Chapter 23 - Actually, I Have a Cheat Too

Translator's Note:

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Fate's Auto-Correction

 

 

Ge Yan and Rex stood near the back of the crowd. They heard the shout and caught a glimpse of the Shadow Winged Tiger. Before Ge Yan could react, everyone had already surged forward in pursuit, and soon, the crowd was gone.

 

But why had the Shadow Winged Tiger reappeared here?

 

Darkwind Ridge was still some distance away. It should've sensed the large number of people here—one or two it might take on, but against a mob, it'd be overwhelmed. Yet, here it was, seemingly drawn to this spot. Could something here be attracting it?

 

A sudden thought struck Ge Yan, and his gaze fell on the beast egg wrapped in cloth that he carried. Realization hit him. The Shadow Winged Tiger must have come for the egg. He shared his hunch with Rex, who didn't seem surprised at all.

 

"With all the trouble Black Wolf and Raven went through, they're bound to hold the Shadow Winged Tiger responsible. I'd bet that the sacred beast mentioned in Jimmy's notes was actually it. Should we go after it?" Somewhere along the way, Ge Yan had come to see the Shadow Winged Tiger as Rex's responsibility, naturally thinking of ways to protect it.

 

"No need. It'll return," Rex replied, his words cryptic.

 

Ge Yan couldn't understand how Rex could be so sure. With so many powerful hunters in pursuit, how could the Shadow Winged Tiger break through their encirclement and come to them? If they were positioned in the direction of its escape, maybe, but being in the opposite direction meant it would have to avoid everyone seeking it. Could that even be possible? Though doubtful, he followed Rex's lead as they relocated to a more secluded area.

 

The sun gradually shifted from overhead, dipping toward the horizon, and the forest began to sink into shadow. Dusk approached, and the roars of beasts echoed from afar—a release of their natural instincts as night fell, their time to reign.

 

The abandoned camp once again sprang to life with campfires as mercenaries and adventurers flocked back. Only the strongest dared to wander the forest after dark.

 

Unaware of this, Ge Yan trailed further from camp, following Rex into increasingly sparse terrain. Few people were around, and even beasts were scarce. Just as he considered breaking the silence, a rustling sound grew louder until, out of nowhere, a dark figure burst from the underbrush, hurtling toward them.

 

Startled, Ge Yan dodged aside, though Rex was even quicker.

 

Rex knocked the shadow from mid-air, sending it crashing heavily to the ground. The figure lay there, seemingly unable to resist, splayed out on the ground. If not for a faint growl and the rise and fall of its flanks, one might have thought it dead.

 

Ge Yan approached and realized with shock—it was the Shadow Winged Tiger. Its wings drooped miserably on either side, its appearance haggard. He was stunned; Rex had been right—it had indeed sought them out. The power of a mother's instinct, he mused, was awe-inspiring.

 

Still surprised, Ge Yan was reminded of what Jimmy had said back then—the sacred beast really was meant to be Rex's. If Black Wolf and Raven realized that their efforts to get in each other's way only served Rex's ends, they'd likely be furious enough to cough up blood. Amid his amusement, Ge Yan noticed a slow-spreading pool of blood beneath the Shadow Winged Tiger. It was injured, and badly; no wonder it lay motionless on the ground.

 

Seeing it in such a pitiful state stirred Ge Yan's sympathy. The tiger was smaller than he'd imagined, lacking the formidable presence of a Sacred Beast, yet reaching them in this condition was a feat in itself.

 

"Don't you know healing magic? It doesn't look good," Ge Yan said to Rex.

 

Rex didn't respond, only approached the Shadow Winged Tiger. It immediately raised its head, baring its sharp teeth in a menacing display, a growl rumbling from its throat.

 

Even weakened, it refused to bow to humans, its pride still intact.

 

Ge Yan noticed its movements made the bleeding worse, and the wound seemed to tear further. Quickly, he said, "Don't worry, we mean no harm. He only wants to heal you."

 

They say sacred beasts are intelligent—maybe these words would help Rex earn its trust.

 

Curiously, the Shadow Winged Tiger quieted, its head resting back on the ground, watching him with wide, round eyes; It transformed from a fierce beast to an almost innocent cub.

 

A strange sense struck Ge Yan—it felt as though the tiger were seeking comfort from him, a hint of vulnerability in its gaze. Surely it was his imagination.

 

But looking closer, the tiger's expression remained as it was, and if anything, it seemed even more pitiful. So, it wasn't his mind playing tricks—this small Shadow Winged Tiger really was pleading for affection.

 

A big question mark appeared in his mind.

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