The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 404: Competition: Druid Mode (8)

Chapter 404: Competition: Druid Mode (8)

The shouts, cries, and howls reached Hex before he had reached the farm.

’So many?’ Hex thought, sensing the presence of people and wolves nearby. ’I didn’t think they would have more than thirty wolves attacking the farm.’

He put more haste into his steps, almost flying over the ground. When the farm and the wolves came into sight, he summoned the Dragon Bear Soul again. He could always explain his presence by claiming he had left it to hunt nearby. Summoning him in the middle of the battle would leave a lasting impression, drawing too much attention to him.

It seems we caught one of the many who were on their way to attack the farm.

That seemed indeed to be the case. Hex detected three other Druids nearby. Each commanded a pack of ten to fifteen wolves. He could see a line formed by the old grandpa and his cattle. The old man seemed to be doing okay. Surprisingly, he defended with goats and dogs, with the oxen and horses jumping close to kick those that landed close to the fence.

Will you use him hostage to negotiate?

The Dragon Bear tilted his head, pointing at the Druid encased in a block of Ice. He was still alive but frozen. He would survive within a limited span of time.

’No. We will capture all of them. You can start. Just...try to be a bit careful.’

Hex wasn’t afraid about the Dragon Bear getting injured. He would stand as long as Hex could sustain infusing him with energy. The issue was the pain. All the attacks the Bear suffered were transferred toward him. He had to suffer all the pain. Hex wasn’t weak. But that didn’t mean he liked being subjected to continuous pain.

With a roar, the Bear darted toward the wolves. The suddenness of the attack caught both sides unprepared. The old man and his children stood stunned, wondering perhaps what kind of creature could emit such strength.

The wolves yelped and scurried toward each other. One or two even got too close to the fence, earning kicks from the nearby cattle. They didn’t seem to be fazed by the arrival of the Bear.

The Bear tore through the first line of wolves before the Druids had been able to gather their wits. With the experience under his belt, Hex allowed the Bear to draw upon the Ice element.

The ground froze, binding the animals in place. They tried to break free. But it was too late. The Bear slammed his massive paws in the wolves, shattering their bones.

Within the first thirty seconds, the Bear managed to kill or incapacitate seven wolves. The pain of the bond jolted the Druids awake from their stunned state. Hex sensed the gust of wind picking up, whistling orders at the remaining wolves.

’Not this again, my friends. I wonder how the animals react when their Druids are captured.’

He had seen the impact of the orders passed by the Druids on their pack. It would just prolong the battle. Instead of waiting for the Bear, Hex jumped into the action.

It was easy to find the Druids. They stood toward the back, huddled together.

’Refined Knights?’

Apparently, he had already caught the strongest one among the group. His arrival scared the Druids. They were all young, perhaps students of the one he caught.

Frost Dragon – Blizzard Strike

His attack froze all three of them. With a second move, he encased all three in Ice coffins.

...

"Everything is okay now."

Hex appeared in front of the scared family. After capturing the Druids, he left them with the first one and appeared in front of the old man. They were all staring at the Dragon Bear nervously.

"You...?" The old man almost whispered, still trying to comprehend the turn of events. One minute he was under attack and defending his work and family with everything he had. The next minute the attack disappeared.

"This is my companion. I had left him close to the forest so the animals wouldn’t have to be distressed."

"Yeah, thank y–," the old man started to say when his daughter-in-law rushed forward, interrupting their conversation.

"Erina," she cried. "She hasn’t returned. I think she went...toward the grass forest."

"What?" Hex looked around. Indeed the girl was nowhere around. He had wondered why she had not bothered him when he had been talking to the old man.

"We will search for–"

"I will go." Hex didn’t wait for the father to protest or the old man to offer help. He would be faster on his own. The Dragon Bear rushed toward the high grass with Hex on top of him.

Using her smell, they quickly found her trace.

She went toward that side.

It seemed she had been going toward the place he had been. Was she searching for him? That silly girl. Always eager to follow him.

Hex urged the Dragon Bear to increase his speed.

...

’Wait. What is that?’

In just a minute or two, Erina’s smell intensified. Thinking they were close, Hex jumped from the back and set off. In two steps, each covering twenty or so meters, he picked her presence up with his senses. But that was not all he sensed. There was also a surge of power where she was supposed to be.

Hex didn’t hesitate. With another step, he caught sight of her. She was with Bluey. And a giant wolf.

"Erina." His shout didn’t reach the girl. She hadn’t moved. Hex landed just beside her, ready to kill the wolf. But then he halted.

The surge of power came from Erina. And from Bluey. And from the wolf.

’A...A three-way bond?’

He stared in shock at the flow of energy he perceived from all three beings. There was no mistaking it. The little girl was in the middle of creating bonds. Not one. But two.

’A natural bond of hearts?’ Hex shook his head wryly. Despite not understanding whatever was happening, he didn’t interfere. It didn’t feel wrong. But it didn’t mean he was filled with several questions. He tried to ignore her age. And the fact that she wasn’t Blessed yet. But how did she initiate a bond suddenly? And even if he accepted everything and understood her bond with Bluey, how was she bonding with a wolf?

’I hope she will be alright. Perhaps the old man can explain this.’

"Mister?"

Hearing a weak voice, he looked over. Erina had completed her process. She seemed weak but had a radiant smile on her face.

"You silly girl. Are you okay?"

"Yes. But...I am hungry."

"Yes, roaming all day in the forest will do that to you. I see you made a new friend."

The wolf growled at him but a look from Erina made it sit and lick the small wounds on its body.

"Don’t mind Wolfy. Let’s take him with us."

"Sure."

Hex picked the girl up and walked toward the farm. The night had been interesting enough.

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