Chapter 79
－Ai's Perspective: Definitely a Dog－
When I noticed a commotion outside my den, I found everyone outside the house.
When the master is outside, most of us are outside too, but it's rare for everyone to be out.
I head outside with my companions.
...Huh.
My companions and I stop in our tracks.
An Earth Dragon is standing before us...
Although its appearance is far removed from what it once was, there is no mistaking that magic and presence—it is an Earth Dragon.
I was surprised to find a Water Dragon here before, but now there's an Earth Dragon too.
The master... seems to be accepting it without a fuss.
I was a little scared, but the master worried about me when I approached.
Since my companions aren't back to full strength yet, the master often comes to check on us.
I'm happy. The others can't stop wagging their tails, either.
The water spirits play by peeking their faces out of the river and then diving back into the water.
When the master notices them, he waves and seems to play along.
Are there more water spirits now? This place is incredible.
...
We race through the forest at full speed.
There are still some of us who can't quite move as we normally do.
I suppose that's unavoidable, since we haven't moved our bodies in so long.
I still can't say I'm moving as I should, either.
Chai-san and Chata-san, the Dire Wolves, are running alongside us.
Apparently, the master told them to come with us out of concern for our condition.
Honestly, I'm grateful.
There are enemies in the forest we can't deal with in our current condition.
I have no intention of overdoing it and making the master sad, but something could happen.
After running for a while to get used to moving again, we'll head back.
The heat has continued day after day.
I can tell that the season that had vanished from the forest is returning.
The master really is incredible.
...
The master makes sure the golems go inside the house.
I suppose that's the end of the day.
At first, I was surprised by how many golems were working in the place called a field.
There are too many.
I never imagined the master was supplying all of them with magic by himself.
Maintaining the barrier, circulating magic, and keeping the golems going.
The master's magic is incredible.
It is time for the meal.
The master seems to eat at almost fixed times, so we follow his schedule too.
The master's cooking uses strange ingredients, but it's incredibly tasty.
All sorts of things I've never eaten before are served.
It's become one of the things I look forward to.
My companions of the same kind, and the other creatures as well, seem to look forward to it, and the whole atmosphere becomes cheerful.
We're too scared to join the serious battles over food, though.
Especially the battle for food between Core-san and the other Fenrir on one side and Big Boss-san's child, Almea Renie, on the other.
And the one between Shuri-san's child, Abilfulmi, and the Ratatosks.
We stay away from those two. They're far too scary.
A mysterious meal appeared today as well, and it was delicious.
I never expected Evil Serpent to taste this good.
Huh? ... It seems I joined the battle for food without realizing it.
That's strange. I thought I'd been avoiding it because it was scary.
Even so, it's far too delicious.
I wish my full strength would return soon. Then I could hold out until the end.
...
"Ai"
Lately, the master has been calling me Ai.
When I asked Chai-san about it, Chai-san told me it was probably a name.
It's the name I was given. It has a slightly mysterious sound, but I like it.
It seems my companions have been given names too, and they're working hard to memorize them.
Once I learn my own name, I'll learn my companions' names too.