My childhood friend, who I promised to marry in the future, came back as a swordsman.

 

Chapter 21: Resisting no matter what is living.

{TL: By Creed}

It seems that Sail couldn't stay still and went out for reconnaissance. Even though Sofia was supposed to deal with Fenrir, there was a possibility of being attacked by other monsters in the meantime. Fearing that possibility, Sail went out for reconnaissance.

...And it seems that a little away from the fortress, Sail found another Fenrir. Fortunately, he wasn't discovered, and Sail barely made it back to the fortress alive.

"Really, another Fenrir? Are you sure it's not a mistake, like confusing it with the one that attacked first?"

"No... that was a different individual. The one that attacked first was female, and the one I found was male."

"You can tell just by looking?"

"Males are larger than females. It was about fifteen meters, so there's no mistaking it."

"Where is that male Fenrir now?"

"...Slowly, but it's heading toward this fortress."

When Sofia is not around, things like this happen.

"What's going on?"

"Why the rush?"

Sail's behavior caught the attention of Gale and Raxa, who appeared.

Sail explains the situation to them.

"Seriously, another Fenrir... Fenrirs are said to be smart, so if I ask it not to make us suffer, will it listen...?"

Gale and Raxa twisted their expressions in despair. Sail looked similar.

I can understand that feeling.

Escaping from an S-rank monster would be difficult, but the fortress also has its limits. Unable to withstand the next attack, it would fall and become Fenrir's prey.

A future of despair awaits.

But... it's not confirmed.

It's not decided that they will die.

"I'll fight."

"What...!?"

I grip the sword. Honestly, my hand was shaking.

The opponent is an S-rank monster. Sofia says I'm already at S-rank level, but I still feel lacking in many ways. Facing a Fenrir, what will happen?

But I can't run away. I don't intend to die in a pathetic way.

Even if the possibility is low, I'll fight, fight, and fight... resist until the end.

It's not something to boast about, but I've never given up before. When I was a slave, I experienced despair many times... but I always believed I would reunite with Sofia someday and never gave up on everything.

As long as I'm alive, there is a way.

Believing that, I have been moving forward. So now, I just keep moving forward.

"What are you talking about!? The opponent is Fenrir. There's no way you can win!"

"Exactly! We're not Sword Saints, so even if we fight, we might last only a minute... a dog's death!"

"But maybe we can last a minute and we can fight for that minute."

"..."

"I'll manage somehow. During that time, can you call Sofia? Bringing Sofia might be the best solution."

"But you..."

"It'll be fine."

I say confidently, not showing any anxiety, with a face full of confidence.

"Trust me."

"Alright. I'll call Ascart right away!"

"I'll set up traps."

"I'll...! Somehow strengthen the fortress defenses. I'll try to endure every second I can. So..."

"Don't die under any circumstances!"

"Understood."

Encouraged by the loud cheers of the three, I left the fortress.

About ten minutes of walking.

There is no sign so far.

Because it's an S-rank monster, I thought I would feel a chilling presence even if it's far away, but it doesn't seem so.

No.

Come to think of it, an S-rank monster wouldn't needlessly emit killing intent. To avoid unnecessary alertness to its prey, it would usually stay calm.

And it would unleash its full power during the hunt.

"Yeah, that must be it."

Satisfied with that thought, I further advance into the depths of the forest.

Reaching for the hilt of the sword to be ready to draw it at any moment, I slowly move forward.

"Hmm... strange, isn't it? No signs at all, and it doesn't even show itself. Maybe it's in a different place?"

As I entertained such an optimistic thought...

"Gruaaaaaaah!!!"

A roar that reverberated to the heavens.

Shaking the earth, knocking down trees.

Jumping in front of me as if to show off its huge body.

"Is this Fenrir...?"

"Grraaaah!!!"

The giant beast roared.

The air trembled vividly.

At the edge of my field of vision, I could see animals and other monsters fleeing all at once. Given the appearance of a monster larger than a small house, it was a natural reaction.

However...

"Hmm... it doesn't really seem like a Fenrir?"

Its body is huge. I think it's over fifteen meters. Its fangs are sharp, and its claws are like spears. Those features match the characteristics I've heard about and my knowledge.

However, there's a complete lack of intimidation.

This one isn't scary. I feel like I can handle it.

Such a feeling wells up, and I don't feel any fear at all. Is this really a Fenrir? Is it really an S-rank?

It's quite doubtful.

"Is it a similar individual?"

"G-Gr..."

It must have found it strange that I wasn't afraid at all. The large monster makes a puzzled sound.

Ah, I see. I understand.

This monster is skilled at bluffing. It intimidates its opponents with its large body, rendering them unable to move out of fear. Then it devours them.

Or maybe it's skilled at camouflage...

Anyway, it seems to be that type of monster.

But unfortunately, I know a true powerhouse named Sofia. Therefore, I won't be deceived by a monster that's just big. I won't feel unnecessary fear.

However...

If I leave this one alone, it might become troublesome. The fortress is in ruins, and it might fall even if I deal with this one. Moreover, it would be troublesome if this one appears while Sofia is fighting Fenrir.

"Sorry, but I'll take you down right here."

I draw my sword and square off, ready for a direct confrontation.

TL Note: So what do you think? It's a fenrir or something else.....comment your answers below.

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