NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11 - Episode 011: Headhunter, Welcoming a New Family Member
Episode 011: Headhunter, Welcoming a New Family Member
Having saved the fluffies and acquired the materials, all’s well that ends well.
“Well then, take care.”
Ack stored the Elder Treant’s body in his magic bag and turned away after speaking to the Bigtails.
“Kuu, kuu.”
However, the Bigtails cried out, as if trying to stop Ack.
“Hmm, what’s wrong?”
“Kuu kuu, kuu!!”
Turning around, Ack saw the Bigtails clustering together, as if pleading for something.
Their feelings somehow reached Ack through his potential as their tamer.
“Do you want to come with me?”
“Kuu.”
All five Bigtails nodded in unison in response to Ack’s question.
Bigtails are among the weakest monsters, surrounded by threats. They are targeted not only by other monsters but also by beginner adventurers eager for easy prey. Enduring days filled with fear, they longed to escape. And today, attacked by a strong monster, their lives were nearly at an end. But fate intervened, and they were rescued by a stronger human. Being with this person meant they could live in peace. The Bigtails’ survival instinct pleaded for this.
For Ack, this was like a dream come true. Being able to tame cute fluffy monsters was something he desired. There was no reason to refuse.
“Understood. But are you okay with being tamed?”
“Kukuu.”
The five Bigtails readily accepted the conditions and became Ack’s tamed monsters.
“Well then, make sure you hold on tight, okay?”
“Kuuu!?”
Even so, the speed was considerable for the Bigtails, and they desperately clung on to avoid being blown away.
It took Ack about 15 minutes to return home at three-quarters speed to ensure the Bigtails could endure.
“Oh! Are you safe? You came back much sooner than expected. Did you fail to defeat the Elder Treant?”
It hadn’t been two hours since Ack had left.
The gatekeeper was worried that Ack’s return was too quick, fearing he might have failed.
“No, I defeated it.”
“Really!? Do you have any proof?”
“This is part of the Elder Treant’s body.”
“…Indeed, this must be from the Elder Treant. Thank you. We were all troubled because no one could defeat it.”
Though the gatekeeper couldn’t believe Ack’s speed, seeing the branch from the Elder Treant taken out of the magic bag made him understand that Ack was telling the truth, and he bowed his head in gratitude.
One of the earning sources was drying up, causing concern among novice adventurers. As a member of the town, he had been worried but felt helpless. He had endured frustration, but now the problem was finally resolved. He felt especially relieved.
“I just needed the Elder Treant’s body. Don’t worry about it.”
“Hahaha. Even so.”
The gatekeeper patted Ack on the back.
“Huh? Are those Bigtails? What’s going on?”
The gatekeeper finally noticed that Ack was carrying and holding the Bigtails.
“They’re my tamed familiars.”
“I see. Sorry for keeping you. Please go. I’ll entrust you with the report on the Elder Treant’s subjugation and the registration of your familiars.”
“Got it.”
Released by the gatekeeper, Ack went to the Adventurers Guild to register his familiars and report the subjugation of the Elder Treant. The guild was abuzz with excitement, as if a hornet’s nest had been stirred. Unfortunately, because of this commotion, Ack returned to the inn a bit later than planned.
“Tina.”
“Welcome back.”
Returning to his room, Tina clung to Ack.
“What’s that?”
After replenishing herself by clinging to Ack until satisfied, Tina noticed the Bigtails Ack was carrying.
“They’re Bigtails. They’ve become our family starting today.”
“I’m Tina. Nice to meet you.”
“Kyuu.”
When Ack put the Bigtails down on the floor, Tina and Snow greeted them.
“Their names are Chiffon, Muffin, Soufflé, Roll, and Torte.”
Ack liked sweet desserts and could even make them. The names of the five Bigtails were taken from soft and fluffy-sounding sweets.
“Kuu.”
“Ku.”
“Kukuu.”
“Kukkuu.”
“Kuuu.”
Chiffon wears a yellow scarf, Muffin wears a blue scarf, Soufflé wears a green scarf, Roll wears a pink scarf, and Torte wears a black scarf.
Everyone politely returned Tina’s greeting.
“Kyukyuu!”
“Kuu.”
Later on, little Snow took it upon himself to lecture the larger Bigtails, establishing the hierarchy. While Snow, feared as the Vorpal Bunny, was undoubtedly much stronger, he looked weaker compared to the Bigtails, which made it quite amusing.
Afterward, they dispersed, and Chiffon and the others gathered around Tina. Tina smiled as she gently stroked Chiffon and the others, who closed their eyes in contentment.
Chiffon and the others were quickly accepted.
Seeing this, Ack also felt relieved.