21. 'My Gift "Additional Bonus," Treated as the Weakest, Was Actually the Strongest Skill That Grants Allies, Weapons, and Rewards' - Chapter 22 -

Recap of the previous episode

The life-or-death battle against the Black Fang Wolf finally reached its conclusion.
Selene used the "Gandiva" bestowed upon her by the Forest Spirit God to gather the strength of her allies, unleashing the "Line of Faith" to shatter the giant wolf's core.
However, immediately after, a dark figure appeared from the depths of the earth, declaring that "the Black Fang Wolf was merely an experimental subject" before vanishing.
The enemy is not finished yet—leaving behind an ominous shadow, the battle moves to its next phase.

- Chapter 22 - Remnants of Darkness and Rewards

　Silence had returned to the battlefield.
　The miasma that had covered the forest had completely dissipated, and the air was clear. The leaves of the trees reflected light like morning dew, mixing with the moonlight to create a fantastical scene.

　Selene lowered her bow and let out a ragged breath. Her fingertips were still trembling. But that trembling was not from fear, but the lingering excitement after the battle had ended.
　"...I pierced it."
　Her voice was small, yet it carried a certain pride.

　Asura sheathed his dagger and walked over.
　"Well done, Selene. If it weren't for you, that core wouldn't have been shattered."
　Selene was speechless for a moment. As an elf who had lived proudly, this was the first time she felt so genuinely happy to be acknowledged by a human.
　"...Thank you."
　Those words reached the hearts of her allies more directly than any arrow.

Activation of the "Additional Bonus"

　At that moment, Asura's chest glowed faintly.
　"Again...?"
　As his allies watched, the light converged on the ground, and a treasure chest appeared.

　"It's out, the 'Additional Bonus'!"
　Cain's eyes sparkled, and Zeke raised the corner of his mouth.

　When the box opened, inside was a dagger like obsidian and an emerald crystal.
　"Black silver twin blades...?" As Asura picked them up, the daggers emitted a black light and vibrated as if synchronizing with his breathing.
　"This is for me..."
　"And... is this a spirit stone?" Selene muttered as she looked at the crystal. Inside the emerald stone, a small light was flickering as if flapping its wings.

　"That is... a pixie," Druid's voice echoed.
　Appearing among the trees, she wore a soft smile.
　"In response to the faith you have shown, I bestow upon you a blessing from the forest. This spirit governs healing and protection. Walk together."

　Milia blinked her eyes and happily clasped her hands together.
　"Wow... a new friend!"

Selene's inner thoughts

　While her allies rejoiced, Selene held complex emotions deep in her heart.
　(Humans are beings that cannot be trusted—that's what I've always thought. But... they didn't betray me. They fought risking their lives and accepted me. I am...)
　She gripped her Gandiva and swore clearly in her heart.
　(I won't doubt anymore. I will fire this arrow to pierce through the future together with these allies.)

Approaching shadows

　However, the peace did not last long.
　Leon unfolded a scroll and frowned.
　"An unpleasant presence remains... The remnants of the Black Fang Wolf are still soaked into the ground. That 'boundary' the masked man spoke of, it must be connected to something."

　Old nodded heavily.
　"Next... we must uncover the true identity of that man."

　The forest had regained its silence, but no one let their guard down.
　Because everyone understood that this battle was merely the prologue.

Afterword (Chapter 22)

The trial of defeating the Black Fang Wolf has ended, and Selene fought through it by trusting her allies.
As a reward, a new weapon, the "Black Silver Twin Blades," and a healing pixie spirit have been added, and the party has gained even stronger bonds.
But at the same time, the existence of the masked man left behind the ominous word "boundary."

Next chapter—returning to the city, reporting to the guild, and new turmoil await.

To our readers

The moment Selene finally trusted her allies and fired her arrow... did it resonate with your heart?
And the newly added "healing pixie." What kind of role do you think she will play?
Please let me know your thoughts and predictions in the comments!✨