Arifureta: From Whelp to Dragonlord

Part 9: Haltina Sea of Trees

Humans and demi-humans were walking together inside the Haltina Sea of Trees.

Having seen that, the tiger-tailed demi-humans glared at Kam and his tribe as though they were traitors. They readied their double-edged sword and took a threatening stance. Tens of demi-humans surrounded them, filling the air with dense killing intent.

"W-we are..." 

Kam, drenched in cold sweat, looked for an excuse. But before he could finish his thought, the tiger-tailed demi-humans caught sight of Shia.

"Isn't that, that white-haired Rabbitman? ... Bastards, so you're the Haulia tribe! A disgrace to the entire demi-human race! For years, you've deceived us to raise a taboo existence, and now you have brought humans here! Treason! I won't hear any more excuses! Everyone will be executed on the spot! Everyone, advan-!?"

When the tiger-tailed demi-human commanded an attack, Hajime's arm flickered. A gunshot resonated as a flash grazed his cheek, devastating the trees behind him as the flash disappeared into the distance.

The tiger-like demi-human that was grazed froze in place, unable to understand what had injured him. If his ears were located at the side of his head like a human's, they surely would have been blown off by that shot. The tiger-tailed demi-humans were stunned by the explosive sound and attacked so fast that they are unable to react.

"... I can fire that attack tens of times in succession. I also know the exact location of all your fighters. You've already entered my kill zone."

Hajime's voice covered the grounds as an extraordinary pressure descended. It was a result of Hajime's skill called Pressure, which applied physical pressure on the enemy.

"Wh-what...? No chant..." 

The tiger-tailed demi-human stuttered unintentionally after being shot by an invisible attack that required no chant as Hajime threatened the safety of his comrades. As he had threatened, Hajime easily drew Schlagen and aimed into the forest. He paled, as he knew that his subordinates were hiding in that precise direction. A sense of unease entered his mind.

"I won't show any mercy to anyone who obstructs my way. Until the Haulia tribe has fulfilled their promise to me, their lives are under my protection. Don't even think that you can lay your hands on even one of them."

Aside from his [Pressure] skill, Hajime began to emit his killing intent. The tiger-tailed demi-humans, who were known as thick-headed warmongers, were drenched in cold sweat. They started to panic while their leader desperately tried to keep his calm.

This must be a joke! Ho- how could a human be this strong?! He must be a monster!

As the tiger-tailed demi-human leader tried to regain his composure, Hajime continued as he reloaded Donner and Schlagen.

"If you retreat now, I won't give chase. If you're willing to remove yourself from my path, I have no reason to eliminate you. Now choose. Will you pointlessly become my enemy and be annihilated, or will you quietly go home?"

The commander of the tiger-tailed demi-humans was convinced that the moment he antagonized Hajime, that flash would be aimed at their heads instead. If that happened, there would be no chance for them to survive.

The tiger-tailed demi-human was Faea Belgaen's Second Guardsman's captain. His duty was to guard Faea Belgaen, and it was his pride to protect his brethren from intruders and demonic beasts. Therefore, the decision between retreating from this confrontation or laying his and his subordinates' lives down weighed upon his shoulders.

"... Before I decide, I want to know one thing."

The tiger-tailed demi-human desperately remarked. Hajime urged him to speak.