Chapter 7
The night sky was densely covered with the usual thick clouds. Ian leisurely guided the horses into the deep darkness. Maeve and Philip were riding ahead of him, but Ian didnt bother to ride side by side or engage in conversation because he didnt want to share his emotions with those who might become enemies. In fact, after leaving the village, he had hardly spoken ten words and Maeve was no different. Among the knights that Ian had seen, she was one of the most serious.
Its strange, I dont remember seeing clear skies these days. Isnt that right, Sir? The group would have been marching in complete silence, but Philip kept up a familiar chatter. Could this be evidence that the madness of the Black Wall is spreading to Agellan? Or could it be that the twilight of magic is affecting the climate?
As if in response, they heard a faint howl, which spread like an echo. I think I heard a how a little while ago too. When the sun sets, the wolves seem to become more active.
Philip. At that moment, Ian suddenly opened his mouth.
As if waiting for an answer, Philip turned his head quickly. Yes, Sir?
How big is that forest? Ian pointed towards the vast expanse of dark forest in front of them. It was filled with dense, rugged trees, a far cry from lush greenery and the path leading through it looked like the entrance to a dungeon.
Itll take more than half a day to cross.
In that case, it might be a good idea to pass through early tomorrow morning and make camp here tonight. What do you think, Sir?
Lets do that. Maeve nodded her head in agreement as she looked towards Ian.
About halfway through the forest, there should be a stream where travelers camp. Philip added cautiously.
Ian casually responded, Theres a wolf pack in the forest. I dont want to venture in and disturb their sleep.
I see, so thats what you mean. Philip, who readily accepted the idea of wolves, went ahead. Ill start a fire! Philip unpacked his things in a grassy field near the forest, creating quite a commotion.
Ian let out a wry smile. Its quite impressive how youve managed to put up with such a fool.
Maeve retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Hes just inexperienced. In a few years, hell be pulling his weight just fine.
If he survives that long. Ian thought to himself.
His tired horse let out a sigh as it flicked its tail. It was an old horse that Ian had obtained from the stable master for almost nothing since it wouldnt be living much longer anyway and there was no reason to ride a good horse.
Ian frowned as he felt the soreness from the saddle. If it werent for his familiarity with swordplay, standing like this would have been difficult. This skill was similar to how he naturally wielded his sword in this world. He had never learned horseback riding in his original world, but his familiarity with mounted combat came naturally, just like his proficiency with swordplay. This was all thanks to the general skill points, he assumed. Of course, he only knew enough about riding to handle a horse, not to perform fancy tricks like skilled riders who moved elegantly on horseback. That was a far cry from Ians skill set.
Everythings ready, Sir. As Ian tied his horse next to Maeves horse, Philips voice echoed out. He had already set up a makeshift fire and organized sleeping arrangements. It was a flurry of activity, as if there was an advertisement that he was here.
Ian sat down by the campfire and looked at the flames that barely pushed back the darkness. He took in the uneven ground where he would be sleeping with the sound of howling of wolves around him and he realized that the comfortable life he had been living for a while had come to an end. Memories of the shabby room on the second floor of the tavern naturally came to mind. I knew this would happen. I already miss it. Ian chuckled as he took out a bundle from his bag.
Philips face showed excitement. Oh, finally, the bundle containing the deep love of the maid is being opened. Thinking of her expression, it must be-
Are you going to keep talking about eating until you die?
Were you planning to share it? Philip hesitated.
Without looking at him, Ian replied, If you shut up. Philips mouth shut in an instant. However, his gaze remained fixed on the bundle Ian held in his hands.
As Ian leisurely unrolled the bundle, Philip suddenly spoke up again, You are making fun of me-
Shut up. Ian exhaled.
Philip belatedly noticed Ians tone had changed. Ian was staring over the campfire with a serious expression. Philip could only see the forest immersed in darkness.
Guess we will be skipping a meal. Ian murmured with a sigh as he placed the bundle back into his bag.
What did you see? Philip finally asked.
We have an uninvited guest. Maeve answered as she stood, staring into the forest.
Dozens of eyes shimmered beyond the darkness of the forest. The yellow and red eyes glared at them sitting leisurely around the fire. When Philip locked eyes with one of them he stumbled back, How scary!
Ian snorted softly at his reaction. He looked annoyed as he stood and drew his sword.
Is this the work of the Magician? Maeve asked calmly
Ian shrugged in response, his calm gaze scanning the forest. Wont you find out if you kill me?
Probably. she answered him
That- What are they? Philips voice trembled.
Ian didnt have time to answer before the wolves began to howl, their voices echoing all around them. The sound had a terrifying effect on their minds, strangling their thoughts. It was not a normal sound.
Ians voice came out in a strangling sound, If you dont want to die, then focus.
Philip struggled to stand up, biting his lip to suppress his trembling voice. What should I do? He asked, attempting to control his shaky voice.
Maeve answered without looking. Do your job, Philip. With a clank, Maeve lowered her visor and added, Ian, you should step back.
I refuse. Ill take the lead.
What do you mean? Maeve looked at Ian. Her gaze held surprise.
Ian casually added, You cant chase wolves around dressed like that. Its better for you to fight while holding our position here.
If thats the case, Id rather fight with you. I cant afford to lose you.
Id feel better if youre watching my back.
But-. Before Maeve could respond, the echoing howl abruptly stopped. The fierce glint in their eyes vanished in unison.
Theres something only I can do, so follow me. Youve got nothing to lose. Ians resolute words made Maeve finally turn her body around.
Dont die.
Damn it. You dont die either. Ian muttered under his breath.
Strange sounds came out of the forest. It was the sound of darkness, low to the ground, rippling and surging like waves. Damn, theres so many of them. Ian muttered as he tightened his grip on his sword.
In his eyes, the surging wave of darkness was a horde of charging wolves. The number of them was abnormally high, and each one was larger than a normal wolf. Luckily, Ian had experienced a similar situation in the game, although the current situation was much more overwhelming due to the sheer amount. Ill have to find the alpha. That was the only solution.
With a snarl, the wave of oncoming wolves lunged at him. Ferocious yellow eyes, and sharp teeth in a massive gaping maw, filled Ians field of vision.
Ian calmly stepped forward, thrusting the sword. A loud crunch followed as his sword pierced the jaw of the first wolf that charged him. The momentum of the charge added to the force, causing the tip of the sword to pierce through the wolfs throat and spring out. Ian was pushed back along with the falling wolf. As he attempted to pull out the sword in the midst of the motion, wolves lunged from both sides.
In an instant, as Ians pupils swirled with gray magic. A gust of wind erupted around him, altering the trajectory of the wolves. It was a surging barrier. Ian, who had drawn the sword in the process, swung it up, hitting one wolf in mid-air and quickly regained his stance.
Another wolf landed behind him, springing forth like a stretched coil. This time, the wolfs forehead was pierced. Ian, pushed back again by the force, clenched his teeth together, Should I just burn them all?
Fire was the easiest way to deal with flesh-and-blood creatures, especially a pack of wolves. Unleashing a flame-walking spell would be enough to wipe them out, just like in the Kobold Mountains.
However, he didnt want to reveal his identity as a mage to Maeve and Philip. Who knows when they might become enemies and it was clear that there would be difficult questions and suggestions throughout the remaining journey.
Lets kill these damn bastards. Ian muttered as the gray whirlwind surged in his eyes again.
Gray magic spells didnt have highly visible effects making them suitable for mimicking a sword-wielding mercenary. Even the residents of Agellan didnt realize he was a mage until they parted ways.
An unseen wall of wind enveloped his surroundings. His clothes and hair began to flutter as if carried by a mountain breeze. It was called Wind Blade. By incorporating wind magic with his sword skills, it could add momentum to his movements, and, if desired, he could turn the wind into sharp blades at any moment. Although it had a short range, primarily suitable for use while running in the game, now it was an advantage while using a sword.
Ian raised his head as three wolves charged at him, baring their teeth and claws at him. The sword flashed in the air and drew an arc. Just before the swords blade touched the wolves, the wind blade slashed the mouth of the first one, and split the head of the next one in half. The curtain of wind blocked the remaining one, causing the wolf to lose its balance in the air and crash into Ian.
Ian struck the exposed nape of his neck as the wolf crashed into his shoulder. Another wolf, taking advantage of the chaos, roared and leapt into the air. Just as Ian was about to swing his sword again, a blue sword light sliced the wolfs body in half, and blood splattered across Ians face.
Maeve, armor stained with blood, was shaking blood from her sword. The fighting had pushed him back closer to her. She illuminated the surroundings with her blue sword and the magic stones in her armor.
The smell of blood filled the air. The bodies of wolves were scattered around, either crushed or cut in two. The scene reminded him of her identity in the game as the bleeding avenger.
They are fucking strong even though they arent corrupted.
They are certainly not ordinary wolves. Maeve added, as Ian wiped his face and stood. Her breathing was steady and strong. She wasnt breathing hard despite the destruction around her.
Ian looked around, perhaps because they had lost so many of their own kind in just a moment, the wolves were no longer recklessly attacking. Instead, they chose to ambush them looking for blind spots.
Ian and Maeve carefully killed one after another. Maeve took full advantage of her strengths and led the battle. No matter how strong they were, in the end, they were just large wolves. Their teeth and claws could not pierce her armor, so she could afford to neglect defense in favor of greater offense. Of course, if they collided using full weight and speed, it was difficult. So, Maeve evaded their attacks with minimal movement. A skill worthy of a knight.
From what Ian could tell, she wasnt even using half of her strength. I guess shes holding back.
Even Philip was playing his part, with one hand he held the reins of the three horses, and with the other hand held up a round shield cutting off the wolves.
You are both better than I thought. Ian clicked his tongue, they were running out of time. The pack of wolves seemed to be swept away by madness, but in reality they were under the control of the alpha. The alpha was smart and would run away if the wolves were depleted below a certain number. However, he was also stubborn and once he had his eyes on his prey he would pursue it until the end.
This should not have changed in this reality. It was clear that if they didnt kill the alpha today, they would have to fight again and Ian had no desire to fight them again when they didnt even drop good loot.
Ian suddenly used his Sensory Detection ability. It combined his heightened mental attributes along with his heightened instincts giving him the ability to achieve intense focus. He was then able to see objects that were invisible to the naked eye. It was an ability that slowed his physical capabilities but allowed his mental speed to increase.
Time seemed to slow. Ian could see the life force and frenzy coursing through the pack of wolves as waves of crimson magic. His eyes slowly scanned the scene bordering on the surreal. His gaze fixated on a point in the forest. Found you. It was the source of the magical waves dominating the wolf pack.
Ian knelt down, and whispered. Ill take the alphas head. He pounded the ground.