Dark Knight Kroki

You'll be on your own from here.

　I point my sword at the red-haired werewolf (wolfman) in front of me.
　The werewolf is looking at me with quizzical eyes.

'Grrrrrr!　Who are you?　You! How dare you pass off this Yasab's sword!

　I can't answer honestly if you ask me that.
　In the first place, I'm here to hide my identity.
　The current me is not the Dark Knight Kroki, but a wandering swordsman Kroki.

'I'm just a wandering swordsman. I just wanted to help out when I saw the little one standing up for himself so well.

　I look back a bit, wary of my opponent.
　There is a small child and a group of elves there.
　When I reached the scene of my own battle, it was just when the child pushed out the wolfman (wolfman) who called himself Yasab.
　After that, the child was desperately trying to protect the elves.
　Seeing him trembling and wielding his sword poorly, he intervened, saying that he had to hurry and save him.
　He was a young boy, but he was quite courageous.
　Well, as far as being able to push the werewolf (wolfman) away, he must not be an ordinary child.
　But he's still too small to take on the werewolf (wolfman).
　From here on out, I'm the one to deal with.

''Gaaaaaaaah!

　A werewolf (wolfman) calling himself Yasab is swinging his barbaric sword at me.
　I change my stance so that I don't lose my center of gravity and duck.
　It looks like a reckless swing, but he is subtly changing the trajectory of his sword.
　Contrary to appearances, he's quite a skilled swordsman.
　The movements of his feet and legs, his upper body, and the return of his wrists, all of which are used in his swordsmanship.
　How much training did he have to do?
　I think it's great that he seems to be blessed with a good physique to begin with, but he's trying to get even better.
　However, that doesn't mean you can't get beaten.
　Watch your opponent's movements carefully, and place your sword against his barbaric sword in a small way.
　The barbarian swords are further altered in their trajectory by being hit by the sword and not hitting us.
　Yasab unleashes his barbaric swords one after another.
　It changes its trajectory in the same way.
　The barbaric swords only create wind around his body.

''Yasab!　What are you doing?　Stop playing around and take it down now!

　An old werewolf (wolfman) woman shouts out.
　The werewolves (wolfmen) around her are also looking at us in a strange way.
　Apparently, they think that Yasab is playing with them.
　I can leave it as it is, but if this is the case, we won't get anywhere, so I decide to fight back.
　As it is, I step in a little at a time.

''Guhuh?''

　Yasab grunts and retreats as he steps in himself.
　While backing away, Yasab swings his barbaric sword with all his might.
　As he brushes off the blow, he slips his sword into his opponent's blade and slashes his opponent's arm.
　Seeing this, the people around him cry out in surprise.
　Yasab flies backwards and gets away from himself.

'You!　Who are you?!

　Yasab screams as he holds the wound on his arm.
　He didn't cut deeply. Considering the resilience of the werewolf (wolfman), it will heal quickly.
　The surroundings are no longer buzzing.
　Rather, it has become quiet.

'I'm just a wandering swordsman, ....... No particular name.

　I can't tell you my real name as long as I'm hiding my identity.
　Myself and Yasab stared at each other.
　A few seconds have passed since they stared at each other. A strange smell drifts out of nowhere.
　It seems to have arrived.
　The dwarven ranger uses a smoke bomb that produces a scent that disguises the wolf's nose.
　This is the smell.
　I can hear an even louder sound.
　The smell will disguise your nose and the sound will disguise the number of people.
　I hope this will make them back off, but if not, then I'll get serious then.
　I can't get serious right now.
　This place is being watched by someone from afar.
　I don't want to show my strength and avoid being exposed.

"Obaba: ......

　Hearing a loud noise approaching, Yasab calls out to the old werewolf (wolfman) woman.
　The old wolfman woman nods at Yasab's call.

'I know, Yasab, ....... All of you!　I'll pull out of here!

　At their call, the werewolves (wolfmen) roared and easily withdrew.
　I'm impressed by how quickly they retreat.
　The average werewolf, like the gods they worship, is a bloodthirsty Wesen.
　However, he is also a skilled swordsman, and has a good draw and rational fighting style.
　In fact, unlike rumors, werewolves (wolfmen) are very intelligent.
　You'll be able to get a good idea of what you're looking for.

"Who are you?

　One of the elves looks at him quizzically.
　He seems quite wary.
　Well, that's understandable.
　I look at the elf who called out to me.
　I'm not sure what to make of it.
　I'm not sure if it's the upper (high) elves, or perhaps the aristocratic class of the elves, Arseid.
　Wow! This is the first time I've seen this. But compared to a goddess, it's not an unusual existence.
　I'm a little surprised that I'm encountering a more unusual being than the upper (high) elves.

'Err, ......'

　I'm not sure how to explain it.
　I was in a bit of a pickle.

'Sir!'

　A group of dwarven rangers (rangers) appear with crossbows and wearing magical grass skis.
　Just as well. I'll let them explain the rest to me.
　They live in the same forest and are supposed to interact with each other.

"Dwarves?　Are you one of the dwarves?　I never thought I'd be rescued by a fellow dwarf or something: ......

　The elf looks disgusted.

'What is it,' he says. "What is it, some naughty Elf princess? You didn't have to help me with this.

　The dwarves who came to help her don't seem to like it either.
　Come to think of it, elves and dwarves didn't get along well with each other.
　At one point, they are both members of Elyos' gods, so they would cooperate if necessary, but I remember that they were never close.

''Wait!　Hey, princess!　　You've forgotten what we're here for!　I thought you were supposed to be working with the dwarves!

　Another elf comes forward from behind the elf princess.
　It's probably a dryad, based on his clothing.
　And I feel like I've seen him somewhere before.

''Huh?　Is it possible, Tess?

　The dryad looks at me when I call his name.
　It's definitely Tess.
　Tess looks at me curiously.
　I flip up my hood a little.
　This way, the person monitoring me shouldn't be able to see my face.

'Ahhhhh!

　Tess shouts out.
　Apparently she's noticed.

'Kroki!　It's not Kuroki!　Why are you here!

　Tess flutters happily and comes over to me and hugs me.
　I can feel her slender body through her clothes.
　You can feel the amazement of those around you when they see this.

'It's been a while, hasn't it, Tess?　What are you the one who is here?
'I am the princess's attendant!　My lady!　Guys!　This swordsman is Kroki!　I know him.

　Tess introduces herself.
　The elven princess looks a little relieved when Tess introduces her.
　Does she hate being rescued by a dwarven acquaintance so much?

'Thank you for your help. You know Tess. My name is Lucien. I was on my way as an envoy to the dwarven village. On the way there, I was attacked by some foul fanged men.

　The elven princess Lucien thanked me gracefully.
　I feel embarrassed to be thanked by a beautiful woman.
　But you should also thank the dwarves.
　They also helped to save the day.

'An elf princess is an emissary?　What do you mean?

　Even if the other party is an elf princess, the dwarves don't shy away from it.
　That's probably how the relationship was originally formed.

''Oh?　Didn't they listen to me?　We were told by the heavenly host that we must cooperate with you. Well, now that you've figured it out, can you show us around?

　The dwarves look at each other as Rousien says provocatively.
　They don't get along, but they aren't hostile.
　They will have to be guided eventually.

"Hm. Even if we don't have to show you the way, you know where our village is. Sir. Let us return.

　He nodded at the words.
　Koona and the others would be on their way to the land of the elves by now.
　They're dressed to be replaced by these elves.

'Hey, Kroki. Kuroki would like to go with us?　Isn't that right, Princess?
Yeah. No problem, Oleola. How's the car?

　Lucien sees a broken deer car.
　There, an elf who looks like Oleiad is repairing the deer car.
　It seems that if we take first aid measures, there's no reason why we can't run.
　But let's refrain from doing that here.
　I'm just going to be a guest of the dwarves.

I'm sorry, Tess. I'm going to be back with the dwarves.

　Tess looks a little disappointed when she says that.

''Yes, it's a shame. But if you're in a dwarven village, you can ask a lot of questions. As I asked earlier, why are you here in the first place?　You are, I believe, ....... No, it's nothing.

　Tess cuts off her words, almost saying something.
　Why is that?
　Tess feels like she's aware of her identity.
　But I can't be sure.
　I turn my back on myself and try to run.

'Wait!'

　As I was about to run, I was suddenly approached by a voice.
　It was a small child who was with the elf.
　What is it?
　He looks at himself with serious eyes.

'Please!　Give yourself a sword!　Tell me about it!　I just want to be strong!

　The little one says that and bows her head.
　His desperate words somehow capture my heart.
　When I get to the front of the child, I kneel on the ground.
　His eyes dropped as he got on his knees, but the little one was still low.

'Why do you want to be strong?'

　The little one looks up when he hears that.
　Their gazes cross over.
　It's a serious look.
　She has the beautiful face of a girl, but I'm sure it's a boy.
　It feels like that.

'I promised!　With your mother!　He's going to be a great knight!

　The little one says with determination and strength.
　To be honest, I'm not very good at this sort of thing.
　I glance at Lucien.
　He doesn't seem to mind if I tell him.

'My name is Kroki. Hey, can you tell me your name?
'Yes!　My name is Koki!

　It's called Kouki, a name you don't hear in this world very often.
　Or is it just something I don't know?
　But it doesn't matter.

"That's fine, Kouki-kun. I can't do it all the time, but as long as you and I are in the dwarven village, I will teach you the sword. Is that okay with you?

　Then he holds out his hand.
　Kouki's eyes are moist. He looks very happy.

''Ha, yes!　That's fine!　Oh, thank you, sir!

　Kouki puts his hand on his own hand.
　It's a very small hand.
　But it doesn't matter if it's a child or an adult.
　This is a promise between a man and a man.



Dahak, the Serpent Prince

　An abandoned mine in the land of Kauff.
　We are still there.
　The temporary palace I had the serpent men (Eag) build.
　I can't help but notice Botis's face.

"What's the matter?　Botis?　What's going on?

　When I called out to him, Botis looked at me with a surprised look on his face.
　He seemed to be thinking about it.

''Oh, it was you, young man? 'No, it's not really a big deal, but ....... It seems that the wolves have engaged with someone.''

　Botis says, looking around.
　There are dozens of small, monocular snakes mawing around Botis.
　This snake is a messenger of Botis and can tell Botis what she sees.
　She releases these snakes all over the forest to gather information.
　The one who tells her is probably the one the wolves were following.

'Wolves?　Are you talking about Yasab and his crew?　It shouldn't be strange for them to fight in the woods, though.

　I nod my head.
　Headhunter Yasab.
　He was a red-haired werewolf (wolfman), a lowly one, but a moderately impressive one.
　But they always fight elves in the forest.
　There was no need to worry about it.
　So what is there to worry about?

''It is true, but I'm a little concerned about that opponent: ......
Do you mind?
'Yes. Maybe I'm paying too much attention to it.

　Botis says with a laugh.
　He's probably tense in the face of executing his plan.
　That's why the little things bother him.

'Don't worry about every little thing, Botis. More importantly, when are we going to get out of here? I'm bored and no match for you.

　So far it's been all skirmishes and not a proper fight.
　My mouche-feet look bored too.

It's almost there, young master. The day when you can fight to your heart's content is almost here.