I Became a Wendigo in a Fantasy World

15 – Episode 15

While he readily accepted Ivan’s request, he couldn’t leave right away.

Whether big or small, Wendigo was the leader of a tribe.

Naturally, he couldn’t move alone. No matter how strong, he needed guards for appearance’s sake, and while he was away, he had to choose someone to take care of his tribe.

Selecting guards wasn’t difficult. Any warrior of the tribe wanted to take on the glorious role.

“If you choose me, I swear to dedicate myself to upholding your honor!”

“I boast being the strongest in the village!”

“I am more confident in cooking than anyone!”

“Idiot, that’s hardly a strength…”

“You’re coming with us.”

“!?”

Wendigo impartially and strictly evaluated the warriors and selected the escorts. Those who were uninjured, had no recent family events, and had good skills were picked as his escorts.

Why were people chosen based on such criteria, rather than skill? Shouldn’t first priority of an escort be good in combat?

‘I don’t need to be the strongest.’

It is natural for the well-placed to receive escorts. After all, the purpose of an escort isn’t solely to ensure personal safety.

In Wendigo’s case, the escorts were a sort of symbol.

‘They’re to show that I am a spirit, not a monster, and I am an entirely safe entity.’

Therefore, it was not necessary to be powerful. It was enough to have sufficient ability to protect oneself.

With the escort problem solved, there was only one issue left.

Finding someone to take care of the tribe. Honestly, Wendigo thought this would be the easiest task.

An individual who had been with him the longest, had remarkable ability to protect the village from any potential danger, and had superior credibility.

“Skadi. I wish you would stay and protect them.”

“But, Wendigo!”

Upon hearing this, Skadi, who had eagerly rushed in response to the summons, looked at Wendigo as if the sky were falling.

She would usually hesitate, but this time it couldn’t be helped. She was the only shaman, so what else could be done? It was the best solution for the village’s safety.

Skadi knew this too, and her pleas were only through her eyes.

“If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have anyone to ask. I’m sorry, but please take care of the tribe.”

“Ugh…”

Skadi couldn’t argue and was saddened. Responsible and diligent Skadi couldn’t afford to throw a tantrum.

Unable to follow, Skadi discharged her frustration in a healthy way. She created amulets for her guards.

The day Wendigo was to depart, she packed the amulets and met them.

The amulet, engraved with a pattern resembling Wendigo’s head.

The amulet had the mystique of absorbing cold and hardening the skin like tree bark.

Every time she hung an amulet around a warrior’s neck, they experienced a majestic swelling in their chests.

“Oh my. Our shaman made all these. Thank you very much!”

“I hope you’ll be strong for Wendigo. Please don’t worry about your families. As Wendigo’s shaman, I’ll take responsibility and ensure your safety.”

Ivan was amazed. Indeed, like a shaman hosting a remarkable spirit, was she not a shaman of splendid quality!

‘I’m envious. It’d be nice if our tribe had people like her too.’

While looking at the guards with eyes full of envy, Skadi approached him. He faced her with immense nervousness.

“Mr. Ivan. You should take one too.”

“Huh? Me?”

As Skadi hung the amulet, Ivan inadvertently accepted it. Was it right to give such a precious thing to an outsider?

Skadi caught Ivan’s hand with a radiant smile, mirroring the sun.

“Of course. You’re someone who’s been acknowledged by Wendigo too. Being acknowledged by Wendigo means you are also a great person. You’re fully worthy of receiving the amulet.”

“Oh…”

Ivan’s heart pounded and his eyes trembled. Although they had not lived together, Ivan felt a deep kinship with them like his townspeople.

“However, if you return to the tribe, it would be good to widely share stories about Wendigo. There are many malicious and petty spirits in the world, but Wendigo is different.”

“Yes, of course! If you compare him with other spirits, he’s really…”

“Like a blessing, right?”

“Yes! Exactly!”

‘It seems Skadi’s skills in charming people are getting better.’

Still, it shouldn’t be a big problem to do so to Ivan, who isn’t a notable person but just a warrior.

Wendigo casually looked past Skadi’s actions.

* * *

Wendigo and the warriors left the village amid cheers.

A forest with no discernible path.

For ordinary people, it would have been a treacherous journey, but to forest people, such routes were a part of everyday life. They moved with no clear formation, yet their movement exuded discipline and coordination.

Wendigo led them into the depths of the forest. The shadow of the dense forest swallowed the sunlight, the autumn weather was chilling, but the forest felt even colder.

Geron, who was serving as a bodyguard, cut down trees with his sword, exhaling heavily.

“Phew, the amulet that the shaman gave us must be a remarkable thing. The trees are frozen solid, yet we don’t feel cold.”

“Absolutely. Have you forgotten who the shaman is? I’m known for my excellent judgment of character, and she stood out from our very first encounter.”

“hahahahaha. It’s peculiar hearing you speak this way.”

It seemed odd to use the term ‘outstanding’ to describe a spirit, one of the most mystical beings in existence.

‘She often seems human. Although she visibly appears as a spirit.’

Geron’s thoughts were not his own alone.

Wendigo provoked not just awe from people, despite being a spirit, he had an innate understanding of human hearts.

His body may not be human, but his spirit definitely was. However, to those who did not know this, Wendigo was an ideal being.

A divine entity with a human heart. Wendigo naturally received love from people because he treated them with humanity.

While the warriors were laughing and talking, Wendigo sensed something strange.

He was troubled by an unfamiliar smell.

‘Judging by the fact that only I can smell it, it’s no ordinary scent.’

The others had not changed their complexion at all. Wendigo realized that this smell was due to his abilities.

As he closed his mouth and lifted his head, Geron signaled for the warriors to stop.

Their jovial expressions disappeared as if they had been a farce, replaced by determination. They began to pull out their weapons and scan their surroundings.

“Spirit, is it an enemy?”

“I’m not sure yet. But… there’s a terrible smell.”

It was not a scent of sin, yet it was filthy and stinky like wastewater. Tracking the scent, Wendigo began to move.

“Follow me! Do not lose sight of the spirit!”

Wendigo adjusted his speed; it was rapid enough by human standards. Geron and the warriors gasped and rushed after him.

Suddenly, Wendigo stopped.

“Kieee!”

“Grr…”

Hideous dwarfs, rotting corpses, and disproportionately large wolves and spiders.

Many monsters were bearing an awful smell. They seemed out of their minds, throwing themselves towards a wooden fence.

On top of the fence, a group of warriors were confronting the monsters with spears and bows.

‘It seems they won’t be able to hold off with those numbers.’

No matter how brave the warriors were, the number could not be ignored. The fence looked ready to collapse at any moment.

“Huh!? Spirit, is this the monster swarm that Ivan spoke of?”

“I’m not sure.”

Would it have taken Ivan this long to find the village?

It did not seem likely. Had it been that far, no matter the presence of the spirit, he would have searched for other tribes first.

Then, why were these creatures here?

“Maybe they’re a vanguard.”

“What? You mean the monsters?”

“Beings that can’t bunch up are bunched up as one, so anything’s possible now.”

When Wendigo confirmed, the warriors were startled. No matter what, monsters being a vanguard?

The warriors didn’t believe it but kept quiet. They trusted the spirit’s words, there must be some possibility.

As Wendigo worked magic, a sword made of roots sprung from the earth, followed by a burst of coldness centering on the hilt, revealing a large and beautiful ice sword.

The size of the ice sword was menacing than before, thanks to the roots serving as a frame.

“Geron. Lead the warriors. Stay at a reasonable distance from me and handle only those who charge towards us.”

“What about the rest?”

“If they run away, let them be. Our job is to make them retreat, not to annihilate them.”

Geron and the warriors nodded. Of course, why would they risk their lives to engage in a bloody battle with the monsters?

Wendigo was satisfied when the warriors gained composure. A modest tension is helpful but too much can cause mistakes.

The rest was left to the capacity of Geron and the warriors.

The Wendigo charged towards the monsters. The monsters, unaware of the Wendigo’s assault, were busy tearing at the fence.

The Wendigo raised his head. He could hear the warriors crying out from atop the fence.

‘Realizing reinforcements…’

“A massive monster has appeared! Everyone, retreat from the fence!”

“sh*t. What kind of monster is wielding a sword!!”

“……”

This situation could easily be misinterpreted. Despite so,

‘I can’t help but be annoyed.’

The Wendigo’s muscles rippled, conveying his rage throughout his body. Eventually, his anger transformed into a powerful sword strike.

The sword swung with an intention to slice down the fence advanced, cleaving the monster. The terrifying noise of destruction echoed through the forest.

Crack!!

“… I made a mistake.”

The force of destruction that surpassed the Wendigo’s expectation just managed to smash the fence that was on the verge of collapse.

The Wendigo stared at the remains of what used to be a fence with trembling eyes. A few warriors were trembling, staring back at him.

“Mo, monster…”

“……”

Wendigo, writhed in embarrassment, lost for words.