“He… help me… I, I will repay you, human…”
Despite its clumsy human speech, the Wolf King’s tone surprisingly resembled that of a robust, resolute middle-aged man.
However…
‘A wolf’s repayment… that’s hardly something I’d dare to hope for.’
“I… I have been trapped here for ten years now…” The Netherworld Wolf King continued to recount its past.
“…”
“They… they desired my power… which is why they never killed me.”
“Power? Are you referring to your regenerative ability, the [Wind of Death]?” Leya asked, her brow furrowed.
“Yes… yes, but they failed… The power of the Wolf God is not something you humans can profane…”
‘Uh… Wolf… what the hell is a Wolf God? Logically, wasn’t the source of this black energy that giant serpent? Or do you Netherworld Wolves not even know the source of this black energy yourselves, so you’re claiming it as your own!’
“Alright then, but you say you need my help. With your power, do you truly require it? And furthermore, even if I were to concede a thousand steps, what compelling reason do I have to assist you?”
“As for a reason… it’s because I can see that you are different from the humans I have encountered before. Their eyes hold only brutality, greed, and selfishness, yet in you… I sense an entirely different aura… one of sanctity… and light…”
“Oh?”
‘To think even a wolf now understands how to offer flattery in human tongue. How interesting.’
Seeing that Leya showed no further intention of refusing, the Wolf King continued.
“Ten years ago… when my power was at its weakest, humans organized a large number of adventurers to subjugate me. I was defeated in that battle and imprisoned here…”
‘Indeed… so it was then? They didn’t kill the Wolf King; instead, they… brought him back, to a human city. Tsk tsk…’
“After that, they continuously killed me, dismembering my body… hoping to extract the secret of immortality from my flesh…”
True to his words, the prison cell where he was confined bore ancient, congealed bloodstains everywhere, alongside scattered animal bones littering the floor.
The pungent stench of blood had long since transformed into a thick, putrid odor. Had it not been for Leya’s heightened tolerance to such smells in her Jeanne form, she would have likely succumbed to nausea and vomited.
“But they failed… no matter how many times they experimented, their greedy desires would never receive the favor of the great Wolf God…”
“Yet, at the same time, they feared my power. They were afraid, deeply afraid that one day I would break free from their control, then unleash my claws of vengeance and eradicate them all…”
“Therefore, they fashioned four incredibly sharp spikes from mithril and embedded them into the points where my limbs connect to my internal muscles…”
“Mithril, as has been known since ancient times, is the metal with the best magical resistance, bar none. It also possesses a natural counter-affinity to dark magic…”
“Thus, thanks to this, my power was sealed. Even if I were to tear off my own limbs, I could not fully expel those mithril needles from my body. This prevents regeneration and could even lead to my death… so I am forced to cling to life, barely surviving to this day…”
“…”
Indeed, with this explanation, all the unsettling questions seemed to find their answers.
But…
“Alright, I understand the situation now, but that doesn’t make it a reason for me to help you, does it?”
“No… human, as I said before, you are entirely different from them… It is impossible for you to be in the same faction as them. Therefore… your purpose in coming here can only be one thing…”
“Anything that displeases them will bring you joy, isn’t that right?”
“…”
‘What kind of… beastly logic is this?’
‘Well… it seems there’s some truth to it, after all…’
“Interesting, truly interesting. Alright, Mr. Wolf King, I believe you have successfully captured my attention. So, how about this? Stop begging me for things. Let’s try a different approach. Think… what can *you* do for *me*?”
“Me? …Heh heh, human, if that is the case… once you rescue me, I will bestow upon you everything you desire: money, honor, status, absolutely everything…”
“No, no, no, Mr. Wolf King, you’ve misunderstood. Your interpretation is incorrect. I’m asking what *you* can do *for me*, not… what *you can give me*, understand?”
‘Besides, money, honor, status… are you sure you’re not trying to fool me? Why would you, a wolf, and I, a human—we’re not even the same species—be able to give me these things?!’
‘Or are you planning to arrange all this for me within the wolf tribe? But honestly, I have no desire to become some tribal chief among your wolf pack!’
“…”
The Wolf King was left speechless.
His two pairs of crimson, bloodshot eyes, wide and adorable, stared blankly at Leya. It was a complete 360-degree reversal of his persona, now attempting a ‘cute’ approach, which was truly unbearable.
‘Exasperating. Just as Leya knew, one really shouldn’t expect much from a beast’s intelligence… Tsk tsk.’
With a sigh, she finally said, “Let’s be direct. I have a plan, and it requires all the slaves here, including you, to help me execute it. So, tell me, what role can you play in this plan? Depending on your answer, I’ll decide whether or not to save you.”
“Heh heh… Heh heh heh heh…”
Unexpectedly, the Wolf King stared eerily at Leya and began to cackle.
Honestly… combined with his scarred face… it was truly terrifying!
“Tell me, human… I wonder… do you truly know… that I…”
“Was once a KING!!!”
“Awooooo!—”
And so, following that wolf’s howl that echoed throughout the prison…
“Roar!—”
“Grrr! Grrr grrr!—”
“Howl!—”
Hundreds of beasts, be they Orcs or Half-Orcs, followed suit, as if actively responding. Their roars pierced the sky, an overwhelming spectacle of power.
“A King… so that’s it… a King?”
Taking in the entire scene silently, Leya remained perfectly composed, speaking as if utterly unfazed.
“I retract my previous statement, Netherworld Wolf King. I concede! You are indeed an excellent partner for cooperation… However, as a fellow ruler, let me give you one final warning… Do not break your word, and remember everything you have promised me…”
“Otherwise, not even your Wolf God will be able to save you…”