I Became a Wendigo in a Fantasy World

14 – Episode 14

After Hegilson left boasting of his witty remarks, Wendigo composed himself.

‘I feel dizzy. No, come to think of it, there might have been fewer times I was sane.’

Some degree of fatigue in life was expected since becoming a monstrous deer head. But he hadn’t predicted this kind of exhaustion. Issues in his consciousness were resolved, but who would have known that his mere existence would become the main problem?

As Wendigo gnawed on deer legs bone and all, he sought inner peace. The sweet and salty sauce was truly exquisite.

‘Yes, it’s about survival. Being swamped with accidents and incidents might be usual when living in a world like this.’

It was not a world where you could order food via mobile apps. If you’re unlucky, you may have to risk your life for a piece of bread.

His mind found peace, and even mishaps were seen positively. It was than possible that there were fewer problems than he initially thought.

The people living in the forest were basically tough. The harsh environment made them unavoidably stronger.

These people often tried to solve their own problems and didn’t ask for help.

Furthermore, the Wendigo is a spirit. His abilities were unquestionable, but his temperament could be doubted by anyone.

Even in dire situations, there would surely be few cases where they ask for help from the spirit.

… It must be so.

* * *

Although unknowingly he had become a benevolent, kind, and wise spirit, Wendigo’s daily life had not significantly changed.

Chatting with Scadi, pondering the mysteries, hunting for sport, and making significant decisions for the village – that was all there was to it. After spending roughly two months in tranquility, Wendigo concluded that his worries had been unfounded. The village was extraordinarily peaceful.

“Peace is such a wonderful thing, isn’t it, Geron?”

“Yes. All of this is merciful, and righteous…”

“Ah, Geron. I beg you to spare me the cloying sap. It’s exhausting enough hearing those words at Scadi’s assemblies.”

“hahahahaha. Very well.”

Wendigo grimaced as he chewed on a ripe fruit, which amused Geron. What an anomaly he was.

‘Truly, you are rewarding to serve.’

Even the chieftains of the tribes living south of the forest struggled to maintain their dignity and power, yet this entity felt no such struggle.

There was no need for it. The entity was dignified in his existence, and his character was more than deserving of respect.

Geron continued with a cheerful smile.

“Peace is desirable, indeed. Normally, we’d be fretting over how to gather food for winter or how to combat the harsh cold.”

Not that he was complaining about the ease of his chieftain’s mantle. Most problems were solved under Scadi’s guidance.

The cold, after all, was a kind of chill. As long as it fell under Wendigo’s influence, warding off the cold was no problem.

“Planting the totem made by Scadi does keep the village warm.”

“Yes, and we should soon harvest the crops blessed by the entity… There’s no reason for concern about famine when a bountiful harvest awaits. hahahahaha!.”

Such luxury was possible because of Wendigo’s unending mystic power and although he didn’t do much, he felt proud.

‘My mystic presence in itself is like my contribution.’

It wasn’t wrong and nobody would argue. Even Scadi, who had directed the project, would nod in agreement if she heard it.

This way, they could spend winter in peace.

‘Wait, usually thinking this way leads to trouble…’

“Entity, an outsider has requested to see you. Shall we allow them into the village?”

“Why does such bad foresight always come true?”

“Shall I tell them to leave?”

Chewing on a fruit, Wendigo pondered.

The village had found sufficient calmness and with winter due soon, everyone was set to tread carefully. Even if they sent back the outsider and incurred his resentment, retaliation was surely not easy. Especially considering that the presence of the elemental in the village indicated that there wasn’t one in the place he came from. ‘But still, it’s okay to listen to his story.’ It didn’t matter if they met or not, but isolation wasn’t what the world offered. If they were to inevitably face each other someday, wouldn’t it be better not to be caught by surprise?

“Tell him to wait a moment. Geron, clear the food.”

“Yes. I’ll call people to clear it up.”

Following Geron’s instruction, people cleared the meal and tidied up. As time passed, Wendigo commanded authoritatively.

“Let him in.”

The door opened and a man stepped inside.

His robust body was coated with unhealed scars and uncombed hair.

The man, resembling a savage, stepped inside with a cautious gaze, then recoiled in surprise.

Muscles filled his frame, and covering them were thick hide and skin, casting a menacing gleam from the deer’s skull atop.

Wendigo’s appearance had a power that daunted people, a naturally flowing energy that sent shivers down one’s spine.

“Do not fear. Appearance aside, I do not eat humans.”

“So-sorry!”

Wendigo calmed the man, knowing that his words wouldn’t resonate. The man, greatly startled, kneeled.

“Right. You must have a reason to come despite your fear. Tell me. Why have you sought me out?”

The man couldn’t easily open his mouth. Wendigo sensed the man’s feelings.

The scent of utter confusion. It seemed that the man was certainly in conflict.

He had indeed come casually to solve the issue, but he clearly was unsure about whether this was the right choice or not.

Wendigo decided to put the man at ease.

“Well, all this time I’ve had a guest and we haven’t shared a cup of tea yet to break the ice. How rude of me.”

“No, it is not necessary! I could not impose on a spirit like you…”

“Please, just drink. By the looks of it, you seem to have been having a tough time lately. Aren’t you supposed to rest a little at times like this?”

Geron, who had been waiting outside, brought in some warm tea.

Unfortunately, there was no tea for Wendigo. Due to his large size, he couldn’t drink out of a regular cup. He usually didn’t bother to drink tea.

“It’s good for your health, so finish it.”

“Th-thank you.”

The man seemed unsure of what to do as he took a sip.

The bitter-sweet taste coated his mouth harmoniously. He had to let out an expression of admiration.

“My goodness, I’ve never tasted any tea like this.”

“Not only does it taste good but it also helps restore your energy.”

The man’s eyes fluttered. Caught off guard by this unexpected hospitality, he felt his tension ease and his heart stir with warmth.

As the atmosphere softened, Wendigo began a proper conversation.

“We haven’t even introduced ourselves. My name is Wendigo, a spirit residing in this village.”

“Well, I am Evan from the Berren tribe. A travelling herbalist and warrior.”

Herbalist and warrior wasn’t a common combination, but it was typical for people living in the forest.

In such places, where an attack could happen at any time, everybody lived a warrior’s life.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t know where the Berren tribe is located.”

“It’s expected. There are many tribes scattered here and there, and none are particularly large.”

Living together in the forest was not always ideal. Even the Nidhogg tribe’s village represented their entire tribe.

As they exchanged small talk and the atmosphere became more friendly, Wendigo asked an important question.

“There must be a reason why you’ve journeyed through dangerous roads to find our village. What brought you here?”

“…In fact, recently, there has been a disturbing uneasiness in the inner forest.”

“A disturbing feeling? Did any evil spirits appear?”

Honestly, whether spirit or evil spirit, both were viewed as similar calamities, but people tended to view evil spirits as a greater threat, so it was more likely.

Ivan lowered his head. If it had been a demon or a spirit, he could have prepared for it. There were many pitiful things called evil spirits, and to that extent, humans could repel them by being prepared to fight to the death. Spirits, well… they often lost interest once their demands were met.

“The creature was not a demon. What we saw was a horde of monsters.”

“A horde of monsters, what kind were they. Goblins? Ghouls? Big spiders?”

Wendigo recited the types of monsters that came to mind. According to Scadi’s knowledge, they all lived in this forest.

Ivan again lowered his head, his expression turning grave.

“Please don’t doubt what I have to say.”

“Alright, let’s hear it.”

When Wendigo responded nonchalantly, Ivan spoke with a stern face.

“The monsters you mentioned formed a single horde and were all moving south. There might have been even more types of monsters.”

“…So that’s your big reveal? You’re more trivial than I thought.”

“!?”

Ivan can’t hide his surprise at Wendigo’s dismissive response.

Each monster, while collectively referred to as such, were indeed different species. Naturally, different species regarded each other as prey or enemies.

So, the fact that each of these species that wouldn’t naturally join together were forming a single horde and moving southward was alarming. Even the warriors who saw it with their own eyes couldn’t believe it, let alone Wendigo’s indifference.

“Do you perhaps know?”

“No, it’s just that if a forest folk as hard and sturdy as a hundred-year-old tree and as stubborn as a rock is seeking the help of another tribe, it won’t be for a trifle.”

Wendigo elegantly cloaked his ‘how would I know’ response.

Ivan was moved by this unexpected praise. Truly, a kind spirit did exist in this world.

‘Surely the jester Hegilson’s words were true!’

While Ivan was sorting out his overwhelming emotions, Wendigo was lost in thought. It seemed like this unavoidable event regardless. He wasn’t sure what the monsters’ intentions were, but they weren’t certainly there for any friendly reasons, and that meant a conflict was inevitable at any moment. There was an option to abandon the village and flee, but he didn’t want that.

‘I’ve started to adapt, I don’t want to be driven out.’

Which meant he had to confront the monsters…

“This is a serious issue, after all. If we move as a tribe, many will end up losing their lives to no avail. I’ll help.”

“Are, are you saying you’ll help?”

Wendigo simply nodded. Ivan, overwhelmed by his feelings, failed to hold back his tears.

‘Such a truly benevolent spirit!’

‘If we get the focal point right, other tribes will want to gather, too.’

Contrary to Ivan’s misconception, Wendigo did not offer to help simply out of compassion. This was a matter of efficiency.

Regardless of how strong one was, he had only one body, two if Skadi was included, but whether these two could cover the entire village was uncertain.

Wendigo had no intention of throwing himself into a future he couldn’t assure. With just a bit of inconvenience, he could secure the safety of the village. It was hardly a nuisance.

“Let’s form an alliance with neighboring tribes together. If the spirit guarantees it, they’ll believe us.”

“Thank you! Thank you so much!”

“I understand your gratitude, but stop crying. We’ve got a lot to do ahead.”

“Yes!”

Ivan swallowed his tears and bulged his eyes. Worry faded and courage kindled; his eyes vivid enough to be called a warrior’s. Wendigo nodded in satisfaction.

‘Seeing a grown man cry is somewhat…’

Unaware of his thoughts, Ivan’s respect for him swelled. Sometimes, ignorance was bliss.