Shoot faced three Blood Wolves. Sensing him, they let out ferocious growls; they could smell the Red Dog blood on Shoot. Judging that he had killed their kin, the first wolf charged.

While a Blood Wolf's top speed was comparable to a small car, Shoot’s eyes could easily track it. He narrowly dodged the wolf's claws and fangs, and with a perfectly timed swing, he brought the axe down on its exposed flank.

“RAAAAH!!”

THUD… SLASH!!

The combined power of his “Super Strength” skill and his masterful weapon handling from the “Swordsmanship” skill easily cleaved the Blood Wolf’s body in two.

“———… …”

The wolf died before it even registered what had happened. Its upper body was soaked in its own blood.

“Wha…?” “No way?” “He took down a Blood Wolf in one hit… !?”

The villagers watching from a distance were shocked.

“I… can’t believe it… That child… wasn’t just a novice mercenary…?”

Sunny shared the same reaction. She was completely bewildered by Shoot’s identity.

Meanwhile, having defeated the first wolf, Shoot found himself surrounded by the remaining two. The wolves were enraged by their comrade’s swift demise but avoided a reckless charge, recognizing their opponent’s skill. They were far smarter and stronger than Red Dogs.

The wolf in front feigned a claw attack, suddenly leaping back just before reaching axe range. It was a feint.

Shoot fell for it, swinging his axe wildly. The wolf behind him used this opportunity to strike with its claws.

“Ugh, damn it…!”

The heavy blow from the wolf, as tall as Shoot, sent him flying into the range of the first wolf, which attacked with its fangs. Shoot blocked with his axe.

“Damn… It’s stronger because it’s bigger. I can’t take it easy…!”

Seeing that the stalemate wouldn’t resolve itself, Shoot delivered a powerful kick to the wolf’s stomach. The force was enough to easily lift the hundred-plus kilogram Blood Wolf, inflicting considerable damage.

“~~~~~~~~~!”

“Ugh, you’re so noisy! That howling is grating!”

SWISH

A final axe blow cleaved the second Blood Wolf’s skull, securing the kill. However, the woodcutter's axe shattered at the base, rendering it unusable.

“Hey! I brought the weapon!”

A man’s voice called out from behind Shoot. He had returned from the blacksmith’s with a sword.

“Throw it over here!”

As instructed, the man threw the sword with all his might. Shoot ran towards it and skillfully caught it. Exposing his back for a moment, the third Blood Wolf roared and charged.

“———”

Shoot, taking a gamble, jumped sideways, narrowly dodging the wolf's attack. Immediately after, he gained a new skill.

(“Precognitive Vision”… I can accurately predict events a few seconds into the future!?)

Another powerful skill! Shoot was delighted. Turning, he saw the wolf preparing its next attack. Shoot dodged effortlessly, using "Precognitive Vision" to predict the wolf's movements.

“Alright, my turn!”

He swung his sword rapidly, repeatedly slashing the wolf until it fell. All three Blood Wolves were defeated.

“He defeated the Blood Wolves alone…”

“Three of them!?”

“Amazing…”

The villagers were once again awestruck, gazing at Shoot with awe. No one had expected a teenage mercenary (as they still believed him to be) to single-handedly defeat a pack of monsters that even intermediate-level mercenaries would struggle with.

“H-he actually defeated all the Blood Wolves…”

Sunny rushed out of the house, her heart pounding, staring intently at Shoot.

“I took care of the strong ones first. Oh well. Time to clean up the weaklings.”

With the leaders gone, the Red Dogs panicked. Shoot mercilessly cut them down.

SWISH, SLASH SLASH SLASH SLASH

(I feel like I’m swinging the sword more lightly and faster.)

As he cut down the Red Dogs one after another, Shoot realized that his swordsmanship had improved. He was getting stronger with each fight.

Having dealt with all the enemies, Shoot stopped to catch his breath. His surroundings were littered with the corpses and blood of Red Dogs; the scene was quite gruesome. Just as he thought it was over, he noticed a survivor.

“Kuuun…”

A Red Dog, bleeding from its leg, was crouching on the ground. He seemed to have missed one. As he raised his sword to finish it off, a voice called out.

“That monster… is trying to submit to you!”

“…Submit?”

An elderly man approached Shoot, seemingly certain that the danger had passed.

“Monsters that have been defeated will sometimes prostrate themselves before a warrior and swear allegiance. It’s rare… But a monster that swears allegiance can be used as a familiar.”

Sunny, who had silently approached, explained. The monster was completely devoid of hostility, whimpering to show its submission.

“…”

SWISH, SLASH “Gyaun!? … …”

Despite the Red Dog’s clear submission, Shoot didn’t hesitate to plunge his sword into its stomach, killing it.

“…? !?”

Sunny and the elderly man were dumbfounded.

“Using monsters? Familiars? That’s ridiculous. Monsters will betray you just like dirty humans.”

That’s what Shoot said, but the real reason was simply that he hated dogs.

“Anyway, I think I’ve killed all the monsters. We’re safe now.”

“Y-yes… Thank you for saving our village and our lives. I, as the village head, express my deepest gratitude!”

The elderly man—the village head of Todd Village—bowed deeply to Shoot.

“We’re saved!”

“This was the worst monster attack ever!”

“You! You’re incredibly strong for your age!”

“Thank you so much!”

“We never thought a mercenary this strong would come!”

The villagers also expressed their gratitude. Shoot found their sudden change of attitude amusing, but he accepted their cheers.

“Shoot-kun, you’re really strong. I was surprised. I’m sorry for underestimating you.”

“No, it’s…”

Sunny stood before Shoot, apologizing for her earlier words. She then thanked him, like the others, for saving the village. The closeness made Shoot uncomfortable, causing him to avert his gaze.

“Shoot-kun, if you’re alright with it…”

Just as Sunny, looking slightly flushed, was about to say something, a voice cut through the celebratory mood.

“What’s all the commotion this morning!?”