Chapter 13 - Chapter 13: Forest Adventure – Day 2

Day 2 Begins Dawn filtered into the tent, the sun's rays stirring me awake. Stretching, I slipped out and headed toward the waterfall to freshen up, enjoying the stillness.But then voices drifted my way."So why team up with Shiro? He seems weak," Hera's voice rang clear.I froze. The words stung."It might look that way, but…" Yura's voice wavered. "But he's got a strong sense of duty," Shina said firmly. "He's probably the strongest person we've met."They were blushing—I could feel their sincerity. I turned away, not wanting to eavesdrop further."I seem weak to Hera, huh…" I muttered, returning to camp and channeling frustration into cooking.By the time they returned, breakfast was ready."Morning, Yura, Shina… and Hera," I said smoothly, a slight edge in my tone. "Hope you don't mind a 'weakling' guarding camp."Hera looked away. Message received.After dismissing the lizardman, we ate quietly."Did you sleep well?" I asked. "I guess," Hera said, standing to clean her dish. "Like a baby," Shina sighed dreamily. "I love how the sun warms my fur," Yura added with a stretch.After breakfast, I went back to the waterfall for a solo wash. Just as I relaxed, bushes rustled."Someone spying on me? That's not very subtle," I said dryly, firing off warning bolts. Two squeals echoed back—Yura and Shina stumbled out, embarrassed."This is unfair," I sighed. "If you're going to peep, at least let me get a chance to first." Shina laughed nervously. Yura tried to hide her face."Don't worry, I'll get payback," I said with a smirk before finishing up.Returning, I geared up."Ready for today's hunt?" I asked. "Mind if I come along?" Hera asked. "How about this," I offered. "You girls go together. I'll handle the meat."They agreed. Equipping my daggers—now fused into a longsword—I vanished into the forest, leaping between trees.Soon, I found my quarry: Lathegins. Towering herbivores with three horns, long necks, and stubby legs. According to Yura's book, they were delicacies.I immobilized one using earth magic, but it retaliated swiftly. More emerged, surrounding me."Unfair… I only wanted one," I muttered, drawing my sword.The fight was brutal. Despite their bulk, they were quick—using wind magic to launch attacks. I dodged, enhanced my body, and countered with strikes. Finally, I took them down.I healed three, sparing them, and took one back."I'm sorry," I whispered, storing the fallen beast.Camp was still empty. I sent Kyoko to check on the others and climbed a tree, pulling out a book on chanted magic."Time to get stronger."