Living in another world as an Oni!

Chapter 46: Back

Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Back

Faster!

I have to get there faster!

This bad feeling in my chest can't be something good!@@@@

I looked behind me, seeing if Titan could still follow behind me. After the bad feeling arose, I sprinted towards the direction of home.

*Rustle*

"Grahh!!" A wolf with red eyes tried to bite me but, I dodged to the side and stabbed the ice dagger down it's throat.

This isn't good. Why are the monsters from the eastern side of the forest here!

The wolf collapsed with a final, pitiful growl, its body twitching before going still. I yanked the ice dagger free and glanced at Titan, who had just crushed another wolf under his massive paw. His glowing blue eyes met mine, and he gave a nod, as if urging me to hurry.

"I know, Titan! Let's move!"

We darted through the forest, the trees blurring past us. My heart pounded, not from the exertion but from the growing dread clawing at my chest. The bad feeling only intensified with every step.

The sounds of battle reached my ears—shouts, growls, and the unmistakable crash of something massive hitting the ground. My village!

I didn't think twice. "Titan, charge!"

Titan rushed forward, his sword shining a dangerous gleam.

---

The scene that greeted me as we burst into the clearing made my blood run cold.

Scarface was grappling with a giant scaled beast, his massive frame straining as he held its jaws open. Gorn was darting around, trying to find an opening to attack, while Tink threw small but precise explosives at the creature, which only seemed to irritate it further.

Boulder stood protectively in front of a group of young monsters, his massive body acting as a shield. Grumpy was trying to help the adventurers, who were clearly overwhelmed despite their best efforts.

The monsters snapped into action, moving with a renewed sense of purpose.

I took a deep breath and activated Frostbound Aura. The temperature in the clearing plummeted, frost spreading across the ground and coating the beast's scales. Its movements slowed, and its growls became more labored.

"Let's end this," I muttered, summoning an ice spear with a flick of my wrist.

With a running start, I hurled the spear with all my strength. It flew through the air like a shard of lightning, striking the beast squarely in the chest. The ice spread rapidly, encasing the creature in a frozen tomb.

Titan leaped onto the ice-covered beast, delivering the final blow with a slash to its neck. The creature let out one last, pitiful roar before collapsing.

The clearing fell silent except for the sound of heavy breathing.

---

Scarface slowly got to his feet, wincing but managing a grin. "You really know how to make an entrance, Boss."

I smirked, trying to hide how much my legs were shaking. "Well, someone has to clean up your messes, right?"

Grumpy approached, his expression softening as he said, "You came back."

I looked around at the relieved faces of my people—Scarface, Gorn, Tink, Boulder, Grumpy—and the exhausted but grateful adventurers.

"I promised I'd help you build a better future," I said quietly, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me. "That doesn't mean abandoning you when you need me most."

Titan padded over, his armor streaked with blood but his posture proud. He let out a satisfied huff, as if to say, Job well done.

I patted his side, then turned to the merchant and her group. "Let's talk trade. After all, that's what you came here for, right?"

The merchant blinked, then let out a breathless laugh.

As well as murmured, "You really are full of surprises, huh?"

Scarface chuckled, clapping me on the back—gently, for once. "Welcome home, Boss."