As I flew through the Great Forest of Jura, a shadow moved below—a pack of Leech Lizards, nasty things that looked like some knockoff cross between a komodo dragon and a velociraptor. I circled overhead, scanning the area with sharp eyes. That's when I spotted it: a sleeping Barghest.
The creature was massive, easily larger than the direwolves back in camp. Blue flames flickered faintly along its spine, trailing like ribbons of spirit fire to a skull-like face painted with glowing crimson marks. Its predator's eyes—slitted and golden—were closed, for now. If I remember right, this thing showed up in one of the TenSura OVAs or extra stories.
I dove low, wings slicing through the air with precision, and startled the Leech Lizards. My sudden entrance riled them up, and they hissed angrily before giving chase. Just as planned. I lured them straight toward the Barghest's resting place.
Diving once more, I jabbed my beak into the Barghest's side, a quick, sharp peck. It snarled awake, flaring with violent confusion. I didn't wait to see what it targeted—I shot back up into the air, hovering at a safe distance to enjoy the chaos unfold.
The Leech Lizards barreled forward, unaware of what they were walking into. The Barghest's ears perked at the sound, and with a feral growl, it rose into a low stance.
GROWL... ARUF! ARUF!
The Barghest barked warnings, but the lizards didn't care. Drunk on numbers and the scent of fresh prey, they attacked.
Three lunged—one latched its fangs into the Barghest's leg while another slashed with its gliding claws. Agitated, the Barghest's flames surged, trailing upward into a full blaze. The fire licked across the lizards' bodies, causing them to writhe in agony, skin blistering and charring.
Another lizard lunged for its throat, managing to sink its teeth in—but the Barghest bit back, tearing the lizard's head off in one brutal chomp. It growled savagely as the remaining lizards hesitated, shrinking back.
And then it collapsed.
I kept circling, making sure it was truly down.
[ The Barghest's vitals are rapidly declining. By all metrics, it is dying—if not already dead. ]
With Cognitus's confirmation, I dove toward the battlefield, sharp talons ready. First came the lizards—burned to a crisp and still warm. I tore into their flesh without hesitation.
[ Common Skill: Poison Claw – Acquired. ]
[ Intrinsic Skill: Heat Vision – Acquired. ]
[ Due to repeated consumption of Leech Lizards, Survivor has activated. Rapidly adapting to poison... Resist Skill: Poison Resistance – Acquired. ]
The taste was awful—bitter and rubbery—but my stomach didn't care. I pecked away until only bones remained. Then I turned to the Barghest.
Ripping into its flesh was harder—it was tough, like burned leather—but it was worth it.
[ Intrinsic Skill: Flame Mane – Acquired. ]
[ Intrinsic Skill: Coercion – Acquired. ]
"Thanks for the meal," I muttered, lifting off into the sky again. A full night had passed since I left the camp. My goal remained the same: gather skills, possibly evolve, and explore the deeper continuity of this world. If non-canon monsters existed here, maybe other bonus or crossover elements did too. Allies, power-ups… maybe even cuties.
Man, I didn't realize until now, but I seriously need a girlfriend. Even Wū Léi has a mate. And Rimuru… well, I think he does? I never actually finished the novel. Tried to pick it back up recently but gave up and just read the manga since it passed where I left off anyway.
Flap-flap.
Flying over the treetops, I spotted something new—movement, frantic and chaotic. A small group of adventurers, clearly struggling, were being chased by monsters.
A blonde girl dressed like a mage. A guy in full armor—probably a knight. And a third one, more ragged, a rogue by the looks of it. Short brown hair, leather gear, kind of scruffy.
I recognized them. Kaval's party, right?
They were sprinting from a small pack of green-furred direwolves.
[ Correction: These are Green Fang Wolves, an evolved subspecies of Direwolves. ]
I see.
I smirked and swooped down, activating my newly acquired Coercion skill. A wave of oppressive force rippled outward as I descended, making everyone on the ground freeze.
The wolves immediately shifted formation, warily spreading into a loose arc. One stepped forward—a big one, probably the pack leader.
"Who are you, and why stop us?" it growled.
Well… I can't exactly talk, can I?
Activating Thought Communication, I sent a mental pulse directly into the wolf's mind.
"I am Valravn. My friend and benefactor wishes for these humans to travel safely through the forest. So I recommend you stand down."
The wolf snarled.
"And why should we obey a puny bird? The Forest Master has vanished—no one rules here anymore!"
Another message pulsed from me.
"Then die."
Without warning, I darted forward. My talon slashed across the wolf's face, Poison Claw activating as venom laced its eye. I rolled mid-air, igniting Flame Mane and dragging fire across its fur.
The wolf howled in agony, blood gushing and catching fire. It thrashed violently, whimpering as the flames devoured it.
After minutes of screaming, it collapsed, charred and dead.
"If the rest of you don't want to meet the same end," I began to project my message again, "then submit or run—"
Before I could finish, the remaining wolves bowed their heads, tails tucked.
"We submit!" barked the second-largest. "By the law of the pack, strength determines the leader. You have defeated our chief. We now serve you. All past grievances are forgotten."
"…Okay, I guess."
I knew from canon deirwolf did have such costumes hence why Ranga was such a good boy .
I landed on the second-in-command's head, casually perched there like it was a throne. I sent it a message to relay to the humans.
"I apologize, humans. My new master commanded me to offer our aid. He says the Jura Forest will one day become a peaceful place for all races. He is also curious… would you help him learn more about humans?"
Kaval's face twisted into absolute confusion, his jaw slightly unhinged.
"What the fuck?"