Chapter 43: Shadow Wolf (2)

[The most dangerous crisis had passed.]

Arkeron said so, waving his hand.

Ziiiing!

 <Subspace> opened, and from within, he pulled out a bundle of fur from the Shadow Wolf pup he’d brought.

『Check it.』

The bundle of fur shimmered like a heat haze, containing the pup’s <Shadow magic>.

Unlike before, when the Source of Life within that mana had been so faint it seemed about to vanish, it was now somewhat stabilized.

“The worst is over, but more healing is needed. The pup will have to stay in the lair for a while longer.”

That statement was decisive.

“Awoooooo!”

“Owooooooo~!”

“Awooooooo!!”

They leapt!

At Arkeron’s news, the Shadow Wolves bounced about like live fish, bursting out in joyous cries.

“Awooooooo─!”

The largest Shadow Wolf.

It walked up to Arkeron, lowered its head, and flattened itself to the ground.

The rest of the Shadow Wolves followed suit, bowing low.

An unmistakable sign of submission.

Their determination was clear—they would repay, even with their lives, the grace shown in saving one of their own.

[Good… it’s… good… all is… well.]

[Didn’t I tell you not to worry…? The great being here… is kind…]

The Elatrias also congratulated the Shadow Wolves, sharing in their happiness.

“Awoo!”

The Shadow Wolves volunteered to stand guard around the lair’s perimeter.

[Excellent… with you taking up the watch… this place… will become even… safer…]

The Elatrias were delighted.

They knew well how keen the senses of the Shadow Wolves were.

If the Shadow Wolves joined Elatrium, it was obvious Elatrium would grow stronger than ever.

“Awooooooo~!”

[I’ll be counting… on you… from now on…]

And so, the Shadow Wolf Clan came to reside within the lair’s domain.

***

“Kiing… kkkk.”

The Shadow Wolf pup wriggled in front of me.

It definitely seemed more lively than before.

“Wow. As expected of our Popo! Well done.”

“Popo!”

At my praise, Popo bounced up and down, a >_< look of delight on its face.

“Popo! Popo-!”

Then, Popo hugged and released the Shadow Wolf pup over and over.

It was a gesture saying more healing was still needed.

“Yeah. Let’s take care of it here for now.”

I said that, gazing quietly at the Shadow Wolf pup.

“Popo”

“Chuuu!”

“Baby wolf is cute.”

“Even Shadow Wolves are really adorable as pups.”

Except for Arkeron, who had gone outside, we all gathered around the pup, watching it together.

Just seeing the little one, no bigger than a fist, wriggling and whining, was heartwarming.

Ziiiing!

Just then, the dimension opened and Arkeron reappeared.

[I have informed the Shadow Wolves of the current situation. They have agreed to stay at Elatrium and patrol the area around the lair.]

“They want to stay here?”

[Yes. They wish to repay your kindness.]

There was no reason to refuse.

After this intrusion, it was clear the outside of the lair wasn’t always safe.

Sure, Arkeron had easily dealt with the threat this time, but there might be future intruders beyond even Arkeron’s power.

‘So, the more hands the better—actually, it’s welcome.’

“Tell them we accept.”

『Understood. I will relay your message.』

Kiing. Clack!

Arkeron knelt on one knee and answered, then opened the dimension and went back outside.

That Arkeron—so busy these days.

He’d always sat forlorn in a corner, but seeing him bustling about made me feel oddly proud.

‘Having Vellerin as the fourth Guardian was the right call.’

I glanced over at Vellerin.

“O mighty Elatrias, tree where the breath of life and the king of all spirits dwell. Today, I, Vellerin, pray to you. Grant me strength, that the flames and hammer in my hands may open the path to life.”

She was praying to a sprout of Elatrias.

‘As an elf, she seems to revere Elatrias especially deeply.’

I could still clearly remember how, when Vellerin first found the Elatrias sprout, she’d gasped and bowed in awe.

To elves, the <Elatria> tree was as sacred as the World Tree, Yggdrasil.

‘Someday, when I have enough Coins, I’ll have to buy the World Tree Seed too.’

The [Platinum Trait Skill Exclusive Shop] sold the [World Tree Seed] as well.

[World Tree Seed (EX) – 9,999,999,999 Coin]

9.99 billion Coins.

If you had the Coins, you could even plant the World Tree.

“I’m off to make an Exploration Drone now!”

“Alright.”

Right now, that price seemed impossibly distant.

But if Vellerin managed to craft high-rank equipment from Mithril, things could change.

We might be able to buy EX-rank spirit herbs or gear much faster than I thought.

“I have high hopes for you.”

“Hehe. You can count on me!”

Vellerin clenched her tiny fists in a fighting pose at my words.

“Ah! And I’ll need a Magic Stone for the Exploration Drone. Do we have any S-rank or higher Magic Stones?”

Magic Stones.

They’re usually obtained by defeating high-level monsters.

Beasts like Nagattara drop Internal Energy Cores, but most monsters drop Magic Stones.

But since I’d never defeated a monster, I obviously didn’t have any Magic Stones.

“Ah… I-I’m sorry. I guess we don’t have any Magic Stones yet…!”

Seeing my expression, Vellerin bowed her head apologetically.

I had a feeling there might be a Magic Stone Room somewhere in the corridors.

Once that room opened up, Vellerin would really be able to start crafting high-grade gear.

“If there aren’t any Magic Stones, does that mean you can’t make an Exploration Drone right now?”

“No! If there’s something I can use as a substitute, it’s possible!”

“A substitute for a Magic Stone?”

“Yes! Um… could I use that as a substitute?”

Vellerin pointed with her outstretched finger.

It was the [Seondo].

“Ah, using Seondo as a substitute…”

“Yes! Just like when we made Arkeron’s Energy Core, we can use Seondo as a replacement for a Magic Stone!”

“Hm. I’ll have to remove the seed, but would it still work after that?”

“Yes! No problem!”

Is that so?

Well then.

“Okay. Go ahead.”

“Yep!”

Vellerin trotted over, picked a Seondo, and removed its seed.

Popo and Chuchu took the seed and planted it next to the Seondo Tree.

Watching them naturally cultivate and grow it brought a warm smile to my face.

“Guys, pick some Shine Muscat and Kiwi too.”

Last time, the gourmet from Bangbae-dong had sent <Shine Muscat>, <Kiwi>, <Cabbage>, <Green Onion>, and <Carrot>.

All five crops had fully ripened in one corner of the lair, glowing with a blue radiance.

“Popo!”

“Chuuu!”

Popo and Chuchu dashed around, brimming with confidence, as if telling me to leave it to them.

They seemed excited at the thought of eating new crops.

‘I can’t wait to taste these Shine Muscat and Kiwi grown here.’

Gulp.

My mouth was already watering.

I watched Popo and Chuchu busily harvesting the Shine Muscat and Kiwi, then turned my head.

“Kiing…”

A much more comfortable voice than before.

I looked at the Shadow Wolf pup curled up in Dania’s arms.

The little one would be staying here with us from now on.

Shouldn’t I give it a name too?

“Hmm…”

As I watched its body ripple like the Milky Way in space, a name suddenly came to mind.

“Fenrir.”

The mythical wolf from Norse legend.

The wolf god who slew Odin.

I wanted to give it the name of the mightiest wolf in myth.

“From now on, your name is Fenrir.”

“Kiing…?”

At my words, clear, sparkling eyes turned toward me.

“Kiing…!”

The little one was clever.

Realizing it had been named Fenrir, it beamed a bright-eyed smile.

It was so adorable, I reached out and stroked its back.

Lick, lick.

It turned its head and licked my hand.

It felt like fluffy cotton candy clouds tickling my palm.

『Fenrir, name, good!』

Dania also smiled brightly, seeming to like the name Fenrir.

And then—

Something strange happened to Fenrir’s body.

Paaaah!

A gentle jet of pitch-black light.

That light swelled and connected to Dania.

「The Shadow Wolf has been given the name <Fenrir>.」

「This entity can be appointed as a Guardian. Would you like to designate it as a Guardian?」

‘Oh….’

What the…?

I could appoint Guardians myself?

『Kyu! Baby wolf, being a Guardian is great!』

When I glanced at Dania, she seemed to fully support Fenrir becoming a Guardian.

Really?

Then there was no need to hesitate.

‘I appoint you as a Guardian.’

As I thought that to myself—

Wooooooong!!!

My aura, Dania’s, and Fenrir’s resonated together, creating a beautiful harmony.

「 <Fenrir> has been registered as a Guardian.」

「<Fenrir>’s name is recorded in the Akashic Record.」

「The mythical wolf bestows a blessing upon .」

「<Fenrir>’s potential is unlocked.」

Goooooo!!

For a moment, a tremendous energy swept through the area.

‘What the…?’

Even I, Dania, Popo, Chuchu, and Vellerin were all so startled we stared at the phenomenon.

Kuwaaaaa!!

A starlit energy like the Milky Way formed in midair, shaping a giant wolf.

Then, it flowed naturally into Fenrir’s body.

Flash!

A final burst of mysterious light, and the energy vanished.

A status window appeared above Fenrir’s head.

“Uh…?”

I was momentarily at a loss for words as I saw the status window.

Because—

……….

[Lv 3]

「Fenrir」

★ ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

……….

Fenrir’s potential was far beyond my imagination.

‘Eight stars…!!’

Unbelievable.

Arkeron, the Guardian with the highest potential so far, had been six stars.

But Fenrir had even greater potential!

Wow.

I gazed down at Fenrir, who looked up at me with sparkling eyes.

‘Amazing.’

I had a gut feeling—if raised well, this one would become something incredible.

“Well… in that case…”

With a new member in the family, we couldn’t just sit around.

“Today is a Shine Muscat and Kiwi party!”

“Popo!”

“Chuchuchu!”

At my words, Popo and Chuchu hurried over, carrying freshly harvested Shine Muscat and Kiwi.

“It smells so sweet.”

Even Vellerin, who’d been preparing to make the Exploration Drone, had taken a seat.

“Shall we have a taste?”

I picked up a Shine Muscat from the pile in front of me.

Then, information about the Shine Muscat floated before my eyes.

“Oh… ”

Setting aside the taste for a moment, I was surprised by the unexpected information.

「Dungeon Shine Muscat, LV 100]

Imbued with mighty dignity.

Upon consumption, increases Stellar Growth Acceleration for 45 minutes.

Afterward, permanently increases Stellar Growth Acceleration slightly.

Stellar Growth Acceleration?

Could that mean leveling up faster?

‘I’ll find out soon enough.’

I’d try the Shine Muscat, and then the Seondo I’d picked earlier, to see the synergy between them.

With anticipation sparkling in my eyes, I popped the Shine Muscat into my mouth.

Pop!

Juice burst inside my mouth, and an enchanting sweetness filled my entire mouth.