Sairi shouted hoarsely at the wolf pack, trying to scare them away.
But her trembling legs betrayed her weakness and fear.
The wolves didn’t retreat; instead, they slowly closed in.
Damn it, what do they want? Could it be they’re after this rabbit? Should I try it?
“Go!”
Though reluctant, Sairi forced herself to throw the rabbit’s corpse out to see if the wolves would react. Sure enough, two wolves were attracted for a moment, but then a Black Wolf howled loudly.
The two wolves that had been distracted immediately turned their attention back to Sairi.
This is bad—losing both the rabbit and now drawing all their focus onto me.
Yet, in the next moment, Sairi’s unease morphed into anger—no, frustration was a better word.
Greedy beasts! There’s no way I’ll clear the Supreme Trial today. If it comes down to it, I, Sairi, will chop you all to pieces and drag you down to hell!
“Come on! Today, I’ll fight you all right here!” With that, Sairi began swinging the Rainbow Sword, aiming at the closest wolf’s head.
But the wolf dodged.
At the same time, the other wolves launched their attack. They surrounded her from behind, and Sairi spun around, swinging the Rainbow Sword in a wide arc.
This time, she managed to wound two wolves, but her arm was scratched by claws, leaving a long gash that bled steadily.
I was too careless. All that noise earlier must have attracted them. It feels like my shining moment hasn’t even begun, and I’m already about to die a miserable death—speechless.
With a howl from what seemed to be the pack leader, the wolves attacked again.
Sairi swung the Rainbow Sword left and right, but she was overwhelmed by their numbers and speed.
Under the relentless assault, her clothes and stockings were ripped in many places, and claw marks tore her skin, bleeding freely.
Then, a wolf lunged and bit hard into Sairi’s left calf.
Sairi gritted her teeth, refusing to retreat. She stabbed her sword down hard, piercing through the wolf’s neck.
But she didn’t stop there. Grabbing the wolf’s fur, she pulled its head back and repeatedly stabbed its body.
Then, with a powerful kick from her right leg, she finally pushed the wolf away.
The wolf lay on the ground, bleeding heavily and whining pitifully, but it was only a matter of seconds before it would die.
Sairi’s condition was grim as well. Multiple wounds covered her body, and the bite on her leg throbbed painfully.
She suddenly sank down, trying to stand but her leg was too weak from the pain.
“Damn it, I still won’t give up! Come on, one at a time, and I’ll cut you down! Damn &%¥@#!”
But it didn’t scare the wolves.
The leader wolf drew closer, its panting growing louder.
Sairi’s hope waned. This was it—game over.
She had survived sunbathing and napping before, but this time, she was truly done for.
Reluctantly, she muttered her last desperate plea.
“Help! Someone save me! I don’t want to die! I haven’t lived enough! I haven’t even started my journey! Heal me!”
The next second, a howl erupted as the wolves pounced.
Suddenly, a flash of golden light streaked through the air.
Several wolves charging at her were pierced through and pinned against a tree, wailing pitifully.
In an instant, a girl appeared, standing between Sairi and the wolves, her back turned.
Sairi noticed she was slightly taller than herself, draped in a cloak.
She wore a pleated skirt that looked designed for battle, paired with solid black shorts underneath—no panties visible (^///^).
Long black stockings stretched from her thighs down to her feet, which were clad in low travel boots.
On her head, she wore a hat, revealing a streak of black hair.
What the heck is this?
This feels straight out of an isekai anime—the classic hero saving the damsel scene. How cliché!
But she did save me, so no complaints.
The girl’s hand glowed briefly as a shining sword appeared.
With a swing, blood splattered, and one wolf after another fell.
Seeing this, the pack leader tried to flee.
“That wolf leader’s running!” Sairi shouted.
“Oh! Got it!” The girl swung her gleaming Holy Sword, unleashing a wave of sword energy that struck the leader hard.
“Howl…woof…” The wolf let out a few pained cries and collapsed.
So fast! In no time, all the Black Wolves were taken down. Amazing!
***
The girl suddenly turned and crouched before Sairi, grabbing her bitten calf.
Sairi flinched, but the girl spoke gently, “Hmm… you’re hurt. We need to disinfect and stop the bleeding. Then I’ll cast some Healing Magic. The other wounds too.”
Without explanation, the girl produced a bottle of liquid and applied it to Sairi’s leg and cuts.
“Ah, thank you ((*^∀^))” The girl’s kindness stunned Sairi.
She realized she hadn’t even asked the girl’s name.
“Um, thank you, miss. What do you do? You’re so amazing.”
“Hm… me? I’m just a regular traveler. Today, I came to this forest to gather some herbs. I also hunted a few Wild Rabbits and was about to head back when I heard shouting. I followed the sound and found you surrounded by wolves, so I came to chase off those nasty beasts.”
“Wow, thank you so much, miss. Saving a life is worth more than building a seven-story pagoda. You’re incredible.”
“Ahaha, no need to be so polite. There are many travelers like me in this world. Out here, we often need help, so it’s best to look out for each other and do the right thing.”
“Oh, I see. I’m Sairi. I just started traveling here. What’s your name, miss? I want to remember you and thank you properly!”
“Hmm… just call me Hilvia. What are your plans next?”
“To be honest, I don’t know. I’m new here and clueless. I wanted to catch a Wild Rabbit to roast, but I ended up surrounded by wolves.”
Hilvia paused thoughtfully.
“Alright, you’re injured… do you have money?”
“No.”
“Where do you live? Any family?”
“Uh… I don’t have any… no family either.”
“Do you know where you are or where to go?”
“No, I don’t know anything about this area.”
“Okay, then come with me. I’ll take you to the Travelers’ Inn to rest, and then we can make a plan together.”
At that moment, Sairi’s mind raced.
It seemed Hilvia was inviting her to join her traveling party.
Hilvia was a seasoned traveler, strong and capable, with money and means.
Following her would definitely be beneficial.
But meeting a stranger in a strange new world—could saying yes so casually lead to trouble? What if she was trafficked?
Still, Hilvia seemed genuinely kind and caring. She didn’t feel like a bad person—maybe even a protagonist.
Whatever! I’ve already died once. I ended up in this new world as a girl, an experience I’d never get otherwise.
No regrets now. I’ll take the risk!
“Alright! I’ll stick with you, Hilvia!”
“Good! Wait here. I’ll prepare some meat.”
“Prepare meat?”
“These wolves have Magic Element in their bodies, and many parts are unusable. I’ll cut out the edible portions and skin them. Black Wolf pelts sell for good money. Once sold, we can buy supplies. So you wait; I’ll handle this.”
“Okay, I’ll listen to you, Hilvia.”
Sairi sat down as Hilvia expertly skinned and butchered the wolves.
The entire process was smooth and efficient—she clearly had much experience living outdoors.
Before long, Hilvia bundled the pelts together with a rope, tied up the Wild Rabbit as well, and crouched next to Sairi.
“All done. Now, put your arms around my neck, and I’ll carry you into town.”
“Eh? Around your neck? O-okay.” Sairi wrapped her arms around Hilvia’s neck.
Hilvia stood up and hoisted Sairi onto her back.
“How’s the ride? Bumpy? Should I go slower?”
“No, no, this is great. Let’s hurry to town, Hilvia!”
Sairi rested her head on Hilvia’s shoulder, feeling the warmth of her soft skin beneath the clothes.
Her neck felt nice and smooth to the touch—though she couldn’t be too obvious about enjoying it, or Hilvia might call her a pervert.
The road back to town was rough, bouncing over grass and stones.
Unconsciously, Sairi tightened her hold around Hilvia’s neck and shoulders.
As they neared the edge of the forest, Sairi laid her face against Hilvia’s shoulder, breathing in the warmth.
Wait! What am I doing? Acting so clingy? I’m a guy, a real man—even if I’m a girl now, I should keep some dignity!
Though she looked like a spoiled little girl at the moment, Sairi’s thoughts were simple: her neck was tired, and since Hilvia was carrying her, why not use Hilvia’s shoulder as a pillow?
“Hm? Hehe, Sairi, why are you so cuddly like a little kitten?”
Sairi’s cheeks flushed (well, more like her little face, since she was now a brand-new loli).
“Ah, it’s just that I wanted to see the road ahead clearly. And Hilvia saved me, so Hilvia is a great person!”
“Mm… hahaha, Sairi, you’re so cute. It’s late now. We’ll rest in town tonight, and tomorrow I’ll take you to eat something delicious.”
“Yay! Hilvia is the best (*/w/)”
Inside, Sairi was cringing at her own sweet act, but Hilvia seemed to respond well.
Looks like she buys into the sweet little sister act.
Thus, at dusk, with the sun’s last rays turning the forest canopy a fiery red like a dense maple grove, the two girls walked the path into town.
They laughed and talked, their shadows stretching long and intertwining in the sunset glow—just like their intertwined fate, endless and unbroken…