Ch.9191. In the Piercing Wind (4)

“…Keeek!”

A short death cry burst from the bushes.

Having an arrow create a hole in one’s body is certainly not a pleasant experience.

The sound filled the space that had been dominated by the whistling wind.

A sound lower and more resonant than a goblin’s, yet lighter than a wolf’s growl.

As I suspected, the creature in the bushes that I hit was one of the many kobolds known to wander around the pathway.

‘Kobolds travel in packs.’

Their bodies covered in brown fur, with an overall appearance similar to goblins but with dog-like faces. Kobolds never wander alone.

Despite their canine appearance, they’re quite intelligent. They know they become infinitely weaker and smaller when isolated.

Moreover, they know how to use sharp weapons and crude bows. Their diverse attack methods are enough to irritate any hunter.

They move in packs, ambushing and plundering. Sometimes they show even more cunning than goblins.

Since everyone here knows the characteristics of kobolds, my teammates began drawing their weapons, using my arrow as a signal.

Yet they all turned their gazes toward me.

“Hmm…”

I had suddenly shot an arrow and killed a kobold no one knew was there.

And it wasn’t done by a renowned female archer from the territory, but by a man.

No wonder their attention was focused on me.

Particularly interested were Siabel Sianella and another woman.

I could see Siabel turning toward the bushes where the kobold’s cry had come from, drawing her sword.

All while giving me a sidelong glance with a satisfied smile.

She seemed amused that I had detected the kobold she had missed.

And the other woman…

‘Flora, was it?’

She was another archer besides Sione and me.

She had the bearing of an archer, but unlike the other experienced team members, her actions betrayed inexperience and uncertainty. Flora, who had been keeping her distance and watching Sione and me, now seemed eager to talk to me, apparently impressed by my skill.

‘More people to deal with.’

It’s obvious she’ll try to strike up a conversation after we eliminate this kobold.

Well, since I’ll be spending a few more days with this team, having a little chat wouldn’t be so bad.

I nodded to Flora in greeting.

“…!”

Flora seemed surprised that I had greeted her, hesitated for a moment, then nodded back.

Well, that’s enough attention for that archer.

“Let’s get ready. There are kobolds hiding nearby.”

I said as I readied myself again.

Hearing my words, Sione also nocked an arrow and began scanning the surroundings.

As she moved closer to me, she quietly asked:

“…How did you notice there was a kobold there?”

It seems my lady is curious about how to detect hidden enemies.

I answered in a voice only she could hear.

“At first I sensed it by instinct, but I became certain after hearing it. I noticed the rustling in the bushes was consistent regardless of the wind’s strength.”

“Wow… I only heard the wind. You’re amazing.”

“If you focus your senses while using Mana, you’ll surely get meaningful results.”

Sione was nodding at my words when it happened.

Kururuk!!

Keeek!!

As their comrade grew cold from my arrow, the kobolds hiding in the bushes began charging at us.

Though they’re intelligent monsters, perhaps because of their dog-like appearance…

Instead of choosing to flee, they chose to fight us, and their fate was already sealed.

Those with swords moved forward, priests stayed back, and archers positioned themselves to protect the priests and support the battle. A proper formation was quickly established, and the real battle began.

“We mustn’t hit our allies.”

“…That’s obvious. Don’t worry.”

“Still, the wind is strong, so extra caution would be wise.”

“Of course…!”

Sione released an arrow.

The freezing cold arrowhead flew toward its target.

The place it was heading toward…

“Huh?”

Wait, didn’t she say not to hit allies?

Why is this arrow flying toward the soldier who’s using a kobold’s head as a shield?

As I hurriedly prepared to grab the priestess’s hand and run…

Fortunately, Sione’s arrow didn’t lodge itself in the soldier’s back but flew past him.

Thwack!

“Kueeek…”

Instead, it pierced the forehead of a kobold that was about to lunge at the soldier.

Sione grinned as she watched the kobold collapse lifelessly.

“How was that? Did you see?”

“…You pierced its forehead precisely.”

“Right? Hehe.”

Sione was clearly proud of herself, brimming with confidence.

She pulled another arrow from her quiver and said:

“From now on, call me Sister Sione.”

I have no idea why she suddenly wants me to call her “sister” over this.

Silently, I drew two arrows.

I circulated my Mana. Enhancing my body just enough to draw a bowstring wouldn’t be noticeable, so I awakened my body without hesitation.

Using the pinch method—pinching the bowstring with my thumb and index finger—I quickly fired two arrows in succession.

Since my Mana carried the energy of spirits, the bow reacted slightly as it sensed the Mana stirring in my heart.

The bent bow returned with stronger elasticity, sending the arrows flying faster than any I had shot before.

In an instant, two kobolds died with their throats and heads pierced.

“If one forehead shot earns ‘Sister Sione,’ then I should be called ‘Uncle,’ shouldn’t I?”

“…Please call me ‘big sister’ instead.”

I chuckled at Sione’s words, and she smiled broadly in return.

With such silly jokes, the battle continued.

True to the swordsmanship that had given me such trouble during our duel…

With each elegant slash, one or sometimes two kobolds lost their heads to the ground.

Every time Siabel swung her sword powerfully, one or two lives were extinguished by the descending cold.

But Siabel wasn’t the only one slaughtering kobolds.

The soldiers at the front, pushing back the creatures with their shields and thrusting their swords, were also formidable.

The heated battle didn’t last long.

* * *

Since we don’t know how many more battles lie ahead…

It would be a disaster to waste arrows now only to find ourselves without any when we really need them.

After the battle, Sione, Flora, and I collected our arrows together.

While picking up arrows, Flora kept glancing at me and moving her lips as if to say something.

But with the county’s young lady, Sione Sianella, sticking close to me and refusing to leave my side…

In the end, Flora couldn’t say anything and quietly continued collecting arrows.

‘I’ll approach Flora and talk to her next time. Is this the last one?’

I picked up the final arrow lying on the ground.

Straightening my back and looking around, I saw that Siabel and the soldiers had almost finished moving the kobold corpses that had been blocking the path.

While waiting for them to complete the final cleanup…

I called to my lady, who was beginning to feel the cold again as the battle excitement wore off.

“Sister. Have you collected all your arrows?”

“Yes, I’ve got them all… Wait, what?”

“I asked if you’ve collected all your arrows.”

“No, before that. What did you just call me?”

“Sister?”

Sione’s eyes widened at the word “sister.”

Her lips curled up and down repeatedly before she cautiously asked:

“Wh-why suddenly ‘sister’…?”

“During the battle, you told me to call you sister from now on. Do you not like it?”

For a moment, Sione fell into deep contemplation, as if wondering if this was worth the effort.

After a short while, with a complex expression that seemed both regretful yet convinced she was making the right choice, she looked directly at me and answered:

“Umm… I’d prefer if you called me Sione as before.”

Finding my lady’s reaction quite amusing, instead of simply agreeing with her…

I asked a more mischievous question:

“May I ask why?”

Sione’s face flushed at my question.

She slowly moved right next to me and whispered in my ear:

“…If I’m your sister, I can’t call you ‘big brother.'”

After whispering that, Sione suddenly moved away from me and roughly removed her fur hat.

She must have thought her whispered words were quite embarrassing.

She seemed to be trying to cool down the intense heat of embarrassment.

Well, as I was observing her…

Siabel Sianella slowly approached us.

Seeing her sister coming, Sione quickly put her fur hat back on properly and greeted Siabel.

I was the first to speak to Siabel, being closer to her.

I gave a light bow and said:

“Good work, Lady Siabel.”

Siabel crossed her arms, stared at me intently, and said:

“I’m disappointed, Ray.”

She’s not even my squad leader. Suddenly she’s disappointed in me.

Not understanding what she meant, I tilted my head questioningly.

Siabel stroked her chin and said with dignity:

“Won’t you call me ‘sister’ too?”