‘Well, that doesn't seem as safe as I thought it would be’

  Looking at the entrance of the cave in front of him, which seemed a lot larger than he expected, Thita couldn't help but feel a bit uncertain if this was a good idea.

  Sure, he had time to ask about the cave and other information about the wolves and the surrounding area beforehand, but despite that, it didn't look to be very safe.

  The cave seemed large inside and due to the darkness, he couldn't spot the end of it. Not only that, but the idea of fighting in the dark might get a bit trickier than he expected.

  ‘I guess I should have asked about the light issue beforehand, but it's too late to turn back now. Either way, these wolves aren't able to see very well in the dark, and considering that this is some sort of nest, it shouldn't cause that big of a problem. They are supposed to be less than 6 adults after all.’

  Thita eyesight was better than most in the dark and the darkness didn't really bother him that much, so this could end up in his advantage. He just needed to be sneaky and manage to eliminate one or even two before they noticed him, which was easier said than done.

  ‘Oh well, here goes nothing. Worst case scenario, I just teleport away. Hopefully at least.’

  Taking a step forward, Thita began descending the cave which stood in front of him. The surroundings began getting darker and darker the further he descended but despite that, he could still see somewhat fine.

  ‘Just how much longer? The cave shouldn't be a lot bigger and I haven't even seen a trace of wolves. Are they at the very core or wait, could this be some sort of scam?’

  Continuing to walk with caution and trying not to be heard in case the wolves were near, Thita made his way deeper into the cave until he finally reached the end with the wolves nowhere to be seen.

  ‘Is this for real? Could I have missed them? No, there is no way. I checked every corner as I descended and didn't see any sign of wolves. So this cannot be the case unless they are way too good at hiding.’

  Doubt began overtaking Thita's head, as he tried to understand if he had missed anything on his way down. He had been walking close to the side of the cave, trying not to get noticed while also seeing everything. Every corner, every small hole. There is no way he missed anything. At least, that was what he thought.

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  ‘No, I couldn't have missed them. Perhaps, they are out hunting or changed their location? Either way, if they are not here, I guess I should leave. Reporting that I didn't find any won't be any rewarding, but I can't do anything else at this point. In any case, this could have gone worse.’

  As he thought that, a quick memory flashed through Thita's head. A memory reminding him of his previous mistake.

  In response, as if sensing danger, his body moved at the exact moment, in a way that would allow him to look from behind while also being able to face any incoming attack.

  Still, despite that, a sudden feeling of pain made its way through Thita's body as his left back side was sliced by a sharp foreign object. The cut ended up not being that deep though thanks to his quick movement and reaction time making the damage way less serious, but yet serious enough to not be ignored.

  Finally turning his head the other way and taking a short jump back in reaction to the pain, Thita looked straight at whatever was the thing that sliced his back. To his shock, the creature ended up not being a wolf as he expected.

  Glancing at a human-like boy which seemed no older than 12 holding a sword covered in blood, Thita couldn't help but be surprised by the unexpected enemy.

  The boy was dressed in dirty simple clothes, and appeared to have brown eyes and hair. Not only that, but his ears also appeared to be on top of his head, covered in fur and having a form that resembled the ones that wolves have.

  His grip on the sword was tight yet his hands were shaking, while he stared at Thita with intensity with a mix of both fear and hatred. Despite the sight in front of him though, Thita couldn't help but feel disappointed in himself.

  ‘How could I forget? The wolves that I fought the other time made no sound when walking and I couldn't rely on hearing to prevent a sneak attack. If I was just a moment late to realize that mistake, this injury could have been a lot worse. Still not now, I will worry about that later. I have to figure out what to do now before anything else.’

  Glancing towards the boy, Thita's grip on his always ready to use pocket knife, tightened. He had to be ready for the unexpected. After all, the other side didn't seem that friendly.

  Taking the initiative though, Thita decided to speak before anything else. There might still be a chance of negation after all, even though the boy seemed to be of a different race.

  “If you can understand me, answer me. Why did you attack me? Especially out of the blue like that.”

  Hearing his words, the boy seemed troubled and a sign of anxiety could be seen to appear in his face, as he looked at Thita while also giving some short glances in his sword which was covered in the blood of the enemy. Perhaps, he expected his attack to have some bigger effect.

  Despite that though, he answered the question which was directed at him with a voice that betrayed his complicated psychological state.

  “Because you!... You are a murder!... All… all of you are! And I won't… I won't just stand and watch, as you slaughter my kind!”

  As his words left his mouth, he readied his sword in front of his face, with an expression now filled with rage. His mind now made up unlike before.