Annie glanced at the contents of Nancy's box, frowned slightly, and questioned, "The quality of what you brought is acceptable, but the quantity... isn't something off?"
Nancy did not deny it and said frankly, "There's no helping it. Your requirements are too demanding, and you insisted that we keep it hidden. Even if the price is high enough, production can't be too great. We've only just started processing this stuff, so we lack experience, the error rate is too high, and some equipment hasn't been fully made yet. So this time, we still can't meet the quantity you require.
"But don't worry. We'll keep improving from here on out. After some time, we'll be able to meet the demands of the boss behind you—Richard. Give it a little longer, and we might even exceed them."
"Let's hope so." Annie did not press the matter further. With a wave of her hand, she said, "Follow me."
Then she looked at the tall Gray Wolf. "Lead the way."
The Gray Wolf seemed intelligent enough to understand. It turned and ran deeper into the forest.
Annie, Nancy, and Gelo quickly followed.
"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh..."
The three people and one wolf changed direction repeatedly through the forest. After traveling for an unknown length of time, they finally stopped on a patch of somewhat soft ground.
"Awoo—"
The Gray Wolf lowered its body and let out a howl. Rustling sounds rose from among the surrounding trees as beast after beast emerged.
Unlike ordinary beasts, these creatures were all exceptionally large and brimming with aggression. Though they were not Demonized Creatures, they were not far from it.
Gelo's expression grew tense at the sight. Nancy frowned as well, tilting her head slightly toward Annie as she asked, "Hey, they won't attack, will they?"
"Don't worry, they