VS Sandstar Raw, Part 1

"Instinctive Frenzy… Instinct…"

"How dreadful nanoda…"

"Good thing that we were in the Lodge~"

Next to the muttering to herself seemingly in assurance Kaban was Common Raccoon, trembling in fear. Sweat was running down Fennec's face. They were fortunate that they were in an enclosed space. However, within Japari Park were Friends who don't spend time in an enclosed space like that at all. As they were originally an animal, it was natural for them to be out in the open. Just how many Friends have been swallowed by the storm? Even though Kaban had thought about it for just a moment, it made her feel lightheaded.

"Nonetheless, it is strange indeed… Sandstar Raw is the initial form of Celliens. There shouldn't have been anything that would cause such a phenomenon in fact… Something must have caused a mutation―?"

Professor was thinking while grumbling and murmuring. At that moment Kaban suddenly felt uneasy. Serval has been way too quiet. Has she fallen asleep, tired from fighting? Wasn't she nocturnal…? She leaned in, checking up on Serval's form on the other side of the candle. Although she was unable to see her face as it hung low looking at the wound on the right arm, she could see her shoulders going up and down from breathing.

"Serval-cha―"

It was at that moment, as Kaban called out to her out of worry.

BAM BAM BAM

"GYAAAAAH NANODAAAAA!"

Common Raccoon became startled at the banging at the Library's entrance. Kaban and Fennec were on high alert, expecting a raid from something. A faint glow was being casted by Professor's eyes as well.

"That voice… was that Common Raccoon? In that case, Kaban! Are you there!?"

Audible from the other side of the door was a voice that they recognized.

"Wolf-san!?"

Coming through the opened doorway were Gray Wolf and African Wild Dog, who were supposed to be staying at the Lodge. They both put their hands on their knees out of extreme exhaustion.

"Haah… Haah… I'm so glad we caught up to you…"

"D-Did you run all the way from the Lodge~?" Fennec inquired African Wild Dog with a hint of amazement in her voice, as the latter steadied her breath.

While for our party it was pretty easy as they were using the Bus, getting from the Lodge to here by running would be quite a considerable journey even when going by the shortest route. African Wild Dog forced her voice through her tiredness.

"As I thought, running that distance without rest has worn us out…"

"Well, our origins had high stamina, so long-distance travel is our strong suit… I may shut myself in the Lodge and draw manga all day, but I still take breaks by doing a marathon with other Friends who are good with long-distance running." Gray Wolf answered in a proud manner, while shivering and shaking her head.

"Wait, this isn't the time to talk about that. There's a big problem, Kaban."

"Just what's going on? What about Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey-san and Giraffe-san…?"

Taking their hands off their knees, the two looked raised their sight over everyone else. Then, upon noticing the wounded Serval's figure, who all this time has been sitting and not saying anything, the duo's expression had completely changed.

"Kaban, get down! Everyone else too!"

Their expression changed as they yelled, and then went for Serval of all things. The two subdued Serval, pinning her to the ground. Serval, who found herself suddenly restricted, lifted her head to survey the surroundings coming back to her senses, unable to understand the situation as she groaned in pain.

"I-It hurts…! Let me go…!"

"P-Please stop it! What are you…!"

"You two, could it be that you went into Instinctive Frenzy!?"

At Serval's complaints, Kaban let out a shrieking-like voice. Professor had also raised her voice while trembling.

"Although I don't know what you mean by 'Instinctive Frenzy'... We're fine…"

"If you're fine, then why are you doing that noda!?"

Common Raccoon furrowed her eyebrows at African Wild Dog, who wouldn't loosen her grip even while answering.

"Wolf, African Wild Dog, why…?"

"Sorry, Serval."

Gray Wolf's face contorted into a bitter expression as she looked at Serval, who could only move her eyes. Serval couldn't understand the reasoning for this, so she began struggling.

"Please, let me go… It's painful… Let me go…!"

"Serval-chan…"

As Kaban subconciously approached, African Wild Dog glared at her in a serious expression.

"Do not come closer!"

Then, at about that moment, Serval began screaming.

"Let me goooo!" Hissss

That voice had a sound of a furious long breath mixed in, like the one audible in a "haahhh" or "shaahhh". It was a sound different from Serval's ordinary voice.

―It was a threat from a wild animal. Anyone could tell you that.

Hello, this is PoGu. Apologies for the long delay, let's not get into that.

Anyway, since FF doesn't like any kind of link anywhere, I'll instead leave directions on how to find the original work.

First method is to search for "「けもの」の本能" and find the link that leads you to a Japanese site called "kakuyomu".

Alternatively, you can go to the kakuyomu site and add "/works/1177354054882921926" to the domain.