--------------- Point of View: Sylah -----------
[Ummm… Soft…]
I can't help but murmur as my consciousness returns and the first thing that assaults me is an unprecedented softness.
Was my bed always this soft?
It doesn't matter; only the softness matters. Embrace the soft, be the soft.
[You seem to be enjoying yourself.]
[Umm, very much so… eh?]
My body tenses and my eyes snap open as I process the captain's voice. Immediately, I remember that I definitely should not be in my room.
[Captain?] — I ask, confused, as I sit up abruptly on the soft, very soft bed.
Sitting beside me, the captain looks at me with a neutral expression.
[At your age, and you still snuggle into your bed like a little brat?]
[FORGET THAT!]
I want to die.
[Don't yell, you'll wake the others.]
And whose damn fault is that?
[Wait, what happened to Mercury and Leion?]
At my question, the captain merely points to the foot of the bed with a sarcastic smile.
When I peek over, the two of them are sleeping on what looks like small makeshift beds on the floor.
[If it makes you feel better, they were also snuggling earlier.]
[That doesn't help.]
I complain, but at the same time, I feel relieved to see them safe.
[More importantly, what the hell are you doing?] — I demand as I sit on the edge of the bed to face the captain.
The severe wound on his chest is far from healed and, to make matters worse, he is marked. The mark of the leaf-eaters has a very painful toxic effect.
Even so, here he is, sitting and keeping watch by my bed—which is obviously the most comfortable one and the most suited for someone in his condition.
[I slept adequately. I am simply taking the final watch.]
[That's not the point.] — Well, it is one of the points, but… — [Ouch!] — I complain when I receive a flick to the forehead before I can retort.
[What is this about "my fault"? What fault?] — The captain scolds me with an accusing look… How did he turn the conversation around?
Better yet, what is he talking about? … Ah, right, before I passed out I said some things…
[Well… if I hadn't been so overconfident in my tracking… ouch!]
[And exactly when were you going to concentrate in the middle of a chase and an ambush?]
[Well… ouch! You're just hitting me for the fun of it! Ouch!]
[What if I am?]
Horrible old man, I'm not worrying about you anymore.
Knock, knock
My complaints were interrupted by a sudden knock at the door.
[[[[…]]]]
Immediately, Mercury and Leion stand up, alert. Right, this must be the human settlement. Are we truly safe? At least for now, it seems so. But…
[Calm down.] — The captain said, slowly rising from his seat. He then opened the bedroom door while the others discreetly sheathed their weapons.
["#$&$/%&"]
At the door, the four humans who took the initiative to help me earlier were holding what looked like plates of food. Although their attitude is conciliatory, the tension in their bodies is obvious.
["#$&$/%&"]
They continued speaking in an unintelligible tongue. Why don't they use magic? Now that I think about it, they didn't use it in the fight, either.
[As you can see, this is our biggest problem right now, if you wouldn't mind.] — The captain said, gesturing for the group to enter the room. Then, he looked at me. — [Do you have materials?]
Although I was a bit lost at first, I finally nod as I understand the captain's request. But…
[Captain, giving beast-communication collars to people is a bit… impure?]
[I see, the captain has those strange tastes,] — Leion whispered.
[Even for me, that's a bit… no, if it's an order from the captain, I…] — Mercury murmured.
[I AM GOING TO HIT YOU BOTH.]
When we are scolded, we all quickly escape the captain's glare. Even the humans are more alert now, startled by the shout.
[Look what you did.]
[[[Sorry…]]]
I have nothing to say about it. I'm nervous, okay? I just wanted to lighten the mood…
But, regardless of that, I reach into my bag and get to work. Even though I don't have many materials, I can definitely make some basic communication runes.
[We only need one for now.]
[Yes.]
[And for your information, long before you were born, those things were commonly used by people and tribes without magical power.]
[[[Gueck]]]
Now that I think about it, there were stories like that in the ancient records. But since they've only been used to communicate with pets and low-intelligence creatures for several centuries, I guess my perspective narrowed a bit.
[It's not my fault you're a historical relic.] — I can't help but mutter reluctantly.
[Did you say something?]
[I said I'm finished! Look, I'm very good at this.]
Fear.
[Hmph, fine. Hand it over and begin the negotiations.]
[Eh? Why me?]
[I believe we already discussed this. Your role.]
[Guuu…]
With no other choice, I take the initiative to hand the rune to the human girl.
Be friendly, be friendly.
[Remember to maintain your dignity, and if you screw this up, I'll make you stand at attention for two days. No pressure.]
My ass…
............…
[What do you think?]
The captain asked as soon as the humans left the room and I blanketed the area with soundproofing runes.
[We got lucky, didn't we? They're good kids.] — Mercury said.
[At least that's what they want us to believe.] — Leion replied.
[As pessimistic as always.] — I sighed.
[Better to be pessimistic than naive.] — Leion declared.
My first diplomatic endeavor can be considered a success. But…
["Naive" is the key word here. They are far too naive.] — The captain interrupts our exchange of opinions with an unusually serious expression, making us all pay attention.
[They don't seem to be aware of the danger they expose themselves to.] — He continues, pointing at our weapons. — [They didn't even confiscate them when they brought us in.]
[Well… we fought together, didn't we? It's normal to have some trust after that…] — Mercury tried to defend Milia and the others' logic, but the captain shook his head.
[What do you think would have happened to them if, instead of us, they had run into unscrupulous marauders?] — Leion inquired.
Certainly, a group of marauders would play along and then stab them in the back.
[Well… maybe their decision facing others would have been different.] — Mercury insisted.
[Quite the conservative stance you have there.] — Leion mocked.
[… Even if that is so, they didn't run into marauders, they ran into us, and now we can help each other. Isn't that the point of alliances? To combine strengths.]
In the end, I decide to defend Milia. What's wrong with being a good person? Without them, we…
[[[[….]]]]
[So? Will we reject their offer to join forces or not?] — Leion asked directly as we reached a moral stalemate.
[Reject it, you say? I don't think that is an option for now.] — The captain said with a weary smile as he pointed to his chest.
Indeed, our problems are far from over…
[Wait, Captain, you…] — Finally understanding what he meant, I try to complain, but the captain stops me by raising a hand.
[Forging an alliance helps us increase our strengths, but it can also create new weaknesses… It isn't something that can be decided so easily. Besides, didn't you want to search for the other survivors?]
[Well…]
[Let's not be hasty. The reality is that the current situation benefits us; they can provide us with shelter, information about this world, resources, and protection while we heal.]
[So we're just going to use them and leave when things get ugly?]
[I didn't say that. We also have much to offer—vital information, and our combat capabilities are obviously superior.]
[But what if the leaf-eaters attack the base because of us…]
[Realistically, given the current state of this world, even a leaf-eater attack is far from being their biggest general problem.]
The captain's words make practical sense, but…
[Even if you dress it up, the transactional reality remains the same…]
[[[…]]]
When the thought slips from my mouth unconsciously, the conversation falls silent and everyone looks back at me.
[I… I'm sorry…] — I apologize quickly. It's my stupid bad habit again.
But instead of scolding me, the captain sends me a reassuring smile.
[I'm not saying we should use them as cannon fodder, either. There is a lot we can do for them. For example, in this world, they don't seem to understand the basic concepts of magic. We will teach them to use their latent mana, to awaken their skills. We could also teach them fighting techniques. Furthermore, I'm not saying we will abandon them in the middle of a fight. I merely want to make it clear that, should I deem their group's decisions detrimental to our survival, we will separate immediately.]
[… Captain… OUCH!]
[If it's decided, let's get to work.]
[You're just hitting me for fun!]
[What if I am?]
[[Hahahaha]]
Gunununu.
.........….
[Leaf-eaters.] — I instinctively announced the danger the moment the forest whispered it to me.
[Eh?] — Milia, whom I was teaching to feel the flow of energy, can't help but be surprised by my sudden change in posture.
[Ah, sorry, it's a habit to announce it… No, anyway, please, gather everyone. Monsters are near.]
Milia finally nods, and we quickly start gathering the group.
It has been two days since we joined the human group. And how to put it… good?
Although I can't make many collars due to a lack of materials, our general interaction through the girl is fluid. It is completely different from the terrifying stories we know of the human tribes from our world. Even the captain, the only one to have contact with humans before, was highly surprised.
Although the captain insists we shouldn't get attached, it's a bit difficult, you know?
The humans show such genuine curiosity about us that it's simply contagious. And there are so many fascinating things here that we can't help but feel the same curiosity.
Moreover, this world has something called "technology," and it's simply incredible. They insist it isn't magic, but something called science, though I honestly don't see the difference. To my eyes, it is merely a differently structured magical system.
[Sylah, what happened?] — The captain arrived in the living room, interrupting my thoughts.
[A new group of leaf-eaters found us, but… they are acting strange…]
..............
[Isn't it a good thing they aren't attacking immediately?]
[It's difficult to explain… Do you remember what I mentioned earlier about monster types? It is strange for the leaf-eaters to be so restrained when there is a 'marked' elf nearby. If they are suppressing their instincts, it is highly likely there is a 'General' leading them.]
In the living room, with everyone gathered, we try to explain the tactical situation to the humans. Leaf-eater colonies have various subdivisions serving different functions.
The so-called "Generals" are particularly problematic because they fulfill precisely the role their name implies. Not only can they resist the instinctive call of the mark, but they are also extremely cunning.
[So, they are sizing us up…]
The tension in the room becomes palpable, and I cannot blame them. They were safe, and all of this is our fault…
[It's okay.] — I was surprised when Milia suddenly comforted me, placing her warm hand over my frustration-clenched fist.
[We knew this could happen since the moment we brought you in. The question is: what should we do now?] — Without hesitation, Franco takes a step forward.
Not just him; everyone, far from criticizing us or turning hostile for bringing trouble to their doorstep, seems more interested in seeking tactics than anything else.
It's as if the thought of asking us to leave or handing us over never even crossed their minds.
[Well… cough, actually.] — Even the captain was stunned for a few seconds by their loyalty, but he quickly joined the flow, and ideas began to rain down.
[We are one group now. Sticking together and helping each other… I honestly believe it is the best way to survive.]
One group…
[Aren't you all a bit too tense? With those things from the house next door, everything is in our favor, isn't it?]
Leion, who as always fails to read the room, says nonchalantly while casually pointing out the window toward the neighboring house.
[[[[[….]]]]]
However, the atmosphere immediately turns grim, freezing over. It is a much stronger and more visceral reaction than when they heard about the impending monster invasion.
The house next door… it is like a forbidden phrase.
From the very first moment I noticed the auras of the three ridiculous monsters living there and tried to discuss it with Milia, we realized the topic was profoundly delicate.
In fact, we have remained hidden in this house precisely so we wouldn't show ourselves to them or cross their paths. Though it hasn't really been a big problem so far since we're still recovering indoors.
[Idiot.]
[I… Sorry…]
Mercury scolds Leion with an elbow to the ribs, and he lowers his head, regretting opening his mouth.
[Cough. I apologize for my companion… But I am afraid he has a point… could we address the subject of your neighbors?]
Taking advantage of the cards being on the table, the captain finally decides to probe. I did not overlook how Milia's hand squeezed mine tightly, trembling slightly.
[Captain. Now is not the time…] — I tried to stop the inquiry, but Milia pulled me gently.
[It's alright…] — she said, taking a deep breath. — [Please understand that we are not direct enemies, but our relationship with them is a bit… complex.]
..............
[I'm sorry, Captain…]
Back in the safety of our room, Leion lowers his head with genuine regret.
[Ahhh… Honestly, I don't know if I can entirely blame you…] — The captain sighs wearily, rubbing the back of his neck. He is more lost than angry.
In reality, it is a bit difficult to put all the blame on Leion. After all… wasn't the humans' reaction a bit exaggerated?
Leion's action might have been a bit blunt, but the response was somewhat disproportionate, wasn't it?
First of all, none of us are sure we could have reacted much better than Leion.
It all happened so fast that even now I cannot fully process it.
[Sylah, here.]
I thank Mercury, who hands me a glass of juice. Ahhh, the mental fatigue is somewhat alleviated by the sugar…
[Sylah, what do you think of him?] — The captain passes the discussion to me.
Of course, we all know he is referring to the human named Astrad.
Even though he acted as if he hadn't noticed us until we were mentioned. He cannot fool me.
It was less than a second. An almost imperceptible instant.
But from the very first moment I was in his field of vision, his dark eyes scanned me with such intensity and coldness that I still get chills remembering it.
It wasn't morbid curiosity, nor even interest. It was like the gaze of a predator judging whether its prey was worth the effort.
[Is he… trustworthy?] — I forced myself to answer, doubting my own words.
[[[…]]]
My companions looked at me in silence with a tacit nod.
Yes, it might sound contradictory now that we started off on the wrong foot (and with a punch to Leion's jaw), but objectively, we expected this to some extent since hearing Milia's version.
And of course, after interacting minimally with his group, we couldn't help but nod at a harsh truth.
Familiar.
That would be the most accurate way to describe Louise's group... Or would it be more accurate to call it Astrad's group? Well, I don't think the distinction matters.
Regardless, talking to Louise felt like returning to our world. Of course, we are very fond of Milia and her group. But our logic clashes so hard with theirs that it is difficult not to feel out of place.
Conversely, from the first moment we crossed paths, Louise's group was attentive to our every move. Never taking their eyes off our weapons, never lowering their guard for a single second, distrusting every step, and evaluating escape routes.
I still don't know if that is good or bad, but at the very least, it felt much more familiar. That is what you expect when interacting with unknown groups, isn't it?
Of course, I still prefer the warmth of Milia and the others, but reality cannot be denied. Objectively, Louise's cold and calculated approach provides a very different sense of security.
While with Milia and the others, the question would be whether their frankness and naivety would work against us. With Louise and her group, the question would be whether we could manage to get into the group to enjoy its benefits.
They are like oil and water.
And that boy named Astrad seems to be the fire that boils them both.
[Perhaps, but he is also far too impulsive.]
We nod at the captain's opinion. You don't just go out and punch people over a click of the tongue, do you?
The problem is that you can't even truly hate him when, analyzing the situation coldly, you realize his ultraviolet reaction was an act of pure protection toward a member of his group.
Even Mercury and I have the idiot Leion. Even though he is stubborn, reckless, and annoying at times, we simply cannot hate the guy who always steps forward to take the hit for us.
[More importantly, Captain… can we really ally or associate with him? … Those two little goblins he protects… they are Pale Faces…]
Tension gripped the room as Leion put on a severe look, unusual for him.
"Pale Faces." The lineage of the cursed king who made the entire continent tremble with terror.
[[[…]]]
We looked at the captain carefully; after all, he is the only one who truly lived through the horrors of that bloody war.
[Ahhh… Personal feelings have no place here.] — The captain said with a sigh as he stood up, then placed his hand on Leion's shoulder. — [Listen… Everyone, listen… Here, now, the important thing is to survive. With the arrival of the human adults, this place has gone from being relatively safe to a settlement with real chances of survival. We must do everything possible to reach an understanding. Do you comprehend?]
[[[Yes, Captain.]]]