CH 7

“By the way, what should I call you?”

I was with the daughter after the talks with the grandfather finished.

I was told we’d discuss the finer details after he disciplines the father for his behavior, and the daughter wolf was chosen to be my chaperone until then.

“Let’s see… how about ojou-sama (my lady)?”

“I thought you weren’t so fond of formalities.”

“Our names are very important to ourselves, so I can’t let you refer to me by name so easily.”

Apparently what’s seen as just a way to refer to someone in human civilization has a completely different meaning for monsters.

The act of giving a name to a monster is equivalent to validating their existence, and it goes as far as the godparent sharing part of their soul to the one they give the name to.

There have actually been cases where people have died by trying to recklessly sign contracts with monsters, having their souls decayed.

And if you give names to multiple monsters, you can end up giving the entirety of your own soul away.

Because of these dangers, there are some countries that have banned “name-giving”.

“Then… how’s ojou (miss)? It’s not as stiff right?”

“Mmm… well, it’s a bit boring but it’s a safe bet.”

“From now on then, ojou it is.”

Alright, it’s decided.

It really was inconvenient without anything to refer to her as.

“And I’ll keep calling you Ryu.”

“Yeah, no problem with that.”

The sun had already started to rise after the most eventful night of my life, started with what I initially thought was a wolf attack.

Later on when the sun had risen a little more, my first training session commenced.

It was to go hunting with ojou and a few other wolves.

Being considerate about my strength, the hunting target was a relatively weak monster, the “pig headed monster”, orc.

“This is actually my first time going hunting.”

“Do humans not go hunting?”

“I mean I guess we do, but…”

I’m a commoner, and a… tamer.

Only the people with occupations like [Hunter] and [Knight] go out hunting.

“Don’t you think humans are way too concerned with those occupation things?”

Maybe. But I’ll have you know I’m different, I’m doing my best even as a tamer.

“By the way, could I at least have something that could be used as a weapon? I have nothing to use.”

“You don’t need to be worried about that point. Here, grandfather gave this to me for you.”

Saying that, she revealed… the tip of a fang?

“Where’s that fang from?”

“It’s grandfather’s. He told me to give it to you as a show of thanks.”

The grandfather’s? That must be practically priceless…

The size is about that of a dagger, so it won’t have much range but it sure does look sharp and nice to use.

“I better say my thanks to him later then.”

“Mhm, yeah. But I think he would be even happier if you brought back orcs as a souvenir.”

Alright alright, I get that you want to go hunting already.

We moved to near the entrance of the forest.

Ojou’s scouting makes it super easy to find where the orcs are!

“Later in the future you’re gonna have to be able to do this yourself.”

“Later, yeah, someday later.”

Before I learn that I’ve got to build my physique anyway.

After walking a bit, we found 6 orcs.

It’s my first time seeing orcs this close up. They really do walk with two feet!

“Ryu. It’ll be good if you can defeat even one, so just focus on one and let us handle the rest.”

“Thanks, that’ll really help.”

Now which orc should I choose… they all have weapons so I assume they have a bit of intelligence.

Then again the weapons are just clubs, so maybe I’ll get off without major injuries even if I get hit?

But it would be a huge mistake to underestimate monsters, so I should avoid it as much as possible.

“When should I go in to attack?”

“Up to you.”

It seems they’ll adjust to my timing. That’s nice.

“Alright, ready?”

Ojou and the others also get ready to start dashing.

Oh, the orcs suddenly look cautious of something. Maybe it’s their natural instincts kicking in.

I steady my breath.

My first hunting expedition. I can’t help but be nervous, but this is the first step I need to take if I want to be strong!

I spring out of the bushes.

…Wait what???! The wolves are way too fast, it’s already turned into a 1v1! What sort of speed is that?!

Even the opposing orc is visibly shaken! I mean why wouldn’t it be!

I take the opportunity to cut off the arm holding the club, and quickly circle to the back to get its leg next! The orc turns around as it notices, but too late! As it loses balance and falls forward, I move to get the other arm! Lastly, as the orc shows a face full of shock, I cut off its neck in one clean slice.

“Huff, huff…”

Somehow I got one. No injuries to boot, but I feel awfully fatigued. I guess this is how it feels like to be in the face of death.

“You cut it up into quite a lot of pieces didn’t you.”

“Ojou…”

I even struggle to stand up.

“It’s difficult to bring this all back like this… Well we don’t need to bring the head though.”

“Oh, I wasn’t thinking about that. Sorry.”

My mind was fully occupied with just the thought of killing it.

“You could have just gone for the head from the start.”

Don’t be complaining like that… I’m still trying my best here.

“Phew, I’m tired.”

I’ll just head back for now. It seems we’re bringing these orcs back to the pack now anyway.

One of the wolves is carrying two orcs, so I help with my part, carrying one as well.