Chapter 80

Without a doubt, the Tempest Wolf was talking about that thing that sent a certain Young Wolf falling into that swamp-themed area. And based on how the Tempest Wolf describes that said spot, it seemed like there were quite a number of those things spread around that place.

So, there’s something like that here, huh? But in that case, why don’t we just make use of those things to escape from here?

“Because it’s… dangerous…” The Lightning Wolf immediately answered.

Nodding at that, the Tempest Wolf added, “Although it can transport creatures to just one particular area, that doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone who uses it will get transported to a single spot. And considering all the dangers that are present on its targeted destination, being transported in random spots on that place can even determine one’s life or death. In short, using those things carries a huge risk and that is something that we can’t afford to deal with now.”

Then, to my surprise, the irritable Dumb Wolf backed the Tempest Wolf’s statement. “I’m pretty sure that all five of us here can somehow deal with that. But I can’t really say the same for the others that we will be bringing with us.”

I see. I said in acknowledgment, but internally, I was quite shaken and surprised. After all, if everything that they just said was true, then I had been pretty damn lucky to be able to make it this far. Like seriously, if that thing worked in random, then I could have been teleported above, or worse, directly on that lake where that Drake resides. And with the way I was back then, I wouldn’t even have any means to escape nor fight back.

Additionally, now that I know such a fact, some weird things about that place had now made sense in my mind. An example of that was that lake full of tadpoles. That time, I just thought that some monsters were just simply dumb enough to approach or jump on that lake and that was how those skeletons and bones came to be. But since that teleportation trap could transport anyone into a random spot on that swamp area, then it could just have been that the monsters were teleported directly into that lake, and now all that was left of them were those scattered remains. In other words, some poor monsters had been unlucky enough to be devoured alive just mere moments after they were teleported into that area. And the most terrifying thing was, I could have met the same fate at that time.

“Anyway, that’s the general gist of the plan.” The Tempest Wolf announced, snapping me out of my daze. “As for the what’s to come after that, I will leave the particulars for when we successfully traversed that area.”

“Ha! As expected, yer’ once again being privy about yer’ plan. Why not spat everything now? Or maybe yer planning to turn on us at very last second?” The Dumb Wolf voiced out, laying bare his doubt.

Without showing any change in his expression, the Tempest Wolf stared straight into the Dumb Wolf’s eyes. “Because we’re short on time.” He reasoned, curtly.

“Tsk! Ye’ and yer’ damn excuse! I bet ye' will get along with that Useless Coward! The two of ye' are one of a damn kind!” The Dumb Wolf replied in disgust. As for me, I couldn’t even begin to express how much I loathed him for even trying to compare me to such a shady bastard.

Although I also found the Tempest Wolf’s reluctance to be quite suspicious, I still have to admit that he gave a logical excuse that I couldn’t really counter especially in this situation. After all, none of us could deny the fact that we should wrap up this discussion as soon as possible. That was even truer for these alphas that also have to worry about the situation in their respective territories.

“Wait… are we… supposed to… traverse that… place separately…?” The Lightning Wolf asked, just right in time.

“No. We will meet up somewhere in front of that spot before traversing it together.”

“And let me guess. Ye' will be the one to designate the meeting spot. Ha! What a clever way to set up an ambush!” The Dumb Wolf sarcastically exclaimed. Although to be perfectly honest, I had been thinking the same.

“I thought you’d say that. That’s why I decided to ask our new friends here to do that task for us.” The Tempest Wolf declared to my surprise.

Friends. Despite knowing the fact that the Gigarillon was included in that, I still found myself cringing when such a word left the Tempest Wolf’s mouth. Like seriously, out of these three alphas, why did it have to Tempest Wolf! I mean, sure, if the Dumb Wolf called me that, of course, I would be irritated and annoyed, but at least, I wouldn’t cringe in freaking disgust!

“So, yer’ leaving it in the hands of yer’ collaborator, I see.” The Dumb Wolf concluded by himself. But after hearing the Tempest Wolf’s words, I wasn’t really in the mood to pay attention to his gibes.

Noticing that I had no intention to reply, the Lightning Wolf took it upon himself to ask for more details. “Can you… elaborate…?”

After glancing at the ape and me, the Tempest Wolf explained, “To be specific, I want them to go there in advance, check the area, and designate a safe meeting spot. With this, we all should be able to save some time, while the three of us will be able to focus on guiding and defending our packs.”

“I see…” The Lightning Wolf said in thought while the Dumb Wolf snorted in response.

To be quite honest, it was a very reasonable plan. Furthermore, it wasn’t only efficient, but also quite considerate to the priorities of everyone that was involved. It was, to be quite frank, well-thought-out for a last-minute patched-up plan. And while I didn’t know if this was a result of my personal bias, but to me, it almost felt like this guy had anticipated all of this to happen, and made some preparation in advance.

Unfortunately, I might only incur more suspicion if I reject it outright. At the very least, I needed to give some logical and arguments and reasons if I wanted to decline. But because the Tempest Wolf’s proposal suited the needs of our current situation, I couldn't find a good excuse to turn him down. More than that, we were also in rush to wrap it up, so I had no other choice but to give in to his plan.

… Fine. I get it. I said, almost swallowing those words.

Completely unaware of my bitter feelings inside, the Tempest Wolf voiced out his gratitude in response, “I appreciate your help. Thank you, both of you.”

A wave of conflicting emotions washed over me when I heard my supposed nemesis say that word. No problem. I’m doing this for myself, so there’s no need. I replied in an effort to deny his gratitude. In the corner of my eyes, I also saw the Lightning Wolf watching our interaction from the sidelines. But for some unknown reason, he has this mysterious conflicted look in his eyes.

“So, is that all?” As expected, it was the Dumb Wolf who broke my awkward feelings deep inside.

Looking back, the Tempest Wolf nodded and replied, “Yes.”

“Good. It’s just about time.” At that, the Dumb Wolf stood up and suddenly unleashed an intense heat. In the next instant, raging scarlet flames had covered his entire body, as if the Dumb Wolf himself had turned into a fire. “I’ll see ye’ all later. If ye’ all survive that is.” Leaving those words behind, the Dumb Wolf blitz through the forest like some kind of a missile. Because of that, I was once left wondering how such a dumbass survive this long and even managed to reach that level.

Following that, the Tempest Wolf walked forward creating some space between all of us. “I’ll also be taking my leave.” After that, he gave the Lightning Wolf a cursory glance before saying, “Don’t die.” And with that, the Tempest Wolf created a small tornado around him before using it to fly into the distance.

What the— He can fly?! I exclaimed in shock.

“Surprised…?” The Lightning Wolf asked without even hiding his amusement.

Y-yeah. Somehow… I replied whilst still looking in the direction where the Tempest Wolf disappeared.

Just then, the Lightning Wolf gave a shocking and unexpected reminder. “Remember… that’s who… your gonna… fight against… You better… be prepared…” He warned in a weird and friendly manner.

So, you remember?

“Of course…”

Our agreement. Is it still on the table?

“Yes…”

Good. You better not go back on your words.

“Don’t worry… I won’t…”

Once we said everything that needed to be said, the Lightning Wolf released a burst of electricity and vanished in a flash. With the alphas now gone, I turned around to check on the ape only to see the guy snoring away beside a nearby tree.

What a carefree fellow… I could only let out a sigh.