After that, I decided to take a rest and camp here for a night.
The next day, we continued our journey to get through the other side while Elijah was focused watching me fighting.
I feel jealous looking at him being a kid. It would be better if I got an actual older brother. I would not have to think about my responsibility at all. I also get to call him 'Oni-chan' or 'Hyung'. But it was all only a hopeless wish that would not become true. I will be his older brother and protect him with my life. I am grateful that I can be his brother and protect him with my power.
But I'm lucky to get a look at my younger brother, Elijah is still small and cute. I'm going to remember and tell him how he did look in the future.
It's going to take a couple days before reaching the Capital.
…
The day continued as we tried to get passed through this forest.
In trouble to cross this huge forest, I also took a rest between every fight before continuing.
"Why the heck are there so many different monsters in here?" I thought, frustration bubbling up. "This place is right beside the Capital. Don't tell me... This is a reservation forest?!"
I began to wonder if they kept all types of monsters here deliberately. As I walked around, it became increasingly apparent that my suspicions might be true. The creatures, while terrifying, didn't quite fit my definition of "monsters." They seemed more like mutated versions of Earth's animals, each more grotesque and frightening than the last.
"What if the patrolling guard sees me?" I mused, glancing around warily. "Let it be. It's not like I'm hunting them. All of them come by their own will."
I assume killing this animal would be illegal.
There are also weak monsters that run from us. Only a stubborn and strong monster would ambush us. I don't have a choice but to slip my attack and provoke them with a slow bullet. I only injured them on the non-vital part just to make them run away. But the bird cannot be avoided as we are surviving for food.
While following Leo, he suddenly stopped and turned around from the paths. He is going to do something. He ran towards something else.
"Is he trying to lure me to a stronger monster?" I thought, irritation rising. "Damn you, kitten! Where are you running?! Don't get me into another fight!"
I followed him and trusted his instincts. As a normal kid that only knows controlling magic, I do not have a sense to detect anything else. I only fight using my sixth sense. I read in a fantasy comic that magicians can sense magic. But I don't feel anything. I just feel like there is something in danger.
While I try to chase Leo, I see an opening area. I passed through that and I was shocked.
There are 5 Vylers that are surrounding… "A person?".
"A human?!" I exclaimed, hardly believing my eyes.
Elijah, running up beside me, echoed my thoughts. "Brother, there is someone there!"
Elijah's voice breaks the tension, reminding me of the injured person who is also trapped within this dangerous encounter. The person's presence gives me a glimpse of hope that there's more to this situation than meets the eye.
"I see it, Eli," I whispered, my mind racing.
As I was hiding in the bush, I was planning how to attack them. The two-legged animal with two hands that have intelligence like a wolf and a pack hunter. Their ice magic is not a plaything and need to be wary about.
Their move is so strategic. Their leader must be the one controlling them with telepathic communication. He lets the others attack while he is planning their next move.
"Damn Leo. You got me into trouble!" I thought, my frustration mixed with concern.
I wonder if I should just leave him and that person.
I want to stop Leo, but he already strikes first. Guess I don't have a choice let him save that guy first. Meanwhile, I wait in the bush to kill the leader silently.
Elijah's worried voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Brother, Leo is hurt. Help him!"
"Shush," I hissed, placing a finger to my lips. "I will save them later. I promise."
Leo, despite being hurt, valiantly fights off the Vylers, putting himself in harm's way to protect the injured stranger. I admire his bravery, even though he's outmatched. I get to know their leader as 4 of them move forward while the other one stays behind. .
"Damn it! How should I save them in this situation?" I wondered, anxiety gnawing at me.
I don't have much time for Leo holding them back. I am also afraid this is a trap. But looking at how serious that person's injury, this might be a real deal. I don't have a choice but to trust my hunch. I put Elijah and asked him to stay silent. I have several options to fight them with my magic.
My determination begins to solidify. I can't stand by and watch innocent lives be endangered. Even if the odds are against me, I have to try. My experience with magic and my determination to protect those in need fuel my resolve.
From what it looks, that person must be strong but still couldn't fight those things alone.
"1 on 5, what would I expect?" I thought.
This is my first time encountering multiple enemies at once. With Elijah by my side, I formulate a plan. I whisper to him to stay hidden and quiet. I focus my mana, conjuring a shield that will deflect the Vylers' ice attacks and provide us with some protection. I also prepare my wind magic, planning to strike from a distance to create a diversion.
"Can I beat them?" I asked myself, feeling contemplated.
With a deep breath and my magic at the ready, I steel myself for what's to come. I know it won't be easy, but I'm prepared to do whatever it takes to save them and turn the tide of this dangerous encounter.
…
-To be continued-
As Oruvan and his brother succeeded to escape from the unknown terror, it is unbelievable for them to get into another fight. The wild creature with intelligence would be difficult enough for him to take down their opponent.
…