A Not So 'Dire' Situation

As the corpse falls to the ground, another wolf takes its place, and pounces toward the now defenseless archer. Simon tenses the strength in his arms and claws, not willing to let someone die right in front of him, despite what it might mean to expose his bestial strength. He prepares to strike-

And the wolf is instantly burnt to ash.

"When there's one, there's two, and when there's two, there's at least 4. You nearly got yourself killed Annie; if you immediately put distance between yourself and the direwolf, I wouldn't have even had to step in. Instead, you immediately shot."

Samuel the mage says all this with a look of disappointment on his face as he walks toward them; he then glances to Simon.

"I saw you prepare to strike there. I'll acknowledge your effort, but for now you can leave things to me and Joel up ahead. Annie, you go support your uncle. I trust you won't make the same mistake."

She doesn't even let out a word while her shoulders drop, then she rushes ahead to where her uncle Joel is fighting three wolves at once.

"She's a good kid, despite her shallow understanding of the world around her. Oh, I haven't introduced myself; the names Samuel, and as you can see, I'm a mage. I'll tell you this; you will have a life changing meeting with the person we are bringing you too. He is both my teacher, and the village elder. I'm glad you have followed us obediently up till now; I assure you we won't betray your trust."

He lightly smiles, before heading toward the now butchered wolves around Joel and Annie.

Simon can't help but be surprised at the strength displayed by the three hunters.

(These guys are just 3 and 4*s? And they completely butchered a pack of wolves like that? From what I can tell, they were more muscular and faster then wolves on earth... What earth shattering power could be seen from even higher stars? I can't help but be excited...)

As he approaches the three, eager to be regaled with tales of their monster hunting past, he is surprised at the sight of the mage Samuel sticking his hand directly into the head of one of the wolf corpses.

Simon's eyes widen even further as Samuel's bloody hand is pulled out, and the pleased faces of the three hunters at the small grey bead that is within his grasp.

"Wh- what is that?" Simon can't help but ask.

Joel looks at him with a straight face and responds-

"A mentality bead."