Chapter 48

"Die!!"

The bullet was fired.

The sound made Volk realize he was being targeted, but it was too late. No matter how fast his legs were, he couldn't avoid the bullet without being in a combat-ready state.

"Danger!"

But Luisa reacted.

In that instant, she couldn't cast a spell or use her qi techniques. But she could at least become a shield!

Sliding between the bullet and Volk, Luisa used her body as a shield to protect him.

No matter how well-trained Luisa was, she couldn't deflect a bullet with her abs. The bullet deeply pierced her abdomen.

The fact that it didn't pass through was a stroke of luck.

"Ugh...!"

Luisa's face contorted in pain as she fell to her knees.

Volk, coming to his senses, rushed over in worry.

"Hey! Are you okay!?"

Volk's face turned pale as he checked her wound.

Fortunately, the bullet hadn't damaged her internal organs, and the bleeding wasn't severe.

This wouldn't be life-threatening.

"Why did you save me!? I said I hate humans!?"

While being carried by Volk, Luisa answered.

"Because, you remind me of myself, no, of Class Z."

"What do you mean?"

"We, too, have been discriminated against. Some were born with special traits, had unusual talents, or had no talents at all. Despite the differences, we all had a tough childhood."

"Is that so..."

Volk, who had never tried to get involved, didn't know his classmates had gone through such hardships.

He had thought he was the only one suffering.

"I've changed. After meeting my master and the class. I want Volk to change too."

"Luisa..."

He had always felt he was the victim, and humans were the perpetrators. It was a simple equation.

But it was wrong.

He was also on the side of the discriminators.

Labeling all humans as evil.

How was that different from treating all beastmen as inferior?

At this moment, Volk realized his mistake for the first time and vowed to change.

To catch up with the boy who was physically smaller but much larger in spirit.

Now was the time to break free from his shell.

"Here I come. I'll show you my true form!"

Gently placing Luisa on the ground, Volk gathered his strength.

Then, his body began to deform with a crackling sound.

Black, long fur grew all over his body, and his limbs elongated.

His nose extended, and large fangs and claws grew with a creaking sound. His large eyes turned red... When the transformation was complete, a large, beautiful black wolf stood there.

"Here I come, to crush you!"

With the fog in his heart cleared and his doubts gone, the lone wolf powerfully kicked the ground and charged at the thieves.