Chapter 17: Invincible Team.

"Naku, harass those who are separated from the group to incorporate them again. Arachne, lead them to the stables." (Aruh)

"Understood!" (Naku)

Today, Naku, Arachne and I were practicing combat maneuvers, the target was a herd of animals called cierviros, which are beings similar to huge, hairy deers that are domesticated and used in Tulser and other surrounding regions as beasts of burden, and for milk and wool production.

The herd we were dealing with is a untamed one and we helped the domesticators to catch it.

"Haaaa!" (Naku)

Naku was in charge of helping the hunting dogs to keep the herd close to avoid that there were individuals taking other directions, the dogs did well, but there were occasions in which a cierviro ignores the barks and bites and tries to escape; Naku's speed allowed her to reach them and return them to the group with the help of a very noisy and intimidating whip.

"Good boy!" (Naku)

The herd was directed towards a bend, if they turn to the right, they will arrive to stables prepared for the domestication and breeding... But if they continue straight, they would enter the forest and we would have to start from the beginning again, besides that we would have to deal with some predators and the loss of youngs.

This is where Arachne enters, her mission is to lead the pack to the stables. As the deers began to approach the forest, Arachne emerged from the trees and scared the herd, causing it to go where it should.

The work was excellent, the managers took the rest of the work and put the flock in the stables.

"You did very well, Naku, Arachne." (Aruh)

"My part was small. The dogs did most of the job." (Naku)

"Then I have less credit, I just gave orders while following the pack." (Aruh)

"Do we agree that most of the credit among the three is for Arachne?" (Naku)

"Sure" (Aruh)

"¡Guriii!" (Arachne)

Arachne let out a cute snarl, I wonder why some villagers are afraid of her when she is so adorable.

Despite having a human-like appearance, Arachne is definitely a monster, or rather an 'entity' (a term I use not to insult her); I know it because the presence it emits is similar to one. Although I do not know her species since there is no information about it in the bestiaries of Dr. Spencer or those Fortuna gave me on my last birthday.

Actually, Arachne is an asexual organism. As it has no genitals of any kind, yet to It having some small female features, I’m calling Arachne as ‘her’.

She has a high speed of growth, managing to increase its weight and size four times in just one week; is intelligent and possesses incredible hunting and fighting instincts, besides being able to use water magic.

Yeah, she can use magic!

Perhaps because she is an entity, her control over her magic stone is superb and that allows her to perform magic.

At the moment, she is capable of producing water out of nowhere, launching projectiles of high-pressure water, and produce a very sticky watery membrane to strengthen her already resistant spiderweb.

I do not know her life expectancy, but my instinct tells me that she will live for many decades.

I was lucky to find her egg, Arachne will help us a lot in the future; besides, she is adorable and caring.

"Thank you so much for your help, little Aruh." (Goto)

The person who thanked us was Mr. Goto, a hunter from the village who also works as a breeder of cierviros.

Not only Mr. Goto, but also Jupero and Kober worked as breeders while not in hunting season.

"You don’t have to thank us, Mr. Goto. In fact, I want to thank you and the others for letting us participate after all." (Aruh)

"To tell you the truth, we still think we are being disrespectful by leaving such a job to the great oracle of Nagur." (Goto)

"On the contrary, I liked to participate. It was fun, and I would like to do it again if it is not too inconvenient for you." (Naku)

“T-There's no way will it be an inconvenience!" (Goto)

Mr. Goto bowed, which made Naku feel uncomfortable, but when I took her hand, she regained her composure.

"Then I would like you to let me know if you require our help again... I would also like to know if you know of a snowy drake or other troublesome monsters that we can hunt." (Aruh)

"Ha ha ha, you talk like Serpera when he was younger. That instinct and desire are indispensable for anyone who wants to run as the hunting leader ... Do you plan to become one after all? Sorry, I remembered you’ll be leaving the village in the future, right?" (Goto)

"Yes, it's just that I want stronger opponents since even gums are easy prey at this point." (Aruh)

"Yes, I remember that last night of hunting with you three ..." (Aruh)

That time, right?

Four nights ago, my father and I went hunting gums like every year with everyone, but this time we were accompanied by Naku and Arachne.

I found and ambushed the gums, then knocked them down by cutting off their legs. Naku gave them the coup de grace before they touched the ground, while Arachne caught and killed the ones trying to escape with her nets... 90% of the gums that day were killed by the three of us.

"That night was my first time hunting gums. I was a little nervous." (Naku)

"You did an excellent job, your grace captivated me that night." (Aruh)

"U, fu, fu, you're going to make me blush, Aruh." (Naku)

Seeing a beauty like Naku blushing is one of my greatest pleasures. And perhaps it is due to my experience with her and Fortuna, but lately, I feel more proactive in saying what I think.

I could feel the stare of Mr. Goto.

"What’s the matter?" (Aruh)

"It's nothing, it's just that I thought you were very mature for your age, Aruh, not to mention successful." (Goto)

"Successful?" (Aruh)

"Yes, your skill with aweapons has surpassed that of your parents at such a young age, you are a skillful hunter, you have been trained in the art of alchemy and you have even created the amazing product called soap. It’s not a surprise you got engaged with the great oracle" (Goto)

When you put it that way, it sounds like something extraordinary... No, in fact, taking Maltra's standards behind, it is.

Wow, it's kind of embarrassing to be seen this way. At Earth, my success was seen with envy, not admiration.

"You know, usually, a Naga gets a job at the age of twelve... But in your case, I think you could start from the age you have." (Goto)

"Really? That would be great!" (Aruh)

"IOk then. I will go along your father to speak with Mr. Fas Nesel." (Goto)

Yes! Now I have more time to learn how to forge; although it will be a little difficult to adjust my current schedule... It would even mean spending less time with my girls...

"Do not worry, I'll be backing you, Aruh. I'm sure Fortuna will understand as well." (Naku)

Maybe sensing my concern, Naku tried to comfort me.

"I know all this is for our good ... And if it's something that you wanted to do before you met me, it’s due to you having seen some potential that no one else has, right?" (Naku)

Right on the spot. Naku is as insightful as ever.

"So do not worry. We can consider our training as tough dates~" (Naku)

No matter how long I get used to spending time with Naku, she always find a way to keep me falling in love...

Alright, I will finally put in use the metal knowlege I have from Earth.