"Master, the sky looks a bit ominous. It might start raining while we're crossing the mountains," Lulu says from the driver's seat.
When Lulu gave her report, we had just crossed over the county border into Kuhanou County. She is probably right. Looking up at the dark clouds, it just warns of the coming of rain. We will most likely have to eat lunch in the carriage. The carriage should provide enough cover, but we all put on our rain gear just in case.
"Lulu, I'll take over,"
"Yes, sir. The road is narrow here, so please stay close to the side of the mountain if possible,"
"All right,"
Satou takes over driving and peaking out the front of the carriage. I am glad I am not the one driving. The road is so narrow there is barely enough room for carriages to pass, and once it starts raining, I just know the carriage will start to slide.
"Dogs?"
"Lot of them, sir,"
At first, I couldn't see what Pochi and Tama were pointing to as they climbed over me to get Satou's attention. This road is so twisty it is hard to see ahead, but then I notice a dust cloud in the distance.
"Those are wolves. They're chasing a carriage,"
Satou replies, somehow able to make them out. He must have some skill I don't because it is very detailed when he relays some information to us. There was a carriage up ahead with three escorts being chased by wolves. The captain of the escorts was around level twelve, while the other two were level six and seven. As for the wolves themselves, they were between levels three and five. According to Satou's report, the carriage ahead of us should be fine if the wolves don't overtake or surround them.
"Wolves after a carriage? That sounds like a flag for saving a princess or a noble!"
Arisa is the only one happy with this situation. As Lulu looks nervous with Satou pulling the wagon into a nearby clearing, the rest of us ready our weapons. Arisa cheers and jumps, exciting Pochi and Tama as we get out of the carriage. Satou started throwing rocks at the wolves over an impossible distance. I can't even tell whether he hit his target or not, but I have a feeling he hit his mark. After everything that I have seen, Satou do I know. He can make the impossible look easy. Satou reports that Rocket Wolves have joined the fight as we watch him.
"We'll ambush the wolves as soon as they reach us. Get ready for battle, everyone,"
Satou orders as we move into position. Lulu was at the rear protecting the horses and carriage. Satou, Arisa and Mia form a second line behind the rest of us, ready to provide ranged support, with Arisa still excitedly muttering to herself. I am not so excited as Satou reports the incoming carriage escorts have been wiped out.
Satou now starts firing a bow with far more skill than even Mia. How did he get so good? Was he just hiding his skill with the bow during Mia's lesson? I don't want to believe he is really good enough to hit a target at such long-range, but something tells me each arrow Satou fires hits its intended target.
"I got rid of about half the wolves. There are two more of the giant ones... those are called rocket wolves. They're powerful, so we'll take them out one at a time together," Satou says as the carriage gets close enough for us to hear it. "Arisa. Don't use your Unique Skills."
"What? Master, could it be that you've finally fallen for the amazing Arisa and all of her...."
"That's an order,"
"Fine,"
Arisa drops to her knees in disappointment before retreating to where Lulu is standing. It may be harsh, but if what Zen warned me is true, it is for her own good.
