That was when the howling started, booming and reverberating through the woodlands concentrated at the clearing where we had set up camp, the area acted like a funnel amplifying their war cry. Following that a wave of wolves came from the bushes and behind trees rabid in their approach running over each other with reckless abandon, maws unnaturally hinged open farther than should be possible.

Pulling out my bow in a panic I quickly nock an arrow and try to steady my breathing, the hoard was nearing, I saw into the depths of their eyes pitch black without a spark behind it, little more than a pale imitation of life, taken aback, I remember the words my mother always told me. One fluid motion no hesitation.

I let loose an arrow right into the head of one of the charging wolves, sending it tumbling to the ground still carried by the momentum of its charge. As it tumbled on the ground it found it’s barrings again and continued charging, the arrow was still in its head with the tip of the arrow coming out of the back its head, not a hint of blood to be found.

.............run.

I make a sprint towards the center of the clearing where the highest concentration of people was to get a better view of the situation. The clearing had turned into a battlefield. Many sought asylum in either the noble girls or maiden girls group, some chose to stick it out by selves fending off any wolves who came close to them and others well they tried to run into the woods only to retreat back when a maw sprouted from the bush to chomp at them.

The noble girl's group were the ones who took the initial charge head-on, perhaps it’s due to the girl’s leadership but they were quick on the uptake weapons at the ready, armor on and assembled in a circle formation to prevent them from being flanked.

Wolves charged into their shields but they held their ground, even with other adventurers not part of their group shoring up their numbers there still wasn’t enough of them to completely keep the whole hoard occupied, so a good amount still got through causing a bunch of troubles for those who specialized in ranged fighting as they were forced to pull out their daggers or use some makeshift weapon to defend themselves.

The maiden girl’s group fell neatly into that category they were wearing cloth and linen robes and were armed with staves. The group formed up around the maiden girl, using their weapons superior reach to keep the wolves at bay, They were fairly proficient with their weapons though they couldn't find a moment to chant their spells which were their greatest asset.

It also helped that some off the stragglers that joined her group had swords and fought off any wolf that got to close.

The two groups were situated on opposite sides of the campground each pinned do-.

A wolf suddenly charged into me biting down into my leg sending me to the floor, it tore into my leg with ease each bite felt like a paper cut designed to bleed and irritate. Flailing around I kick at the wolf to free my leg only feel it tightening its maw around my leg. Taking a deep breath to gather my wits I pull out an arrow from my quiver and stab the arrow into its right eye with as much force as possible, with the arrow now lodged nicely in its head I start using it as a lever to pry the wolf off my body.

With a twist and a push, I toss the wolf off my body, it was surprisingly light for its size and strength, well it’s definitely confirmed now that these things definitely weren’t made of flesh and blood seeing as the one I threw of me was still alive and well.

Unsheathing my sword I wait for the wolf to charge at me, concentrating on my next move everything went silent as the wolf leapt at me, maw first, dodging to the right I barely catch the arrow lodged in its eye dragging it to the ground along with me.

Fumbling on the ground I get on top of it and put my forearm at its neck to stop it from biting my face off.

This feeling...

The fur felt real but its flesh didn’t feel real, there was no pulse of life, I couldn’t feel it’s throat more like it felt like its whole neck was one giant solid hard lump it felt more like a statue than a living being. This thing wasn’t breathing either no chest movement.

With my free hand, I drive my sword into its chest and run it down until my sword reaches its stomach. Unsurprisingly there was no blood or organs only paper, like a tome that has been ripped in half.

Loose sheets of paper started to fly towards the wolf filling in the gash I inflicted on the wolf, returning its body back to normal. Not about to let that happen I furiously hack at the wolf destroying as much of its paper body as I could, after a while, its body started to lose its shape breaking down leaving a few sheets of torn paper behind.

Panting adrenaline pumping through my veins I apply some pressure on my wound. Looking around to readjust myself I saw that the others where getting worn down from the wolves attack, as paper drifted everywhere repairing the wolves, bringing them up back up to fighting shape.

“Okay, great so these things don’t have any vital organs, don’t need to breathe, can’t bleed, shrug off most physical attacks and to top it off automatically regenerate............. Well shit”

While ruminating about how screwed everyone was I noticed some wolves had stopped in their tracks, heads up and at attention, ears twitching, straight up and at alert, it was almost as if they’ve realized something before running off into the forest in the direction Virgil and his group, I was worried about them but I had to focus on the current situation right now.

The noble girl’s group was fairing better now that there were fewer wolves but it was clear the initial attack and subsequent combat had taken its toll on them, their main weaponry were maces, hammers and the such all weapons that the relied on blunt damage, perfect for killing enemy knights in plate armor but against what amounts to a ball of paper, not so much.

Though it did say something about their nerves seeing as they were surrounded by malformed horrors that used to have the shape of a wolf. Unable to move normally anymore the malformed wolves were dragging themselves forward trying to bite and claw at them in whatever way possible, with that said they were struggling since they couldn't kill the wolves just incapacitate them and even then it took a strong blow to even put a dent into them.

The maiden girl’s group they were the worst off, they were looking a bit worse for wear, a majority of them weren't front line fighters like the noble girl’s group they lacked the endurance needed to keep up this type of close quarter combat.

“Ideas. I need Ideas. Okay.” currently nobody has died, there were fewer wolves than before but things were clearly deteriorating if things keep going as is the probability of someone dying gets higher.

Run?

No that's horrible idea my leg’s injured and the others are most likely too exhausted to run, not to mention those in plate armor.

Fight?

Go on the offensive. No. we’re on the back foot just trying to fend off the wolves as is.

Water?

Water...

yes. Water. Water should work, these things are made out of paper they should be weak against water. Now, how to..-

“Fallback!” the noble girl called out, one of the younger-looking members in her group looked like she was about to collapse retreated into their encirclement to catch her breath, But in doing so the encirclement got smaller and fewer putting more pressure on the others.

Time is running out.

“overly cautious and prone to inaction, huh.” I start running as fast as I can towards the nearest tent, blood still trickling out of the bite wound on my leg.

Reaching a tent I pick up a bag that was resting next to it. Turning it upside down I dump everything out into a pile and rummage through it until I find some bread and a waterskin, exactly what I was looking for, throwing both items back into the bag to take with me as I continue on looking for more food and water while staying hidden.

“AGHHHHHH” while searching for the items, a scream rings out from the maiden girl's group. One of the members of her group had just taken a direct bite from a wolf and was currently being dragged to safety. Relative safety.

I need to hurry.

With bag half full and time running out I make my way towards the noble girl's group, weaving my way through the sheaves of paper strewn on the ground. Stopping right at the edge of where the noble girl’s encirclement is I saw that the wolves were getting especially vicious opting to stand on their hind legs clawing and biting at the groups towering shields instead of staying on all four.

Pulling out my bow I shoot a wolf in the back. Quickly slinging the bow over my shoulder, I grip one hand tightly onto the hilt of my sword and the other a water skin and make a sprint towards the group expecting to mix into the fray.

My aim was the wolf that I shot, once within arms reach i lung at the wolf pressing the water skin against it while putting all my weight behind it to pin the wolf against the shield, at the same time I briefly make eye contact with the shield-bearer, they give me a nod understanding what I wanted to do.

I bring my sword back and stab it through the water skin and into the wolf, at the same time the shield-bearer moves their shield to the side letting me and the wolf through.

On the ground, I hack away at the wolf as its body started to expand and sag where the water seeped into the cuts in its body before collapsing under its own weight becoming mush.

Fighting the pull of the sludge I shakily get up.

“I need to talk to Antonia now!” I scream out.

“speak.” a commanding voice rang out from behind me it was deep and feminine. Her face was obscured by the helmet she was wearing but there was no mistaking it, that person was definitely the noble girl no doubt about it.

“We have to work together with Tsukiko and her group over there!” I point at the aforementioned group looking tattered and

tired looking as if their on the verge of collapsing. “It’s the only way we’re going to get out this place without anybody dying!” I added.

Without her even turning back to look at me I can tell she a bit apprehensive about the thought of working together with her hated rival....... or maybe it’s because of the girl's general air headiness and easy-going demeanor that she refuses to work together with the maiden girl.

“look around you things are only going to get worse the more time we waste, now’s not the time for some petty rivalry!” there was a few moments of silence as she pondered over what I said, I hope that the situation we were in would sink in and get her to look past her pride and work together with the maiden girl.

“fine.“she replied as she flung a poor wolf that had decided to accost her shield back into the fray of battle.

Short concise words, it really struck me as strange seeing her act so differently from how she usually does when she’s around the maiden girl. While ruminating on that I started handing out water skins to those forming the encirclement.

Trying to ration out the water the adventurers in her group pulled out various pieces of cloth to dampen, they then used the damp cloths to wet their weapon. Of course, this was no easy feat to do while fending wolves off, but I helped expedite the process while waiting for the noble girl to make her move.

It might not be as effective as pouring water over these things but it’ll work, I think... Hopefully.

“we’re moving, keep up.” another short and concise order from the noble girl, an order directed towards everyone, after that we moved as one. The noble girl and her cohorts moving as one unit with me and those who were resting in the center of the formation.

With their maces, hammers, and swords coated in water, every strike would cause a rip or tear in a wolf and would cause the area to dampen and slough and unlike before where the wolf would just shrug off an attack the water coated weapons would cause them to reel back in what I think is pain.

Our little group grew larger and larger as we absorbed the lone adventurers who decided to fight solo on our way to the way to the maiden girl's group.

By the time we got to them they looked absolutely ragged and on the verge collapse, they couldn't even reply in between their gasps for air as soon as we surround them they collapsed to the ground panting for air.

I passed out bread and water for them to snack on and recuperate their energy while handing out refreshments I noticed the group was doing the ritual from earlier, they were handing their food over to the maiden girl for her to bless, I think it’s a blessing sorta looks like it.

Speaking of the maiden girl, she had the same easy-going smile as ever but I and everyone else can tell she was reaching her limits, but why then does her followers keep asking for her blessings, maybe she’s the only one capable of giving the blessing. In any case, it looks like her aids are keeping an eye in her so she should be okay.

Passing out the last bit of food I give a sheepish smile as they thank me. Finding a free spot I collapse into a pile feeling the pain and exhaustion catching up to me now that everybody’s safe, relatively, and the adrenaline is wearing off.

Laying on the ground that’s neither hot nor cold amidst paper like grass and dry dirt the pulsing pain on my leg constantly reminding me of the nasty bite wound I suffered earlier. Trying to get up I put weight on my wounded leg only to have it send a shock of pain, hurling me back to the ground.

Curling into a ball I wrap both arms around my wounded leg applying pressure on it, trying my best to suppress the pain.

*swoosh* *Ring* *Rattle*

*swoosh* *Ring* *Rattle*

A soothing sound echoes over the battlefield accompanied by a lovely voice.

“This land we feed from

to gain vigor to live on

flourish and blossom”

the chanting and ringing melody intertwine and complement each other creating a harmonious rhythm, listening to it the pain in my leg gradually fades and by the time the ringing and rattling subsides and the voice softens the pain in my leg had completely disappeared.

“it’s time to wake up silly~”

This time the voice is easily recognizable in that carefree tone, uncurling and rolling onto my back am met with the expected sight of the maiden girl looming over me. Grumbling I sit up only to almost blackout, barely catching myself I prop myself up using my arms.

“oh my easy now, you’ve lost a lot of blood~,” she says in sort of teasing manner, squatting down to eye level with me she places the bread that she had been holding into my lap. “Specialty bread blessed by yours truly.” smiling she held her head pridefully high. “it’s fused with the energy of the land, it’ll make you feel a whole lot better”

seeing the expectant look she’s giving I take a bite, it was weird in a good way the bread had a lighter earthier taste also it was fluffier and softer, in short, it tasted delicious, with each bite I could feel the lightness in my head fade and strength flowing through my body.

Finishing my meal the maiden girl gives me a wide smile before giving me a pat on the head and skipping away, well she was about to when an armored hand shot out of nowhere and grabbing her by the shoulders pulling her back.

“are there not issues we must discuss little holy maiden?” it was the noble girl, she probably thought now was a good time to take a rest. A well earned one too considering she positioned herself where the brunt of the attacks was taking place.

Maybe she took my words to heart and is trying to bury the hatchet with the maiden girl?

The maiden girl squirmed in her grip for a moment before giving up and sitting down on the ground. Satisfied the noble girl took a seat on the ground.

“So the arrogant wannabe general graces us with her presence, aren’t you supposed to be in the front lines bossing people around?” the maiden girl said in a huff looking annoyed.

“oh ho! What luck the love-struck idiot isn’t daydreaming for once, but I guess even people like you can pull their head out of the clouds once in a while, so while I have your attention here make yourself useful.” The noble girl retorted in a more heated manner than usual and tossed a loaf of bread at the maiden girl, it flew in an arc over me hitting the maiden girl in the head, it seems that the previous statement struck a nerve with her.

Grumbling the maiden girl picked up the bread and started the same blessing she had done time and time again.

Looks like things aren’t going to go smoothly, after all, disputes between kids back at home were never this bad........... thinking about it what exactly did happen that day.

Over the settled silence I voiced a question that’s had been on my mind, probably not the smartest move but it’s rare to see a moment of silence between the two. “excuse me for asking, but what happened that day. At the gate when you two first met”

“I-”

“let me tell the tale!” the maiden girl energetically spoke cutting the noble girl off.

“it all started when I bumped into someone sending us both tumbling to the ground, then a handsome man came around and lent me his hand and like a prince from a novel, oh yeah that handsome man was obviously Virgil, I knew at that moment that he was the one, his manly hands where rough but gentle and his voice it held the experience of age and-”

“ENOUGH! Enough of this drivel” the noble girl shouted sounding exasperated stopping the maiden girl before she could rant any farther, this was definitely not the first time she had to hear the maiden girl rant about Virgil and his features.

Taking off her helmet she started her retelling what happened.

“It all started when we were waiting in line with my attendants Katherine and Lisa carrying our armor and weapons. I was dismissing the servants my family had insisted on bringing with me when I heard someone making a ruckus behind me in line.” she gave a hard glance towards the maiden girl.

“hey! It wasn’t my fault I was trying to strike up a conversation with this mysteriously cloaked gentleman that had a humongous great sword” she stretched her arms out wide as much as she possibly could trying to emphasize the size of the weapon.

“he was standing right behind us in line, towering in height, silent and serene, birds were actually perching on top of him, there was no way I was going to let such an interesting person go without at least knowing their name.” she gave a nod looking satisfied at her excuse. I give a silent prayer to the maiden girl's aides they probably run themselves ragged dealing with her shenanigans.

“I tried talking to him but he just ignored me, really I tried everything to get his attention but I only managed to scare the birds off I was really starting to question if he was even alive, he was like a statue soooo in a last-ditch effort I tried climbing him.”

I was a bit confused at this fact if this man was as big and noticeable as the maiden girl reported it was weird that I didn’t see him in the crowd seeing as he was supposed to be right next to them.

“right when I made a jump to climb up to his shoulder he suddenly dodged out of the way. So I went crashing into that bossy girl over there.”

the noble girl was unfazed by the maiden girl pointing and continued on with her side of the story.

“Making me drop my cherished armor and weapon masking them in filth.” while I'm no amour smith even I can tell the armor has been meticulously well maintained barring the slight dents and bite marks in it from the earlier fighting.

“I already said I was sorry didn’t I?” the maiden girl said looking slightly mischievous, winding her arm back with freshly blessed bread in hand while exaggeratedly lining up her aim, one eye closed and arm stretched

out with one thumb up, before throwing the holy lump of wheat at the noble girl.

“sorry? If you were really sorry you would fix your behavior!” the noble girl retorted, easily catching the thrown bread. She started taking large mouthfuls of bites out of the bread more befitting of an impatient warrior wanting to go back into battle rather than a noblewoman.

“well enough with this bickering.” Finishing off the bread in an impressively short amount of time the noble girl continued telling the story from her point of view.

“I was left to recover my armor and armaments when Virgil appeared out of the blue I didn’t even notice him until he started speaking to the little holy maiden helping her up and after that........ I think you know the rest.” She finished but still seemed lost in thought before continuing again.

“Well something did stand out to me, while I was lecturing the girl on how to conduct herself in public, I kept an eye on Virgil the whole time but he disappeared the moment he walked into the crowd. it wasn’t natural he just vanished.” the maiden girl gave a confused stare at the noble girl's statement.

well, of course, she wouldn’t know when he left she was off daydr-.

“He went after the tall man,” she said in a matter of fact manner.

“wait. How? I swear I kept an eye on him the whole time and for that matter how did you see him you were in your own world by then you weren't even reacting to anything I was saying.” The noble girl sounded hysteric. Looks like the maiden girl actually seeing something that she missed riled her up.

Giving the noble girl a blank stare the maiden girl simply shrugged saying “why would I not see the man of my dreams.”

before me or the noble girl can ask her any questions about her questionable sighting of Virgil, the screams of the people around us bringing us out of our little group talk.

A pillar of flame had erupted from deep in the woods.

“....well that's not good” the pillar of flame shot straight up and quickly started to spread consuming the surrounding area.’

looking around many of the wolves had been reduced to slurry and with the fire quickly spreading towards us the remaining wolves quickly dispersed, well the ones that could still move in any case.

“quick the slurry!” the noble girl started yelling pointing towards the numerous piles of slurry that littered the ground.

“ ” WALL NOW” ” I screamed in unison with the noble girl realizing what she had planned.

We quickly got organized setting up a supply chain with the noble girl helping out on the building part of the chain, me on the gathering side of the chain and the maiden girl helping the passing of slurry in between.

Centimeter by centimeter we built up the wall. With the flames closing in on us fast and the heat was getting more intense, everyone was really putting their all into it, well I guess if they weren't feeling the burn before during our scuffle with the wolves they certainly were feeling it now.

Giving out a slight chuckle at my head pun I pass the last of the slurry before diving as close to the center as possible along with everyone else.

The maiden girl and the people passing the slurry followed in short order than the noble girl and her group came last, the noble girl had actually shed out of her plate armor leaving only the thick leather that's worn underneath similarly others who’ve been wearing heavy armor shed theirs.

The heat continued to rise, it was sweltering in our little fort, we’ve done all we could, now we can only lay low on the ground and hope for the best, at least we still have some spare water left.