Chapter 40

After neatly finishing the prepared meal, Wendigo headed to the village where the message had come from.

The village was located in the north, and it was quite cold and close to the mountains, suggesting that the appearance of musk oxen was not a coincidence.

Wendigo slowly observed the village from nearby. While suspecting that the core he had absorbed was the cause, he considered the possibility of outside intervention.

‘None of the outsiders I’ve met in this forest have been normal, after all.’

From the boar and the shaman who followed him, to the parasite and Oneton.

Oneton had said there was nothing to eat in this forest, so why were so many problems occurring…

‘Still, it doesn’t seem to be outside meddling this time.’

Wendigo headed towards the bushes surrounding the village. There, a herd of musk oxen was quietly grazing.

Wendigo approached a warrior watching over the musk oxen.

“Sigh. What are we doing, not even able to eat these cattle…”

“You’re working hard.”

“Huh? Who…”

Flinch.

The warrior quickly turned his head at the unfamiliar voice and froze.

As the huge deer skull came into view, he immediately recognized who had spoken to him.

The warrior stared blankly at Wendigo for a long time. Wendigo waited for the warrior to come to his senses.

Having experienced this often, he couldn’t help but be patient.

“Uh… no. This isn’t right!”

Slap!

Finally regaining his senses, the warrior slapped his own cheek hard and knelt down.

“I’m sorry! To show such an unsightly appearance, not recognizing the spirit-nim!”

“No, it’s fine. If anything, I’m at fault for approaching without making any sound. More importantly, are these the musk oxen that came to the village?”

“Yes! They suddenly swarmed in and settled down, not leaving the area.”

Leaving behind the warrior shouting like a fresh recruit, Wendigo approached the musk oxen.

The musk oxen didn’t avoid Wendigo’s approach. Rather, they stared at him with such bright eyes that it was almost burdensome.

‘… It seems wildness isn’t just related to predators.’

Certainly, most wild animals inherently possessed wildness. Then why did Oneton only…

‘With his personality, he probably sneered at these animals as weak.’

If Oneton had sought trade rather than fraud, he wouldn’t have kept only predators.

While strong predators might help in fights, they were useless in normal times. Coldly judging, predators were just burdens consuming meat when there was no fighting.

On the other hand, what about cattle, horses, and pigs?

‘Cattle and horses could be used for farming, and pigs would probably grow well even in this harsh world.’

Instead of keeping these useful animals, he gathered beasts that suited his personality, so really…

As Wendigo stroked a musk ox’s head, it made a pleased sound and rubbed its head against him.

Wendigo decided to give a small gift to this endearing musk ox. The mystery condensed in his palm seeped into the musk ox’s body, causing changes.

The musk ox grew larger, its fur became softer yet tougher. He also made sure to make it gentle so it wouldn’t rampage.

‘It seems to have turned out quite well.’

Wendigo nodded with satisfaction as he withdrew his hand. This should make for an excellent livestock.

Wendigo gave instructions to the warrior.

“Tell the village chief to raise these musk oxen well. Don’t eat this big one, but help it breed.”

“Yes! I will dedicate my life to ensure the musk oxen prosper!”

“… No. I’m not asking you to be in charge of the musk oxen, so you don’t need to go that far.”

Wendigo tried to dissuade the warrior showing such burning passion, but the warrior’s eyes were blazing with determination.

For the warrior who had witnessed the musk ox receive Wendigo’s blessing right before his eyes, Wendigo’s suggestion was like a revelation.

‘I must make these creatures prosper!’

‘It seems he won’t listen no matter what I say.’

Wendigo looked at the warrior with a bitter expression. He hadn’t expected to determine one warrior’s future like this.

Wendigo watched the running warrior, no, the man who would become a shepherd, and thought.

‘This herd of musk oxen probably won’t be the first and last.’

It was hard to even imagine how many beasts lived in this forest.

Of course, it wasn’t that this village was special and attracted the beasts. Then beasts would probably come to other villages too…

“I hope useful ones come, if possible.”

Wendigo returned to the temple with expectations.

---

Wendigo’s prediction wasn’t wrong. As if the musk oxen were just the beginning, messages started flying in every day.

Unfortunately, there were no creatures easy to use for labor like cattle or horses, but animals suitable for raising as livestock like pigs, chickens, and goats started appearing one by one.

Even at Wendigo’s temple, a beast appeared…

“Did you say wolves appeared?”

“Yes. A pack of wolves with fur as white as snow appeared. They were quite large too.”

“Wolves…”

At Geron’s answer, Wendigo fell into thought.

While not usable as livestock, wolves had many uses. At least since they chose to join voluntarily, they could be used like dogs.

If done well, they could become good companions for the tribe, but…

‘Of all things, wolves, not dogs. It’s unsettling, reminding me of that Oneton bastard.’

Wendigo recalled Oneton’s vile smile. Not only was his form a wolf, but the biggest problem was that wolves were the predators he controlled the most.

Though it was said that he lost his core and his very existence disappeared, Wendigo couldn’t let his guard down.

If the wolves that appeared at the temple were those controlled by Oneton, it wouldn’t be strange if any problem arose.

“What are the wolves doing now?”

“They’re playing near your doppelganger, spirit-nim.”

“… Come to think of it, the doppelganger was still there.”

Wendigo recalled a fact he had forgotten. Thinking about it, he hadn’t dismantled the doppelganger yet.

Geron, who naturally thought Wendigo had left it standing to maintain his dignity, looked at Wendigo with slightly cold eyes.

However, Wendigo had his own excuses. Hadn’t he been busy recently, going around to various villages?

“Don’t look at me like that. It’s not like having a doppelganger standing around is causing any trouble.”

“… Please keep such words to yourself in front of others. I fear people might lose their reverence.”

“Of course I’m only saying this in front of you. I wouldn’t say such things in front of others.”

Wendigo meant to express trust in Geron, but Geron felt the back of his neck stiffening.

Geron, who always attended to Wendigo, was respected by many people… The problem was that people asked him about their curiosities regarding Wendigo.

‘What does the spirit-nim do in the temple? Is he watching over the forest, protecting people from dangers?’

‘Recently, crops have started bearing fruit abundantly, is this also due to the spirit-nim’s blessing?’

‘During my dawn training, a cold wind swept over my body, is this a sign that the spirit-nim is watching over me?’

People who didn’t have close contact with Wendigo believed he was doing mysterious and incomprehensible things in the temple.

After all, the appearances Wendigo had shown were so impressive!

Of course, people’s questions stemmed from reverence, but… Geron found it extremely difficult to answer such questions every time.

Wendigo’s usual appearance was far too modest!

‘Sometimes I wonder if he’s really a spirit, how can I tell people that?’

It would have been easier if he had shown a dignified and mysterious appearance even in front of him. Then he wouldn’t have needed to make up answers!

It wasn’t strange for Geron, who had to rack his brains to meet people’s expectations, to resent Wendigo, who was no different from the root cause.

As Geron looked at him with eyes full of various meanings, Wendigo turned his head. Of course, Wendigo knew well what emotions Geron held.

How could he not know when the scent of reverence mixed with anger was wafting from right beside him?

‘If I say one wrong word here, Geron might collapse.’

Wendigo didn’t want Geron to collapse. There weren’t many people he could be as comfortable with as Geron.

“Go visit Skadi and have a cup of tea that’s good for your mind and body. I’ll check on the wolves with my doppelganger.”

“… Understood.”

Geron obediently bowed his head and answered. He too thought he needed rest.

Certainly, if it was tea good for the mind and body, it might help manage this anger…

Halt.

Geron, who was about to open the door, realized something strange and stopped.

“Spirit-nim. When you mentioned tea good for the mind and body, did you perhaps know what I was thinking…”

Before Geron could finish his question, Wendigo transferred his consciousness to the doppelganger.

---

“… Being perceptive is also a problem. I should be more careful with my words next time.”

“Wendigo-nim!”

Regaining consciousness in the doppelganger’s body, Wendigo turned his head at the familiar voice. There was Skadi, surrounded by wolves.

Skadi, who hadn’t expected Wendigo to come, expressed her joy by flapping her arms at the sudden encounter.

“Skadi. How did you know I possessed the doppelganger?”

“Fufu. I saw the mystery gathering with my spirit vision! Did Wendigo-nim also come to check on the wolves?”

“That’s right, but… it seems there wasn’t much need.”

Wendigo looked quizzically at the wolves showing affection to Skadi.

While there were cases of beasts showing goodwill towards Wendigo, there were no cases of them showing goodwill towards humans.

They had merely not rebelled, knowing the humans followed Wendigo, but…

‘Anyone watching would think she’s the queen of wolves.’

The wolves were wagging their tails with their bellies exposed as if Skadi were Wendigo himself.

Moreover, the largest wolf was grinning while carrying Skadi on its back. Wendigo was certain it was male.

‘At least they don’t seem to be wolves left behind by that Oneton bastard.’

If that were the case, Skadi wouldn’t be playing with the wolves now.

Probably half would be frozen to death and the other half skewered on roots, dead.

Wendigo let down his guard and approached Skadi, petting the wolves. The wolves were so happy to see Wendigo that they ran around frantically.

“Is that big wolf the leader of these guys?”

“Yes. It seems so. They say this one led the wolves at the front when they first entered the village.”

Wendigo looked at the wolf and Skadi. Come to think of it, it wouldn’t be bad to have one or two beings to guard Skadi.

It wasn’t bad to protect her with doppelgangers, but doppelgangers moved too simply without his control, lacking flexibility.

If possible, he needed someone who could think and move on their own…

‘This one seems quite good. The mystery it holds is quite excellent, and above all, it seems to follow Skadi well.’

Wendigo placed his hand on the leader wolf’s head and stirred up mystery.

Did the wolf also realize what Wendigo was doing?

It too wiped away its grinning expression and looked up at Wendigo with the serious attitude befitting a leader.

The mystery that surged like waves transformed the leader wolf’s body.

Its size grew to reach Wendigo’s waist, its bones and teeth became hard enough to tear steel, and intelligence dwelled in its eyes.

As Wendigo, who had poured in a considerable amount of mystery, removed his hand, the leader wolf let out a clear howl.

As Skadi watched this scene with sparkling eyes, Wendigo pointed at the wolf and suggested to her.

“Skadi. You should raise this one.”

“Really!?”

As Skadi asked with shining eyes, Wendigo nodded with satisfaction. If he had known she would be this happy, he would have given her a pet earlier…

The wolf also seemed happy, rubbing its head against Skadi’s legs as she sat on its back. Skadi giggled and stroked the wolf’s neck.

“I’m glad you like it. What are you thinking of naming it?”

“The name…”

As Skadi fell into contemplation, Wendigo looked at her fondly.

The wolf, now imbued with mystery, would likely accompany Skadi for quite a long time.

It wouldn’t be strange for Skadi to ponder, as she was naming a companion who might be with her for life…

“I’ve decided!”

“You decided quite quickly. What name is it?”

“Oneton!”

“……”

At her grotesque naming sense, Wendigo looked at Skadi as if dumbfounded.

While she was usually a bit clumsy, it was hard to doubt Skadi’s intelligence, yet the name she came up with happened to be that of the wolf they had just dealt with.

However, her reason for naming the wolf Oneton was, as always, centered around Wendigo…

“A wolf bastard who dared to charge at Wendigo-nim without knowing his place doesn’t deserve to leave anything behind. So even that name should be used to glorify Wendigo-nim!”

‘I never thought I’d feel sorry for that wolf bastard.’

Wendigo sighed at the unexpected reason. To think she would even usurp the name of the dead!

As Skadi looked at him with an expression saying ‘I did well, didn’t I?’, Wendigo couldn’t bring himself to suggest changing the name.

“I-I see. That’s a good idea.”

“Yes! From now on, your name is Oneton!”

“Woof!”

Unaware of Wendigo’s mixed feelings, the wolf, no, Oneton barked back with a bright smile.

Wendigo chuckled at its appearance, showing not a hint of worry.

‘Right. What does the name matter? As long as it doesn’t cause trouble, it’s fine.’

Wendigo gently stroked Oneton’s head.

—

A few days later.

“Spirit-nim. A shaman who chased the white wolves has come to the village…”

“Damn it. I shouldn’t have let her give it that cursed spirit’s name.”

Wendigo resented his past self for falling for Skadi’s puppy eyes.