolling on the ground.
“You don’t think they stole the Spring of Life, do you?”
“Hey, Brother, isn’t that bad? If they grew using the nutrients from that water… it must have sprouted some monstrous weeds.”
“Let’s head to the Spring of Life for the time being.”
The hunters seemed reluctant, but there was no other way than to go and confirm it directly. It was quite a distance from here, and I hoped our stamina would last until then.
“There are pursuers coming from behind.”
“What?!”
I wanted to believe Cowardly Ear’s words were a lie, but her ears were accurate. If we were attacked now, we wouldn’t be able to respond.
“Let’s run, hey Kiba, take Cowardly Ear with you.”
“Fine, hurry up.”
Kiba the spirit looked displeased, but he had to put up with it this time. I picked up the cage again and ran. The pain from the wounds I received fighting Nigpyura was getting worse.
“Brother, hold on, you have to run.”
“I know, but…”
Come to think of it, I wonder what happened to Sharin and the others. Would they be angry if they knew I acted on my own? But it would be good if they were, because it means I can meet them again.
The sound of enemies came from behind – the sound of horses running. Damn it, they came on horseback!
“They’re catching up!”
“I-I know, *cough*.”
It’s no use, my whole body is screaming. My arms holding the cage and my sides hurt. I need water, my cough won’t stop.
Something flew out of the darkness and grazed my feet. An arrow. The enemy was attacking from a distance. Then, a fireball came flying towards me. I somehow managed to deflect it with water by swinging my cloak. Sparks of fire rained down on my face.
“Karubene, take Ryoku and go.”
“Guh… Hey Brother, let’s leave him. The spirit has already been taken. If we take him with us, we’ll all be wiped out.”
“No, if Ryoku isn’t here, the forest won’t regenerate.”
“Why are you so obsessed with him!! Look at him, he’s useless, just blankly staring! Tsk, they’re coming.”
Karubene took a stance with his dagger. The hunters also drew their weapons, preparing for battle. I caught a glimpse of horse heads. At the same time, an arrow was shot towards us.
The hunters scattered and moved to confront the enemies. I stood up and reached for Ryoku’s cage. I had to take the key from Nigpyura somehow. The cold iron mass felt stuck to the ground, refusing to be lifted.
“Ugh, guh…”
I managed to lift it onto my shoulder. It was incredibly heavy. The metal cage dug mercilessly into my shoulder. Still, I had to get even a little closer to Nigpyura.
“Damn it, you! Brother, help!”
Karubene’s voice could be heard behind me. Then, the sound of him falling with a thud. What should I do? Now that the enemies’ attention is diverted, I might be able to hide in the darkness. But, but, Karubene and the hunters’ lives are in danger. What should I do? Save the many with the lives of a few, or abandon hope and save my companions right in front of me?
No, the answer is already decided. This is not despair, but hope.
I put down the cage and ran towards the enemy with all my might. The cavalry on horseback were attacking the hunters from a superior position. As expected, for their small stature, their height disadvantage alone put them at a disadvantage.
With that momentum, I lunged at one of the enemies. I wrapped my hands around their waist.
“Let go, you!”
“Kiba, over here.”
I managed to block a sword that came down from directly above with my shield. In that opening, Kiba climbed up my back and took the enemy’s neck. I immediately dragged him down and got on the horse myself. Behind me, Karubene was about to be struck down by an enemy.
Without thinking, I threw the dagger in my hand. It grazed the opponent’s shoulder and stuck into a nearby tree. But in that instant, Karubene plunged his own dagger into the enemy’s stomach. Kiba, who was on my shoulder, jumped to another cavalryman.
“Karubene, get on.”
“I knew you’d come, Brother.”
I had a hunter, who was shooting arrows from below, get on behind me. Then I placed Cowardly Ear in front. It seemed the other enemies had already been dealt with by the hunters.
“Put Ryoku’s cage on.”
Karubene easily dismounted and lifted the waiting cage onto the horse. As she started galloping, the horse I was on also began to move.
