NOVEL NEXT Chapter 77 - Chapter 77: Black Panther Part 1
Chapter 77: Black Panther Part 1
It seems like we’ve been under observation for a while now. However, the intention behind it is completely unreadable from those amber-colored eyes. It appears as if it’s searching for prey, yet at the same time, it seems to be observing us whimsically. Either way, something with overwhelming power is calmly looking down at us from far above, almost as if assessing us.
It’s definitely not a pleasant feeling. The psychological pressure makes both the body and mind heavy. Should we attack, flee, or…?
Judging by Shiro and Elizabeth’s reactions, it would be difficult for everyone to survive a straightforward battle. Someone… at least I, would likely perish. Even Elizabeth, who exhibits typical herbivore characteristics, felt overwhelmed the first time she encountered it. What this gigantic black panther, possessing all the characteristics of a carnivorous beast, brings is nothing short of despair. That jaw could crush bones with a single bite, without exception, for anyone other than Elizabeth.
Would we stand a chance if Pink took the initiative? I believe our firepower is sufficient. However, can we actually hit it…? Pink has been staring at the black panther since earlier. Such a reaction is unusual. It seems this opponent won’t be easily dealt with. Kuro has a knife but isn’t particularly poised. She’s just observing the black panther intently. It’s unusually quiet, unlike her usual self. Shiro stands in front of me, constantly shifting her position anxiously. She might be envisioning multiple battles in her mind. And none of them seem to be going well. I can’t tell what expression she’s wearing now. But despite usually feeling reliable, her back shows no signs of composure. Zamza and Gisella have weapons at hand. However, since recognizing the black panther, they’ve been merely panting heavily, unable to even prepare properly. Everyone is filled with tension, yet unable to take the next step. The one truly in control of the situation is undoubtedly the black panther. The serene atmosphere of just a moment ago has vanished in an instant.
“…Maybe we should just leave it alone? We haven’t been harmed, and we can’t do anything about it anyway.”
For some reason, Mil seems oddly calm. Come to think of it, during the village defense, faced with countless black wolves on the hill, she remained unfazed. Despite her tendency to say peculiarly delicate things until just a few hours ago, she might be the most resilient among us. Whether it’s due to her race or simply because she’s a bit crazy…
“I can’t help but think Mil’s dead inside when it comes to fear and anxiety… but she might have a point. Right, Shiro? Would it be dangerous to leave it be?”
“I don’t know… But probably, even if we fought seriously, except for Pink, none of us would stand a chance… Ah.”
The black panther’s figure suddenly disappeared.
It happened in the instant Shiro was speaking. All that’s visible where the black panther was is the cliff wall and the starry sky. It’s the same view as always at our hideout.
“…Did it leave?”
“I… can’t feel its presence anymore.”
Did that really just happen? It feels like I just saw an illusion. Shiro’s expression remains stern. Gisella lets out a deep breath, and Zamza sits down, defeated. Kuro puts away her knife and returns to knitting. Quite a quick change of pace…
“I’ll keep watch tonight. Pink, take care of Bonus, okay?”
Shiro declares, extending her index finger towards us. Pink gives a small nod, clasping her tiny hands together.
These two seem surprisingly close…
“Shiro, I’ll take over halfway through.”
“Children, go to sleep.”
Zamza offers to stand guard but is bluntly refused, looking dejected. It’s a bit pitiful, but if that black panther were to come, only Kuro and Shiro would likely be able to move properly.
“Gyau gyau?”
“Right. Please.”
Kuro also seems to be keeping watch with Shiro. However, what would happen if that black panther suddenly attacked? Shiro might be ready to confront it head-on at the crack, but even with Kuro and Shiro, it would be tough…
“I appreciate the watch, but I can’t bear the thought of you two dying,”
“But Bonus… Even so, it’s better than all of us being wiped out,”
“No, that’s not true. If it comes to that, struggling futilely and dying together as three would be better than just surviving. Shiro, you’d feel the same if the roles were reversed,”
“Ugh, seriously!”
Shiro stomped her feet, unable to express her feelings. Surprisingly cute gestures. While I understand her feelings, there might be another way to survive besides just staying alive.
“Simply sleeping in the narrowest part of the crevice in the cliff might keep it from entering. And if necessary, it would be easier to counterattack with Pink,”
“That’s true. Even if we keep watch, we could rest our bodies inside the crevice. At least, we wouldn’t be immediately killed. Then, we could take turns keeping watch,”
.
“That seems like the most practical solution,”
Shiro still seemed somewhat unconvinced. Well, felines can easily squeeze into tight spaces like liquids… It’s not necessarily safe. But there doesn’t seem to be a better option.
“Alright, I understand…”
“We’ve had some quiet days recently, but today has been too eventful,”
“Even so, that black panther was unexpectedly menacing,”
Shiro sounds quite nervous compared to her usual composed self. It must be quite a threat. I’m anxious about tonight, but even if we get through it, what should we do tomorrow? We had plans for rebuilding. Will we actually make it to Savoia in three days?
For a while after that, everyone except Kuro and Mil seemed uneasy and spoke little. Elizabeth forcibly squeezed her body into the narrow crevice in the cliff, where she usually wouldn’t go. Her horns seem to get caught, and she’s clearly struggling to find a comfortable position. Will we be able to sleep tonight?
Thinking about tomorrow, my mind spins with no good ideas coming to me. Somehow, I had assumed our hideout was our safety zone. But perhaps I should have examined this place more and devised ways to protect ourselves. When we first arrived here, we were much more cautious in everything we did. In the end, nothing has fundamentally changed from the days when we timidly hid in the shadows, relying solely on Pink for protection. We’ve become too dependent on each other. That’s always been my way. No matter how many times I fail, I quickly let my guard down. Maybe it would be better to abandon the hideout and move to Savoia. Perhaps due to the shock of being tired and overwhelmed, my thoughts are shifting in a negative direction…
“Gyau gyau,”
Kuro approaches me cheerfully, pushing the brush towards me as usual. I take the brush and sit cross-legged, and Kuro sits down next to me. As I gently brush her hair, I remember when I first met her. She was much smaller then and much weaker. Whenever we encountered a Kidanakemo, all we could do was hide and run. Once we managed to regroup, we entrusted everything to Pink and prayed. Then, watching Pink burn down the Kidanakemo, Kuro would cheer and dance around. …Yeah, back then, we were living on the edge of death at any moment.
“It wasn’t too long ago, but it feels nostalgic,”
“But even in those dangerous days in the hideout, we felt a deep sense of satisfaction amidst the anxiety,”
“It felt like we had truly obtained freedom for the first time in our lives.”
“Thinking back on those days, the appearance of a frightening black panther doesn’t seem like such a big deal.”
“Gyaau~”
“That might be going too far.”
“Gyau gyau!”
“Of course, being complacent is not good~.”
Nowadays, Kuro has also become strong, and we have more reliable comrades. Still, in the end, both I and my comrades will easily meet our end. No matter how far we go from here on out, that won’t change as long as we’re alive. That’s why I feel like I must never let go of the feeling of freedom we obtained back then. As I comb Kuro’s hair, my thoughts start to organize themselves, and I feel lighter.
“I’m really glad I met you.”
“Gyau? Gyau gyau~!”
Kuro turns around and, while shining her remarkably beautiful eyes, continues to make a racket as usual. I’m still anxious, and I still feel fear. But thanks to Kuro, my feelings have become more organized.
“But… I’m a bit worried about Shiro.”
“Gyau gyau!”
Maybe because I’ve relaxed a bit, now I’m worried about Shiro. She’s been on edge ever since then. Even now, she’s staring intently at her surroundings from the farthest position. It’s the same expression as when we first met.
As I think about these things, I start to feel a little sleepy. With a fuzzy head, I observe everyone, who seem closer than usual.
Zamza, who said he would keep watch together, was the first to fall asleep. For a while longer, he’ll probably be treated like a child by Shiro.
Gisella and Mil are having a serious conversation. From the faintly heard words, it seems like they’re talking about something lewd. Gisella is surprisingly composed…
Kuro and Shiro seem to be talking together. Since they’re the farthest from the crevice, I can’t hear their conversation. But I feel like Shiro’s expression has softened slightly. Between those two, I feel a unique bond, different from the one I share with them. They value and respect me. But in terms of trust, I feel like what they have between them is much stronger. Comrades, or colleagues, or seniors and juniors… Well, I don’t really understand it. It’s been a tiring day in many ways. Anyway… I just want to safely greet tomorrow morning.