As he stepped inside, the first thing that greeted him was the wooden interior of the building— mounted deer heads on the wall, rough–hwen tables, and a campfire crackling softly in the center of the room. The scent of smoke and aged timber filled the air, giving the place a quite, rustic warmth.
Ryuu took a seat upon one the chairs. Moments later, the chief returned, carrying a tray with tea and a small plate of cookies. He placed them upon the table between them, then sat across from Ryuu.
Ryuu took a sip of the tea, letting its warmth settle in his chest. The chief Drew a breath, then began to speak.
"You may have heard the story from George, but I shall tell you from the beginning. It all started three days ago. A mature woman, on her way back home from the market, heard a sound coming from our storage— like a demon chewing through wood. Terrified, she ran to her home and tell me the story next day."
The chief paused, gathering breath before continuing.
"Then, I ordered our guards to inspect the storage. And, what they found was troubling. All our supplies were gone— food, hay bales, even weapon. Worse still, there was a large hole in the wooden floor, roughly the size of a wild boar."
Ryuu raised his eyebrow as he listened.
"The size of a boar? Is there truly a underground creature tha large?"
"Believe it or not, it is true. If you wish, we can go there. It's not far from here."
He stood, following the chief outside. Along the way, Ryuu observe the inner workings of the village— The church standing quietly at it's heart, the modest market, and a weathered tavern that bore the marks of age and use.
Before long, they found themselves before the storage building. After speaking with the guard and receiving permission, they entered. Ryuu took in the structure's true form: a long, rectangular building made entirely of spruce wood. The chief led him inside and pointed toward the center of the storage.
"That is the hole."
Ryuu stepped closer and examined it carefully.
"Hm. You are right, sir. The hole is massive, and the wood bears clear bite marks. It seems like the creature have gnawed through the floor before taking the supplies."
"Yes. That's our conclusion as well."
The chief glanced outside before continuing.
"After that incident, the following day another supply depot was plundered. Then again last night. We believe that tonight, that creature target will be our final depot— the last one we have."
Ryuu looked around, and notice a small tuft of fur. He picked it up and examined it closely.
"Hm.... I believe I recognize this but... "
The chief stepped closer, peering at the fur.
"If I'm not mistaken, this fur belong to a ground boar."
The chief was surprised.
"A ground boar? But those creatures are said to live only in the eastern Region of the kingdom."
Ryuu didn't reply yet, and keep on thinking.
"One weeks ago, when I was on a mission to escort caravan. I've heard rumours from them that meat and other meal for animal in the eastern Region of the kingdom were all disappear without trace. Maybe with the rarity of food in there, those ground boar decided to move and some of them arrive in here."
Ryuu then stood back before continuing.
"Ground boars spend most of their lives underground, carving vast tunnel network. They're able to do so thanks to their keen night vision."
He then took a breath before continue.
"But that vision is sensitive to light. That is also why they only act on night. And with this information, I think I can do something about it."
"Then let's go to the last active depot" The chief said.
"There, you may decide on how we shall drive these creature away. That depot is the only reason this small, hidden village continues to receive aid from the capital."
Ryuu followed him. The final depot stood behind the village, nearly swallowed by the vast forest looking at its edge.
Ryuu then inspect the inside carefully, before returning to the chief.
There is enough space for me alone. But if the boar enters while I am inside, the space will be too confined. I would be at severe disadvantage."
He glance back towards the depot.
"However, if we can move the supplies elsewhere before nightfall and leave only two crates of meat as bait, I believe I can defeat it— somehow."
The chief considered the plan carefully, calculating the risk and logistics before responding.
"I think we can move it to the storage if it only for tonight. I can gather the villagers and have them work together to move the supplies" The chief said confidently.
"Excellent. I will also needed someone to stand by outside, ready to activate this scroll if situation went wrong." Ryuu said, pulling the scroll given by captain George.
"I will try to use torch. If they fear light, they will surely fear fire too." Ryuu add.
"I understand. Johan will assist you, and once the ground boar learn that we can defeat them, they'll surely leave this place as they were a predator that hunt weaker meal."
Ryuu nodded, and wear his helmet.
"Then let us begin."
Together, they went to the church, where the chief summon all villagers with the bell. Soon, men, women, and teenagers gathered alongside the garrison.
"My people." The chief began, "Thank you for coming despite your labors."
He gestures toward Ryuu.
"First of all, let me introduce him to you all. He is Ryuu zi Holmes. An adventurer sent by Captain George. He came here upon us to help us drive the creatures that has stolen from us."
The chief took a breath before continue.
"But, before he do it. We must work to move the supplies from our back depot to the storage. That way, he'll going to have enough space to fight the beast inside the depot."
"So, about the task. First, Men will work on moving the supplies. While for women, I want you all to make coffe and cookies for all men. And so, now the task has been given. Let us gave everything it's needed, for this village!"
The village soon grew busier than before as they working on. At the break, they gather and eat the cookies alongside the warmth coffe prepared by the women in the village.
Seconds after seconds, minutes after minutes, and hours after hours. The sun has tilted westward with it's rays start turning orange, the work has finally done.
"Finally" The chief gasped, catching his breath. "We manage to finish in time. Now, lit the torch before we return home."
Ryuu helped lighting the torch, before sat down in the bench to take a short rest after working for days.
Night fell, and the villagers have already in their home. Before the depot, Ryuu stood with the chief and a young man.
"This is Johan," The chief said.
"He was a student in oakhaven in the past, and capable to activate level three scroll. And he'll be the one to help you with the scroll."
Johan bowed deeply, before greet him.
"G-greetings sir, I am Johan. I will help you activate the scroll outside if needed. L-lets work together."
"Relax brother. No need to be nervous, I'm going to be relying on you. So, lets work together Johan." Ryuu said.
"Y-yes sir."
"And do not call me 'sir'. Just call me Ryuu."
Johan then took a long breath, before replying.
"Yes.... Ryuu."
"Good. So, if I shout the codeword 'pam,' plant the scroll and activate it. Okay?"
Johan then nodded, and took the scroll given by Ryuu.
"Very good. It seems like both of you can work together pretty well, so. I'll leave you both in the gods' hands," The chief say before turning and return to his home.
Ryuu then entered the depot, and the situation became so quite as the depot stood alone in the very back side of the village.
Torch in his right hand, shields in his left hand, with his arming sword inside the scabbard tied around his waist. The night was calm,– but the calm was a calm that always come, before the storm arrive.
He felt something, is approaching him when suddenly. The wooden floor beneath him crack, and soon became hole as the floor chewed by the boar.
Ryuu then lowered the torch, and as the light poured inside. He reveal the creature there, not only one. But three of them, lining up to get inside the depot.
He hurled the torch inside the hole, followed by their screams echoing in the night that makes the village went awake by their— raw and animalistic sounds, born of pain and fury.
Suddenly, one boar surged upward, nearly crushing Ryuu with its charge. He then found himself face to face with the beast. His red eyes burning with rage, as though cursing Ryuu very existence.
And there he stood— an adventurer who nearly dead before, once more staring death in his eyes.