[ARC 1] Chapter 6 – The Blackiron Bear’s Other Name

Remy had stepped into the clearing when he saw the first blackiron bear in the middle of eating its dinner. It hung over a deer, muzzle bloody, and lifted its head to take a look at him, assessing whether to attack him or not.

Remy wished he had his sword. The fight in the bar had left him in debt and they took away his sword as collateral. He would get it back to fight the Dollmaker, but that was in a month. For now, it had to be by hand.

He put his hands up in a fighting stance, and the bear, sensing the fight stood up, at least half a man bigger than Remy himself.

“Hey.” He spoke to the elf behind him. “Are you going to help me?”

“You’re the strongest hero, aren’t you?” She was sitting on a rock and crossed her legs. “Show me.”

Remy snorted. “Fine. Come on bear. I’m going to knock you out and make bear nabe out of you.”

The bear roared and rushed him. Remy was prepared though, he had faced many bears since he was a kid, thanks to master. He already knew how to defeat them. He planted his feet to the ground, spreading his arms. The bear hit him, and he took the bears head under his arm, and held the claws with his free hand.

Then, he squeezed the neck as hard as he could. The bear gasped, and struggled. It pushed him back a little, and he almost lost his grip. But he redoubled and pressed even harder against the neck. The three scars on his chest hurt a little. A reminder of what would happen if he let go now.

His muscles bulged, and he could feel the bear’s struggle start to flicker away. When its neck finally weakened, Remy took the initiative and snapped it. The bear went slack, and Remy released him. Remy wiped his forehead free of sweat.

He turned back at the elf, giving her a smug smile and a thumbs up.

“You see. I, Remy, am the strongest.”

She hand her hands covering her mouth, her eyes told him that she was surprised.

“It tells me you aren’t human.”

Remy closed his eyes, shaking his head, and wagging his finger. “The Goddess made me human, because she knew that if I were anything different, that wouldn’t be fair. Being human is a perfect handicap for all of you mystical beings.”

“That’s some ego you have there,” she said, pushing herself up from the rock. She came to the bear.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m taking the crystal.”

“Like hell you are. Find your own bear. I have to pay back my debt. If you want it, you have to pay me.” He held out a hand, gesturing her for money.

The elf pulled out a pouch and tossed a few gold coins at him. “There should be enough for four more. Find them.”

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

“Understood.” He saluted. “I will find more bears.”

“Also, make sure they are adult bears,” she said.

That made him stop in his tracks and turn around. “That is an adult.”

“No, this is a child. An adult is at least two times bigger than this, and their claws easily through steel like paper. Of course, a man like you should have no problem right?” She tilted her head at him.

“Of course.” Remy patted his chest. “Even like this, I can still tear a bear’s head off.”

“You sure? You sure had trouble with this baby cub.”

“That’s because I was warming up.”

“It’s only three days old. Did I mention an adult can shoot a beam?”

“Bears can shoot beams?”

“And fly.”

“What are even describing? Bears cannot fly, or shoot beams. I get it. You’re just pulling my strings, but lying to me won’t make me scared. They should be scared of me. I am the apex predator.” He flashed her his fangs. “That bear is going to be stew meat.”