Chapter 57
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 57
Chapter Title: Wrong Encounter
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I had a pretty good idea why that thing was a massive wolf.
It was huge, plain as day.
But was it bad?
I wasn't sure yet.
From what I could see so far, it didn't seem intent on harming me.
【Black Wolf LV27】
For starters, this thing wasn't human.
With Gretel or Red Cloak, I could only see their levels, but with the Black Wolf, I got way more details.
【Black Wolf】
A mutant of the Shadow Wolf.
Unlike its kin, it possesses the ability to transform into a human, and as a lone female wolf, it has left the pack to live by itself.
It didn't even seem like boss-level material.
Boss descriptions had that slightly wavy text and a totally different tone.
Its level wasn't that high either.
Higher than mine, sure, but lower than Gretel or Red Cloak.
I doubted it needed my help.
Was it really just asking for tracking assistance?
"What're you staring at so hard? First wolf you've ever seen?"
That's what the Black Wolf said while I was admiring its status window and getting lost in the wonders of science.
"Caw."
What did I do?
I was just there, so I looked.
"Sigh... If you weren't a crow, I'd have just popped you in my mouth and been done with it."
Yeah.
The Black Wolf wasn't acting hostile toward me.
Why not?
I recalled something I'd read in a book once.
Crows and wolves actually had a symbiotic relationship.
Crows flying overhead would spot food or enemies and alert the wolves, who in turn shared some of their hunted prey with the crows.
Wolves with their strong pack mentality and clever crows made for perfect synergy.
They were so close that crows had even been observed perching on wolves' heads and playing around.
In other words, it was only natural for a wolf to feel some affinity toward me, a crow.
Plus, what was the Black Wolf's species?
Shadow Wolf, no less.
The third "shadow" after Shadow Crow and Shadow Lace.
It had to feel a sense of kinship.
"You're a crow, right? You're bigger than I expected, though."
"Caw, caw."
What else makes sounds like this if not a crow?
"Argh, it's frustrating not being able to talk. Anyway, follow me. Don't hang around with that dangerous guy."
"Caw?"
It kept calling Red Cloak dangerous.
From a wolf's perspective, sure, Red Cloak was dangerous.
Chasing it around with a hammer and scythe? Of course it'd look threatening.
But there was more to it.
This was the complete opposite of the fairy tale.
Its friendliness toward me, the suspicious Red Cloak...
Maybe the wolf was the good guy and Red Cloak the bad one?
...Then what about Gretel?
To resolve this, I should probably follow it for now.
"Flying might be tough in the dark... For now, hop on my shoulder... Hey, do you even know where my shoulder is? Why are you burrowing in there... Sigh."
"Caw caw."
And so, I followed the Black Wolf to its lair.
*
When you think of a wolf's lair, a cave comes to mind first.
The Black Wolf's was indeed a cave.
Though it had unknown beast hides spread on the floor and some human-made furniture around.
"Shwoooong..."
Shungshung took a sneaky guarded stance.
Honestly, there were probably fewer things it didn't guard against.
It had bristled at Gretel, sure, and even at Moona.
Though lately it tolerated Moona a bit more.
The Black Wolf was staring right at me.
Why that look?
Was it suddenly seeing me as tasty now?
We're allies, right?
"You're the one Gretel sent, aren't you?"
"Cawrack!"
Not that surprising, but I flapped my wings anyway.
After all, we'd talked about the necklace from the start.
But I hadn't expected it to know Gretel's name.
"To find Hansel?"
"Caw!"
It even knew my goal?
Yeah, it seemed Gretel was right that the Black Wolf and Hansel had met.
Red Cloak had said as much too.
"Ugh, I was wondering when you'd show up. That Hansel guy is just..."
"Caw?"
Hm?
This wasn't flowing like I'd imagined.
Why talk like it had been waiting for me?
"No, take him away quick! It's driving me nuts—he's been chasing me nonstop lately..."
The Black Wolf's lament to me was a bit shocking.
"Seriously, if his sister weren't a witch, I might've done something about it. I usually try not to eat people, but he's gone too far."
Totally unexpected.
Hansel and Gretel.
Red Cloak and the wolf.
I'd thought it'd play out like the fairy tale I knew, but no.
"He goes all sappy like, 'Oh, my beloved wolf. Don't be shy—show me your face.' Like that."
Yeah.
Hansel's 'hunt' was hunting of a different kind.
Hunting, as in... hitting on someone.
"I mean, I'm a wolf—why's he sticking to me?"
The Black Wolf looked more human than wolf.
And that form was probably a plus.
"If it's 'cause of my human looks, fine, I get it. But no—he prefers my furry form... I just can't understand it."
Hm?
Hansel?
Even I couldn't get that.
"That's why I stay like this. If I went full wolf, he'd probably charge right in, saying he likes it better."
I'd heard of pictures of scaly dinosaurs in maid outfits, but this might top that.
Liking a talking wolf.
Not even a human with wolf ears—the wolf itself!
"Ugh, better off pairing with a crow. Ugh, what kinda weird fetish... with a human, no less."
"Caw?"
"Just a figure of speech. Doesn't mean I like either. Got it, crow?"
"Caw caw."
Crow, human—probably all the same to wolf eyes.
"And then there's Red Cloak. He's the one following Hansel around 'cause he likes him. So what does that make me? I'm not even involved with the guy, but he's out to kill me! Look at me—haven't eaten properly, skin and bones."
I stood still and eyed the Black Wolf's body.
This is skin and bones?
Still, it looked hungry, so I should help if I could.
Wouldn't want it eyeing me for a snack.
I pecked at Shungshung hidden in my feathers.
"Shwoong..."
Understanding, Shungshung pulled out some food I'd stashed earlier.
Stolen cookies from before, leftover meat too.
"What? How'd you pull that outta your body...? And you're giving it to me?"
The Black Wolf looked stunned.
"Caw caw."
We're gonna eat it all and get fat—gotta eat first.
Plus, stuff in the shadow spoils if left too long.
"You're a good crow, huh? Knew I liked you from the start."
It wagged its tail as it devoured the food I'd offered.
"Mmm... Days Hansel stalks me, nights Red Cloak hunts me. Been hell, but glad you came. Take Hansel quick."
This might resolve easier than thought.
My goal was bringing Hansel home anyway.
No wolf fight needed—just snap him out of it and drag him back to complete the request.
...That might be the hard part?
Still, with Gretel's token, he'd come to his senses.
Red Cloak was an issue, but Black Wolf had its ways.
Like that howling earlier to shake him off.
How'd it do that, though?
Shadow Form trait and related skills—maybe some combo?
I was peeking at its status again when...
"Argh, spilled some."
Something sparkly caught my eye.
Sparkly?
Good stuff.
I dove in without hesitation.
"Shong! Shwoooong!"
Shocked Shungshung yanked my feathers, but couldn't stop me.
"Whoa! Why do you keep burrowing there... Hey, crow!"
No, something sparkled.
I'll grab it and hop off quick...
As I went for the sparkle, a voice rang out.
"Oh, my beloved wolf. Even this night, you remain as beautiful as ever!"
...Hansel?
"Agh, now he's after me at night too."
The Black Wolf sounded disgusted.
"Why don't you scram?"
Felt like watching a morning drama.
Hearing about it and seeing it were worlds apart.
Should've brought popcorn.
Hongsam flavor, probably.
"Tonight, I'll claim your heart at last! But that black thing on your big heart..."
"Caw?"
Hansel pointed at me questioningly.
Nothing much—just a crow trying to snag a feather, so ignore me and carry on.
I wanted to watch.
Should've brought Moona?
Stuff this fun needs sharing.
"What else? My male. Quit the clinging and beat it!"
....
"Caw?"
I looked up at the Black Wolf.
What're you saying?
Why am I your male?
He's totally misunderstanding.
[Sub Quest has been updated.]
And why are you updating now!
Feels like we passed a branch point?
"Haha, such a cheeky joke. How could a crow pair with you, a wolf?"
Right, right.
What a joke.
"Still look like a joke?"
The Black Wolf hugged me tight against its chest.
Why you doing this to me?
What'd I do wrong?
"Crow... How dare you..."
"Caaaaw!"
Listen to me!
Misunderstanding! It's a misunderstanding!
I just sat on its chest to snag one feather!
And why's a crow like me making you jealous anyway?