Survival 125

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“Hans?”

After the battle with the Wendigo, and reporting the results, a voice calling me from afar, Luciana.

It felt strange.

It was different from attending classes up close.

Due to the difference in status, there were two people between her and me.

“Ah, sorry. I was late in responding because I was organizing my thoughts for a moment.”

“This is the place to resolve the issues in the North. Focus more.”

Fortunately, there was no particular reprimand.

No, rather than that negative feeling, it was closer to encouragement.

“First, take a look at this.”

I placed the fangs in front of Luciana and Theodore’s desks.

“Yegor.”

“Certainly. When the Wendigos die, only these fangs remain. Lady Roberk and Hans showed great performance from the first day.”

Thanks to the praise from the local Northern leader, Yegor.

Camilla beside me seemed to be slightly raised compared to before.

“By the way, I made the cracks on the fangs.”

Camilla nudged me with her elbow sneakily.

The signal was clear.

“…That’s right.”

Even though it was like prostrating, acknowledging achievements seemed to be the priority for her.

I found myself nodding satisfactorily, without even realizing it.

‘Well, she probably thinks it’ll have a positive impact on extra points.’

“But it was Hans who succeeded in the hunt, and Lady Roberek was just assisting, wasn’t she.”

“…He couldn’t have caught it without my help.”

Luciana, who kindly tried to expand my achievements, and Camilla, who tried to maintain her share, were in a tense struggle.

However, I had no intention of paying attention to such situations.

[Hidden Condition (1/1)]

[Condition: Identify the true identity of the one of Northern 3 Great Monsters, Wendigo.]

[…]

[Failure Penalty]

[Permanent loss of the symbol of the King of Doppelgangers, ‘Shadow’]

The characteristics and final moments of the Wendigo, which resembled Doppelgangers to the extent of being suspicious.

And the sudden mention of the King of Doppelgangers in the penalty.

Even with such hints, how could I not notice?

‘Could it be that those Wendigos are Doppelgangers?’

It’s not certain.

However, considering that there hasn’t been any false information in the status window provided so far.

It’s probably true.

Even if it’s not exactly a Doppelganger, it’s likely a relative.

“Mr. Yegor, may I ask you a question?”

“What is it?”

“I was wondering when those monsters called Wendigos started their activities.”

A powerful figure in the North, next to the Duke.

He probably knows the history inside out.

“Hmm, to ask such a question. Surprising.”

“This is the target we are going to subdue this time, and for information gathering….”

“No need for nonsense. If that’s the case, you should have looked into it before the subjugation.”

“……”

“The timing of the Wendigos’ activity. In fact, it hasn’t been that long.”

Yegor tightened his servant’s tie and gave me the answer I wanted.

“It was a new type of monster that appeared when I was a young man. They suddenly appeared so strong that they pushed the Northern trolls away, causing quite a headache.”

They weren’t indigenous monsters.

They were a new type of monster that flowed in from somewhere.

And,

Rather than rising from the ground, wouldn’t it be more convincing to say they came from the Evildon Empire?

Only then did the content of this new quest make sense.

[Find the headquarters of the Wendigos and resolve the crisis of the tribe at its peak.]

[Reward: Appearance of a new faction ‘Wendigo’, Relationship status fixed as allies]

Suddenly, an alliance with monsters that didn’t make sense.

At first, I was perplexed, but once I clarified their identity, it made sense.

‘They’re not monsters but demons. Moreover, refugees expelled from the mainstream demon countries.’

The realization was like pulling the trigger.

From head to toe, the status window was vividly filled with text.

[The Evildon Empire is a world of the survival of the fittest, where the strong dominate everything from the weak.]

[Some of the weak doppelgangers judged it to be the worst place to live, so they left their homeland and flowed into the human lands.]

[They wandered in the wild for a long time, imitating relatively strong animals and settling as members of the Northern ecosystem.]

Well, whatever difficult experiences they had, or how they overcame them.

It doesn’t matter to me.

It was an interesting fact, but what did it have to do with me?

Whether they’re monsters or demons.

They’re threats to the property and lives of Northern people.

They were Luciana’s enemies.

So, regardless of the non-accidental or whatever the status window showed, it was only natural that I would subjugate them.

The alliance is already overflowing.

There’s no need to extend it with unnecessary effort.

‘If only I could conclude it like that, how comfortable it would be.’

Avoiding the gaze of everyone in the conference room, I sighed lightly.

[However, even though they’ve perfectly adapted to the new environment, there are problems they couldn’t solve.]

[As someone who walks the path of Shadow, help them.]

Setting aside their unfortunate situation for now.

Let’s put aside the expectations for the new development that wasn’t in the original work.

‘The real problem is the penalty.’

[Failure Penalty]

[Permanent loss of the symbol of the King of Doppelgangers, ‘Shadow’]

The name that I had been putting off for a while.

But the name I had been keeping an eye on kept coming up.

‘Of all things, to stake that.’

Surely, it’s a treasure akin to the ‘Jade Seal’ that Oparn possesses. It possesses transcendent abilities.

‘How can I just let this go?’

I stole a glance at Luciana’s voice mixed with fervor, “Judging from the situation, if it weren’t for Hans, you would have been at risk of falling for the Wendigos’ deception.”

“Hmm, that’s…” I momentarily diverted my eyes from Luciana’s passionate gaze, ignited in her melting silver hair.

Although it was limited to leadership disputes in battles, Luciana had grown enough politically to prevent Camilla from uttering a word.

And that’s not all.

-Hans, don’t worry. It’s customary in the North for the one who takes the last breath and secures the prey to claim the credit. This Wendigo subjugation is yours.

As a warrior, I’ve reached the position of a level 0 expert who uses aura early on. Even if the protagonist is Rene, can Luciana match the current growth?

‘Too fast. Of course, that’s not necessarily bad…’ 

But then, don’t I have no place to stand? As an excellent vassal, I must always stand by my master’s side. To stand equally with her. The means of growth named ‘Shadow’ was essential, not optional, for me. Even if there were failures. I decided to try.

“This won’t end if we keep going like this. How about we just split this achievement in half fairly?”

The meeting, which had reached its final stages, ended in a mood mediated by Theodore’s intervention.

“And Lady Roberk, don’t be too hasty.”

“…What did you say?”

“The current achievements are not important. In the end, those who catch the most Wendigos until the last day of the dispatch will be the real beneficiaries. Of course, I’m not going to concede either.” He tapped the sword on his hip. As if implying that all the Wendigos he discovers from now on are his share.

I had no choice but to correct my misconception. He wasn’t trying to mediate between us. Rather, the name provocation seemed more fitting.

“Ha, interesting. Do you think it’s possible with your skills? Hans Byron and I barely managed to catch one together.”

“Haha, won’t the later results tell us?” 

Passion. Within it, there’s also a competitiveness towards his peers.

Camilla, who is of the same noble lineage, and Luke, the leader of the opposing faction.

Although Luciana complied with the order, this man was different.

‘It’s rare to find someone who doesn’t give up against Luciana.’ 

Arrogant. However, I couldn’t help but admire his boldness.

-Theodore Trehar, I told you not to overdo it!

-Haha. Rene, I’m sorry. But what can I do? As I clash swords with Speda Soldiers, I know my skills are skyrocketing! There’s really nothing like a duel!

-Can’t stop… First, let me treat you.

-Always in debt. I’ll ask for your favor. 

His sincere passion is commendable. He’s not the treacherous type who speaks out just because it doesn’t suit his taste. 

‘Moreover, in Luciana’s growth, a duel with Theodore, who handles the same aura, will be greatly helpful.’ 

However… Right now, his passion was a hindrance.

[Warning] 

[Claimed the lives of Doppelgangers more than twice.] 

[This action significantly disadvantages ‘The Path of Shadow,’ in obtaining the favor of that species.] 

[Additionally, penalties will be triggered when directly or indirectly influencing the defeat of Wendigos.] 

The first would be the ‘Deceptive Ground Spider.’ The second would be the Wendigo. Both were battles I directly intervened in. But the intent of the status screen that came to mind at this point was clear. 

It’s even written in the message. ‘Indirect influence.’ 

-Protect the Doppelgangers. 

-Not only you but your entire party. 

Theodore’s pure passion and Camilla’s desire for points. Luciana’s strong determination to protect the North. 

That’s why the treasure I had marked might disappear. 

‘Ridiculous. Befriending monsters trying to devour me.’ 

It’s absurd, but what can I do? It’s natural for a populace to favor tyrants. 

After all, they swallowed the heretics. It’s not like they’re not demons. Although it’s not a situation agreed upon by the ruling Speda family of the North. 

Since even the elusive vampire, Bathory Erzébett, was embraced, the first time might be difficult, but the second time should be easier. Well… If it doesn’t work out, I can ‘sneak’ into the North. 

“Ahem! May I offer my opinion for a moment?” 

Is it because it’s the first time I’ve spoken since this meeting began, other than providing basic situational explanations? All eyes turned to me. 

“It’s not to boast, but I not only found the habitat of the Wendigos, but also the first to discover it. And I was also the one to uncover and deal with the bewitchment magic.” 

“Hmm.” 

Luciana nodded satisfactorily. In contrast, Camilla stared at me with a silent, bitter expression. Sorry, but you need to give in a bit. 

I need to take some initiative now. 

“That’s why I want to propose to everyone.” 

“What, go ahead.” 

“Considering my exceptional ability in tracking them, I’ll take charge of tracking them from now on.” 

I also understand. This is a forced situation based on achievements. Moreover, if I make a mistake, I might lose all the points I earned. 

“Nonsense! You can’t say my contributions were nonexistent.” 

“It’s difficult, Byron. Didn’t I mention in the carriage that my purpose for coming here was to confront the monsters of the North?” 

It was only natural that there was resistance. 

“Please hear me out to the end.”

I wiped the drool from my mouth. 

Originally, negotiation meant pretending to give the other party what they wanted while quietly securing my own benefits. 

“As soon as we find the dense habitat of the Wendigos, I will contact you all.” 

I placed my right hand on my left chest. 

The etiquette of nobles swearing allegiance. 

“I am just a servant. I will do my best for my lady, including all of you, my friends.” 

I am a servant. 

Thanks to my loyalty, there is hardly anyone in Class A who doesn’t know me because of my track record of crushing high-ranking nobles. 

I was just using that image. 

“…Well. You won’t try to monopolize the points. After all, there’s Luciana.” 

“Haha, I misunderstood you. Loyalty can be considered a virtue.” 

They seemed to reluctantly accept my perfect servant act. 

“Don’t worry. I have no intention of monopolizing the points alone. I won’t forget your contributions either, Hans.” 

Even if I concede, you won’t defeat me. 

Her confident arrogance, born of pure self-assurance, radiated from her confident smile. 

Naturally, their gazes shifted to Luciana instead of me. 

‘I’m not sure if it was intentional, but thanks to her, things will go smoothly.’ 

We were indeed a perfectly matched servant and master. 

With this, I managed to buy some time. 

The rest is just finding the lair on my own and completing the quest. 

“Are you going out already? It’s already late, so it’s better to rest. You know well that the nights in the North are never kind.” 

“We should stabilize the threat in the North as soon as possible and return to the Academy.” 

Putting words I didn’t mean into my mouth, I quickly prepared my gear for departure. 

Stepping outside, what greeted me was the Northern army and the biting snowstorm. 

…The Wendigo hunting prevention project was starting now. 

Oh, why do I feel like crying..

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