"Alright, let's go."0

I could sense the Skeletal Wolf Cub's emotions, and it seemed to understand mine too. The Skeletal Wolf Cub that had died trapped in the snare seemed to have a strong desire to run freely. 0

Since I needed to keep climbing to escape anyway, I decided to move upward.0

Clatter! Clatter!0

Clink! Clink!0

We ran up the mountain. I kept the Detection skill active the entire time. With a companion now in tow, I was even more cautious about the potential dangers lurking around the mountain. 0

After about thirty minutes…0

Ding!0

[The Skeletal Wolf Cub's Affection has increased!0

10 -> 11]0

Perhaps due to running together, its Affection with me rose further. 0

Three hours? Four hours? 0

I wasn't sure how long we had been climbing.0

[Affection has increased!0

13 -> 14]0

By then, the Skeletal Wolf Cub's Affection had climbed to 14.0

Clatter.0

Seemingly tired from running or perhaps out of energy, the Skeletal Wolf Cub sat down on the ground. I picked it up, cradling its bony frame in my arms. The Skeletal Wolf Cub tapped its teeth together like it was panting. It gave me a strange feeling, as if something heavy and frozen inside me was starting to thaw. 0

I stood still, taking in my surroundings.0

I don't know where we are…0

It was an unfamiliar place. The temperature was noticeably cooler than...0