The Plot in the Night

Sleeping in a bed again, with the moonlight he had never stopped to appreciate, felt comforting.

Tenma lay on the same bed in the bar from before, sleeping peacefully against his owner's chest.

The puppy thought about everything that had happened, filling him with nerves and stress in various situations. But for the first time, he felt rewarded.

Even though he was a dog now, he still had the desire to sleep next to a girl someday. Remembering this gave him chills, recalling his first death. But now, being able to do it without the fear of dying forever... it comforted him somewhat.

He could feel how soft and comfortable his "pillows" were where he lay. His owner had placed him there to keep him company and take care of him. She planned to make him sleep with her caresses but ended up falling asleep first from drinking several alcoholic drinks.

Tenma kept watching the moon through the window. He compared his previous life to the current one. Now he was considered a pet, an object, or possibly a weapon. But he felt useful. He had companions who were gradually becoming fond of him, and if he could strengthen himself, he could be more helpful and earn more respect.

Feeling more confident upon reflection, he resolved to become stronger to help his guild reach the top.

"What... time is it?"

The canine perked his ears upon hearing his owner wake up, getting off her chest.

She got up while yawning a little. She left the room and headed to the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

Tenma stayed silent for a moment. He got off the bed and left the room. He wanted to accompany his owner, no matter how strange it seemed.

Perhaps the heat was making him have a hard time, but he wished he could enter the bathroom too. He convinced himself it wouldn't be seen as inappropriate since he was now a dog and her pet.

He felt his face turn red, though it wasn't visible. His paws trembled a little, but he still scratched the bathroom door, wishing to enter.

But a chill ran down his spine upon hearing footsteps in the hallway. He started to fear someone might see him, but he convinced himself again that he wouldn't be judged harshly as a dog. So he just stayed still.

The person approaching had somewhat labored breathing.

It was the guild's gunner, Doris.

Seeing that it was only her, Tenma let out a calmer sigh. The memory of the assassin who shot him with the rifle still lingered in his mind.

He greeted her with a smile, remembering her drunken state the night before. But in contrast, she now seemed scared. And to Tenma's surprise, she carried her weapon, already loaded (He recalled they had to repair it to keep her calm).

He started looking around, fearing his worst nightmare might come true. Despite being immortal, he didn't want to experience all the pain that came with dying again.

If the assassin reappeared, he wasn't sure if Doris could face him.

More footsteps sounded, and Tenma's heart pounded hard.

From the shadows of the hallway emerged Melman, the guild's swordsman. He seemed ready to use his sword.

Despite being in the company of both companions, he still didn't feel entirely protected. He remembered their performance in the battle against the dragon.

Tenma swallowed hard, hearing the last set of footsteps. This time, both companions looked wide-eyed at who was approaching.

With slightly heavier steps, the last guild member appeared. Gorgon walked onto the scene, silently carrying his knife.

The three guild warriors looked at each other. He felt happy to count on their help, seeing how they stayed by the bathroom door to protect their leader.

"Everything... ready?" asked Doris, trembling. Both companions nodded silently. "Good... let the assassination plan... begin."

Everyone looked towards the door, their weapons ready for a swift first attack.

Tenma understood.

They were going to kill their leader!