I Became a Wendigo in a Fantasy World

28 – Episode 28

A week had passed since Oneton issued unilateral threats.

A week was enough time for people to settle in and adapt to the village.

In the monastery’s conference room, Wendygo faced the people. Representatives of each tribe sat on chairs arranged in a long row, looking at Wendygo.

When Wendygo, with his imposing figure, glared down at them with a fierce look, they swallowed dry saliva.

‘If only he were a bit smaller in size, he wouldn’t be as frightening.’

‘If only his head wasn’t just bones… No, if it was a real deer head, that would be equally terrifying.’

Fear and respect naturally manifested in their attitudes. They looked at Wendygo without a hint of wavering.

Naturally, this scene also caught the eyes of Skadi, who occupied the seat right next to Wendygo.

She maintained a cool expression like a sorceress, but deep satisfaction filled her heart.

‘This is the attitude one must have to serve Lord Wendygo!’

Skadi was not someone who enjoyed a sense of superiority or discrimination, but she also didn’t deny that sometimes it was necessary.

Depending on how you use it, superiority becomes dignity, and discrimination makes people humble.

Of course, Wendygo didn’t particularly like this atmosphere.

It wasn’t that he suddenly developed enthusiasm for democracy. He simply thought that such a heavy atmosphere would hinder efficiency.

‘The atmosphere is too heavy. It’s hard to express opinions like this.’

When the atmosphere is heavy, it becomes difficult to voice one’s opinions.

Wendigo flicked her wrist towards Geron, who approached her with graceful steps.

“Do you have any tasks for me?”

“Are there any herbs left from Skadi’s last collection? She said we could brew tea with them.”

“Yes. There are quite a few left, but…”

“Bring me some tea with those. We made time for the meeting even though they weren’t available. The least we can do is provide refreshments.”

“!”

The attendees at the meeting opened their eyes wide. It might not be such a big deal to be served tea made from herbs, but for them, it was quite significant.

Anything belonging to a shaman was considered mysterious in the eyes of others.

And the herbs personally collected by the shaman were never ordinary objects.

They had to be valuable enough that the shaman would extract them personally, rather than entrusting them to others!

“To think that she would serve tea made from such precious herbs. Truly, she is not like a spirit at all.”

“If only all spirits were like her.”

The fear in people’s hearts diminished, replaced by a stronger sense of goodwill.

Even if someone was difficult or even a spirit, it was only natural for one’s heart to soften when they were taken care of.

Wendigo sensed their emotions, her conscience pricking at her. No, there was no need to sense their emotions.

Just by looking into their eyes, she could tell what they were thinking.

“…In truth, these herbs were collected by Skadi herself because she didn’t want to rest.”

Even though gaining people’s favor was important, it wasn’t worth wasting precious herbs.

Using them for such trivial matters could lead to trouble if there was a shortage during a truly important moment.

If Skadi hadn’t brought a bunch of herbs, Wendy would have asked for a regular tea.

Geront knew immediately what herbs Wendy was referring to and his eyes lit up.

“I’ll bring you something suitable.”

“Please do.”

Understanding the meaning in his eyes, Wendy responded with the same look.

After a while, Geront returned with the tea, accompanied by the elders.

A tea with the distinct sweetness of honey and the refreshing scent of herbs.

Those who attended the meeting tasted the tea and exclaimed in admiration. Just one sip was enough to feel a surge of vitality in their bodies.

“May we taste such an excellent tea?”

“Herbs will grow again with time, but you won’t. I value the company of those who are with me more than the herbs.”

“Oh, Spirit!”

The people behind Wendy seemed to emit a halo.

Of course, the combination of deer bone and halo was not particularly impressive, but it was still a touching sight.

Feeling that the people’s hearts had warmed enough, Wendy started to speak.

“It’s not the best time to bring up this story when everyone is happy… but there is something I need to tell you.”

“What story is it? Is another demon appearing, by any chance?”

“Why suddenly mention a demon?”

Wendy expressed her confusion at the mention of a demon.

She had never encountered a demon before, so why bring up a story about demons all of a sudden?

“What? Didn’t you lead us to subdue demons, Spirit?”

“This friend here, they must be a dragon, not a devil.”

“I heard they’re a parasite…”

Perhaps it’s because of the warm tea.

People sipped their tea and shared their experiences.

Wendigo found themselves caught in a situation where they had captured the dragon who had once been a parasite and ascended to being a devil.

As Wendigo pondered what to do about this, Scadi slammed the table and exclaimed with venomous anger.

“What are you all doing in front of Wendigo? Have you forgotten that Wendigo is still speaking?”

“Sorry, sorry.”

“Ahem. Why are you making such strange remarks?”

“No, I really did hear that…!”

Thunk!

When Scadi stared at the man with a chilling gaze, the man who had mentioned the devil story fell silent.

If he said a little more, he might even be killed by the shaman!

Feeling his life threatened, the man hurriedly bowed his head and begged for forgiveness.

“I’m sorry! I got carried away!”

“Whether it’s a devil or a dragon, isn’t it more important that we have come together with the same purpose? I’m fine, so lift your heads.”

As the man looked up with joy, Scadi clicked their tongue. People tensed up at Scadi’s unusual strictness.

If I offend Wendygo in front of Scadi, I’ll have to pay my respects!

“Looking at it closely, it’s my fault for inciting, or rather, embellishing the story too much… I apologize.”

If I had said from the beginning that it was not a devil but a wicked dragon, I wouldn’t have faced this kind of persecution.

Wendigo cleared his throat unnecessarily, overcoming the awkwardness.

“Well, let’s continue the story. You all remember the recent wolf attacks, right?”

“Yes, of course. Have you noticed any suspicious signs?”

When a man inquired, Wendigo nodded. People began sharing their stories with serious expressions.

“The old shaman we met once said that the animals roaming in winter are possessed by spirits.”

“Foolish. It’s spring now.”

“For the wolves from the south, it might feel like winter. The spring in the forest can be harsher than the south’s winter.”

“Indeed… there may be some truth to it.”

It was a foolish tale, but Wendigo didn’t dismiss it. Such conversations helped create an atmosphere where opinions could be freely expressed.

Listening to their stories for a while, Wendigo raised his hand, signaling to pause the discussion.

“Speculating based on one’s knowledge is a good attitude.”

“Was there a correct answer among our opinions?”

“Unfortunately, no. The wolves are acting on the behalf of an outsider spirit.”

At the mention of spirits, people wrinkled their brows. Just when life seemed to be getting easier, why would spirits come and cause chaos?

“So, about these spirits…”

“They will visit the prosperous folks in the south, not the forest. Greedy bastards. My father used to say spirits are harsher than a hungry wolf.”

As people gossiped about the misdeeds of the spirits, Wendigo was a bit taken aback. It wasn’t that he felt stung by any particular comment.

What surprised him was that the resentment towards spirits was stronger than he thought.

From the people’s perspective, Wendigo was no different from a spirit.

So, I thought you might be quite friendly towards spirits…

“Though it might be a bit odd to say this in the current situation… do you all not think of me as a spirit?”

“While you are indeed a spirit… you are not like any ordinary spirit, are you?”

Everyone nodded in agreement at the man’s response. It was not an incorrect statement.

He was a spirit, but… not like any ordinary spirit. A spirit that used its power for the sake of others.

Perhaps, if they hadn’t seen it with their own eyes, they would have ignored it for a lifetime.

“Spirits… seem to have a worse reputation than I thought.”

It couldn’t be helped that the dependents, who would have gone extinct if they hadn’t had any power, were without much strength.

“I appreciate your kind thoughts. Anyway, tell me about the spirit that controlled the wolves.”

Wendigo spoke of Oneton. There was no need for embellishment to incite their fury.

Just the mention of his appearance was enough to darken the expressions on people’s faces.

“To think such an evil spirit exists!”

“Well, spirits are inherently evil, aren’t they? In all seriousness.”

“Still, there should be limits. Oh, spirit, you must never let him roam free!”

Wendigo nodded. The heated gazes of the people were fixed on Wendigo’s mouth.

“Now, listen well. This is my plan.”

* * *

On the eastern outskirts of the forest.

A place where various supernatural beings pitched their tents and established their stronghold.

Oneton, in the largest and most extravagant tent there, was enjoying his meal.

However, that meat was no ordinary meat…

“Have you still not captured any humans? The numbers are too low…”

“…The commoners are not familiar with the forest, so it will take time.”

“Tsk… That’s why I didn’t specifically assign beasts to assist you.”

Oneoneton chewed and swallowed the human flesh, eyeing the werewolf chief in front of him.

The werewolf chief and leader of the Blue Maned Tribe, Lectar, trembled with fury as a strong aura passed by his neck.

“Damn spirit… “

Lectar suppressed his anger internally.

In his heart, he wanted to resist and rise up against Oneoneton… but Lectar couldn’t do it.

It wasn’t because he was afraid of Oneoneton. A true warrior isn’t afraid of spirits.

However, he couldn’t draw his sword. Oneoneton knew the reason and sneered.

“Your father was an exceptional warrior and a true wolf. Although he risked his life in the enemy’s tricks, I still respect your father.”

“I am also my father’s son and a wolf! If you think you can ridicule me…”

“If you don’t like it, prove yourself to me. Just like how your father sacrificed his life for the heart and glory of the Spirit.”

Oneoneton taunted Lectar while licking the blood on his muzzle. He wasn’t disrespecting Lectar specifically.

It was just his twisted nature.

Lectar knew this fact, but he couldn’t contain his anger.

If this damn spirit didn’t have such power, I would have severed his neck!

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“I will gain enough strength to satisfy you and kill you first!”

Lectar gritted his teeth fiercely and stepped forward with determination. Oneoneton watched him with a mocking laughter.

“Stubborn fellow. Did you think I wouldn’t know what you’re thinking?”

Among the infamous evil spirits, Oneton was a born villain.

Even just hitting the back of his head for the sake of mystery, he had over a dozen followers.

Although he was skilled in betrayal, Oneton knew that Lectar was even better at it.

“I’m using his abilities, but… I must obtain enough mystery, kill him, and establish a new puppet. If only he were as foolish as my father, it would’ve been easier.”

Thinking that Lectar would attack if he knew, Oneton got lost in his thoughts.

“Quite some time has passed. By now, he’s probably let his guard down.”

Oneton recalled the spirit he met a few days ago. It was none other than Wendy.

Oneton had so naturally planned to hit Wendy on the back of her head.

Even if she was just a puny human, Oneton was too greedy to simply let her go.

“Above all, it’s almost impossible to obtain mystery from that spirit…”

“Oh no!”

Startled, Oneton glared at Lectar as he hurriedly entered the tent.

He was enjoying a pleasant imagination, and now he had to deal with interruptions… It was unacceptable.

“You’ve come into my tent so recklessly, it must be something serious…”

“Our warriors have fallen! They were ambushed by a giant with deer antlers and annihilated during the village raid!”

“…Did you just say a giant with deer antlers?”

“That’s right. Do you know anything about it?”

Oneton trembled with anger.

This godforsaken backwater town dares to provoke me!

“… Is that information brought by a survivor?”

“Yes, that’s right. But more importantly, do you know who it is?”

“Shut up! I’ll hear the story and then decide. Bring him to me!”

As Onerthon’s momentum surged, Lektar spat out curses and went outside the tent.

Left alone, Onerthon couldn’t contain his anger any longer and vented it out.

The howl of an enraged wolf echoed across the wide plain.