The silence of the night was suddenly broken.
Near the shores of a beach, four people ran across a snow field.
While the night hid many things, a good scout could easily tell the situation.
A wolfgirl was chasing the three humans who were desperately pushing themselves to get away.
It was obvious that she held the advantage. Her level was higher, and the terrain was favorable for her kind.
It wouldn't be long before she caught up to them.
The best the humans could do was aimlessly fire magic at their assailant, hoping that it would buy them enough time.
These were hopeless circumstances.
Once the girl had caught up with the humans, it would be their end.
Yet, it was an intriguing sight for any potential onlooker.
This island was at war. The beastmen population had successfully protected their shores, making it so that no man or woman could disembark.
An entire army had been stuck trying to figure out a way to get their troops onto the very shores these humans were running on.
How did these three get into this situation in the first place?
There had to be an explanation.
However, the events that led to this night were clouded by a thick fog. No eye could possibly see through it.
The truth couldn't be hidden under a more unique set of circumstances. Any assumptions made would surely lead to one's downfall.
Still, when confronted with a mystery, the first step is always to gather information.
First came the skills of everyone involved. They are usually a good tell of someone's Gift, even if vaguely.
In this case, that very first step only added to the mystery, as the girls were capable of ice and fire magic, while the boy was capable of both. Their levels were low for their age, but they had too many skills for their level.
Considering the prowess of the girls involved, the only explanation would be that they've trained and fought without killing.
The boy was less prominent than the two girls; however, he seemed more anxious. Perhaps he had been preparing something.
Despite how odd everything surrounding this sight was, not a single one of them had an ability related to illusions, or the mana to keep one for too long; what was being observed should be reality in its purest form.
Or, in better words, an opportunity.
The enemy of these beastmen had been searching for a way into the island, and one had just presented itself.
As long as the people being chased could provide information about a weakness in the wolves' defenses, or a blind spot of theirs, then whoever got their hands on that information would surely be handsomely rewarded.
But what if it was a trap? What if these people were somehow in cahoots with the beastmen?
It would be hard to believe, given the circumstances, but it wouldn't be impossible.
And even if that were the case, the question of how these humans got to the island in the first place would still resurface.
In the end, if one was stronger than the beastgirl giving chase and the humans being chased after, there would be nothing to fear. After all, it'd be easy to kidnap the humans and make them talk.
It was just a matter of what'd win: greed and pride, or caution?
I was sure what the response of the beastmen's enemies would be given these circumstances.
After all, a Kingdom that started a war with such a strong tribe, fighting in such disadvantageous terrain, only for two mines must have already let greed cloud their minds.
What's more, a fearless general who infiltrates the enemy territory and kills a handful of soldiers every night should also be proud, seeing the impact of their actions.
Those tainted by sin often struggle not to fall for it again.
With so many wins under his belt and so much to win, how could that harpy not give it a try?
After a couple of minutes, I received my answer, as a harpy stood before me with its black wings snapped open.
He was a man in his late twenties, wearing a smug smile on his face that told me how well I had read his thoughts.
His level was higher than everyone else's combined. Even if he had to fight us together with the beastgirl, he'd surely win.
And if the situation somehow got dicey, he could easily fly away.
Miwen: "...! Look out!"
Even before such an opponent, the wolfgirl was relentless.
She raised her knee for a kick, blowing a pile of snow where she stood.
She threw more punches in a second than I could have, even if I had four or six arms.
Her attempt, however, carried a hint of desperation. It was as if she couldn't afford to do this.
The harpy, though, didn't struggle to dodge most of her attacks. The few he was forced to block didn't seem to damage him, either.
Alas, if there was any doubt about who the superior force here is, the next strike managed to clear away any suspicion.
The man punched wolfgirl's chest with enough force to launch her flying towards the forest, where she crashed against trees.
Even as the snow from the treetops fell on her, Mia didn't move, and eventually, she was completely buried underneath it.
I couldn't show concern for her life. I could only believe she wouldn't go down with a single punch and pray that she wouldn't kill me later for putting her through something like this.
The genuine fear I felt at this thought helped me sell the most convincing lines of my acting career so far.
Miwen: "... Quickly! Before she comes back!"
I called for Claire and Licia, extending my hand so that we could run away, making sure we'd still go in the same direction as before we got interrupted.
Even though the harpy had his back turned to us, it only took him a moment to catch up to us.
???: "Going somewhere?"
Miwen: "We were so close... Claire, Licia. Go ahead, I'll be there in a moment!"
Claire: "If you think I'll leave you alone, brother, you better-"
Miwen: "Just go!"
???: "Oh, a brother taking care of his sister, how nice."
If it works once, why wouldn't it work twice?
In a way, this guy reminded me of Roy. He wasn't making bad decisions per se, but he was one crucial step behind.
It also helped that Claire had experience lying about being Licia's sister. She was a natural by this point.
Still, he had already fallen for it.
The only question remaining was how far I could take it.
How well could I sell him my bullshit?
???: "Don't worry too much, I didn't come here to kill you, alrighty?"
Miwen: "Don't lie to me, you're going to throw us back into that jail. I've already told you how we got here. Just let us leave already."
Melissa liked to hide the truth behind another truth. I was quite fond of it, so as a show of respect, I took a page from her.
I was in jail. I had already told Melissa how I got to the island. And I truly wanted to leave.
After all, there were things I'd like to try with a certain Grand Duchy.
???: "...I see. Listen, boy, how about a deal? If you tell me how you got to this island and everything you know about it, I'll bring you and the two girls out of here. How about it?"
Miwen: "And how do I know you're not lying?"
???: " You don't. The best you can do right now is bet on me. Or you could also wait for that wolf girl to wake up and then ask her gently to take you out, but..."
Miwen: "... Fine. There's a cave close to where we are right now. Their tribe doesn't approach it. We were hiding there but... Either way, if you at least help us get there, I'll tell you anything you want to know."
???: "Why wouldn't they approach it?"
Miwen: "...There are two small statues in front of the cave. It may be a shrine, or something religious, or whatever. I didn't get the chance to ask them. All I know is that we need to get there before more of them come."
???: "Is that so? Lead the way, then."
He could barely contain his grin after getting more than he could have hoped for.
A place the Snow White Wolves didn't approach was a gold mine on its own. This could be huge for their army.
And what's more, a human guide to tell them exactly how to get to the island?
Such an immeasurable victory.
If only.