I Became a Wendigo in a Fantasy World

13 – Episode 13

Skadi showed more enthusiasm than anyone while Wendigo absorbed the source.

She cared for people’s health, eagerly helped the needy, and shared comforting words with those emotionally struggling.

The defenses of people melted away instantly in the face of her kindness.

“Can’t believe there’s a shaman like Lady Skadi in the world. It’s my first time encountering such a compassionate person.”

“Her character is so noble. What about appearance? It’s a little exotic, but no woman in the village can be compared to Lady Skadi.”

“Surely, if she commands such a spirit, it must be a mighty spirit?”

In a world where kind shamans are hard to come by, Skadi had nothing lacking to be loved by the people.

Her unique appearance was not a significant issue for the folks living in the forest. Their forest life provided no room for such complaints.

The forest was a place infested with beasts, poisonous plants, monsters, and evil spirits.

Harboring discord with others in the forest was foolish. With so much to deal with around them, they didn’t have the luxury to focus on trivial disagreements.

People naturally valued cooperation more than discrimination, which they regarded as pointless. This made the majority dismiss discrimination as a futile endeavor.

When people evaluated and respected Skadi based not on her appearance but her essence, something she had been concealing stirred within her heart!

“This crop will grow healthier if you set up a stake like this and plant these around it.”

“When you slaughter a deer, focus here to get fresher meat.”

“Look, when you’re sick, there’s nothing better than collecting such a medicinal herb from the forest and brewing it well!”

That was her desire for acknowledgement.

She was like a fish in water, wanting to show off her knowledge here and there.

Skadi’s childhood, notoriously annoying.

She could never get any praise, whatever she did. Whenever she achieved something, the villagers spat out curses like, ‘Oh, she must have sold her soul to the demon!’

Of course, Skadi had been praised before. At least her mother recognized her talent, naturally, as she showered her with love.

But Skadi’s craving was not fulfilled merely by her mother’s compliments.

Wanting more praise, more attention, more and more acknowledgment!

“Lady Skadi, our mother has hurt her finger. What herb should we use?”

“Ay, figure out how to handle a little finger injury yourself. Skadi, I have a maiden I’m fond of, and I can’t seem to win her heart… Ouch!”

“Change your tone before asking. Lady Skadi! Answer my question first!”

“Lady Skadi! Lady Skadi!!”

‘Ah, really, I’m lucky to have met Wendigo!’

When Skadi began to express her desires in earnest, it took less than a month for the villagers to regard her as a sage.

You might wonder how a foreigner could achieve this, but think about it carefully.

A young lady appeared out of nowhere and exorcised the evil spirit that had been tormenting the village (Strictly speaking, it was a spirit, and the exorcism was done by Wendigo),

she gave precious herbs and knowledge to the people, supporting their bodies and minds (though the herbs weren’t really rare, and she provided more mundane knowledge),

and even had a pretty face?

So, let’s agree that it’s natural for anyone with eyes to regard Skadi as extraordinary.

The only ones who saw her rationally were Geron and Hegilson…

“Mayor, were the people of our village always so naive?”

“What’s the issue? Both you and the people like Skadi, and she’s a good person.”

“Yeah, I guess… you’re right.”

As the two accepted that what’s good is good, Skadi’s presence grew stronger.

With Wendigo’s new miracle improving soil fertility and even caring for the health of crops,

there was no shortage of fervor in their admiration for Wendigo and Skadi. This was especially in the farming season, where their survival was at stake!

“Such things happened!”

“Hmm, I see.”

Inside the residence built for Wendigo and Skadi,

Skadi sat facing Wendigo, telling him about everything that happened. Wendigo, reading her emotions, nodded cautiously.

Skadi tried to hide it, but Wendigo, whose senses were more sensitive after absorbing the Root, clearly read her emotions.

He never thought she would have been so proactive while he had lost consciousness.

Wendigo’s feelings were subtle regarding her commendable yet burdensome behavior.

‘I’m not in a mood to be angry, but it’s difficult to be pleased either.’

She had done nothing wrong. Well, she had, but she didn’t want to excel to such an extent. Who could have known that Skadi had the talent for provocation, no, leadership. Wendigo carefully stroked Skadi’s hair. Skadi smiled eyes crinkling with mischief, and Wendigo resigned himself, “You are right. What’s done is done. If only I had explained things properly, this wouldn’t have happened.” “But you praised me, Wendigo. This is exactly what you wanted!” Wendigo spent the day unaware of how he encouraged her misunderstanding.

* * *

Wendigo and Skadi decided to stay in the village. They had only recently acquired their mansion, but a home was prepared for him in the village, and her influence made it difficult to leave. After gathering necessary items and casting protection spells on the tomb, they started living in the village. Skadi, busy with conducting meetings and performing magic, left Wendigo with little to do. His main duty was to mediate disputes sitting on a large wooden throne. “I don’t like the rumors that I eat souls when someone commits a crime. But my appearance suggests otherwise, so it can’t be helped.” Wendigo took it in stride. Wendigo guarded their place and Skadi addressed villagers concerns, so the village quickly stabilized.

The one who noticed the village’s change fastest was Geron. He acted swiftly once he felt the change. Geron walked up to Wendigo while he was enjoying grilled venison for lunch. “Spirit. The only one who can oversee this village is Lord Wendigo. I want to resign as village chief!” Even Wendigo, who enjoyed eating could not enjoy his meal when someone suddenly knelt before him. On top of that, the reason why he came was significant too. “You are not one to flatter, so this is not nonsense. But isn’t your status as village chief valuable?” “Not at all. What does it matter if I am not the village chief? We have Spirit Lord and Lady Skadi.” Wendigo read Geron’s emotions. It wasn’t a lie, but he felt some sort of expectation. Had he been a swindler, Geron would have been choked on his venison, but Geron was not a swindler. Wendigo had developed a reasonable understanding of Geron in a short time.

He was a man who loved his village, possessed a flexible mind, and was no pushover; his name was Geron.

“Do you have a wish? Tell me what it is you want.”

“Yes. I want to be the caretaker of your dwelling, the spirit.”

Wendigo fiddled with his beads for a moment before nodding. From Geron’s perspective, it was a reasonably rational desire.

Given that Wendigo and Skadi had shown up, it was inevitable that Geron’s influence would diminish.

If so, surrendering what’s lost and securing what can be obtained would be a win-win.

The title of caretaker might sound silly, but it wasn’t a position anyone could take.

In any organization, the caretaker had a rough time, but also enjoyed many benefits.

There were perks from the higher-ups and the ability to exercise their authority over those below.

“I knew forest people are brave, but I can’t overlook their wisdom, too.”

“No. Compared to the ancient spirit embodying the thousand-year-old forest, my wisdom is modest.”

‘I’ve never lived through a thousand years.’

Wendigo swallowed his impulsive retort. Would he hurt the image Skadi painstakingly built just for a few words’ sake?

As he activated his magic, a tree in the shape of a sword sprang from the ground. The tree whittled itself down, twisted, and changed into a reasonably sized longsword.

“Take it. Its origin is wood, but it will be more durable and sharper than your average sword.”

“!”

Geron knelt in awe and cautiously approached the sword. As he clutched the hilt, the sword adjusted its shape to fit his hand perfectly.

He drew the sword, and he gasped in admiration at the extraordinary energy he felt from it.

‘I can’t boast about having an exceptional eye for swords, but I can tell this sword is special.’

The bronze-colored blade gleamed with a fierce light. Could this really be a wooden sword?

Geron felt an old warrior’s spirit burning avidly within him. He wanted to test the sword right away.

As he stared at the sword in a daze, Wendigo spoke with a low chuckle.

“Ask Skadi what needs to be done as a caretaker. I’m not an expert on such things.”

“My, my apologies. I was so blinded by the treasure you bestowed that I forgot.”

“No worries. I felt bad about taking the chief position from you, but seeing you so happy lightens my heart.”

Loyalty surged within Geron. How could Wendigo say such gracious words?

‘I’ve realized how blasphemous my past doubts were. He bestows such treasures not to burden, but to worry for me. How compassionate is he!’

“I must finish my meal now, so I will take my leave.”

“Yes. Thank you. Thank you!”

Geron, overwhelmed with gratitude, departs, and the Wendigo resumes eating.

Tearing off a whole front leg of the deer and generously slathering it with a secret sauce directly mixed by Skadi, he takes a bite…

Knock knock knock.

“Great spirit, Hegilson wishes to see you. May I let him in?”

“… Let him in.”

Wendigo sighed and put down the deer leg. Work comes first when you don’t fear hunger.

‘I might have been okay if I had hunger to excuse this.’

“Oh, I didn’t realize you were eating, spirit. If you forgive me, I could report next time…”

“That’s not necessary. I don’t get hungry anyway. But Hegilson, it’s been a while.”

Hegilson had become much more robust compared to their first meeting. His muscles, growth of hair, and well-trimmed beard proved quite appealing to the ladies.

“hahahahaha. Since receiving Skadi’s command, I’ve been running around everywhere and haven’t had time to show face in the village.”

“Hmm? Skadi’s command? What did Skadi ask from you?”

“You didn’t know?”

When Hegilson scratched his cheeks and asked back, the Wendigo searched his memory. But nothing came up.

“I don’t remember. What did Skadi command?”

“She asked me to go around towns with reputable names and spread the renown of the Spirit. Ah, really, when I tell them there is such a benevolent spirit, their faces-“

“Wait. What did Skadi ask you to do?”

With one hand covering his face, the Wendigo was lost in confusion. He wondered if his hearing was faulty.

Hegilson answered loudly with a hearty laugh.

“She asked me to spread the renown of the Spirit!”

“Ah, damn it. I heard it correctly, after all.”

Wendigo lost his cool and brushed his head with his hand, sighing deeply.

‘I have awakened a tiger!’

Skadi, she was more passionate than Wendigo had expected.