13 – Friends of the Pack
As the villagers watched, the cage was lowered from the tree.
It was then unlocked and Solde came out on shaky feet, and slowly hugged Sheto.
“Are you alright? Anywhere, in pain?”
“…Ahh.”
The brown kobold looked at him in disbelief.
“Sheto, it’s ready.”
Keita had come with a small wagon and a donkey. As there was no driver’s seat, Fi had to sit with the luggage while holding the reins.
“Sorry then. We’ll take this.”
“Yes.”
All of the villagers behind them had looks of distaste. That being said, they did not protest like yesterday. After all, they had been given treasures from the dungeon, which proved what they had achieved.
However, the man called Poro did not stop glaring at Sheto.
“I’ll go with you halfway.”
“The village, alright?”
“Just until you reach the main road. After that, I better not go with you.”
Fi pulled on the reins silently, and the donkey started to trot. The crowd of people parted in front of them, and they exited the gate.
“Solde. Ride in the back. Rest a little.”
“…Ah.”
As Solde climbed in uncomfortably, they heard the gate close with a rush. As if they had gotten rid of something foul.
“It almost feels good, when you are hated, that much…”
“…I’m sory. In the end, the dragon god was right.”
“It’s fine. I’m, used to being hated.”
Even as he said that, Sheto smiled at the boy who walked next to him.
“Keita. Thank you for, everything.”
“Huh!? No, um…I just…”
‘Allow me to thank you too. I am glad that there are Heroes like you.’
The boy turned red and shook his head.
“I’m the one who should be grateful. Besides, I had to use you in the end.”
“You, are not a bad one. You speak honestly.”
‘Everyone in this world, including the gods in heaven, consider their own profit. However, if you do it honestly, surely it is because of trust?’
“What’s the problem? We profited, you profited. Be satisfied with that.”
Fi muttered, and Keita nodded with a laugh.
“Thank you. For helping with the dungeon, and… I had fun being on an adventure with others.”
The boy removed his glove and offered his hand.
The kobold hesitated and then shook it.
“Do your best. Make the village, happy.”
“I also…pray that your wish comes true.”
The hand was warm.
Sheto’s furry paw and the Hero’s smooth palm connected strangely.
“What is it?”
“…You, warm.”
“Huh? Well, I’m not dead or anything…”
‘Ah. Sorry. Sheto has seen many Heroes die up until now. This is his first time feeling one that was alive.’
He had heard that their flesh was a vessel made by the god’s power. It was a way to keep them connected to the world that they were supposed to return to.
‘In order to deal with the level system and divine rules, etcetera, their bodies are made to be warmer than usual. However, aside from that, they are like any other living creature.’
After letting go, Sheto stared at his own paw.
“We should be going then.”
Fi said.
“Well, Keita…”
“I hope…that we meet again.”
The donkey’s hooves sounded on the road, and the boy grew farther away.
Sheto turned back just once to wave at the boy who was waving at them, and then he turned and walked away.
While stepping over the blackened ground, Berganda glared at the destroyed dungeon.
The magicians had been able to see through it, and confirmed that it would be impossible to restore its functionality. And so he had the main troops wait in a nearby valley.
“I did not realize the Lindle Hero aws this strong.”
“It is not just that. Look at this.”
Comos showed him the small arrow.
“So it wasn’t a mistake after all.”
“I do not know the reason, but it seems like the Hero was collaborating with the kobold. And this is the result.”
While it was not the largest dungeon, Shelban and his subordinates were not weak. They had been able to resist the Lindle Hero and nearby mercenaries up until now.
“What should we do?”
“…There is nothing to do but finish the original goal. Take down Lindle.”
“But what about the kobold…”
The minotaur general closed his eyes.
The Demon King’s order was law. He had to bring back the kobold.
However, he somehow had abnormal combat ability. Any normal approach would likely end with him slowly picking them off and then running away.
“…Prepare for a siege battle.”
“Huh?”
“Did you not hear me! Prepare for a siege battle!”
“Ye…yes!”