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Chapter 90 - White and Red
Chapter 90 - White and Red
Chapter 90: White and Red
I flew into the sky with [Airstep] and escaped from the temple. And then, I sent a [Call] to Hokuto to signal the mission’s completion while looking down at the town.
“Mission accomplished. Outrun that fellow and return. Send me a signal if there is anything.” (Sirius)
Since the Fire Wolf, who was chasing after Hokuto, wasn’t in a situation which it could borrow the power of the Spirits like in the daytime, he probably could shake it off if he wanted to run away.
Later, when we flew in the sky while thinking about safely returning back to the carriage, Reese, who seemed to be happy and blushing until now, let out a small sigh and started to get depressed.
“…What’s wrong Reese?” (Sirius)
“Uhmm, this time… I had given trouble to a lot of people…” (Reese)
“I don’t mind it, but please do something with Emilia and Reus. They were really worried when Reese got kidnapped.” (Sirius)
“Yeah. If it makes the situation better, I think that I want to make something to treat them. Of course, it is also for Sirius-san and Fia-san.” (Reese)
“Aah, I’m looking forward to it.” (Sirius)
Since Reese’s cooking was almost as skillful as my own, I was looking forward to it without flattering her.
While thinking about asking for something that I wanted to eat, I noticed that Reese was looking at me with a serious expression.
She… probably wanted to tell me something important. After gathering her thoughts for a little while, she slowly opened her mouth.
“…Sirius-san. I’d been thinking the whole time when I was kidnapped, but… I am still unable to let this go, due to my na?vety.” (Reese)
When she talked about na?vety, since it wasn’t related to Vagle, I guessed it was a matter of saving people.
It was true that I was forced to change the plan, but since it wasn’t a bad thing to help others, I had planned to emphasize that fact. Reese already received her punishment, which was being caught by the enemy.
“If I knew that person was that bad… I might have given up. But if people and friends can be saved when I use my power, I think that I want to help.” (Reese)
“Even if that puts everyone in danger?” (Sirius)
“If everyone is in danger… I may think about it for a bit. However, if I overlook someone who I can save in front of me, I am sure that I will not forgive myself. I feel like… I will lose something important inside of me.” (Reese)
Reese was a gentle woman, and that’s why she was… na?ve. Knowing the reality, it was enough to say that she was overly optimistic when she wanted to help, even though she had actually experienced the consequences.
She couldn’t bear to see someone die in front of her, so instead of hurting people, she chose to heal and protect. In reality, the one who proactively learned magic was her.
“So, I think that I would like live like that from now on. Like Nee-sama told me in the past… to become selfish.” (Reese)
But… if that wasn’t Reese, even if it wasn’t spread, there was no way for her to be called ‘Saintess’.
Reese’s na?vety was a disadvantage, and also an advantage. Attracting people without any threat of power, should I say that was her strong point, which could naturally increase the number of allies?
It was a contrary to my principle, which my strong point was about killing.
Besides, if Reese chose this path, I should support her as a Shishou.
“…Is that the path that Reese chosen? If there are two lives, you may be asked for a painful choice to choose either one of them, you know?” (Sirius)
“I don’t want to say that it is a big deal to save everyone, but still I… would like to save both.” (Reese)
“Haha, you are really selfish. If that’s the case, it won’t do you any good if you are not strong.” (Sirius)
“Yes, I will save the person who I want to save, and I want to become stronger… to the extent that I can protect everyone by myself. Like Sirius-san, I would like to push through with my own selfishness.” (Reese)
“Am I being selfish?” (Sirius)
“Aah, uhmm… I am not saying it as a bad thing. Just like Sirius-san, I only thought that I wanted to be able to push on with my own purpose.” (Reese)
Indeed, it wasn’t a mistake to say that I was selfish. Other than hobbies and to live, the reason why I trained myself was because I wanted to be able to eliminate obstacles to myself.
After waiting until the flustered Reese to settle down, I told her my feelings towards her determination.
“Reese… it doesn’t bother me if you do it as much as you like. Therefore, be strong. And, in order to get closer to the ideals etched in your heart, please keep walking forward. That is… my wish as your Shishou.” (Sirius)
“Yes! I will become stronger as Sirius-san’s disciple, and lo—… lover! So… please watch me.” (Reese)
And then, Reese brought her face closer and smiled after kissing my cheek.
“Aah, please show it to me. As long as I am alive, I will watch over you.” (Sirius)
If it was her, who could use Spirit Magic, she would become stronger and grow bigger.
I continued flying in the sky, while thinking that it would be more fun from now on.
—
…Come to think of it, there was one thing I had forgotten to say.
“Yeah, Reese. Although everyone doesn’t mind, it is a fact that you have caused trouble in various ways. Therefore, Reese is prohibited from having an extra helping for today’s dinner.” (Sirius)
“Eh!?” (Reese)
Although she was already punished for being caught by the enemy, as a standard… it was more or less a punishment of our feelings.
In fact, I thought that they should try to eat their meals, but since it wasn’t good not to take in the nutrition, I refrained from prohibiting an extra helping.
However… Reese’s expression was full of despair.
“I have confirmed this earlier. It seems that Emilia is making stew at about this time. Since you aren’t allowed to have an extra helping, you can only have a cup.” (Sirius)
“Br— bread… how many pieces of bread can I have!?” (Reese)
“Of course, it’s one piece.” (Sirius)
“Dessert…” (Reese)
“Only one pudding.” (Sirius)
“Uhh… then, somehow… You’re right, it’s for reflection. Patience… patience…” (Reese)
I felt that the reflection was deeper than before, but that was probably evidence that she had regained her usual self.
When I thought about it… wasn’t that a good thing?
—
After that, Reese and I descended to the ground in front of the forest away from the town, and we returned to the carriage.
“Reese!” (Emilia)
“Reese-ane!” (Reus)
The siblings, who noticed us, started to run, and they were clinging onto Reese.
Since Reese’s body was smaller than the siblings’, she was completely buried when they were both hugging her. Reese seemed to be in pain from being sandwiched by the siblings, but I also saw that she was happy.
“I-I’m back. I’m sorry for making you guys get involved and worried because of me.” (Reese)
“That’s not it. It’s not just Reese. Our strength was also insufficient.” (Emilia)
“That’s right, we were also bad for falling behind them! It’s pitiable as Aniki’s disciple!” (Reus)
“…Yes, thanks. Say, together with you guys, I will also… become stronger. I will never lose to such a person, never again… because I will become stronger.” (Reese)
While confirming each other’s safety, Reese declared her determination to the siblings.
The siblings were puzzled by the change for a moment, but they immediately high-fived each other. Those three were really on good terms.
“Reese-san! I’m glad… that you are safe.” (Ashley)
“I’m sorry! You got caught because of me.” (Amanda)
“N-no, we are all safe. More importantly, you were acquainted with Ashley, after all.” (Reese)
“Yes! I was able to meet with Ashley again because Reese-sama saved me. I really appreciate it.” (Amanda)
“S-stop referring to me with -sama! Amanda-san is older and I am just an adventurer!” (Reese)
Subsequently, Ashley and Amanda came and thanked her, while repeatedly bowed.
Reese seemed to be embarrassed, but Amanda was safe as a result of Reese’s actions. I thought that it was polite to accept it without hesitation.
—
After that, we finished our reunion, and when Hokuto safely returned, it became a bit of a late dinner.
When I noticed it, we had already become like a large household. Ashley and her companion were concerned about the food supply left in the carriage, but Emilia didn’t mind giving them dishes with soup.
“I think that we can shop soon in Fonia, so don’t worry about it. Is that right, Sirius-sama?” (Emilia)
“Aah, yes, Emilia is right. Since we will be busy tomorrow, so please eat well and take a rest.” (Sirius)
“Are you busy? Besides, about shopping… will it be alright for Sirius-san and the others to enter the town?” (Ashley)
We already explained the series of actions taken in Fonia to Ashley and the rest.
Since our faces were already known by Mira’s Doctrine, it might be natural for Ashley to worry.
“Not just us, Ashley will also go to Fonia. Have you heard the story of believers who are against Dolga in town?” (Sirius)
“Yes, I think they are fine. Could this be…” (Ashley)
“Yes. After joining with the believers in the town tomorrow, you can go ahead to the temple of Mira’s Doctrine after making preparation for it.” (Sirius)
I gathered the evidence of their wrongdoings when I infiltrated the temple. I also picked up things that were seized from the population and nobles and arranged them in front of Ashley.
“This is… the stolen heirloom that Megina-san(1) lamented over!” (Ashley)
“Look, Ashley. This is a memento of Sage(2)-sama’s wife. I had heard that it was gone…” (Amanda)
They were merely memorable things, but Ashley and Amanda confirmed them while being surprised. Since they knew who the owners were, this could be quick.
“Sensei, what is this?” (Chris)
“The things here are important things kept by Dolgar. It seems there are people who reluctantly obeyed Mira’s Doctrine. That’s why I show it to them, so they can become our allies.” (Sirius)
Since Mira’s Doctrine was a matter of Ashley’s in the first place, I wanted her to resolve it herself as much as possible.
If we got involved more than necessary and solved the problem, Chris and Ashley would not learn their lessons. Similar problems would happen later, and they could do nothing without us… and it would become troublesome.
Because of that, when I decided to lend my hands, I arranged the means to gather allies, like now. I found Dolgar’s weaknesses and shared them with Ashley. Besides, I planned to move around those who supported him from behind.
“Cer-certainly, this may work. But, Sensei, isn’t this too sudden?” (Chris)
“I think that it is bad for it being too sudden, but we also have many things to take care and it is impossible to change plans.”(Sirius)
Originally, the plan was to let Ashley gather allies, make use of Dolgar’s weaknesses, and attack after weakening the temple’s side.
However… the disciples had unexpectedly encountered Vagle, and, furthermore, Reese was kidnapped.
Since they were picking a fight with us, I completely stopped using an indirect route from that moment on. While actively assisting Ashley, I decided to proactively crush Dolgar.
“Besides, Dolgar has the Holy Knight, Vagle. How about scaring him to let him move to Ashley’s ally…?” (Amanda)
“Since he will be leaving the town tomorrow, there is no problem. That’s the reason why the plan needs to speed up.” (Sirius)
I didn’t take care of Vagle when I had the opportunity to because I didn’t want to let the temple… Dolgar, raise an excessive alertness.
Although it was a short observation, I knew Vagle was a man with a huge amount of pride. Such a guy probably would never want to talk about the matter of being defeated, and since he was in a situation which he could only explain to Dolgar, the chances of speaking about it would be low.
If he was in such a situation, Vagle would surely come to get revenge on me, and even if he was getting more annoying, it won’t be out of place if he left the temple in the morning.
It was the usual daily occurrence.
If there was anything, it was because of the Holy Knight’s negligence.
Taking advantage of that opportunity, Ashley and the others would rush in, and suppress Dolgar in one go… well, that was the plan.
I explained the details of the plan to Ashley, and that I invited Vagle and would fight him outside of the town in the morning.
My disciples were motivated when they heard the plan, but on the contrary, Ashley was greatly flustered, so I put up a smile, signaling to them that it would be alright.
“What, I’m good at confining. Rest assured, he will not return to the town until the matter is over.” (Sirius)
“Th-that’s not it! I’m worried about Sirius-san’s safety, if you fight that person! If something happens to Sirius-san, then Reese-san…” (Ashley)
“He is a child who abuses Flames, after all. As far as confining him, it depends on how I do it.” (Sirius)
“But!” (Ashley)
“Calm down, Ashley.” (Chris)
It was almost getting dangerous when Ashley made some noise, but after Chris stepped in to calm her down, he turned a serious look at me.
“Sensei… will you be alright?” (Chris)
“No problem. Rather than Vagle, the Fire Wolf is more problematic, but to me…” (Sirius)
“Woof!” (Hokuto)
When I turned my face to the side, Hokuto barked as if saying to entrust it to him, while wagging his tail.
After all, it was troublesome when the monster could avoid my long distance sniping. It seemed that Hokuto felt a similar air to himself from the Fire Wolf, and he was also full of enthusiasm.
“As you can see, I also have a partner. Don’t worry about me anymore than that. You guys just focus on Dolgar and the things that come after. If the present Mira’s Doctrine loses Dolgar, there shouldn’t be any problems, right?” (Sirius)
Dolgar changed Mira’s Doctrine according to his personal interests, and there were many believers who went along with it and became corrupted.
It was almost an impossible task to revert Mira’s Doctrine back by dealing with them or opening their eyes. Since it was a problem of the whole country, it was more problematic to deal with it later, compared to defeating the enemies.
“I will hold Vagle back until you guys regain control. After that, I will overwhelm and defeat him.” (Sirius)
“Eh? Aniki, aren’t we also going to fight Vagle?” (Reus)
“Aah, Hokuto and I are good enough to defeat those guys. I want you guys to move along with Ashley, and help her with various things.” (Sirius)
A little explanation didn’t seem to be enough.
Reese understood, since I dealt with him in front of her, but the other disciples turned their eyes towards me with anxious looks.
“But Sirius-sama, the opponent is someone who uses Spirit Magic that had cornered Reese, right? Although I don’t think Sirius-sama will be defeated, there is also a possibility of being injured, so to overwhelm him in one go…” (Emilia)
“I am only dealing with a child, but your side will be busier, you know?” (Sirius)
The plan with Ashley and the rest for tomorrow was to join the believers after infiltrating the town. After gathering allies, they would rush into the temple using the things I brought.
There would be many things to do and it was better to have more hands and, more than anything…
“This might be bad for you guys, but I will be his only opponent. Because… he kidnapped Reese.” (Sirius)
I would make him regret living.
Although I told Ashley, who was concerned, about the extent of the confinement, but depending on the situation, I planned to defeat him using a normal method.
“Anyhow, I have decided this plan on my own. Will it be alright with Ashley? If you want to object or change it, please tell me in advance.” (Sirius)
I judged that Ashley wasn’t prepared to say anything until now, but I would still want to listen to her opinion, at least once.
To tell the truth, I wasn’t interested, but it would be troublesome if they failed on the appointed day.
“No, I have nothing. In the first place, we would be caught if Sirius-san wasn’t there, so it will be far better than we who don’t know the art of fighting. And, more importantly, I believe in you, who will do this for us.” (Ashley)
“I also believe in Sensei, I will only fight to protect Ashley!” (Chris)
“I will also believe you.” (Amanda)
“Maybe you… were meant to be a messenger of Mira-sama… I was thinking too much.” (Ashley)
“…It may not be a mistake. It’s probably not weird to call Sirius-sama the messenger of God.” (Emilia)
“Hey, Emilia, how far are you going to lift me up?” (Sirius)
It was somehow a futile belief, but would it be alright if there was no objection?
After that, I informed them of the detailed strategy. And then, we dismissed to prepare for tomorrow.
As everyone passed the time as one prefered, Ashley came in front of me while I was doing preparation for tomorrow, and she deeply lowered her head.
“Thank you so much for taking care of everything. I can’t do anything now, but I certainly would like to thank you.” (Ashley)
“Nothing is over yet. Besides, there is no need to worry about gratitude, or anything. We already have our reasons to fight, as well.” (Sirius)
Since they touched our important person, we were just going to get our revenge.
In the meantime, for Ashley and the others… we were merely giving them assistance to save the Doctrine.
“You don’t have to be concerned about us for now. Think only about doing something to Dolgar. You will protect Mira’s Doctrine and lead it as its Saintess, right?” (Sirius)
“I was driven out of Mira’s Doctrine, but would it still be alright to call me its Saintess?” (Ashley)
“It is the people around you who decide that. If they call you differently, you can move as a believer, you know?” (Sirius)
“…If Sirius-san is involved, even the Saintess will lose face, huh?” (Ashley)
“The most important thing is the person herself, rather than the title. Besides, as I said yesterday, there are companions who stay around you not because you are a Saintess. Go have a proper discussion with each other about the preparations for tomorrow.” (Sirius)
When Ashley turned around, Chris vigorously nodded as if to entrust the matter to him, while Amanda stood up with a gentle smile.
Finally, Ashley deeply lowered her head again to me, and she ran up to her trustworthy friends.
“Sirius-sama, good work.” (Emilia)
As the preparations were completed, while drinking tea that Emilia brewed, it was time to rest and alternated the lookout shifts.
—
The next day, Hokuto and I came to the place of the duel I informed Vagle about.
Since the opponent was an opponent who controlled flames, I didn’t take off my usual long coat, and wore a custom-made cloak that was prepared yesterday.
Here was a high ground with an extreme difference in altitude. There were various large and small rocks, and it was also a barren land that plants didn’t grow on.
Since it was an hour away from the town, Fonia, it would be difficult to notice if there was something happening in the temple. Even if he confirmed it, he would not be able to return so soon.
In such a place, I sat on a rock of a reasonable size. I kept waiting for Vagle to come, while stroking Hokuto, who was in front of me.
“…He is a slow walker, huh?” (Sirius)
“Woof!” (Hokuto)
We figured the other party was approaching due to my [Search] and Hokuto’s senses, but, at any rate, they were walking really slow.
It seemed that it would take some time, so I decided to brush Hokuto, after taking out a portable comb.
“Woof…” (Hokuto)
“After all, you are my favorite. And it hasn’t changed since long ago…” (Sirius)
While continuing to brush Hokuto, the time when I noticed that my disciples started to move to the town… heat waves suddenly occurred and stroked my cheek.
“Dieee—!” (Vagle)
When I looked up, a huge fireball was heading our way.
It had enough power to melt even the rock I was sitting on, and it was enough to make a big hole in the ground. If it made a direct hit, not only me, but even Hokuto would be in danger.
“…What a sudden greeting.” (Sirius)
“Woof!” (Hokuto)
Perhaps that blow was aimed as a surprise attack, but it was almost meaningless to me, since I could use [Search]. They were approaching while hiding between the rocks, so I knew that they were about to do something.
Because of that, I got on Hokuto’s back before the fireball fell, and moved away. Plus, I was deliberately observing the might of the fireball.
“Cheh, damn it!” (Vagle)
[Like I’ve said, it is impossible. I am not sure about that man, but the one over there is an existence that resembles me, you know?] (Enrou)
When I turned towards the voices I heard, Vagle and the Fire Wolf appeared from the hill.
Whether the Fire Spirits were already lending their power, the flames spewed from the body of the Fire Wolf were intense. When I saw it for the first time, its body was a bit smaller than Hokuto’s, but it was now the same size as Hokuto.
Hokuto was alarmed and starting to growl. And then, I turned my eyes to Vagle, who seemed to be annoyed.
“Could that be revenge for yesterday’s surprise attack? If so, it doesn’t suit you, so you better stop it. It was bad and pointless.” (Sirius)
“Shut up! I don’t feel comfortable teaching you lesson when you won due to surprise attack!” (Vagle) (Recheck)
“You are weak because you are full of openings. Or would it better for you if you were killed yesterday?” (Sirius)
“Stop joking around!” (Vagle)
Vagle was angry with my frivolous talk. He produced countless fireballs and threw them, so I plunged into the shadows of the rocks and let them fly over me.
It seemed that he couldn’t break the rocks with fireballs unleashed in quantity, rather than quality. Since they were being shot off endlessly, I couldn’t considerably rush out. When I was about to aim for them with the bullets of [Magnum]… a shadow spread to my feet.
When I reflexively looked up, the Fire Wolf fell from the sky, while brandishing its claws.
[Hahaha! You’re full of gaps!] (Enrou)
“Woof!” (Hokuto)
Hokuto jumped out and swung his claws. He intercepted the Fire Wolf’s claws, and they repelled each other upon impact. After that, Hokuto and the Fire Wolf landed in separate locations.
The arm of the Fire Wolf who received Hokuto’s claws was torn, but flames immediately spewed out and it was regenerated.
On the other hand, although Hokuto didn’t seemed to be hurt, the fur on the right forefoot, which he swung his nails, was burned a bit and it turned dark. Apparently, it was burnt in the aftermath of the flames spewing from the whole body of the Fire Wolf.
Hokuto’s fur was also quite strong against flames, but… it proved that the flames of the Fire Wolf were intense.
[Hehehe… I can do it. As expected of Hundred Wolves, huh?] (Enrou)
“Gurururu…” (Hokuto)
It could cause damage just by touching it. In addition, not only was the intensity amplified by the Fire Spirits, the Fire Wolf that could also regenerate its body was really troublesome.
It would not be compatible with Hokuto, who only fought with his body and couldn’t use weapons.
However…
“…You can do it, right?” (Sirius)
“Woof!” (Hokuto)
“…Understood. Hokuto, please play with the Fire Wolf over there.” (Sirius)
I instructed him to fight the Fire Wolf.
We also had our ways to fight together, but since we couldn’t defend with Water like Reese, and it would be a hassle if we were exposed with wide range attacks at the same time from both of them. Since they were using a mutual flame, there was a little possibility of friendly fire. Hence, the strategy was to fight in separate locations.
Above all… Hokuto said he wanted to it by himself. And I respected that intention.
[Hou… Do you think that you, alone, can defeat me?] (Enrou)
“…Woof!” (Hokuto)
Hokuto greatly leaped and landed on a higher ground. He barked while looking down at the Fire Wolf.
He probably wanted to provoke it. The Fire Wolf, who received the provocation, happily smiled while stimulating the flames on its whole body.
[Alright, I will accept that boring provocation. Oi, I will fight against him!] (Enrou)
“Do whatever you want! My aim is only that man!” (Vagle)
[Humph, don’t be careless. You were done in yesterday, remember?] (Enrou)
“I can win with my Flames if it is a frontal confrontation!” (Vagle)
[You haven’t changed. I won’t care if anything happens, alright?] (Enrou)
The Fire Wolf also leaped towards the hill, thus Hokuto started to run away from us.
When I looked at the back of the moving Hokuto and the Fire Wolf, Vagle also stopped attacking as he judged that it was pointless to attack with small fireballs.
“Don’t hide and come out! What happened to that arrogant attitude when you hit me from behind?” (Vagle)
“Alright, alright. Is this fine?” (Sirius)
When I showed up from a rock with a burning smell, my line-of-sight locked with Vagle, whom I was looking down on from a hill.
He seemed to have used a considerable amount of Flames, but I couldn’t see him getting tired. Maybe there were a lot of Fire Spirits around here, and they probably assisted him a lot.
In reality, when Reese was around a lake where there seemed to be Water Spirits, no matter how many spells she casts, she would also look fine.
They had tremendous power. In this case, the Spirit Magic of a person changes depending on the number of Spirits and the topography.
“It’s not easy to kill you, huh? I will roast everything you are with Flames and I will kill you after making you suffer heavy damage.” (Vagle)
“You can unleash the Flames, but don’t lose your temper, brat.” (Sirius)
I repeated the provocation.
A guy who had an absolute confidence in himself, like Vagle, would be full of openings when he became angry.
Other than that, it was to make him go all out. I decided to defeat him when he was serious, because he was the kind of guy that won’t accept it, unless I crushed his confidence into small pieces.
And then, Vagle, who was angry with the provocation, took a deep breath and shouted.
“You guys, stop his movement!” (Vagle)
At that moment, flames spewed from the surrounding ground, but the flames from a certain distance wasn’t approaching and just swirled around me.
“And… it will be over for this guy!” (Vagle)
Vagle, then, brought forth a bigger fireball than the swirling flames, and he was about to swing it.
The flames around me were meant to block my sight and movement. Was he fond of fireballs?
“You’re thinking with anger. Was it… because you were raised by someone who manipulates Mira’s Doctrine?” (Sirius)
“Hahaha! I will forgive you, if you cry and apologize!” (Vagle)
Based on his personality, I felt like he wouldn’t forgive me, even if I cried and apologized.
I had no plans to apologize in the first place, so I flipped around the mantle while inviting him to quickly come with my hand.
“Heh! What nerve. Run if you can!” (Vagle)
Vagle, then, swung his hand down, and a huge fireball was approaching me.
—
— Hokuto —
Hokuto braced himself as he kept on running.
He made an assumption from the time he clashed with the Fire Wolf in order to help Master earlier, but it was obviously much stronger than yesterday.
In fact, the Fire Wolf was running with even more power than yesterday, and it continued to close in on Hokuto, which was probably good evidence of that.
[Where do you plan to run away!?] (Enrou)
Hokuto leaped to avoid a fireball, which was released by the Fire Wolf from behind. Since he considered that he was already far away from his Master, he turned around as he landed on the ground.
The Fire Wolf also stopped because of that conduct, and the two animals took a distance and confronted each other.
[Did you finally get motivated? I certainly didn’t expect to meet Hundred Wolves together with a human in a place like this.] (Enrou)
“Woof!” (Hokuto)
“Hmm… you are Hokuto? Besides, you… can you not speak?] (Enrou)
Hokuto gave his name as a courtesy and asked the name of the opponent, but the Fire Wolf opened its mouth wide and was laughing.
[Hahaha! What a boner! You are a proud race and yet you’re given a name by a vulgar human? And, from the appearance that’s unable to speak… are you still a child?] (Enrou)
“Woof, woof!” (Hokuto)
‘Don’t make a fool of the name give by my Master’… as if Hokuto was saying that, he was angry. The Fire Wolf laughed a while, and then looked at him with great interest.
“When I look at you, you are smaller than the Hundred Wolves that I’ve met a long time ago, but I couldn’t feel a significant difference in strength. It seems that you’ll be an opponent that can make me go all out.] (Enrou)
“Woof!” (Hokuto)
“What a noisy fellow to give me his name. I am not falling low enough to get a name from a human like you. I am Enrou… that’s all.] (Enrou)
“Woof… Woof!” (Hokuto)
It seemed to be making fun of himself, so why would it work under that human?
When Hokuto asked that, the Fire Wolf loudly howled while activating its own flames.
[Hmph, I don’t remember working under him. He is indeed stupid, but the only interesting part is the Spirits.] (Enrou)
The Fire Wolf was a wolf-kind monster that manipulated flames, but it wasn’t possible to borrow the power of Fire Spirits.
Based on the present power, Vagle seemed to lend him strength, and he could display it because he ordered the Fire Spirits.
[I am using that fool to become stronger. If the Fire Spirits lend their power, this is going to be easy!] (Enrou)
When the cladded flames on the Fire Wolf noticeably swelled, numerous fireballs materialized in the air and poured down on Hokuto all at once.
It had a might that could be called a rain of fire, but it wasn’t overwhelmingly fast for Hokuto, who was familiar with his Master’s gun spells.
Hokuto, who used to his own large build body, avoided the approaching fireballs with small steps, or hit them with his tail and punches, and he kept avoiding with minimal movement.
And then, he swung his tail at a rock nearby at the same time with the gap of the barrage. The rock was crushed by the impact and it became a counterattack with small flying rocks, but the Fire Wolf knocked all of them down with the flames it released from its mouth.
However, there was one big rock that penetrated the flames. It struck the Fire Wolf and made a hole on its legs; but, again, the flames spewed out and closed the hole.
[That degree of stones are useless! As long as the Spirits lend their power, my body is indestructible!] (Enrou)
“Woof!” (Hokuto)
If he didn’t try it, he wouldn’t know. Hokuto smashed a rock again with his tail and the rock became smaller, and he, at the same time…
[You can only the same thing, huh!? As expected of a child… muuh!?] (Enrou)
The Fire Wolf unleashed flames to burn Hokuto and the small rocks at the same time, but Hokuto jumped to the side before the flames hit him. He kicked the ground hard and moved around towards the side of the Fire Wolf. The movement, which was closely perpendicular, was a movement that could be done due to the unique physical ability of Hundred Wolves.
Hokuto, who was on its side, leaped without stopping, and cut the Fire Wolf’s neck with his claws.
“Woof!” (Hokuto)
Hokuto’s fur was burned again and became dark because of the flames cladding the Fire Wolf, but his attack wasn’t over yet.
When you thought that he would cut through with claws and ran through it, he greatly rotated with his forefoot as an axis, and he, then, further swept it with his mana-enforced tail.
Hokuto took a distance once, after dividing its body into several parts, but the flames still spewed out from its body, and the Fire Wolf regenerated as if nothing had happened.
[Although you are a child, is it possible to attack without fear of my flames because you are a Hundred Wolves? But, I’m not impressed with the repeating pointless attacks.] (Enrou)
“…Woof!” (Hokuto)
[…Hou, did you notice?] (Enrou)
Last night, Hokuto shared his information about the Fire Wolf with his Master.
Since the body of the Fire Wolf was formed from flames, you would make holes on its body, but no matter how many times you cut it, it was possible to be regenerated when the flames were activated from the mana of the Fire Wolf. Hence, that was the mechanism.
In other words, if the Fire Wolf continued to use its mana until it ran out, it was possible to defeat him when the flames didn’t come out anymore, but… the present Fire Wolf was in a state which the Fire Spirits lent their power according to Vagle’s instructions.
Since the Fire Spirits burn the body of the Fire Wolf, it could regenerate without using mana. It wasn’t possible to exhaust the Spirits, so roughly speaking, it could endlessly generate itself.
However… as a living thing, it had a weakness.
Just like how his Master could use an unique investigation spell called [Search], it was also obvious for Hokuto, who had sharp mana sensitivity.
[Yes. It is a correct decision to target my core. But… do you know where it is?] (Enrou)
“…” (Hokuto)
[Where do you think my core is? Head? Heart? No, I’m not even sure if it is at a fixed position or not.] (Enrou)
However, even though he knew that there was a lump of mana that seemed to be the core within the body of the Fire Wolf, he also knew that it was freely moving within the body.
Although the preceding continuous attacks were aimed at the core, the Fire Wolf’s intuition was sharp. The core moved around and avoided the attacks by a paper-thin difference.
If it was his Master, he would continuously shoot [Magnum] from all directions. He would pursue the core and surely shoot through it.
[From the point of using smaller stones, do you think that you have sufficient projectile weapons? It seems the only thing that you are better at than me is your physical ability.] (Enrou)
“Gurururu…” (Hokuto)
[Let me see… should I raise the difficulty a little bit? Whether you can endure with your body, or you can attack my core… I wonder which one is stronger?] (Enrou)
When a huge flame spurt out from the body of the Fire Wolf, who received additional power from the Fire Spirits, its body was noticeably getting bigger.
Previously, the size of the Flame Wolf was similar to Hokuto, but now it was at least twice the size of him.
The burning sensation could be felt even from far away, and his body would probably be burnt if he got closer.
Furthermore, the difference in physical abilities grew more than double. If he was an ordinary creature, it wouldn’t feel weird to be hesitant, but…
“…Woof!” (Hokuto)
[Hou… Are you not afraid? If that’s the case, come at me!] (Enrou)
Hokuto was more terrified in his past life, but… he continued fighting against Master’s Shishou.
If he compared the fear when he fought against Shishou, he didn’t consider the Fire Wolf before him to be a significant opponent.
And he had been fighting against bigger opponents than him for many times.
Hokuto stepped forward without fear, and he swung his nails at the Fire Wolf.
Avoiding the innumerable fluttering flames, he sliced the Fire Wolf’s leg, even though his body was burnt, but… it regenerated.
He ran while avoiding pillars of flames spouting from his feet. He, then, sliced the body of the Fire Wolf while swinging his tail, but… it regenerated.
[What’s wrong? Your movement is getting slightly dull!] (Enrou)
“Woof!” (Hokuto)
His body was burned and even though the black pattern increased on his beautiful white fur… he still wouldn’t give up.
Hokuto’s Master believed that he would win, and that’s why he was sent out.
Hokuto didn’t want to betray the trust of his Master, which was more important than anything else. If he wanted to walk by his Master’s side, he didn’t feel like losing, even if he had a bad compatibility with the opponent.
Hokuto never stopped trying to get stronger. He realized that there were many opponents stronger than himself.
[There! How about avoiding this?] (Enrou)
Since it brought forth a wide range of fire walls, Hokuto jumped high and avoided them.
Hokuto, who jumped high in the air, was aimed at by a fireball, but he swung his nail in midair and cut the fireball. While his forefoot was still burning, he landed on the ground.
[What a futile struggle! As expected, it seems that you have good defensive capabilities.] (Enrou)
“Gurururu…” (Hokuto)
[Did I guess it right? I am concerned about the opponent of that man, so let’s have this decided soon.] (Enrou)
The Fire Wolf confirmed that Hokuto wasn’t good at dealing with wide range assaults, so it accepted more power from the Fire Spirits, and made his body even bigger.
The body of the Fire Wolf, which was already a towering size, didn’t form the shape of a wolf. It looked like nothing but a huge flame wall.
[Neither your claws nor tail have any meaning with this size! Become wrapped with my flames… and burn!] (Enrou)
In order to swallow Hokuto, the Fire Wolf was completely like a fire tsunami as it burned the ground.
And then, Hokuto…
“Woof!” (Hokuto)
He was waiting for it, and he… howled.
At that moment, Hokuto kicked the ground with his full power and greatly retreated as he started to increase his mana.
Although Hokuto was separated from the Fire Wolf, it continued to press in with a wall of fire without getting flustered.
[It is useless to try and run away! My flames will follow you anywhere!] (Enrou)
Hokuto retreated not because he wanted to run away.
He retreated because he wanted to hit the opponent without leaving any openings.
“Awooooo—!” (Hokuto)
A howl that tremble the earth was released from Hokuto’s mouth, and it contained a huge amount of mana.
In brief, he unleashed nothing but mana while howling.
However… the enormous mana unleashed from the mouth of Hokuto was violently bent by the howl. The mana became a huge whirlpool, gouged the ground, breaking rocks into pieces and it cleansed everything.
Towards the vortex of destruction that covered every space in front of Hokuto, the Fire Wolf couldn’t avoid it and he had no choice but to defend.
If the Fire Wolf was in the state of a wolf, it could gather the flames around the core to defend, and it might have endured Hokuto’s assault.
But now, the Fire Wolf expanded its body into a wall in order to swallow Hokuto with its body. It couldn’t immediately gather its flames around the core, and it was exposed to the vortex of destruction without being able to completely defend against it.
[Aah… Gaaahhh—!?] (Enrou)
The swell of intense mana continued to shake the whole body and shredded it. The Fire Wolf couldn’t maintain the flames on its body and it got smaller as the flames were scraped off.
However, since it was still because of mana, it scattered to about several hundred meters. When the mana vortex disappeared without a trace, the terrain that was damaged by the mana vortex had completely changed.
The trees that had wonderfully grown up, the soaring high rocks, all of it disappeared without a trace. There was nothing in front of Hokuto, other than mountains of rubble.
In the path of destruction where nothing could survive due to that mana vortex, it was small, but something was moving.
[That… can’t… be…] (Enrou)
It was the Fire Wolf, whose size had decreased to the size of a person’s palm.
The Fire Wolf barely survived, but it had no power to maintain the shape of a wolf any longer. It was only a small mass of fire.
As the Fire Wolf was certainly under a precarious state, Hokuto slowly appeared.
It would be difficult to find a candle-like fire amongst large rubble, but it wasn’t impossible for Hokuto.
[I… lost…] (Enrou)
“Woof!” (Hokuto)
[Even though you are a child, you are still a Hundred Wolves, huh…?] (Enrou)
It was the complete negligence for the Fire Wolf, since it thought that Hokuto had no projectile or wide range attacks.
Originally, the Fire Wolf could have been generated when the Fire Spirits lent their power, but the Spirits were blown off by Hokuto’s mana vortex, so the surroundings became a blank area with no Spirits.
The Spirits would come back after a while, but Hokuto would not wait.
Hokuto quickly raised his forefoot.
[While having such power… you don’t have to be together with that fool.] (Enrou)
“Woof!” (Hokuto)
[Even if you like him… that fool… will be afraid of your power. That’s right… what awaits you… is the despair of being betrayed by those whom you believed in…] (Enrou)
“…Woof!” (Hokuto)
‘That was a story that would never happened.’
Hokuto answered that with confidence.
‘Because, I will never win against my Master… ever.’
[Wha!? You lost to that fool? For such thing to happen…] (Enrou)
“Woof!” (Hokuto)
‘And don’t lump my Master together with that foolish person!’
Hokuto swung his forefoot down while howling…
“Awoooo——!” (Hokuto)
It was a howl of victory.
—
By the way, Hokuto was in fact at a child’s age among Hundred Wolves.
But the inside was a matured dog… In other words, he was given medication by some black organization. It was something like a former high school student detective.(3)
…Is that wrong? (Author)
—
Extra
That day, Reese was forbidden from having extra helpings, and she refrained herself from dinner as promised.
By the way, whether she was having a bad day, she missed having chosen the biggest bread and biggest platter.
“…Thanks for the meal.” (Reese)
“Wh-what’s wrong, Reese!? It’s just one portion!?” (Emilia)
“If it is Reese-ane, you can afford five portions, right!?” (Reus)
“Uh-uhmm… the thing is…” (Reese)
As Reese explained, the siblings nodded their heads, and Fia tilted her head, while having bread in her mouth.
“…I thought that you guys eat well as children, so what’s the fuss?” (Fia)
“Of course, Fia-ane! Meals are very important to Reese-ane!” (Reus)
“It is Sirius-sama’s whip of love, isn’t it? If Reese has to go through all that… I will refrain myself from having extra helpings.” (Emilia)
“Me, too!” (Reus)
“Uhmm… I’m happy with your feelings. Both of you, please eat well… alright?” (Reese)
“It is collective responsibility, you know?” (Emilia)
“Yeah, yeah!” (Reus)
“Well, me too, I wonder. Even so, I’m good enough with a portion, though.” (Fia)
And after dinner…
“Haa…” (Emilia)
“…I’m hungry.” (Reus)
“…Auuu… it seems to not be enough…” (Reese)
Until the time they went to sleep, the sound of their bellies reverberated.
By the way, for the leftover dinner, they decided to eat it the next morning.
Since there was a surplus and newly-made meals this morning, I checked the schedule for today again while arranging the pots.
“Good morning, everyone. Without delaying any further, today’s…” (Sirius)
“Another, please.” (Reese)
“Me too, Aniki!” (Reus)
“Sirius-sama, I want more, please!” (Reese)
“…First of all, as I planned, Vagle…” (Sirius)
“Another, please.” (Reese)
“Me too, Aniki!” (Reus)
“…Ashley will contact the believers of the temple…” (Sirius)
“Another, please.” (Reese)
“You guys! Especially Reese, eat more slowly!” (Sirius)
“…I want more.” (Reese)
Eventually, Reese didn’t stop until the pot was emptied.