kscans

Chapter 71 - Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? (Part 1)

Some time after leaving End Village, Yuri’s Investigation and Perception skills reacted.

"Kudol-san, there are some wolf-like creatures watching us."

"What?"

Kudol, the leader of "Lucky Footsteps," shot a doubtful glance at Yuri for pointing out the presence of wolf-like animals before his scout had said a word. But he quickly changed his mind. This child, though it was still hard to believe, had apparently lived for five years in the mountains where monsters rampaged. It was difficult to trust at first, but the Gambit Grizzly pelt he had shown them last night was undoubtedly real. Whether he had set a trap or used poison, whatever the means, it would be impossible to survive in those mountains without being able to sense the presence of monsters. In that case, his claim of sensing wolves was probably not just a fabrication.

Having made that judgment, Kudol immediately called out to the driver's seat.

"Fray, according to Yuri, there's a wolf-like presence up ahead. Be careful."

"Seriously? Got it, I'll be on alert."

After relaying Yuri’s concern to the man on the driver's seat, a beastman scout named Fray, Kudol looked again at the boy before him. How on earth had this child detected the presence of wolves that even a beastman scout, whose senses were far sharper than a human's, had not noticed? Prying into someone's skills was against adventurer etiquette, but...

"Yuri, sorry, but..."

"They're on the move."

But Yuri’s words cut off his question, and then...

"Leader, I've got them! Wild Dogs, a pack of about five! They're heading this way!"

A few moments later, a shout came from the scout, Fray, on the driver's seat.

"Tch! Alright. Everyone dismount and get ready! We're going to greet our guests!"

"Lucky Footsteps" seemed to pay no mind to mere Wild Dogs. Adon and Old Man Audel watched them with a sense of reliability, while Dona looked a little anxious. As for Yuri...

There's a pack far behind the Wild Dogs that seems to be watching us. This is probably a monster, right? And much stronger than the Wild Dogs. Maybe I should get ready.

Outside the wagon, there were signs that "Lucky Footsteps" was scattering the Wild Dogs. This was likely because Wild Dogs were at a level where they could be handled one-on-one, and it was standard procedure to fight pack animals by dividing them. But in the process, the adventurers had each spread out. They seemed to be careful not to stray too far from the wagons they were guarding, but...

"Adon-san, we've driven off the Wild Dogs. We couldn't kill them all, but..."

"That's more than enough. I'll pay the reward as promised. There were five of them, right?"

"Much appreciated. And Yuri, you were a great help this time. Thanks to you..."

"Kudol-san, new ones are coming. Their presence is larger and faster than the Wild Dogs. About seven of them, from the left, are spreading out and heading this way."

Yuri delivered the grim news matter-of-factly. Everyone stared at him in disbelief. Just as they were about to question the truth of his words, the shout of the scout from outside the wagon provided the answer.

"Greed Wolves!"

Everyone's face, except for Yuri's, turned deathly pale.