บท 77: Bloodthirsty Creature

As we progress through the forest, I can see my disciples becoming more and more jittery. Whatever lies in front makes them uncomfortable. As it often happens with this place the surroundings change quickly.

Before we know it, a cave lies in front of us. The opening dark and ominous. It is impossible to clearly discern what resides inside.

Around the place various bones. All extremely clean. Disturbingly so. Big ones too. Whatever lives here seems to be some kind of apex predator.

"Here we are, teacher."

*Sound of flapping wings*

"I'll keep watch on the air!"

[Is there even anything else that flies here besides this roc?]

"Nope teacher. Well for once I kinda understand him. The one we are about to encounter is truly scary."

If even the bear fears him, I should probably run.

[Then how about we simply head back?]

"Ah, don't worry teacher I'm not doubting you!"

You should!

[Tell me, is this guy an ally or enemy?]

"As much as I hate it, he is definitely an ally. It's just …well you'll see."

This is getting mysterious. Still, there shouldn't be any danger to my life. They did dub him an asshole, not a murderer. Relax, a bunch of bones doesn't mean anything.

Of course, I'm just trying to reassure myself. What makes it worse is that the bear won't tell me any concrete info. The unknown is always scarier. Simply because you can't prepare in any way to confront it. You just hope for the best.

*Sigh* Here goes nothing.

[Alright call him out.]

"Alright, teacher…ah actually…"

He puts some kind of magical formation around where he is standing. Then he nods confidently and screams.

"THIS BEAR HAS COME TO VISIT!"

As usual, the intensity is impressive. He would render a megaphone pointless. That's when I can see a silhouette coming out of the cave. Ever so slowly. I'd be sweating nervously right now if I had a human body.

Until finally it comes to light. An appearance that screams savagery. Clearly able to devour me whole. Claws scratching the stone with every step. A humongous wolf!

Between my arm and its fangs, I'm not sure which one is the biggest. It has a glint in its eyes. Looking straight at us. Grinning.

Then it raises its head upward. The roc goes ascends even higher. Anymore else and he would reach space. The wolf looks toward the bear.

"So you have come to play it seems."

His voice is deep and guttural. The bear instantly slaps the magic circle he has made earlier… Then…he disappears?! The yellow eyes are fixed on me now. Oh god, this is bad. What should I…?

*POUNCE*

Screw that! I'm out! I just start running! Using every single bit of my energy to get the hell away from this place. I just need to reach Yggdrasil then I'll be fine.

My pursuer is fast. Truly so. The training with the ghost is kicking in. I use magic to go faster. The wolf keeps jumping at me. Always coming very close to catching me.

The deadly claws passing right by me every time. He's too fast. I won't be able to outrun him. Not if it's a straight contest of speed.

I'm somehow more agile. I got that going for me. Not because of my body, but because of the vines. I keep pulling myself away from danger at the last moment.

The gaping maw is overflowing with tons of saliva. Why did I even follow them here?! How the hell am I supposed to deal with that?! This creature is the worst! He growls at me.

"I'll catch you!"

No way in hell! He pounces again. Good thing I can run for ages. Still, I need a plan. As I'm evading I weigh my options. I can't fight it directly. One wrong move and I'm a goner. I need to somehow trick it.

How?! Ah, I can do this. I keep running all over the place. Except, this time in a circle. Every lap I subtly summon some more vines. All hidden in the surrounding vegetation. I keep going until my trap is ready.

Then finally I lure him right into place. He grins happily about to reach me. That's when I spring it on him. Unnumerable vines slithering out all at once! Violently wrapping around him. Then restraining him to the ground.

The big bad wolf now looks like a dumpling. Spider tactic in a nutshell.

"Wow! You're good! This wolf is impressed!"

Wait…what's with the friendly tone?! The voice is still deep but somehow it sounds playful. I take on a dignified appearance.

[Have you reflected on your actions?]

"Yes! Next time I'll be more careful! I won't get caught that easily!"

[What do you mean by next time?!]

"The next time we play! Chasing is so fun!"

Does that mean he was never trying to eat me? Either this one is an awesome actor or…. Have I been misunderstanding him all along? Were we just playing tag all along?! No, no! This wolf clearly looks like a killing machine and… Never mind. The more I look at it the more I realize he has the same silly look as my other disciples.

"Oh, right! This is our first meeting, isn't it?! This humble wolf is the fastest wolf in the forest!"

[How many more of you guys are there?]

"Wolves? None. I'm the only one."

[Ah, so no pack…]

"I do have one! There is the bear, the bird, the tiger ….and that's pretty much it."

[Wait, you guys are that close?]

What was all that misleading information before then?

"I'm not sure why but they don't visit much. Still, whenever we meet, we play lots!"

Ah, this is how it is. I slowly release him carefully. Gauging his reaction. I'm ready to defend myself should the need arise. Then I come closer. This is stressful.

I carefully approach my hand and… Scratch him behind the ears. Comes a blissful expression. Saliva still overflowing all over the place. So much for a bloodthirsty predator. The good thing is no one saw that.

Yep, if anyone asks, I haven't been running for my life pathetically. Nope, I was just playing. Let's go with that…

Now, should I call my disciples over?