Strike

Chaos Era, Year 1817.

The Savage Fang adventuring party.

"What's wrong, Shila? You seem distracted."

The lion-headed Vic patted the little rabbit's shoulder with concern.

Vic was towering, standing well over two meters tall, while Shila was petite, barely reaching his waist. To perform this gesture, Vic had to carefully bend down. His palm was broad and rough, adorned with the sharp claws of a predator, yet Shila showed no trace of fear.

"N-no, it's nothing." Shila shook her head, her long ears twitching slightly.

"Still thinking about those people from earlier? It’s already been cleared up—just a misunderstanding." Vic grinned. "And that red-haired kid even apologized to you. Though his singing… well, I’m not sure how to describe it."

"I wasn’t thinking about that pervert, Uncle Vic."

"Oh? I heard from the others that you have a thing for cute boys like yourself. Thought you might’ve taken a liking to him." Vic burst into laughter.

"Uncle Vic, if you keep saying things like that, I’ll ignore you!" Shila huffed angrily.

"Alright, alright, don’t be mad. Once we’re back in town, I’ll treat everyone to a feast… Shila, I remember you like—"

"I don’t eat carrots!"

……

Arriving at the tavern door, Shila’s expression remained far from cheerful.

"Ding-a-ling—"

The bell above the tavern entrance chimed as the members of Savage Fang pushed the door open.

Vic and the other towering beastmen warriors ducked their heads—the doorframe was far too low for them.

As they entered, the lively atmosphere inside gradually cooled.

"Tch, beastmen."

"No wonder I caught a whiff of stable stench earlier."

"Those creatures… practically demons, strutting around human territory like they own the place."

Beastmen possessed keen hearing, and every sharp word reached their ears clearly.

They didn’t smell at all. In fact, beastmen’s heightened sense of smell made them fastidious about cleanliness—they’d never let their scents become overwhelming… Shila wanted to argue back, but the words died in her throat.

Vic and the others simply found a table and sat down quietly.

The beastmen began discussing their latest adventure’s spoils, paying no mind to the murmurs around them.

When the food arrived, the portions were generous. Vic shot a grateful glance toward the tavern owner behind the counter, who merely waved a hand in response. He had no issue with these free-spending patrons.

"Even if the company’s rotten, human food really isn’t bad." Shila speared a piece of beef and popped it into her mouth.

"Does it suit your taste?" Vic rumbled, pointing at a bowl of vegetable salad on the table. "This is good too."

"Uncle Vic! How many times do I have to say it? I’m not a rabbit!" Shila angrily stabbed a slab of meat and stuffed it into her mouth, chewing aggressively.

"Alright… I get it. Slow down, don’t choke." Vic muttered, "Your father did love his greens, though."

Shila’s father had once been Vic’s comrade-in-arms, until a monster tore off both his legs during an adventure—while he was covering Vic’s retreat…

Ever since Shila became an adventurer, Vic had watched over her like his own daughter.

But right now, the little rabbit looked positively furious—her eyes even reddening with anger.

Vic suddenly lifted his head.

Two adventurers, arms slung over each other’s shoulders, had stumbled up to their table.

Their faces were flushed, reeking of alcohol—clearly far gone in their cups.

"Oi, oi, where the hell am I? Why’re there wild animals eating at a table?" One of them spat toward the dishes, but Vic blocked it with his hand, preventing the saliva from landing on the food.

Expressionless, Vic wiped his hand with a handkerchief. "You’ve had too much to drink, sirs. Please leave."

"Hey! Boss, what’s the deal with this tavern?" Ignoring him, the pair began shouting. One turned toward the owner behind the counter, "You’re gonna throw out the plates these beasts used, right? I ain’t sharing tableware with animals."

The tavern owner kept polishing a glass, offering no reply.

The surrounding patrons watched eagerly, anticipating the coming spectacle.

"I’ve never understood… Mr. Lion." The other adventurer jabbed a finger at Vic, "Why don’t you lot just stay in the wild where you belong? Why come to human territory to steal our jobs?"

Thanks to racial advantages, beastmen adventurers—with their robust physiques—typically outperformed humans of the same rank. They were also hardworking and efficient, making them preferred choices for many clients.

But to fellow adventurers, they were nothing but unwelcome competition.

Taverns like these catered specifically to adventurers… so naturally, no one here would give them a warm welcome.

"The Savage Wilds… are barren. Crops won’t grow. People starve every year. So we seek livelihoods elsewhere," Vic answered slowly.

"Hah? What’s it to us if you beasts starve—" The instigator sneered.

Vic rose from his chair with deliberate slowness, his massive frame radiating intimidation. His chest muscles strained against his collar, veins bulging like ancient tree roots across his arms.

The adventector gulped, his drunkenness fading fast.

"Hey! What, you wanna fight us? You know what’ll happen if you lay a hand on humans?" His companion pointed accusingly.

Vic took a deep breath and sat back down.

If he taught these two a lesson… things would indeed get complicated. The entire Savage Fang party would face repercussions.

"Heh, this is human territory." The pair regained their bravado.

Then their eyes fell on Shila beside Vic, and they paused.

"Well, look here—a little bunny."

"Didn’t know beasts could have pretty girls too."

Exchanging grins, they leered at her.

"Come have a few drinks with us, bunny."

"Do that, and we’ll leave your friends alone. No more trouble."

One reached out to grab Shila’s hand.

"Oi! What’re you glaring at, lion? Think carefully—if you dare touch us—"

Suddenly, their belts loosened, trousers sliding down to reveal flabby white underpants.

The tavern fell silent for a beat before erupting in raucous laughter.

"Could you not be so tasteless?" Moke stood behind the two adventurers, twirling a gleaming dagger with disdain. "You’re ruining my appetite."