⑰ 'My Gift "Additional Bonus," Which Was Treated as the Weakest, Was Actually the Strongest Skill That Could Obtain Allies, Weapons, and Rewards' - Chapter 18

Recap of the previous chapter

The manifestation of the Druid, the raid by the Kingdom's dark soldiers, and the scene where Asura protected the Druid.
Although Serene harbored doubts in her heart, she resolved to join the journey to "judge humanity."
However, suspicion and hatred toward humans still swirled within the Elf village.

~Chapter 18~ The Trial of the Elf Village

　Beyond the Great Forest, a sight beyond human comprehension spread out before them.
　Pavilions built by weaving the branches of giant trees, wooden bridges crossing the air, and lights dwelling in the leaves twinkling like stars in the night sky.
　That was the Elf village—"Lumiere."

　But contrary to the fantastical scenery, the air that greeted them was cold.
　The Elves carried swords and bows, glaring at Asura's party with eyes that seemed to be monitoring them.

The Elder's Chamber

　A circular meeting hall in the center of the village.
　The gazes of the elders sitting on chairs carved from ancient trees were heavy, and they made no attempt to hide their hostility and suspicion.

　"Serene. Why have you brought humans with you?"
　"They are the ones who protected the forest. Druid-sama has acknowledged them."

　But at those words, the assembly hall erupted in a stir.
　"The Druid? Impossible, for humans to..."
　"What is the possibility that they are in league with the Kingdom?"
　"Are you saying you don't know about the movements of the border soldiers!"

　Doubts were hurled one after another.
　Asura remained silent. He realized that arguing would be meaningless.

　In the midst of this, an elder leaning on a staff spoke up.
　"Then you should test them. If they are not our enemies, show us proof. —Subjugate the Black Fang Wolf."

The Name of the Black Fang Wolf

　The moment they heard that name, the air in the assembly hall became even more tense.
　"Black Fang Wolf...?" Asura muttered.

　An Elf warrior explained.
　"It was once just a wolf living in the forest. But it was corrupted by darkness, and now it is a monster that attacks both people and beasts indiscriminately. Its fangs can crush steel, and it has the power to lead a pack. Our comrades who went to subjugate it... never returned."

　Murmuring voices.
　"It's not a task for humans."
　"Rather, we should send them out and let the Black Fang Wolf bury them."

　Amidst the exchange of hatred and mockery, Asura stood up slowly.
　"...I accept. That trial."

　His companions looked up.
　Ordo clenched his fists, and Sophia prayed anxiously. Cain and Zeke readied their swords, and Luca and Phil also intensified the presence of beasts and flames.

Serene's Decision

　At that moment, Serene stepped forward.
　"Please wait. —I will accompany them."

　The assembly hall shook.
　"Serene-sama, what are you saying!"
　"To act together with humans...!"

　Serene's blue eyes did not waver.
　"Whether they are enemies or allies, I will judge with my own eyes.
　　If they betray the forest... I will pierce them with this arrow."

　Silence.
　The elders exchanged glances with each other, and eventually nodded heavily.
　"Very well. Serene, you shall be the monitor. ...However, if they betray us, you will make them pay with their lives."

　"Understood."
　There was resolve in her voice. But deep in her heart, a wavering had already been born.

Into the Depths of the Forest

　The next day. Asura and his party, accompanied by Serene, were advancing deeper into the forest.
　The shadows of the trees were deep, and the air was cold and damp. There were no bird calls, and an unnatural silence reigned.

　"...A bad feeling," Zeke muttered low.
　Fenrir bristled his fur and growled low.
　Ifrit's flames flickered, illuminating the air of the forest.

　"This is... the nesting ground of the Black Fang Wolf," Serene's voice was stiff. But there was a wavering in her eyes.
　She still couldn't fully believe herself walking side-by-side with humans. But—every time she looked at Asura's back, something pricked at her heart.

Black Shadow

　Suddenly, the wind stopped.
　The next moment, a jet-black shadow dashed through the trees without a sound.

　"...It's coming!"
　The moment Asura shouted, blood-red eyes appeared in the darkness.
　A growl shook the forest, and countless black shadows appeared.

　—Black Fang Wolf.
　A pack of wolves with sharp fangs. In the center of them was an exceptionally large shadow.
　A giant wolf wrapped in black miasma, baring fangs like steel.

　"...That is..."
　Serene's voice trembled.

　Asura readied his short sword and shouted to his companions.
　"Everyone, get ready! —The trial starts here!"

　The roar of the Black Fang Wolf shook the forest, and the curtain rose on a death battle.

Afterword (Chapter 18)

The trial handed down by the Elf village council was the "Black Fang Wolf Subjugation."
To judge the humans, Serene volunteered to accompany them and joined the party.
And finally, they encountered the pack of Black Fang Wolves. A death battle where the strength and bonds of the companions will be tested is about to begin.

To all our readers

Thank you for reading this far!
How did you feel about the scene where Selene chose to "accompany" me?
If you were in her shoes, what would you look for to believe in humans? Please let me know in the comments.