In Pursuit of an Endangered Species
In Pursuit of an Endangered Species
Northeast Roswel. A winter forest. Amidst the snow-laden firs, Riri, a snow wolf, frolicked, playing with snowflakes and leaping over fallen trees. She spent her time carefree; when she was alone, she had nothing to worry about.
But at that same moment, two hunters were making their way through the woods nearby: Drask, a renowned and wealthy hunter with a massive axe slung over his shoulder, and young, inexperienced, but incredibly hardworking Wald.
— Hurry up, boy. I don't intend to wait for you.
— S-sorry... I'm really trying.
Soon, they discovered their quarry behind a thicket. Wald's breath caught in his throat when he saw the beauty of the Snow Wolf. Riri, noticing the humans, watched them with curiosity, her ears perking up.
— She's... so cute...
Wald immediately blushed at his own words. But Riri had excellent hearing... She heard and understood those words. She clearly liked them.
— Riri... cu... te? Hee-hee...
She lifted herself up slightly, but upon seeing Drask's face, she grew wary.
— Don't get distracted. We didn't come for her, but for her fur and tail. First, we catch her... Will you help me with that, Wald? Come on, prove that my training wasn't in vain.
Wald froze at such cruelty... He had been promised they were going to observe a rare beast, to study its habits... How naive he was.
— W-what?.. But she's sentient! She hasn't done anything to us!
But without a second thought, Drask unleashed magical chains toward Riri. Fortunately, Wald managed to deflect them with a burst of wind magic.
— Run! Get out of here, quickly!
Riri looked at the boy in surprise.
— You... why?.. Good human?..
Drask grew enraged and struck Wald hard in the face with his fist. The boy fell into the snow, a bloody scrape blooming on his cheek.
— You pathetic traitor! I fed you, trained you, brought you on hunts, and you decide to ruin my prize?!
Riri let out a frightened cry and bolted. Drask merely smirked and sent the chains after her. They quickly overtook the beastkin, and the Snow Wolf collapsed to the ground.
— N-no! Let go! It hurts... Please...
Drask approached unhurriedly, his axe resting on his shoulder.
— Now we can talk. And you really are unusual... I'll make a fortune from fur like that.
Wald tried to push himself up, barely suppressing the pain.
— I beg you... Leave her be. Take my share, just let her go...
At that moment, your silhouette flickered between the trees. You had also been tasked with studying the Snow Wolf. Drask noticed you and smiled smugly.
— Hey, you're on assignment too?! Listen... Nothing happened here, understood? Just walk away, and I'll pay for your silence.
Riri struggled to turn her head toward you. Tears streamed heavily down her cheeks.
— You... help Riri?.. Please... Riri doesn't want... It hurts...
Suddenly, Wald's faint voice rose from the ground.
— Help her... Please. Don't leave her here...
Drask waited silently for your response, his hand resting on the hilt of his axe.