I became angry seeing the chimpanzee's expression in response to my threat. The wolf did not seem to care and charged at me again, but mid-charge Usaki took them by surprise, knocking down the chimpanzee with a kick.

This distracted Laio for a moment that I took advantage of to get close and with Poison Fang, before he could pounce at his neck the wolf noticed my intentions, so I aimed at another part of his body, biting his leg.

When I least expected it, I felt a great pain that made me release the wolf's leg, wanting to know what was causing this unbearable pain, I was suddenly separated from the ground, noticing that part of my body was being pierced by his teeth. Just when I was going to bite his face he started shaking me like a rag doll, during the shaking the thought of my new skill came to mind, so I activated it.

With a whimper the wolf threw me against the ground, it was a hard landing, but at least I was free from his jaws. I couldn't relax too much when the wolf sent me against a tree, I got up as quickly as I could and looked at the wolf who was heading towards me with his good leg limping.

—My acid is stronger than I thought, everything around me is corroding —I thought in pain.

But it seems that what I did only infuriated him, because even in the state of his leg he came at me in a state where his eyes were between focused and unfocused. Even so I was able to lunge at his jugular at just the right moment, he tried to dodge my attack, however his leg tripped him forward, finally being able to reach his neck with my Poison Fang.

To not let go easily I coiled around his neck and began to squeeze with all my strength. I didn't know how much I could withstand in my current state, the last time I was in this situation I ended up in a terrible state.

When Laio was about to start cutting me with his claws, some kind of daggers made of darkness with purple highlights were embedded in the good leg of the wolf, unable to hold on any longer and falling to the ground.

—So you get monsters to obey you, you are an evil that..

[You have killed a Grey Wolf]

[You have leveled up from lv1 to lv5]

[Scale Reinforcement has leveled up from lv1 to lv2]

[Steel Scales has leveled up from lv1 to lv3]

[Strangling has leveled up from lv2 to lv4]

[Pain Resistance has leveled up from lv3 to lv5]

I was a little surprised to see the notice of Laio's death. In pain, I separated myself from his lifeless body and turned my attention to who killed the wolf. For some reason her gaze was as if she wasn't relieved to kill the wolf, quite the opposite, she looked as if she regretted it.

[Presence Detection has leveled up from lv1 to lv2]

When I wanted to say something, I felt the presence of Usaki and the chimpanzee very close together. When I turned in their direction I saw the chimpanzee on top of Usaki with his spear embedded in his shoulder and with his other hand crushing his head. Before I realized it I was heading towards them, he noticed my presence and with a smile pulled his spear out of Usaki's shoulder, but his smile left when he saw his companion's body.

Sending me a look that gave me chills before looking back at Usaki and to my horror he pointed his spear at Usaki who was trying to break free without much success. I wasn't going to make it in time when he was about to kill Usaki a dagger passed over my head and embedded itself in the hand holding his spear, making him drop it and scream in pain. This lowered his guard enough for Usaki to charge his fist with what I supposed was ardynia that made his paw shine, punching him hard enough to send him far enough that he got up and retreated a bit.

It seemed like the chimpanzee remembered me, because he turned around alarmed at my direction, but I was already by his side. He punched me angrily, which I barely dodged and took the chance to climb up his injured arm damaging him with my acid. I was surprised when he protected his neck, but in a quick movement I bit his shoulder with Poison Fang.

When he tried to hit me he was interrupted by a kick from Usaki to his head. To avoid being sent flying I pressed down on his arm with all my might, surprised when I felt something break. He had no time to scream when his head was crushed by Usaki.

[You have killed a Parin]

[You have leveled up from lv5 to lv6]

[Flexible Scales lv2 to lv3]

Even with some adrenaline I moved away from the chimpanzee's body and laid down on the ground, deactivating my skills. Usaki collapsed exhausted and for some reason immediately got up again. When I looked at where he was staring I saw Shina quite close to me, noticing some of her wounds were no longer there. Before she could get any closer, Usaki stood between us.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

—What are you planning to do to him, cursed variant? —he said with a touch of contempt.

—Why are you talking to her like that, she helped us —I scolded him.

—Stay calm, I'm used to this kind of treatment, but please let me tend to him —Her voice was tranquil, as if this was the bread and butter of everyday life, but for some reason her aura felt different from her words.

[You have acquired the skill Consciousness Emotion lv1]

I ignored the notification upon feeling a sense of shame and a more intense feeling of self-contempt towards her, a guilt that was drowning her. In contrast, Usaki had a small feeling of disgust directed at her, along with another that I could only describe as protective.

I was a bit confused by this new skill, but I had one thing clear, she has a genuine intention to help me. With difficulty I got up and stood in front of Usaki.

—Sorry for Usaki's attitude —I said glancing at him somewhat angry— I'd be very grateful if you could tend to my wounds.

—Aru, what are you doing? She's the cursed variant, she could..

—That's enough, Usaki! Why do you treat her like that? She's done nothing but help us. If it wasn't for her you'd be dead now —I said hostilely, looking Usaki directly in the eyes. He was quite shocked by my sudden attitude. Somewhat irritated I turned my attention back to her who was also shocked.

—I never asked for your name. What's your name?

—M-my name is Shina, nice to meet you Arusai —she said after getting over her surprise.

—The pleasure is mine. And how were you planning on tending to me, out of curiosity?

With a small feeling of relief she sat near me and delicately placed her front paws on different wounds. For a moment nothing happened. When I was about to ask, a white light came out of her paws, starting to hurt those wounds less. At one point the wounds started closing, but before they fully healed Shina suddenly stopped.

—This is... all I can do for now —she said breathing heavily and slowly.

—Take it easy. It may not have been much, but I feel better —It gave me peace of mind to see her smile and see more positive feelings in her aura. They're few, but it's better than none.

—I think it'd be best if we left here. More monsters could show up at any moment —I said with a bit more energy.

Usaki simply went behind me with his gaze lowered. Although I stopped and turned to look at Shina who was going the opposite direction.

—Shina, where are you going? Aren't you coming with us? —She stopped and turned to look at me incredulously.

—C-can I come with you? —she said in a breaking voice.

{Do you want Shina to join your group?}

—What kind of question is that? Of course you can come with us —I said with a big smile.

{Shina is now part of your group}

—So, where were you headed? —she asked cheerfully as she approached us.

—We're planning on leaving the forest, but we don't know which way the exit is.

—You guys don't know how to get out of the forest either? —she said almost expectantly.

—Wait, you don't know how to get out of the forest? —said Usaki a bit impressed.

—No. This is my first time in this forest —declared Shina.

—You weren't born here? —I asked surprised.

For some reason Shina's negative feelings increased a bit. I could only assume my question touched on something delicate.

—I... in a place far from here, but I was forced to escape from there as fast as possible —she said very melancholy.

Little by little the feeling of repulsion Usaki felt towards her disappeared. That made me happy. I didn't want her to feel rejected.

—What forced you to escape your home? —he asked delicately.

—I wouldn't like to talk about that —she said dejectedly.

Usaki noticed it affected her quite a bit, and got behind me.

—We understand. Take it easy. Since none of us knows how to get out of the forest, it'd be best if we keep going our way.

With some effort Shina started following our pace towards what we hoped was the nearest exit from the forest. We walked with the atmosphere somewhat tense for quite a while. I could feel Usaki felt a bit regretful. I could assume it was for how he treated Shina, while Shina didn't feel entirely comfortable with Usaki's presence. This whole situation had me somewhat tense, but I was more worried about the fact it was already getting dark.

—Usaki, could you make a burrow so we can sleep? —It seemed Usaki didn't hear me and continued in his thoughts.

—Usaki! —When I raised my voice it snapped Usaki out of his trance.

—It's almost nighttime. Could you please make a burrow? —I said delicately.

Usaki nodded and went towards the top of a tree and started digging. Shina and I just watched Usaki make the burrow, which this time would have to be extra big because of Shina.

—I really appreciate you letting me come with you —she thanked.

—There's no problem at all. In fact I think we're the ones who should be thanking you. I don't know if we would've survived if it wasn't for you.

—Well we're even. I wouldn't have survived without you guys either —she said with a smile.

—You can come in now —Usaki informed us.

Already inside I got comfortable in a corner and tried to rest, but before closing my eyes I could see Usaki approaching Shina.

—I'm really sorry —Usaki apologized. Shina seemed very surprised he was apologizing.

—I appreciate you apologizing. You're the first monster to apologize for treating me like scum —Usaki's feeling of regret only grew greater.

—I really am sorry —he said nearly crying.

Sadness practically took over Usaki's aura. When I was about to get up to try and calm him down, Shina sat down, put her paw on the back of Usaki's head and brought him to her chest.

—Calm down. I accept your apology —she said as she shed a tear.

Somewhat more at ease I positioned myself and closed my eyes before falling asleep.