When he woke up two mornings, he gradually realized two things: the terrible stench of decay and death, and the strange flickering light. That light turned out to be a wolf sca

, he woke up and started moving around. The stench came from an elderly soldier and a little girl, who were stuck from head to toe with dead animal organs.

“A

d

You're awake! The fairy patted him on the cheek and said.

He yawned, and then said, "Little one, that's Master Androx."

"Huh?"

"You can't just call me A

d

okles。 It's a child's disrespect. ”

"Oh. All right. Young Master Androx, Young Master Gabi also woke up. "Wolf sca

Say.

A

d

Okles frowned. It would have been fun later that day, but it was too early and every part he tried to move became sore. "You can't call it Ga

bi is for 'master'; She's just a child. The host is what you call an adult who deserves respect. ”

"But she's a princess."

"What princess?"

The fairy looked at him puzzled. He thought, biting his fingertips again. "I don't know. She's such a person. ”

"Then call her 'Princess,' or call her Gabby. Can you fly out and find something to eat? Andlox said, hoping to fall asleep again.

"Do you think she's hungry?" Oh! I didn't even eat anything yesterday!" He flew out of the hut as fast as he could, and Anchors didn't know how soon he had before the fairy would return.

Not a single one. A few seconds later, the wolf sca

He came back and asked in a serious and concerned tone, "How long can a person survive without eating before he dies?" How many days?"

"It will take at least a few weeks. She'll be fine, but I'm sure she's hungry. ”A

d

Okles could also have something to eat, but he suspected that the fairy, even if she found something, wouldn't be able to take much. He wondered, what were the chances of finding that bag of supplies? His friend Euphemios is good at finding food in the wilderness, a

da

d

Okles finds himself wishing he could pay attention and learn how to find food before the man is killed.

Shortly after the fairy flew away again, Gabi got up and walked out of the hut. A

d

Okles crawled out after her, every joint stiff and painful. She just stood passively on the side of the road. He didn't know if she knew where she was.

She might need to soak in the water, he thought. That's probably why she climbed out of the hut. He frowned when he realized that he needed to be involved in the process unless he wanted her to get soaked.

He tried to make himself strong not to face this great embarrassment, but failed, so he helped her sort her out, posed, and then she peed blankly like she did anything else. He tried to tell himself that helping a boy and helping a girl were basically the same thing, but that didn't work, and it took a long time for the embarrassment to go away.

He grabbed the spear, noticing that the dried blood had made it slimy and annoying. Then he picked up Gabi, put her on his shoulder, and began to walk north. The fairies should be wise enough to find them, after all, Andax doesn't want to wait.

What he really wanted to do was wash as much of the stench off himself and the girl as possible, as soon as possible. Between the woodcutter's camp and the basket, he had not seen any water, and he had many reasons not to want to return to the basket.

Maybe it's only half a day's journey to the big city, and they'll have a decent inn with a washbasin in the back and sesame oil with a spatula. Or, he might be eaten by a giant like Thuwell, because Cyclops can't do that.

By late in the morning, having the girl ride on his shoulders made his back sore, so he put her down to rest for a while. She stood expressionless, while he straightened his waist and legs. Then he took her hand and pulled her forward. She showed no signs of resistance and followed him, her hand almost weakly gripping his. He kept walking in the middle of the road to make sure the wolf sca

Doesn't fly past them, hides under trees.

Towards noon, the fairy spotted them, holding a stalk of an apple. He flew unevenly, gritting his teeth and humming a song. “Ga

BI !here! Princess! Take it! He shouted, lifting it a foot in front of her. However, she did not respond and did not take the apple. In the wolf sca

Before dropping it, A

d

Okles reached for it. The fairy protested, "It's not for you!" It's not for you! This is...... Oh. ”A

d

okles pulled up Ga

Bi's hand was raised, and he put the apple in.

"Gabby, girl, you're going to have to eat this." He whispered. She didn't answer, but she did turn her blank gaze to Apple. "Ate it. Go on. ”

When she didn't take a bite right away, A

d

Okles wondered if he had to find a way to cut it into pieces and feed it to her. Wolf Scar flew underneath the apple she was holding in her hand and pushed upwards to bring it to her mouth.

“Ga

bi, please! He cried out pitifully, his insect wings buzzing vigorously.

To their relief, she picked up the apple and took a bite. The blank look in her eyes hadn't gone away, but at least she was eating. Wolf Scar looked at her for a moment, breathed a sigh of relief, and then flew up and gently patted her cheek. He sighed with his entire skinny body, then flew over and spoke to Andlocks three feet away from him. The fairy frowned fiercely and shouted, "You shouldn't just leave the people like this!"

When A

d

When Okles wasn't quick enough, the fairy continued, "I finally found the apple, but when I brought it back, you were gone!" You took the princess away, even though she was my friend!"

The fairy began to look like she was about to cry, and his voice trembled violently, and he continued: "So I must look everywhere and take the apple, or she will be hungry!" It's really, really hard! I wanted to throw it away, but she's going to be hungry! She's still my friend, even if she's broken. ”

Hearing this, tears began to well-up in his eyes, and he glared defiantly at Angelok, arms clenched stiffly at his sides, fists clenched.

Andex grinned and said to the little boy, "You know what? I just think I like you. ”

The fairy's cry quickly died down, and he looked confused. "Huh?"

"Do you know why?"

“…… No. ”

For he who suffers for his friends is glorified. Here's why. You're a respectable little thing, as stupid as you are. ”

Wolf sca

Fly away from A

d

Okles was closer, about a foot away from his face. The fairy wiped the tears from his eyes and cheeks and said, "Really? Do you think I'm upright? Like a hero?"

A

d

Okles replied with a smile, "Like a hero." I underestimated you. You find the apple, ignoring the owl's flying around. Now, sit on my shoulder and rest. We need to move on. The fairy nodded, smiling shyly, childish pride replacing his anger. He found a seat and sat down, grabbing a strand of Anchors' hair to keep his body balanced.

The little girl eats the apple, A

d

Okles grabbed her free hand and they continued north. He tried not to pay attention to the pain all over his body, which never seemed to really abate. For the rest of the day, he carried her several times until her back hurt, and then let her go for a while. It doesn't keep them from passing the time, but it's the best thing they can do.

Androclus had hoped that they had made some way back in their escape from the Cyclops, and that the camp with his supplies was somewhere ahead. By noon, he had to accept the fact that he was going to walk all day on an empty stomach, which was always unpleasant. Wolf sca

Managed to find some berries, nuts and another apple for Ga

bi, none of these have A

d

OKLES asked to share. When A

d

When Okles asks the fairy what she eats, Wolf Scar explains that he mostly eats bugs, "but not disgusting." He offered to try a better one for Andox, but he refused. Euphemios may have eaten it, though," A

d

Okles thought with a smirk.

As time passed, Andlos found himself wishing he could be accompanied by an adult. How long has it been since he's drunk with a close match? One month? It turns out that taking care of all kinds of little boys and girls does have its appeal, but a man needs a spiritual equal, if not an equal in society. If Aguna was there, she would have done it. He was sure that if he poured her a little wine, she would tell a good story and a long list of vulgar jokes.

The gods, even Komon would do that, or anyone. The little girl did not speak, and the fairy was absent half the time. When he was around, he would poke Gabby to see if she would respond, and sometimes ask Andlos strange questions, such as "Do humans go to the same place when they sleep?" and "Do you think bread is better or worse than beetles?"

Exactly, he didn't mind this little thing as a companion; Wolf scars are fun and often unintentional. This is because Andlox wanted to share his adventures with a peer, someone who could understand what he had achieved and how incredible it was. He wanted to drink with a group of good friends and brag, complain about women, discuss military strategy and religion, and gamble. None of this is possible with the fairies, it really can't be. Or with the children, before he gives them up. Maybe complaining about women, but that's about it.

Once, just before the operation to remove a piece of sawdust from deep in Androcleus's thigh, his friend Akorios told him that philosophers refer to man as "urban animals," meaning that no one can live happily alone. Anyone who can do this is either an animal or a god, and A

d

Okles is neither. At the time, A

d

Okles has been protesting that he doesn't need anyone to suppress him because he's a man who can take pain. Arcolius turned out to be very smart, because the surgeon's knife cut deeply, and Androcles lost his courage.

Later that afternoon, Androx arrived in another town much larger than the first. The forest had been cut open for about a mile in all directions, and after a short climb up the road, an open area seemed to pop up. The fields were empty, though he could see good crops waiting to be harvested. The town also has defensive walls, although it was built on two floors. The first wall was a chest-high rough wall of rock, held in place with mortar; The second wall is a solemn and sturdy wooden wall, built on top of the first wall, a few arms higher than the basket. The population had already outgrown the walled area, which Andlox felt was a sign of poor planning, and the clusters of round stone and wood huts he saw in the basket were scattered around.

As he approached the town, the scarcity of people became more and more apparent. If Androcles wanted to, he could take any car on the side of the road, fill it with a good harvest, and leave quietly. Is everyone dead?

He decided to approach the closed gate to see if anyone responded, and if not, he did this: find a trolley, fill it with supplies, put the girl on it, and head north. That was after he found a well to wash it up. Hopefully there's a good metal basin nearby, big enough to soak for a while.

However, as he approached the city gates, he saw that there were indeed people living in the city. The archers on either side stood hunched over the parapet, watching him approach. There were no guards outside the gate, but he could tell that there was a group of people hiding inside; As he approached, he could hear their conversation. Curiously, as he approached, the archers jumped off the parapet and disappeared behind it.

"Who are they?" Wolf sca

Asked, pointing to the closed door with a small light blue finger.

"It's clear that they are the people who live here. Haven't you been here with Gabby before?"

"No, I met the princess in a cave. It's because I'm sleeping in a plant and it's stuck in ta

Talo's toes, and then when he pulled the plant out, it was already in the hole. ”

Andlox wondered how fairies sometimes made things up just to confuse people. "Fly in and tell me what they're doing." He pointed his spear at the gate and said.

The fairy nodded resolutely and went to keep an eye on it. When he returned, he said, "They all stood like this," imitating a circle of people talking, speaking one by one. But I think someone saw me!"

"Don't worry. They already saw you when we came. It's hard to ignore you, and so am I. Androx said.

He approached the gate and stood outside, not knowing what was happening. He knocked on the thick wooden door with the hilt of his spear, then stuck his spear into the ground and shouted, "I am Androcles the Giant-Slayer, son of Palamonos of Degaia." Let me in!"

There was no response, though he could hear the people over there talking softly. He can't see the door, so they probably can't see either. He decided to put his ear to it to see if he could hear their conversation. However, all he heard: "Shhh His hearing!"

Androxes frowned, took a step back, and waited. Wolf sca

Flew up and down several times, looking out from the top of the gate. He pointed to the gate and asked, "Is this to stop things that can't fly in?"

"That's exactly what it does." Andlocks said angrily.

"Why didn't they let us in?"

"Go ask them." He didn't mean it literally, but the meaning of the fairy was not subtle.

The wolf scar flew through the gate, most likely right into the circle of people. Ann a

d

Okles heard him ask, "Why don't you want us in?"

After several people stammered a few words at the same time, someone replied loudly, "Let me talk to him."

An archer climbed up the parapet and asked in a loud voice, "Almighty, what are you looking for here?"

The Almighty? At least he got the respect he deserved.

"The first thing I was looking for was a place to take a shower. Then I'm going to find a good hotel to rest in and a good family for my daughter. I also want to buy some supplies. ”

The archer looked at him in bewilderment for a moment. He asked, "What are you?" Is it God, or is it God's children? Or is it a messenger?"

Annoyed by the stupidity of the barbarians, Andlocles said, "Barbarians, is this what your gods are?" Rags, stained with rotting blood? If so, I don't want them in either!"

"Did the wild woman send you?"

"Nope. You're talking about The

atei

a Hu

t

ESS? Or the local barbarian goddess? In any case, God did not send me. I'm here for my own business. ”

"How did you get through Tatalor?" The archer asked.

A

d

Okles smiled proudly, finally getting a chance to brag, which made him feel like a birthday kid. He jerked the hilt of his spear into the ground and straightened his shoulders, showing them the strength of his chest. "I, Androx, killed it alone!" I stand before you in its blood! Always remember my name!"

The man opened his mouth wide and said, "O gods, I almost believed you!" So you're really human? What about fairies?"

"Fairies are clearly not human, fools," Androcs said. He doubted that he understood what the man meant, but he had always thought that there would be a better response, and he became more and more annoyed. He didn't know if he should pay a bribe.

"No, I mean, if you're just a normal guy, where did you get that from?"

"Hah! I'm not an ordinary human being! I am honored to be one of the most powerful people in glory. I am a man of honor and fame, and my name makes my enemies run away! I'm the fastest, the strongest, and the most cunning! Killing the cyclops is not the beginning of my act, nor is it the end! I've brought honor to your city when I set foot here! Now open the door, lest I kick it open!"

"You're really just here for the inn, and not, you know, kill everyone?"

A

d

Okles smiled. "I'm not here to kill anyone. I really just passed through here on my way north. He has to admit that although there are drawbacks at times, it is satisfying to be so intimidating.

"What should we do?" The archer asked the people inside. A brief conversation ensued, too quiet to be heard. The archer said, "If you swear not to hurt anyone, we will let you in."

"Then I swear that I will not harm the people who live here except to protect myself, my property, and my honor."

The archer looked at him carefully, and then said, "Master Anders, there is a lot of violence in your oath."

Andrew frowned angrily. "It's getting ridiculous. How much do I have to spend to get in? Two silver?"

The shooter thought for a moment, then shouted, "Open the door!" He's definitely just an ordinary person. He just wanted to bribe me. Gave me two silver coins to let him in. ”

Androx heard them move something out of the way, what sounded like a couple of beams, and then the door opened outward. Inside, several swordsmen in leather armor greeted him with a smile. He nodded, fumbling in his robe for his wallet. When he pulled out the silver, the archer who had spoken to him before grinned and said from the parapet, "Keep your money, traveler." What's your name?"

Giant Slayer Androx, son of Palamonos of Dikaya. Who are you?"

"I'm Ekur, and this is Izhar, Joseba, Oz, Peo and Zeru. On that, there were Zuzen, Zorion and Bakar. He pointed to the archers who were climbing up and continuing to stand guard. You will find a nice hostel on this road. It's much larger than the other buildings around, so it's easy to find. If you're not sure, look for the green door. Or, if you want to save your coins, there is a very poor inn inside the East Gate. ”

A few people laughed. A

d

It is impossible for the okles to remember the names of all of them. Maybe when they share a pot of wine with him, he'll care who they are

"Thank you for the suggestion," he said. They were almost certainly guarding against the Cyclops, which Anchors felt was a bit insufficient; If it decides to come in, that door and all their arrows probably won't slow it down.

ad