Author: Thank you for reading.

Hmm, nothing much to say right now on my end.

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Kuro’s POV

“Something...feels different about this place.” (Puerial)

Hearing the ominous words brings me to a higher degree of alert as I peer around me to detect anything dangerous. Shiro and Belle raise their guard as well when the mood darkened.

“Puerial, what's the situation, is it anything to worry about?” (Kuro)

“How to explain it. When I was here before it didn’t feel so...heavy. Like this place has something weighing it down.” (Puerial)

Indeed, the atmosphere does feel more oppressive compared to when we first entered the forest. I suspected it was due to the density of mana increasing like when we descended further into Amy’s dungeon. But it seems to be something else.

“Puerial, take the lead. You know the area better and is the only one capable of finding out what changes happened.” (Kuro)

“I smell blood, a lot of it.” (Shiro)

“Ugh, this mood sucks. Shiro, is it beast blood?” (Belle)

“No, it does have the smell of miasma.” (Shiro)

“Everyone, stay on guard and watch each others back. Puerial, let’s go.” (Kuro)

“Right.” (Puerial)

Sticking to darker areas and avoiding too much exposure, we waded through the area heading toward the blood scent Shiro detected with Puerial in the lead to ward of anything unscene. As we progressed further and further, the surroundings became more and more oppressive.

“Guys, do you hear that?” (Belle)

“I don't hear anything.” (Kuro)

“Exactly, what happened to the birds.” (Belle)

“Oh no...guys, over there.” (Puerial)

Gazing toward the direction Puerial pointed to, we see a large clearing with clear rays of sunlight beaming down. But within the clearing is a mess of bodies strewn about in a discarded manner. No corpse is left in one piece.

I halt everyone advancement toward the clearing and signal for the others to refrain from talking further as I detect movement in the distance. A small group of what seems to be elvish men appear. Seeing them, I signal the others to listen in on their conversation as I enhance my hearing with mana. Any information at this point would be welcome.

“Those damn Vervullen, the vile beasts don't quit and now we lost another squad. How long until we find their nest and purge those things?” (Elf 1)

“Current investigation has made some progress. They appear to be holed up on of the caves toward the mountains.” (Elf 2)

“Ever since those things showed up…*Sigh* I liked it better when all we had to worry about where humans. We’ve lost so many, and the other tribes care little as these vermin aren’t at their doorstep.” (Elf 3)

“Other tribes, humph, can they be considered one of us when they care so little for their neighbors. Ever since the Armasil’ulvasu tribe's chieftain recovered from that illness…*Sigh* forget it, my thoughts don't matter and the higher ups wont say anything.” (Elf 2)

“Ugh, wasteful bastards hunt us but don't even finish their meals. Poor sods.” (Elf 1)

“How many?” (Elf 3)

“The report said it was a 9 man troop, but I can't verify anything in this mess yet.” (Elf 2)

*Mumble mumble*

Hmm, they aren’t from Puerial's village. Though they appear to be neighbors, my intel was limited in this area but there should be a number of tribes in this area working together. Puerial’s tribe being one among them as the most secluded. The Armasil’ulvasu tribe or Arma for short was the name Puerial's tribesman went with from the things she told me.

Though the exact number escapes me, I expect no more than 10 under a conservative estimation. This trio here should be a scout troop, and it seems their village is having a hard time. The others don't seem to be helping which is strange as they usually stick together. My guess is politics having something to do with it, but I need more information to be sure.

*Snap*

“Howell, Ulrick somethings here.” (Elf 1)

There is something here, and it's not just us.

GRAAAAAAHHHHHH

“Vervullen! Run!” (Howell)

“Where? Their surrounding us! Bann, what do we do?” (Ulrick)

“Towards the East! There's less of them that way!” (Bann)

That’s...Vervullen? They look like reptilian apes with an extra pair of arms. Ugh, their shrieks are extremely loud and annoying, most likely to draw in others when they find prey. At a glance there is already about 20 gathering around us and increasing in number. The elves are already showing signs of panic and are running right toward us. Ugh, there’s no helping it then.

“Guys let’s provide some assistance.” (Kuro)

“Right.” (Belle)

“Un.” (Shiro)

“You three, this way!” (Puerial)

“Wah, who are you!?” (Bann)

“We’ll talk later, Let’s focus on what's happening right now.” (Kuro)

GRRAAAAAAAHHH!

There is no escape anymore, they got us boxed in. I can't tell if these creatures are clever or not given their savage and crazed expression. Regardless, they want to kill us, so that just makes our reply simple.

“Form a perimeter and kill them all.” (Kuro)

“Roger!” (Shiro, Puerial, Belle)

“Bann, your orders?” (Howell)

“Tch, group up with those outsiders. Maybe we’ll have a chance if we do.” (Bann)

The three elves have finally come to a decision. Without wasting time on pleasantries I directed them to the center since they appeared to use bows. Though reluctant, they still fell in line.

Moments after, the beasts reached us and attacked with claws and teeth. No sense of intellect in their attacks, however, they were strong. The strength of their physical bodies made their attacks deadly regardless of how unrefined they were in their movements.

But that was it in my eyes. All they had was strength.

“Puerial.” (Kuro)

“Right!” (Puerial)

*Bomb*

Earth and wind pummeled our foes as their shocked screams filled the air. Bodies crushed and severed apart as meat and bone came falling like rain. The ever increasing numbers of our enemies ground to a halt as they were no longer able to advance.

While me and Puerial focused our magic to halt the enemy's advancement, Belle and Shiro took action. They charged in and beat down enemy after enemy. Shiro’s finesse and Belles ferocity isn’t something mere beasts can handle.

Aiding the two front liners with well placed footholds and covering fire in a practiced manner, I chided the elves for their inactivity.

“You just gonna stand there, start shooting.” (Kuro)

Broken out of their stupor, the elves started firing their bows in accurate and well placed shots. Arrow after arrow pierced the eyes of the beasts either blinding or ending them. Our momentum from then on increased further preventing the beasts from gaining ground.

Of course things got a little strained when the elves ran out of arrows and resorted to their magic. It wasn’t as refined as Puerial’s and mine and took a long time to cast. So this would mean they aren’t from a very high standing in elven society. As only those in higher positions are trained thoroughly in the use of magic.

Time went on and the fight continued for 30 minutes before the assault came to an end as the remaining beasts finally fled. I can't help but look down on creatures that would throw their lives away meaninglessly. It was obvious they couldn’t break through our defensive line with such basic tactics even if they had the advantage in numbers.

The elves immediately collapsed as they panted heavily for breath and were on the verge of passing out. I paid them no head for the moment and checked on the others.

“Status.” (Kuro)

“In need of a bath and a nap.” (Belle)

“I can keep going.” (Shiro)

“I got a slight headache, but that's it.” (Puerial)

Belle aside, everyone seems to be alright. We didn’t have to use any strenuous spells and managed to conserve a good portion of our strength. Another half hour going at this pace and things would have gotten serious. Regardless, we didn’t have to use any of our trump cards and had a bit of room to spare during the fight.

I would guess those creatures to be about...C in rank, going by guild standards. C+ in groups while increasing with the higher amount they have in a group, this one being about B-. If they would have approached us differently and used strategies than we would have likely been wiped out. It's a scary thought, but in the end they aren’t much with such basic thinking.

I gaze at the panting elves as some color returns to their face. They aim their bows at us defensively and realized again that they used up their arrows and readied themselves to cast magic.

“Outsiders aren't allowed here. Leave or we won't be polite.” (Bann)

Isn’t this a bit much.

“Are you guys stupid. We could have left you to die you know.” (Belle)

“Belle calm down, they're just scared. Plus they can't really beat us anyway with such weak magic.” (Puerial)

Ah, I think I saw their pride die a little. I didn’t know elves can make a face like that.

“Anyway, we may be outsiders, but she isn’t. We’re just taking her home to see her family. Do you mind pointing calming down Shiro can hold herself back for so long.” (Kuro)

For a while now Shiro has been glaring at the three in silence since they took up their stance. I’d rather just get info on the happenings in the forest since Puerial disappeared.

“There is no way we would believe something like that. No one in our tribes would bring people here, it's taboo!” (Ulrick)

“Even if you say that…” (Kuro)

“You can't fool us, so don't even try!” (Howell)

These guys are seriously thick skinned. Should I just beat them up to get what I want. I have been holding myself back lately since this situation hasn't come up in a while.

“Puerial, talk some sense into them before things get bad.” (Kuro)

“Can you three shut up and listen! Is this how you treat people who helped you. Shameful.” (Puerial)

They’re making that face again.

“I’ve never heard that going home is a crime. Does that mean I will be fined for drinking water too. Did you guys just make this up or has the elves here developed a bad case of stupid.” (Puerial)

Her momentum is accelerating, should I stop her?

“I’ve finally made it back here after more than five years and you're saying I’m not allowed entry. Should we have just let those beast kill you and just moved on? With your shabby skills, without us you would have died before firing your first arrow. And you even think you can threaten us right after. I’ve never seen such stupid people. Your families must be ashamed.” (Puerial)

Yea, I think I should stop her before it's too late.

“Puerial that's enough.” (Kuro)

“But-” (Puerial)

“I know they’re being unreasonable, but you shouldn’t waste so many words on them. Let's just ignore them and move on.” (Kuro)

“Bastard!” (Howell)

Hmm? What's up with them, we were about to leave.

“Kuro.” (Shiro)

Right, they seem to not want to talk anymore.

“Guys, they seem to need a little help calming down.” (Kuro)

In not even a minute after I gave the signal, the three elves are now lying on the floor in a miserable state. The subtle curses they are making is the only resistance they can make now.

“Alright, Puerial here has been away for quite some time and needs some information in order to catch up on the things that went on while she was away. You three have been nominated to fill her in. Any questions?” (Kuro)

“You can't just-*Thwack*, ugh.” (Bann)

“Humph.” (Belle)

“Good, now then, tell me about the Arma tribe.” (Kuro)

“I think you should just comply, Kuro can be really ‘persuasive’ when he wants to.” (Puerial)

Oh, the fear emerging in their eyes is pretty good. Let’s see what they know.

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A/N: 1 out of 3 today.

*Cough* fell asleep.