Demon Wolf

Answering Jakob’s questions, Wolf’s heart clenched. The battle with Chameleon Slayermantis was a fiasco. True, he had profited, at least considering the nub’s value. But risking his life for profit, even if the risk was minor, was a foolish act, something reserved for those lacking better options.

I have a child waiting back home. I shouldn’t gamble my life on dumb shit like an extra nub. If only Book was higher quality… I could’ve used Sunder the Mountains without fearing my sword exploding on impact. Its alloy is superior, but unlike local metals, it’s void of World Qi, and my Qi strains it. I can’t let it meet Razor’s fate.

Inwardly lamenting the unfortunate end of his first sword, Wolf answered Jakob, “I didn’t expect the Chameleon Slayermantis would go crazy; chasing after Qi fruit spilled from the bag. I threw it to obscure its line of sight while I disengage, never expecting its predatory instinct would trigger. Various bestiary entries mentioned that most mantis-type Monster Beasts attack anything suddenly moving within their reach, but I failed to consider it…”

While Wolf spoke, Jakob’s brow furrowed. He stopped listening to Wolf as a nagging feeling clawed at the back of his skull. Sudden unease drowned him, and he turned his head left and right.

“Aren’t we going the wrong way? I’m certain we’re moving in circles. We’ve already passed this place,” he interrupted Wolf’s truthful monologue.

“We entered an area riddled with Spell Formations two hundred-odd meters ago. They seem to be designed to mess with your sense of direction, likely mixed with other abilities to cause a bewildering effect. Don’t worry. I can also feel the mental pull to turn left, probably deeper into the Spell Formation field. However, I assure you, we’re moving straight towards our destination.”

Wolf noticed the tug the moment it appeared. The sensation was subtle. Wolf believed this defensive array could entrap seasoned adventurers, let alone young, inexperienced Jakob. Is this because this is the toughest patch and we haven’t encountered Monster Beasts in over ten kilometers? This Spell Formation seems excessive for a trial, even for the most difficult path.

“Really?” Jakob asked with a dumb expression, and Wolf almost laughed.

“We can test it.” Wolf stopped, figuring that pausing for a minute would not matter much in the grand scheme of things. “Close your eyes, spin one full circle clockwise, then take two steps forward.”

Jakob obeyed. He rustled through hip-high ferns, stopping after two steps, his lids still closed.

“All right. Now, open your eyes.” Wolf chuckled. He took out a chicken filet to munch, regretting Jakob’s gait had decreased while the boy blindly advanced,. 

Jakob once again did as ordered. He opened his eyes, and half a step before him stood a tree he should have left behind, to his left. He looked back, confirming he had veered leftward.

“You stopped before making a full spin. Also, your stride was shorter, so you didn’t smack your nose into the tree.” Wolf took another bite of Sprinting Peacock’s breast.

“Wets fo.” He gestured his head forward and continued jogging towards their goal.

Jakob took a moment to process everything Wolf said, then dashed after him. “Wait for me!”

The boy followed Wolf, keeping silent for several minutes, mulling over a question which would change his future.

“Um, Wolf.” He forced resolution into his voice. “Do you mind if I call you Big Brother?”

Yes, I do. Those were the first words coming to Wolf’s mind. We just met each other and are hardly more than strangers.

Then Wolf recalled someone amazing. Someone who graced him with the privilege of calling him Little Brother.

He sighed. If he allowed a snot-nosed brat to call him Big Brother, I can let this snot-nosed brat become my little brother.

“Sure.” Wolf replied.

Jakob sensed the short, yet awkward pause between his question and Wolf’s answer. He thought Wolf would reject him, straining their fragile relationship. However, when he heard Wolf’s reply, Jakob beamed a smile.

“Thank you, Big Brother!” Jakob shouted, and Wolf wanted to shush him. The stupid kid kept shouting in the middle of a monster-infested trial ground.

“Please take care of me,” Jakob continued with unabated enthusiasm. “In turn, if you ever need anything, just say the word, and I will go through the elemental hells to see it done. I swear on my life and future.”

Caught up in the moment, Jakob made a heavy vow, which stopped Wolf from shushing him. For a moment, the child’s naive words tickled his heart.

Wolf sighed once again.

“Relax. There’s no need for such serious oaths. Besides, what kind of big brother would I be, if I forced you to go through hells for my sake? Just don’t stab me in the back, and I’ll be happy.” Wolf’s lips stretched into a twisted smile, but Jakob never saw it, running behind his slender back.

Instead, he continued in a boisterous tone. “It’s an oath. It has to be serious. I will have my soul shattered before betraying you, Big Brother!”

While those statements soothed his wound a bit, Wolf would never admit it.

“Quiet, you little oaf. Ten know how many Monster Beasts heard you.” Contrary to his words, Wolf’s voice lacked sharpness, nearly turning his chide into praise.

The duo ran in silence for several minutes before Jakob pursed his lips yet again.

“Big Brother, I have another question regarding the Slayermantis,” he blurted.

“Yes?”

“Um, well, it was an armored Monster Beast.” Jakob paused, and Wolf did not correct him. Most insectoids had exoskeletons. “And yet you attacked its front leg, which has the thickest, sturdiest armor…”

Jakob faltered, then hurried to show he was not saying Wolf had made a mistake. “Don’t get me wrong. You ripping off its arm like that was awe-inspiring. I never knew manlings could rip apart Monster Beasts with their bare hands. I just thought you were trying to sever its giant claw.”

Wolf kept trotting through the ferns, letting the tide of words die down before speaking.

“First of all, just because Slayermantis are Monster Beasts with armor, doesn’t mean they focus on defense. According to basic classification, they are primarily speed oriented, followed by their deadly attack. Their defensive ability is subpar for their realm, while their intelligence is abysmal, like most insect-type Monster Beasts.” Wolf explained the less important point in great detail, hoping he would soon sense a hostile gaze, and not just the people following them from the shadows. Unfortunately, no Monster Beast offered its life to conveniently change the embarrassing topic.

“As for my attack,” Wolf paused dramatically, wishing for a last-minute diversion, yet other than chirps and underbrush rustling, he heard nothing. “I aimed at the joint between the bladed lower arm and the thinner upper arm. Unfortunately, Chameleon Slayermantis moves quickly, and because of its shimmering colors, it’s difficult to estimate what you’re doing. So, in the blur of battle, I missed my mark.”

Wolf snorted, still hearing nothing suspicious.

“By the time I realized my mistake, my sword was stuck, and I could either forfeit my weapon or yank it free. There’s a saying that swordsmen never give up their weapons, but if I had an equal quality backup, I would’ve taken it out and left Book in its arm. A blade sticking out of your flesh hurts like hell, and it would further confuse the Slayermantis.”

Wolf paused again, but this time, he wasn’t looking for a convenient escape. He was already done with the embarrassing part. “I never planned to rip its arm off. In hindsight, I should’ve expected it. Exoskeletons make a great protection against strikes and such, but they are weaker against tension. Our skeletons fortify our bodies while muscles protect and reinforce them. Insects’ soft flesh, however, only serves to propel their tough outer chassis.”

While calmly explaining, Wolf had a feeling Jakob’s awe and respect had just declined.

That’s not bad. He shouldn’t expect me to be flawless, and in a really serious fight, if two Chameleon Slayermantises appeared, for example, I would have to leave him to his own fate.

“What I’m trying to say is,” inspired by his thought, Wolf came with a proper conclusion for his explanation. “You shouldn’t rely on me. I can make mistakes, and fortunes in battle shift like the wind. Ultimately, you are the only person you can depend on.. Getting stronger is never wr—” Wolf choked on a lie.

“Ahem. Increasing your strength is usually the best way to ensure your safety. It’s almost always better than relying on another.”

Jakob stayed quiet for a while, considering Wolf’s words.

“Thanks for the advice,” he said after an extended silence. “I’ll keep it to heart.”

Wolf was about to nod, when he sensed hostility focus on him. Oh, go fuck yourself. Now you decide to show up.