Chapter 6: Happy Birthday!

(Asch) "Okay, is something happening today? Because Kent is being giddier than usual."

(Maria) "It's his birthday, Asch."

A birthday, huh? I used to celebrate with my parents back then. Well... until they died, that is.

(Maria) "You suddenly look so sad. What's wrong, Asch?"

(Asch) "Uh, nothing. It's just that us wolves don't celebrate stuff like that."

I lied.

(Maria) "Aww, Asch, you poor thing. We'll try and celebrate your birthday next time, alright?"

She said, petting my head.

(Asch) "Oh yeah, Kenneth's going hunting for Kent's birthday, right? I'll go with him!"

(Maria) "Be safe, you two!"

Alright, it has been 5 months since Kent's family took me in. Life has been pretty peaceful. But even we had our share of troubles. Lots of bandits have been trying to steal from us. Having [Size Alterization] really helps with keeping them away.

Oh yeah, did I mention that Kenneth was formerly a knight? He wasn't the most powerful but he was respected in his squad. Apparently, he retired early because he wanted to have a peaceful life with Maria. Speaking of Kenneth, here he is!

(Kenneth) "Hey, Asch, ready to go hunting?"

(Asch) "You betcha! What's on the list today?"

(Kenneth) "Boars."

Ooh, pork! I always did like it. Especially when it's roasted to perfection! Oh geez, I think I'm drooling. We wandered around, looking for a singular of boars. We managed to find one passing by and decided to hunt them.

Kenneth purposefully missed and made them scatter. There were around 2 to 3 boars that strayed from the group. That's where I come in. Using [Size Alterization], I grew to the maximum size.

(Asch) "[Ogre Flame]!"

A torrent of flames came out of my mouth. In only one shot, I had killed them. Oh boy, I sure am getting powerful.

[LEVEL UP]

Another level up... I'd be around level 24 then?

(Kenneth) "Nice, Asch. Let's haul this back to the house."

He said as he picked up a boar and tied it unto his back. I grabbed the rest of the carcasses with my mouth. On the way to the house, I saw somebody. She was running away from something. It was an ogre.

I immediately dropped the boars and ran towards the woman at full speed, intercepting the ogre. We locked eyes for a few seconds. When suddenly, the ogre comes at me, raising the huge club he brought with him.

(Asch!) "[Death Fang]!"

With a mere chomp, I broke his weapon in two. Followed by another that severed the head from his body. Blood was spewing out. The woman behind me could only watch in terror.

(???) "T-T-That mark! Y-You're a Fenrir! A monster! Get away from me!"

She said, running away.

A monster? Is that really the way you treat somebody who saved you?

(Asch) "Kenneth, am I really that bad?"

(Kenneth) "Don't worry, Asch. I can assure you that you're no monster. Come on, why don't we go back to the house?"

I picked up the dropped carcasses from before and continued on with our journey back to the house. It seems Maria and Kent had been putting up decorations all this time when we were hunting.

In a few more hours, the food was ready. Oh boy, let me tell you, Maria's cooking is very delicious! Even though I haven't gone to fancy restaurants, I can confidently say that her skills are on par with that of a professional chef back from my world.

(Kent) "This was the best birthday ever."

Me and Kent were already on the bed, trying to sleep.

(Asch) "Yep, the food was great, too. Although, I would have loved to meet new people from your family though. Wait, do you guys even have any living relatives?"

(Kent) "We do. But they said they were too busy to come."

(Asch) "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked."

(Kent) "No no, it's fine. Besides I got the best birthday present this year."

I was confused. I didn't see Maria or Kenneth giving him a present.

(Asch) "And that is?"

(Kent) "You, of course! You're my best friend!"

(Asch) "I-I am?"

(Kent) "Of course, silly!"

Best friend... I had a few friends but I never had a best friend.

[Asch has earned the title: [Boy's Best Friend].]