Postknight Chronicles

Suddenly, Solis's body moved on reflex. Without thinking, he leapt forward, catching the falling girl in his arms and swiftly stepping out of the wolves' attack. His mind had gone completely blank, driven only by the instinct to save her, without a single thought for his own safety.

After dodging, he finally looked down at the girl he had just saved. His eyes widened in shock.

"Razille?" he muttered, disbelief coloring his voice.

For a moment, he froze, staring at her unconscious face. Questions flooded his mind. Wait. Isn't she teamed up with Almond? Why is she here alone? Where is Almond?

But his thoughts were cut short as one of the wolves lunged again, snarling.

"Persistent bastards, aren't you?" Solis muttered, his jaw tightening as adrenaline coursed through him. He adjusted Razille in his arms, holding her securely. "Let's see if you can keep up."

Solis broke into a sprint, zigzagging through the dense forest to throw the wolves off his trail. The uneven terrain made his task even more challenging, and carrying Razille in his arms slowed him down. His breath came in ragged gasps, and the sound of the wolves' growls and snapping jaws grew closer with every second.

After what felt like an eternity, he skidded to a halt. His chest heaved as he scanned the area. They were surrounded—Dire wolves prowled around them, their glowing eyes piercing through the shadows.

"Shit," Solis cursed under his breath. "No way out. We're trapped."

He gritted his teeth, trying to think of a plan, but his mind raced with panic. The wolves growled, their bodies low to the ground, ready to pounce.

Just then, the sound of swift, deliberate footsteps approached from the shadows.

"Solis!" a firm, familiar voice called out.

Solis's head snapped toward the sound. Relief washed over him as he saw the figure emerge—a tall man with a commanding presence, gripping a gleaming katana.

"Instructor Tedric!" Solis shouted, his voice filled with hope.

Tedric's sharp eyes scanned the scene, his expression grim. "Not now, kid. We've got work to do. Stay behind me and don't move until I clear a path for you."

Tedric stepped forward, his katana glinting under the faint light filtering through the trees. He took an aggressive stance, shifting his weight slightly forward.

"Let's see if this works," Tedric muttered, his voice low and focused.

The Dire wolves hesitated, their predatory growls faltering. Tedric's piercing gaze locked onto them, and the air seemed to grow heavier. One by one, the wolves began backing away, their ears flattening as they whimpered in fear.

Solis, still clutching Razille, blinked in disbelief. "What's happening? Why are they scared of him?"

Tedric's voice cut through his confusion. "This is your chance, kid. Run. Now!"

Without wasting another second, Solis nodded. "Understood, sir!"

Holding Razille tightly, he bolted forward, weaving through the disoriented wolves. His legs burned, but he pushed himself harder, breaking free of their formation and dashing through the forest. After what felt like hours, he finally emerged into an open clearing.

Solis collapsed to his knees, gently laying Razille on the ground. She was still unconscious, her breathing steady but shallow. He wiped the sweat from his brow and caught his breath, waiting anxiously.

Minutes turned to what felt like hours before Tedric appeared, his katana sheathed but his body drenched in sweat. Bloodstains streaked his clothes and skin, though none of it seemed to be his own.

Solis stood up quickly. "Sir, are you all right?"

Tedric waved him off, his voice calm but firm. "I'm fine, kid. Now tell me—what happened here? Where's Pearl? And why did it take you an entire day to get here?"

Solis hesitated, then recounted everything—from his encounter with the roblins in the forest to the ambush by the wolves and his unexpected discovery of Razille.

Tedric listened intently, his brows furrowed. "So Almond's missing, huh? That's not good. I'll have to find him. Solis, take Razille back. Can you carry her?"

Solis nodded resolutely. "Yes, sir. Leave her to me."

Tedric placed a hand on his shoulder. "Good. Get moving. I'll handle the rest."

Without another word, the two parted ways. Solis lifted Razille into his arms once more and began the long journey back, his mind racing with unanswered questions.