Chapter 37
Perry.
Perry.
"What do you want? No, let's save the conversation for later."
As I released my grip, Perry landed lightly on the ground and grinned mischievously.
"Why? Why aren't you asking now?"
I gestured with my eyes toward the still-raging Kapels and snowfield bats. Dealing with the current situation took precedence over extracting information from Perry. Her smile widened.
"You’re truly peculiar! Absolutely peculiar! You’re a worshipper of the evil god too—so why are you trying to save others? Huh?"
"Return to the forest for now."
"Cold! Cold! So cold! You’re colder than midwinter snow..."
I didn’t feel the need to listen further. Leaving Perry behind, I dashed across the snowy field. The Slaughterer let out another harsh scream.
Whaaaaaaang!
I kicked off the snow, leaped into the air, and brought my weapon down. The Kapel’s head fell, fresh blood spilling across the ground.
The snowfield bats were intimidating due to their size, but their bodies remained surprisingly light for their bulk. The caravan guards somehow managed to hold them off.
The real problem was the Kapels. These natural-born warriors knew better than anyone how to weaponize their own bodies.
Five Kapels remained—no, four.
Sajita’s spear had just pierced through one Kapel’s jaw. Dacia and Carmen were nearly done subduing another together.
I marked the largest remaining Kapel as my next target.
As I charged forward with the shrieking Slaughterer in hand, the Kapel preparing to strike a guard snapped its gaze toward me.
The moment our eyes met, it fled into the forest without hesitation. I shifted the Slaughterer to my left hand and drew a bone sword with my right. My muscles tensed, then exploded into motion.
Thud.
The thrown sword pierced the Kapel’s left leg. The monster tumbled, losing its balance. The distance between us vanished in seconds. The Slaughterer screamed again.
Whaaaaaaang!
Another spray of blood stained the snow. I wiped my face roughly and scanned the battlefield.
The monsters were retreating.
Were they trying to grind us down to our limits? The enemy was relentless and cunning. A reckless pursuit here would be fatal. Information first.
I dragged the Kapel’s corpse toward the caravan—far more valuable than snowfield bats. The exhausted guards busied themselves with the cleanup. After helping, I slipped toward the forest where Perry had emerged.
A voice called from above as I ventured deeper:
"Late! Late!"
Perry hopped down from a branch, eyes glittering. "Now! Will you do everything I want?"
I frowned. "What nonsense are you spouting?"
"No?"
"Not at all. If your demands cross my line, I’ll cut you down here."
Shiiing.
My frost-steel sword left its sheath. Using the Slaughterer would’ve alerted the entire caravan.
Perry smiled like a mischievous child. "Savage! That’s what makes it fun!"
"What do you want from me?"
"Hmm..." She tapped her chin, then tilted her head. "Can’t think of anything right now!"
"Then I’ll ask first. How many evil god worshippers attacked this caravan?"
"Let’s see..." She folded three fingers. "Three, excluding me!"
Three. They always moved in groups of three or more.
"What abilities do those three have?"
"Don’t know!"
"Why?"
"Never asked! But listen—" She leaned in, whispering, "They act like I’m invisible! Isn’t that rude?"
I swallowed a retort. "Truly unreasonable."
"Right?!"
"Why are they targeting this caravan?"
Perry clapped. "Ah! To steal a necklace from the caravan leader!"
"And how did they know he had it?"
"No idea! But the client who gave him the necklace belongs to Liberatio!"
"Liberatio? The evil god cult?"
"Yep! The attackers are Liberatio too!"
A internal conflict?
"Not quite! Two factions playing mind games. They cooperate surprisingly well."
"Why split into factions?"
Perry shrugged. "Can’t remember. I’m neutral—I work for money and materials. Doll-making materials! I serve the Wavering Thread!"
So the "Perrys" I’d killed were just dolls.
"You should be careful. The others are preparing something big!"
"Why are you being so helpful?"
Her playful demeanor vanished. Purple eyes sharpened like a viper’s. "Really want to know?"
"Not anymore."
She pouted. "Ask me! Ask!"
"No. If you have a request, say it now."
"Next time!" She beamed.
"Then goodbye."
Swish.
My blade severed her doll’s head. "See you later!" the head shouted before falling silent.
As I returned, snow began falling—slowing the caravan’s progress. Dacia intercepted me, scrubbing dried blood from my face despite Mother’s protests.
At dawn, the caravan trudged through relentless snow. A thunderous roar echoed.
White waves cascaded down the mountains—not another attack, but an avalanche. Perry’s allies had prepared well.
I roared: "Abandon everything and run! NOW!"
