I Was a Loner, but My Class Got Summoned to Another World…-Chapter 273: Guardian of the Land

Logan initially dismissed the creature, but his perspective shifted when it looked at him within the group with an intense look of curiosity—a gaze that hinted at intelligence. It was an admirable quality, one that Logan knew would make the creature invaluable in battle.

The ferret observed them for a few seconds before dashing forward, its behavior striking Logan as unusual. Wild creatures typically fought or fled when confronted, but this one seemed unafraid, even intrigued.

Moving with remarkable speed, its meter-long body darted between the ants, deftly avoiding their claws and jaws as it sniffed at them. It then turned its attention to the group, curiously smelling each person. It lingered near Isabel, circling her a few times before finally heading toward Silvia. The creature nudged its head against her hand, inviting her to pet it.

"Well, this is probably a first," Silvia said, scratching its neck lightly as the creature leaned into her touch.

"I wonder why?" Logan mused aloud, searching his mind for a possible explanation.

His thoughts were interrupted as the ferret approached him, its movements deliberate. Logan reached out cautiously, but just as he was about to touch it, the creature spoke.

[You don't think I'll let the Hero of Taming just touch me, do you?] it said, its cute and squeaky-sounding voice laced with amusement. The ferret clutched its stomach as if laughing, its tone playful yet confident.

[You can talk?] Logan asked, taken aback by the unexpected response.

[Of course. I may be the youngest of the guardians, but I can manage at least this much,] the ferret replied smugly. It stretched its neck, tilting its head left and right as if to study him. [Now, tell me, Hero of Taming—what business do you have in my home? Or should I say, in the Great Spirit of Earth's temple?]

"I came to find the ents... I need one to tame," Logan admitted, his words measured. He was about to elaborate further when the ferret's demeanor shifted suddenly.

Its playful aura vanished as its body grew larger, its form swelling with an imposing presence. Its once-round eyes turned a menacing shade of red, and the lighthearted creature from moments before was now fierce and commanding, radiating an aura of authority.

Everyone, including Logan, instinctively stepped back as the creature's immense power washed over them. The ferret's body stopped growing at three meters, and it reared onto its hind legs, its towering presence filling the air with palpable tension.

[Capture ents...] It spoke in a hoarse, guttural voice, its red eyes fixed on Logan.

Logan, already anticipating the worst, lowered his head to bow in apology. But before he could utter a word, the towering ferret suddenly sneezed.

The sound was unexpected and absurdly loud, leaving the group stunned. Logan raised his head cautiously, while the ferret casually scratched its nose with one of its large paws, as though nothing had happened.

[You were saying?] the creature coughed, its tone lighthearted but slightly raspy.

Logan squinted at the ferret, his expression somewhere between disbelief and exasperation. "I came here to find the ents. Would you happen to know where I can find them?" he asked, regaining his composure while trying to keep his tone steady.

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[The tree saplings? They live a little further in,] the ferret said, its voice calm but carrying a warning. [Shy kids, those ones. You'll need to tread carefully when you find them—they spook easily, and their mom will definitely kill you if you harm one. I suggest you try befriending them first. They love music, so I hope you can calm them down with a few songs... and maybe avoid doing anything stupid,] it added with a yawn, its imposing form shrinking back to its small, nimble size.

The ferret then sniffed the air, stepping closer to Logan and the group. [Say, you wouldn't happen to have any human food, would you?] it asked, its tone hopeful. [I miss that stuff... been at least 300 years since I've had a taste.] It sniffed around inquisitively, its bright eyes gleaming as if its charm might coax a treat out of someone.

Logan glanced around, noticing that the others were all staring at him expectantly, clearly waiting for him to take action.

Isabel, in particular, seemed frozen in shock. She hadn't anticipated encountering the guardian of this area, let alone one so casually strolling through the forest. What truly left her at a loss, however, was the creature's behavior. It had acted less like the dignified and majestic figure she'd envisioned for a guardian—especially one as renowned as Ferra—and more like an eccentric clown.

She couldn't help but feel a tinge of frustration. For such a powerful beast, one that should represent their country with grace, its behavior was baffling. Yet, in the end, she sighed and let it go. There was no sense in calling it out—she doubted it would listen anyway, at least without harming her.

Meanwhile, Logan rummaged through his belongings and pulled out some leftovers from that morning's meal. He handed them to the ferret, who devoured the food with childlike enthusiasm, utterly indifferent to maintaining any semblance of manners. Its face became a mess of crumbs and smudges, but it didn't care.

When the ferret had finished, it began licking its fingers with delight before wiping its cheeks clean.

[Delicious, very good stuff,] it said with a contented sigh, patting its now full stomach. [It's been years—no, centuries—since I last ate something that didn't grow on the ground or in trees.]

The ferret let out a loud burp, earning a mix of amused and exasperated glances from the group.

[Well… we hope it was to your liking,] Logan replied, his tone diplomatic as he tried to steer the conversation in a new direction. [Now, we really need to get moving—we've got demons to fight and all that…]

Logan was already attempting to edge away, hoping to leave the ferret behind. Though its antics were entertaining, he couldn't see it being like Ferra, who would provide him with a quest and a reward.

Just as the group was about to take their third step a voice filled with a playful tone rang inside their minds, calling them back.

[You don't think I'd just let you leave without giving you one of my chores, right? Of course, it will come with a reward,] it added, emphasizing the last word as if dangling a treat in front of a child.