"Haaa~.."
This was so relaxing...
After finally escaping the hellish scenario, I found myself somewhere unknown inside the Shadow Wolves' Canyon. So I just walked around, searching for anything that might help me determine where I landed, and I discovered a lake! There it lay, hidden amidst rocks and trees that grew around it.
The lake was connected to a small stream of water from a waterfall not far from here.
Therefore, as any sane woman would, I stripped and jumped in.
Probably the best decision I made in my entire life.
I didn't have soap or shampoo, but I could still wash up the blood stains and the dirt on my body, and on my clothes.
Well that was what I thought until I actually tried doing it: doing laundry was too hard so I gave up. Meh, a little bit of dark red in a black cloth won't be noticed, right?
Anyway, here I was, now bathing comfortably without any concern in the world. The water was a tranquilizing warmth that soothed my mind.
Basking in this calming atmosphere, I thought of my next course of actions.
I still had the black box, so calling David to go back was an option, but then I would lose out the opportunity to increase my levels.
Which leads to my second option: stay in the Canyon and do what David tasked me to, taking the risk of meeting that damn Shepherd again.
So on the one hand, I run away, preserving dear life. While on the other hand, I fight valorously, increasing my levels, and consequently, my chances of survival for the future.
Moreover, I don't like fleeing.
Thereupon, making my choice, I immediately went out of the water... and I just remembered that I had nothing to dry myself up.
And it's nighttime so I can't wait for the sun to help me...
'I feel the breeze colder than it should be.'
Sighing, with no other available choices, I put on my clothes that were also still wet, and went on to continue my exciting adventure. Even though I was hungry too...
It is uncomfortable to sleep while being wet, so might as well do some 'bloody' exercises while also searching for food!
...
I took on a fighting stance.
..I should have known better. Obviously, this lake being the only apparent source of water, it would be a perfect spot for, say, some random thirsty wolves.
Using my psychic detection, I could feel it, the pressure of dozens of enemies wanting to kill me. I am surrounded, and it is too much for me to handle.
About fifty shadow wolves ready to pounce on me at any moment. I may be a tad stronger
now, but I still have limits, and I am exhausted from the previous 'thing'—I haven't had time to properly rest.
'Seems like lady luck isn't on my side today.'
I wonder if I could fly away using my telekinesis... no, it doesn't work on myself, and there is nothing here that I could use as a flying carpet. Aladdin won't save me this time, huh.
Well dang it. I'll just fight to the death then! Not that I had any plans on dying though.
Should I use the black box and call David then..?
...
No.
With a grin plastered on my face, I was the first one to charge, as I always did.
Launching my attack, I bellowed with newfound determination.
"Become my experience points, you shitty little dogs!"
***
I laid down on the cold stone for approximately one hour. It was the middle of the night, but I could still see clearly. Probably another perk of having the genes of a fairy. This mysterious species will never cease to amaze me.
But I have rested enough, it is now time to leave this place. I don't think that my Federation's 'comrades' managed to escape the Trial, however it is best to remain cautious.
Thus I stood up, and—...
Oh, but I actually don't know much of this place. Additionally, the variety of the surroundings was so minimal that I could not recognize from where we came from. Nonetheless, I still brought food that I stole from the camp. It's not much but it will keep me in shape for a while.
Thus I sat back down and opened my subspace storage, took out a simple sandwich, then checked if I had any map of the Shadow Wolves Canyon or the Pyrmas mountain range, but...
..Nothing.
The archives from which I stole only contained classified military information, or other maps of places I did not know of, nothing of use for the current situation.
Guess I'll have to wander around then...
I quickly finished my meal, then with a heavy sigh, I stood up and treaded forward.
'I feel like this will be a long hike.'
*
This area must be the one with the most boring scenery in this world. Furthermore, only a few people would want to come here since the forest surrounding the Canyon was dangerous, and with the lack of everything, was really not survival friendly.
It would really be the perfect place to hide a secret base.
Regardless, I got lucky and after walking for around only 30 minutes, I had found a change in this cold, grey, atmosphere.
It was a lake. The greenery embracing the placid water left a calming sensation of serenity in my entire being; truly refreshing.
However the peacefulness of this oasis was tainted by a bloody fight. Aah... how would I wish for war not to exist...
A crazed woman surrounded by a pile of wolf corpses, bathing in their blood, and yelling with an exhilarated face, "Experience points!"
...(?)
...Did I mishear something there?
Was she being for real or was she simply a lunatic?
But now that I looked more closely, I noticed something fairly important. I'd seen that face before... it was Rebecca. So she did manage to escape from the Shepherd's scenario after all, but that was not what was important right now.
I started pondering intensely.
An awakened that came out of nowhere and was not registered in the Federation's database...
There was a chance... that she was the chimera taken away by the 'evil organization'. Which meant she could also be an earthling, like me, and it would also explain why we found her in this kind of unwelcoming place for no reason at all.
Was this where the sense of familiarity came from back then..? No, I didn't think so. And all I saw right now was a monster through and through. And there was also a chance that she had used a fake name because of fame or some kind of notoriety.
Nevertheless, I have to take into consideration that she might have a powerful organization backing her, so if I help her, then it is also to my own benefits.
She currently seemed to manage pretty well on her own; however, I could see that she was exhausted, and there were still more than thirty black wolves alive.
Of course, I couldn't help her fight but I could use some tricks...
As I was busy thinking, the silver-haired woman fought without backing down. One wolf after another, they were mercilessly killed: head slammed to the ground, neck crushed by her strong grip, some wolves were even used as a shield to repel their own kin's attacks.
But that wasn't nearly enough to win. The woman's injuries piled up. Sharp claws slashed her, pointed fangs pressed down on her skin, tearing apart the flesh underneath. She couldn't hold on any longer, so I quickly took my decision.
...
'Alright, let's do it.'
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