Chapter 46

"…We've arrived. It seems the person whose footprints we followed entered this building."

"Ha, ha, ha, is that so…?"

The two had followed the footprints to a large, old warehouse. It appeared to have been unused for quite some time, but why had someone entered such a place?

"Alright, let's go in."

With that, Luisha forcefully kicked open the large iron door of the warehouse. It had been locked from the inside with an iron chain, but it was no match for Luisha's brute strength. The broken pieces of iron scattered on the ground, offering no hindrance.

"Wow, it's spacious inside."

Inside the vast warehouse, numerous items were piled up. When Volk investigated, he found that they were not the kind of items you'd expect in an old, dilapidated warehouse—gold, silver, jewels, and magical artifacts, all of high value.

Seeing this, Volk clicked his tongue.

"…We might have gotten ourselves into something serious. This looks like stolen goods. It seems this is a large thieves' hideout. We should report to the knights and get out of here quickly."

"Indeed, it does seem so. But it might be too late to run."

As Luisha said this, the door they had entered through slammed shut. Men emerged from behind the piles of goods, surrounding Luisha and Volk. They held guns, a recently developed weapon, in their hands. The fact that they had several of these expensive weapons indicated that, as Volk had suspected, this was a well-funded, large organization.

"…What, I thought the knights had caught on, but it's just a couple of kids. Did you wander in here by mistake, little ones?"

The one who spoke was a large man who appeared to be the leader of the thieves. He was adorned with jewelry made of gold and gems, indicating that he had made quite a fortune.

"You bastards! You stole the magical artifact that was left in the alley! Because of that, I was suspected!"

"Alley? Magical artifact? …Oh, you mean that."

The leader pointed to a wooden box. It had the words "Marcus Store" written on it. It was definitely the one.

"Sure enough, it's you…! I won't forgive you!!"

Volk growled threateningly. However, the thieves laughed, not taking him seriously.

"Hahaha! Sorry, Wolf. It seems you've had a rough time because of us. How about we make it up to you by finding your master?"

"…What do you mean by that?"

Volk asked, veins bulging on his forehead. His eyes were filled with anger, and blood dripped from his clenched fists.

"Exactly what I said. Beastmen need a master, right? So, I'll find one for you. We have a wealthy customer who likes young, muscular beastmen. He'll take good care of you!"

The leader's words were met with loud laughter from his subordinates. Volk was so angry he felt like he was going mad. He was about to charge at them in a fit of rage, but Luisha stopped him.

"Don't lose your cool. That's exactly what they want."

"Shut up! You're just looking down on me too, aren't you!? You think beastmen are dirty, don't you!?"

Volk pleaded, tears streaming down his face. Luisha looked him straight in the eyes and said simply:

"I don't."

It was a plain, simple statement. Normally, such words wouldn't have moved Volk's heart, but this time it was different.

He could trust this man.

Not because of logic, but because Volk's animal instincts told him so.

"It's okay now."

Seeing Volk regain his composure, Luisha felt relieved and turned to face the thieves, his fists ready. The gentle look in his eyes from before was gone, replaced by a fierce gaze that spoke of a seasoned warrior.

"…Now, it's time for you to pay for insulting my friend."