The Dire Wolves here were significantly larger than ordinary wolves.

They weren’t as big as tigers, but they could be compared to jaguars.

In fact, some of the stronger individuals were even larger.

If such wolves were to hunt in packs, they would be quite a threat.

Of course, they couldn’t possibly stand up to me.

But this wasn’t the end of it.

The white wolf leading them.

Its size was at least twice that of the other Dire Wolves.

It was slightly smaller than me when I wasn’t using my size-changing ability.

Moreover, it was not a typical Dire Wolf but rather a unique breed known as the White Wolf.

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【White Wolf】

A spirit with white fur. According to legends, it protects against fires and theft, which makes some people hold this breed in high regard. Additionally, it can wield the power of cold, allowing it to hunt efficiently.

__________________________

Given that it could manipulate the power of cold, it seemed to be no ordinary creature.

Much like the Basilisk’s petrification, the Sakaegwa’s brainwashing, the fire of the Fire Prison, or the storm of Argenta-bis, this wolf also possessed its own unique weapon.

Its level was also quite high at 75.

Of course, a high level doesn’t always mean strength.

However, in cases where they had become spirits and reached near the pinnacle of evolution, strength generally correlated with level.

This wolf was strong. Plus, as the leader of the pack, it would be a far more formidable opponent than a mythical bird or a gremlin.

But that was only if it turned against me.

Right now, I was a guest.

“Awoo!”

As the White Wolf howled again, all the wolves that had surrounded me stepped back.

Thud.

The White Wolf leaped down from the rock.

Then it slowly approached me.

“Hmmm, I see you carry the token of the Serpent Queen.”

It was now speaking in human language as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“Geck geck.”

Though it could be that it wasn’t actually human language.

Just as I understood the words of Baek Yeon-young and Tang So-young, perhaps that wolf was using its own species’ language, and I just happened to understand it.

If I were to face a person, like the Serpent Queen, I would discern the truth, but that wasn’t what was important right now.

“You’re a lizard with legs. Given your size and energy, you’re certainly qualified… You came looking for me because of the Dragon’s Gate?”

What was important was that this wolf understood my intent.

And from the sound of its voice, it was a female wolf.

…Isn’t this a crucial detail?

I nodded my head.

“The Serpent Queen said she defeated the Sakaegwa, and it seems you’re the reason for it?”

In truth, it was mostly thanks to my master, but I wouldn’t deny the White Wolf’s words.

“Geck geck.”

The white wolf sniffed with its nose.

“What are you doing with a little lizard that hasn’t matured yet?”

Hmph.

The White Wolf lowered its head and chuckled slightly.

It didn’t seem to mind; its tail wagged gently.

“For now, follow me. Even though it’s outside the Dragon’s Gate, it’s not a good idea to stay here for too long since beasts occasionally emerge from inside.”

I wanted to ask why they shouldn’t howl then, but I swallowed that question.

There was no way I could communicate with a mammal using my guttural sounds.

“Geck geck.”

Thus, I followed the White Wolf and the pack.

The wolves sniffed around me.

Perhaps they had never seen a lizard this big before.

It seemed their leader acknowledged me, which was why they didn’t wear the fierce expressions they had earlier.

If I had encountered these wolves as a human, it would have been terrifying, but to me now, they felt like somewhat larger puppies.

As I followed them, we soon came upon a suitably sized cave.

It seemed to be where they lived.

The White Wolf took its position at the center, while the other wolves curled up around the perimeter.

“It’s the first time I’ve brought an outsider to this place, so I appreciate it.”

“Geck geck.”

“You came looking for information about the Dragon’s Gate, right?”

The White Wolf asked the same question it had asked before.

I nodded.

“Hmmm… Well, as I mentioned earlier, you’re certainly qualified. You might truly be able to defeat the guardian.”

The White Wolf scrutinized me from head to toe.

I would take it as a compliment.

“I can tell you about the Dragon’s Gate. But before that, I’d like to ask you a favor.”

“Geck?”

A favor?

The wolves and the Serpent Queen weren’t exactly allies.

They were merely acquaintances.

I had no obligation to fulfill Pashil’s request.

It would be odd to provide information without receiving some sort of compensation.

Since a high-quality individual like me had come, it was likely they wanted something in return.

“Geck geck.”

I nodded lightly.

“Good. I appreciate your straightforwardness.”

The White Wolf seemed pleased as it wagged its tail.

“There are numerous beasts living near the Dragon’s Gate. Although this area is technically our territory, we’ve been facing constant incursions from one particular beast.”

Territory disputes.

It was a necessary action for wild beasts.

Especially for animals that live in packs, like wolves.

I could tell what its request was.

It wanted me to eliminate a troublesome intruder.

That was likely the nature of the request.

“If it were a beast with no wits, I would have killed it on the spot. No matter how strong they are, they stand no chance when we attack as a pack.”

Well, if seven wolves, led by the White Wolf, charged together, even a considerable beast would likely fall without even a scream.

“But these beasts are different. They haven’t lost their reason due to being blinded by the Dragon’s Gate. They act in packs, and they have some level of intelligence.”

They were opponents with both strong individual power and the ability to work together strategically.

I could understand why the White Wolf would want to subcontract the job to me.

If it were a matter of one side fighting against another, there was bound to be collateral damage on the White Wolf’s side as well.

“While they seem to get along with other beasts, they become aggressive and attack whenever they see us, which is quite annoying.”

And they only attacked the White Wolves?

It was clear that if I didn’t deal with them quickly, I would face trouble eventually.

While hunting other beasts, they could sneak attack from behind.

“So my request is to deal with that Unicorne. The one with two horns.”

Huh?

Unicorne?

“While it might be easy to kill it outright, if you can persuade it, that wouldn’t be bad either.”

If they were talking about a Unicorne, were they referring to the Bai-Khon?

No, let’s not be fooled.

It would be one of those creatures that looked similar to the one shouting about purity.

“If they covet the offspring, it’s not about that, but rather the territory, so simply driving them away would suffice.”

So, they wanted me to expel the Unicorne from their territory?

That was no easy request.

There was a legend that said the Unicorne detested purity, unlike the ones who revered the pure.

If that were the case, it meant they were the archenemies of the symbol of purity, Kompi-Rania.

But what could I do?

I had no choice but to accept the request.

It would be great if I could convince them through words, but that would be extremely rare.

The moment they saw me, they would likely flip their eyes and charge, so I would have to prepare for battle.

“If you can handle those Unicorne, I’ll take you straight to the Dragon’s Gate.”

“Gegeck.”

I made a sound of affirmation.

“Hmm… You’re quite agreeable.”

The White Wolf curled up in a circle, seeming to find me acceptable.

It seemed that she no longer felt the need to be cautious around me.

“First, take a short nap. It’s a strange place here, so wandering around at night can be dangerous.”

Were they suggesting I sleep until daybreak?

While I could move without any issues at night, I followed her advice.

This place was full of uncertainties I didn’t understand.

“…Speaking of which, you’re a lizard, aren’t you?”

The White Wolf suddenly spoke as if it had just remembered something.

Its golden eyes were staring directly at me.

“You can’t regulate your body temperature, can you?”

“Geck?”

That was actually an outdated notion.

While I still couldn’t control it at will, in an emergency, I could manipulate fire energy to raise my temperature.

But it was better not to reveal that fact.

It would be advantageous to keep my cards hidden.

“I can’t help it… Hey, everyone.”

“Auwooo….”

The curled-up wolves gathered around me.

Then they settled down, curling up just like the White Wolf.

“It’s just that snake-like creature that’s the problem.”

Mammalian body temperature.

Along with the wolves’ characteristic fur.

I felt my body heating up nicely.

As the temperature rose, I felt quite good.

Moreover, I had a strange feeling like I was in a dog cafe.

With their fur, it was certainly warm.

I felt an urge to pet these wolves.

Of course, if I did, my hands would likely get bitten.

For now, I needed to restrain myself.

“Geck geck.”

Sn

iff sniff.

The White Wolf and the others sniffed around me.

That tickled, you guys.

The wolves were sniffing around a bit too intensely.

Dogs can be like that.

“…The smell of a male.”

The White Wolf stared at me intently.

Its expression seemed a bit unsettling.

“Just so you know, we don’t accept males into the pack.”

“Geck?”

What does that mean? 

Are all these wolves female?

“I know. It’s funny to worry about that since our species are different.”

What are you worried about?

They seemed to have some common sense, after all.

They knew their species were different.

While the snakes, spiders, and birds had charged at me without regard for species, these wolves seemed to be different.

“However, looking at that token makes me uneasy.”

What does that mean?

“While it’s acceptable for a snake and a lizard to get along, what about spiders?”

What could it possibly mean?

I was a favored creature by spiders.

“And the feathers. Why are there feathers? They seem to resemble the Bai-Hyo in size… Are they really that size?”

The White Wolf pointed out something no one had ever mentioned before.

That reaction seemed normal…

But was it a problem?

“Geck geck.”

“Ugh… I bet they’ll be all over you, wanting to mate with you, since you’re just a little lizard.”

The White Wolf tapped my tail as if exasperated.

“Anyway, behave yourself.”

“Geck.”

It wasn’t like I had any thoughts of doing that. Why would I mess with the wolves?

Of course, I had the impulse to pet the large puppies, but that was as far as it went.

“And while you may have had success with other species, we are different. No feelings are stirred by merely looking at your scales.”

Finally, I met a species that seemed to have its wits about them.

Yes, exactly.

A mammal wouldn’t feel anything toward a reptile.

“Even if a foolish creature were to fall for a lizard, it would be wise to give up.”

No, I hadn’t thought that at all.

It seemed that since the White Wolf was in charge of the wolves, there was no need to worry.

She would know how to handle things.

No way would a creature fall for a lizard.