Lord of Avalon : Lost in Another World

The tense silence between Ardi and the wolf cubs was broken by a low growl. Two of the six cubs stepped forward, their tiny bodies trembling, but their sharp teeth bared as they tried to look threatening.

Ardi crouched slightly, his expression calm and understanding. "Easy there, little guys. I'm just trying to help."

Ignoring their warning, he slowly reached out, hoping to pet their soft fur—

Chomp!

One of the cubs sank its tiny but sharp teeth into his hand.

"Ow—!" Ardi yelped, shaking his arm to get free.

Yui, who had been hovering nearby, burst into laughter, clutching her stomach mid-air. "Hahaha! Anata, are you seriously getting bullied by a puppy?!"

Ardi gritted his teeth, flailing his arm. "Hey! This little guy bites harder than it looks!"

After struggling for a few moments, he finally managed to pry the stubborn cub off and set it down beside its mother. He rubbed his sore hand and gave the pup a light scolding. "Not cool, buddy. I was just trying to help."

The cub huffed, looking proud of itself.

Yui, still giggling, landed on Ardi's shoulder and nudged his cheek. "Maybe next time, ask for permission first."

Ardi sighed, shaking his head. "Got it."

Now that things had calmed down, Ardi turned to Ren, Shiro, and Miyu. "Let's get this branch off her. On three."

Working together, they lifted the heavy branch pinning the mother wolf and pushed it aside. The injured wolf whimpered softly, but her golden eyes stayed locked onto Ardi—watchful yet grateful.

Her cubs immediately rushed over, licking her fur and nudging her side.

Ardi smiled at the reunion. "Looks like she'll be alright now."

But before they could relax—

Rustling.

Leaves trembled. Branches snapped.

From the dense thicket ahead, several figures emerged—

And everyone tensed, ready for anything.

Three bipedal, humanoid wolves stepped out from the trees, their piercing eyes scanning the scene.

Ren, Shiro, and Miyu instantly grabbed their weapons, ready to fight.

But before anyone could react, one of the younger wolf-kin—a girl with silver-gray fur and bright amber eyes—sprinted forward.

Ignoring the tension, she ran straight to the injured mother wolf and cubs, her eyes widening in shock as she knelt beside them.

Ardi raised a hand, signaling his shinobi to stand down. "Let her go."

The girl gently inspected the mother wolf's wound, her ears flattening in distress. "Kaa-san…" she whispered.

Ardi stepped closer, keeping his voice calm. "She'll be okay. We moved the branch, but she's still injured."

The girl looked up at him, hesitating for a moment before bowing deeply. "Thank you… for saving her."

Ardi blinked. "Huh?"

The wolf-kin girl lifted her head and smiled, small but sincere. "My name is Fenra."

Yui, still perched on Ardi's shoulder, tilted her head. "Fenra, huh? Cute name."

Fenra blushed slightly, scratching her cheek. "Uhm… thanks?"

Ardi chuckled. "I'm Ardi, Lord of Minori Village. Nice to meet you."

To ease the tension, Ardi reached into his inventory and pulled out a small glass vial filled with bright green liquid—a Minor Healing Potion.

Fenra's ears twitched as she sniffed the air. "That smell… What is that?"

Ardi uncorked the bottle and took a small sip to show it wasn't poison. "It's a healing potion. It'll help with the wound."

Fenra hesitated for only a second before gently taking the vial and turning to the mother wolf. Carefully, she poured the potion over the wound.

A soft glow appeared as the torn flesh slowly knitted back together.

The other wolf-kin, who had been watching warily, started to relax.

After a long pause, one of the older male wolf-kin stepped forward. He had dark fur, a scar across his muzzle, and deep crimson eyes filled with wisdom and strength.

"I am Garmund," he introduced himself, his voice deep but respectful.

Ardi nodded. "Nice to meet you, Garmund."

Garmund studied Ardi for a moment before speaking again. "You are not like other hyuma… You helped this wolf, even though she is just a 'wild animal' to your kind."

Ardi shrugged, smiling. "Helping someone shouldn't depend on their species."

Garmund's expression softened. "I see… Then, as a sign of gratitude, allow us to host you for a meal."

Ardi raised a brow. "A meal?"

Garmund nodded. "A proper feast. And since you have shown goodwill, you are welcome to contribute if you wish."

Ardi grinned, turning to Yui. "What do you think?"

Yui smirked. "Anata, are you seriously asking? Of course, we're bringing food."

Ardi laughed. "Alright, I'll donate five Giant Meat for the feast."

Garmund raised a brow. "You can spare that much?"

Ardi waved a hand. "We have plenty. Consider it a gift."

The wolf-kin leader studied him again, then finally nodded.

"…Very well. We accept your kindness."

As they traveled to the wolf-kin's gathering place, Garmund walked beside Ardi, explaining their way of life.

"We never settle in one place for long. We move with the seasons, following the land's bounty."

Ardi nodded. "Nomadic, huh? Makes sense for hunters."

Garmund glanced at him. "And you… You lead the village that appeared on the hill?"

Ardi smiled. "Yeah, Minori Village is my responsibility."

Garmund narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone curious. "You don't feel like a noble."

Before Ardi could respond, Yui suddenly cackled from his shoulder.

"Pfft—hahaha, I cannot hold it Anata, sorry"

Ardi groaned, rubbing his temples. "Thanks, Yui. So supportive."

Garmund smirked slightly. "You have an unusual presence. Not quite a noble, not quite a commoner… And something else, something… not human."

Ardi went silent for a moment.

Yui Continue laughing on ardi's shoulder, "Anata, did you hear that?! Even the wolf-kin don't think you're a real human"

Then, with a chuckle, he grinned. "Well, I guess you'll just have to get to know me better."

Garmund huffed a small laugh. "Perhaps I shall."

As the sun set, the smell of roasting meat and campfires filled the air—marking the start of a unique night with the wolf-kin.