I Die?

(Sirius PoV)

A long howl echoed through the heart of the forest, shattering the silence that hung in the bone-chilling night air.

Birds fled from their nests, small rodents hid in the burrows they had dug, and even lesser monsters swiftly erased their presence.

That sound was like a trumpet of survival for the weak creatures from the giant wolf that hunted them, and at the same time a challenge to those who believed themselves strong enough to dethrone him from his small dominion.

Gradually, the howling ceased. Sirius opened his eyes, golden irises gleaming through the night as he gazed into the distance.

Amid the dense trees, a large, lumbering figure staggered away. Sirius caught sight of it and grinned, revealing a row of sharp fangs.

Goblin king... or perhaps Orc king? Whatever it was, hunting him down would be enough to fill his stomach.

After devouring the two humans who had come the day before, somehow he could perfectly recall all information about every type of monster he encountered, as if fragments of human knowledge had merged within him.

Without delay, he dashed swiftly through the thick forest. His target was clear: the bloated monster trying to flee.

His steps were agile; not once did his large frame brush against the trees around him. No sound was made, every movement as silent as the whisper of the night wind.

Before the monster could even sense his presence, Sirius leapt and pounced. Its neck was snapped with a twist, and its flesh torn apart by his swordlike fangs.

The creature fell without so much as a scream of pain.

Even when hunting, Sirius ensured his prey died before it could suffer. That was the mercy he could afford to give.

Forgive me, but a carnivore cannot live without meat.

After closing his eyes briefly in a gesture of respect, he began to feast on the monster’s flesh, though he was full before finishing it.

Let the rest serve as food for the scavengers.

A faint smile curved on his lips before he turned away, leaving the remains behind, letting nature cleanse them in its own way.

He knew well that scavengers would consume any carcass left unattended. Some of them might even be small creatures incapable of hunting—just as he once was.

For the Sirius of now, there was no true threat that could kill him, no reason to remain as feral as before. Instead, it was time to gather a few acts of kindness.

A little kindness brings fortune. Isn’t that what you always told me in my past life?

He lifted his head toward the crescent moon hanging above. For some reason, its pale light stirred a painful ache in his chest. His head throbbed, as though forcing him to recall something forgotten.

What have I forgotten? What is it about the crescent moon? Why does it always trigger these memories?

He clenched his jaw. His chest heaved each time he tried to remember.

After a long moment of silent contemplation, he exhaled, steadying his breath.

There’s no point in thinking about it. I only want to meet her.

His thoughts were broken when he caught a familiar scent. He sniffed one of the trees, its bark marked by deep claw scars.

This scent... ah, that bear. It’s been a while since I last saw him.

Without realizing it, he had stepped into the territory of the white bear who had once saved his life.

Since that time, they had met often—not in bloodshed, but as passing greetings in the midst of the hunt. Occasionally, the bear would signal with gestures, asking for some meat whenever Sirius feasted on his prey.

Sirius never minded and was generous to him, though the two still could not communicate in words.

Their relationship was good enough. Sirius would not deny that the bear was almost like a friend. Though they met only by chance, though the bear always came seeking food, it was enough to ease the loneliness that lingered in his heart.

He shook his head slowly, breaking free from his thoughts. His feet moved of their own accord, carrying him deeper into the bear’s territory, as if they already knew where he wished to go.

His head tilted slightly.

Perhaps I should pay him a visit, shouldn’t I?

His steps grew lighter. There was no fear, only a trace of joy reflected in his faint smile.

But after only a few strides, his ears twitched. The faint sound of weapons clashing reached him.

His eyes narrowed.

That sound... it doesn’t feel natural. A mace? Wait... a mace?! Humans?!

His shoulders tensed as if struck by lightning. He glanced around, realizing he was still within the bear’s domain, and a dark premonition washed over him.

Without hesitation, Sirius sprinted toward the source of the noise. His jaw tightened.

Please, let me be wrong.

Crack.

“Groooh!”

The sound of something breaking, followed by a roar of agony, echoed through his ears. It was the same cry he had once heard when fighting the stag—a cry of pain from the bear.

No time! I have to hurry!

Sirius ran at full speed, moving like the wind as he deftly avoided roots jutting from the ground and tore through thorny bushes without hesitation.

Cold sweat dripped from his temples, his heart pounding rapidly. His body trembled, not from fear but from genuine worry. He did not want to lose the one being who had eased his solitude.

After several minutes, he finally arrived—just as blood sprayed across the grass before him, staining it a dark crimson.

When he lifted his gaze, his jaw dropped. His body trembled violently. His breath caught in his throat as he stared at the scene before him.

The bear’s mangled body lay sprawled on the grass, soaked in fresh blood. His white fur was stained scarlet, his limbs twisted unnaturally. Bones jutted out, shattered beyond recognition.

Beside the blood-soaked corpse stood a large man, his back turned, a massive hammer resting on his shoulder.

The dark-skinned man brushed his braided dreadlocks back with his fingers.

Warm vapor drifted from his breath as he exhaled deeply. His eyes narrowed sharply as he looked toward Sirius from beneath his cloak. “Are you the one called Sirius?”

Sirius leapt backward, his body low and tense, growling softly. His gaze was sharp, wary.

“Grrr... what do you want?! Don’t come near me!” he shouted, trying to mask the tremor in his voice.

This man... I can’t smell anything from him!

His sense of smell didn’t work at all on him. The last time that happened was when he had faced Ignicerf—the deer monster far stronger than he was.

The man smiled faintly. “Just as reported, you can speak. Unfortunately,” he lowered his massive hammer, gripping its long handle tightly, “you’ve learned too fast.”

Wush!

In a single leap, the man was already above him. “Sorry, but you could become a real threat.” He twisted his body midair and brought the hammer down.

Crash!

Sirius dodged, but the ground shook violently, cracks spreading rapidly beneath him. His left hind leg slipped into one of the gaps as he landed, stuck as he tried to pull free.

When he looked up again, the man—still holding his great hammer—was already right in front of him, ready to strike downward.

Sirius’s eyes widened. A faint whisper brushed his ears.

“Rest in peace, Lone wolf.”

After that, everything went dark.