[44.6] A Green Eyed Wolverine

Ugh…

I groggily opened my eyes and relit the tip of my wand.

How long have we been trapped down here?

I reached down and felt the forehead of Cyrus.

My lips pressed together anxiously.

It's worse than before.

His skin feels like it's on fire.

I slowly looked up to check the rest of the group.

No one stirred.

Priscilla no longer whimpered and stayed curled up in a ball as she tried to preserve her energy.

Captain Lou was still breathing, but he hadn't woken up since he first collapsed. He had to at least have a concussion, but luckily, he was still alive.

There was still hope for him.

I let out a sigh and used my ice mana to cover my skin. I traced it along Cyrus's head to soothe his agony.

He leaned in toward my hand, still unconscious.

My heart felt as if it was dripping blood at the sight.

I can't take this anymore!

Why can't I be a healer like Felix?

Why can't I be more controlled and gentle so we could dig out!?

Why am I so useless!!!

What's the point of having magic if it can't save those you love!?

As I festered over this cruel discovery, I suddenly heard a rock tumble over.

I immediately became alert and looked above me to determine if the rose bush was still supporting our area or if it was breaking apart.

Luckily, it was still intact.

So then what was that noise?

I put in more mana to the light source to make it brighter.

A few more rocks tumbled over and a large animal resembling a squirrel and a huge raccoon appeared.

What kind of animal was that again?

I tilted my head, "A… Wolverine?"

The Wolverine looked back at me with glossy green eyes.

I was less surprised to see the wolverine and more surprised to see how large it was.

…And how sharp its claws were.

Priscilla was alerted by my shout and sat up in a panic, "W-What is that!?"

The wolverine studied us carefully before suddenly transforming.

I nearly choked in surprise to see a demon with a silk scarf covering her mouth take the place of the wolverine. Her unbelievably long brown hair was pulled into a spectacular braid that trailed all the way to the floor and was weighed down by silver balls tied to the end. She wore tight-fitting clothes with metal plates that reminded me of a warrior. A small nub of a horn poked out of her forehead.

Wait. This appearance. Isn't it-

My voice cracked in surprise, "Y-You! Were you the one who saved my mother!?!"

The demon paused to look me over, took out a chalkboard attached to her hip, and wrote on it: "I have saved many, but remember nothing."

I pinched my eyebrows together, "Eh?"

What is that supposed to mean?

She didn't explain and tied the chalkboard back to her waist. She went back to the tunnel she dug and motioned to us to follow.

I held out a hand, "Wait! Only two of us can walk. The rest aren't even conscious."

She walked back, staring at us for a moment before giving a nod. She went over to Captain Lou and picked him up.

If the situation wasn't so dire, I would have laughed hysterically at how the proud Captain Lou was suddenly being carried just like a princess.

The demon looked back at Priscilla and me and motioned toward the two. She was silently asking if we could carry them.

Priscilla gave me a look and spoke in a whisper, "Can we trust her?"

I glanced at the demon who was waiting patiently and exuding confidence.

I nodded, "I think we have no choice but to trust her."

I struggled to pick up Cyrus and have him lean on me. However, he was dead weight so I could barely hold him up. It didn't help that I hadn't eaten in what felt like days.

I glanced back at Priscilla and saw she was equally struggling with her Royal Magician.

Tears started to roll down her cheeks as she hyperventilated, "H-He is s-so cold! W-What do I-I do?!"

I felt my heart tighten, "Can you still use your mana?"

She gave a slow nod, "I-I think s-so."

"Try using your magic to make a rose gurney. It might be easier to pull him than carry him."

She nodded quickly and pulled out her wand. She said a spell and carefully made the Gurney. After rolling her magician on it, we both looked at the demon who turned and bent down to walk through the tunnel.

I followed after her, struggling to carry Cyrus on my back. My legs trembled as I tried to support his weight.

Every so often, a rock would trip me and I would fall forward. My knees scraped the ground and the tunnel started to smell like metallic coins.

Just.

Don't.

Look.

I took a deep breath and continued walking as I struggled to carry Cyrus.

Priscilla tripped over a rock and let out a sharp cry.

I quickly stopped and tried to turn around, but the tunnel was too small and dark to see.

"Are you okay?!"

She sobbed, "I… I can't do it… I'm so tired…"

I bit my lip and took a deep breath, "Just a little more, Priscilla."

"How do you know!?"

I forced myself to speak lightly, "I can't believe you're giving up now. After all these days trapped underground, you can't even muster the courage to escape? I didn't think you were so weak."

Her sobs slowly started to recover, "I-I am n-not weak!"

I turned forward, "Prove it. Then maybe I will admit you're stronger than me."

I waited in silence for a bit until I heard Priscilla stand back up and push forward. Together, we both dredged on until I noticed a natural light slowly seeping into the tunnel.

I felt my exhaustion leave my body. I shouted, "L-Light! There's light Priscilla!!"

Her weak voice picked up in energy, "L-Light?"

"That's right! We are almost there!"

Priscilla and I both got a rush of energy and we both charged forward.

As I walked faster, I saw the opening of the tunnel getting larger.

When I took a step out, I was hit by a wave of fresh air. I collapsed to the ground as my limbs ached from the torturous ordeal.

The demon stood in front of us still holding Captain Lou as she waited for us.

I smiled at her weakly, "Thank you…"

She gave me a nod in response.

Captain Lou was awakened by the bright light and struggled to open his eyes. He peered through the bright light as his eyes slowly focused enough to see the demon who was holding him.

A strange, gentle smile crossed his face as he reached up to touch her face. He whispered, "An angel…"

The demon was so startled she suddenly dropped Captain Lou on the ground.

"Owwww!"

The demon turned bright red and at that moment, her green eyes suddenly turned vibrantly bright as black smoke leaked out from her body and passed through our bodies like a phantom.

Ahhh!

I'm so embarrassed!!!

I dropped Cyrus unintentionally and covered my face to hide my shame.

Priscilla cried out in embarrassment, "I HATE THIS!"

Captain Lou groaned in pain and covered his face, "D-Don't look at me…"

Just as fast as the unnatural emotion came, it disappeared.