"Such a fine beast wasted."

Akash said as he placed his hand on the scorpion's back and activated his 'Blood Feast' skill. With a strange sound, all the scorpion's blood was absorbed. Then, he bared his claws and tore open the body of the scorpion, digging deep inside. He pulled out the core of the scorpion and tossed it to Razi Tea.

"It's yours."

Razi Tea looked at the gem before thanking Akash Tagar. Afterwards, the King went inside the body of the scorpion and after a bit, came out holding two glandular sacs. Then, he immediately took out a glass tube from his inventory.

"Let's hope her venom hasn't dried out yet."

Akash made a cut on the sac and slowly squeezed it, yet nothing came out. Disappointed, Akash threw the sac away and did the same with the remaining sac. This time he was able to squeeze out three drops of purple venom. Unfortunately, Akash could only catch two in the tube as the last one fell to the ground.

~PHIISSSHHHHH~

It melted the stones of the volcanic mountain and went inside, Razi widened his eyes in astonishment.

"What kind of venom is this?"

"A venom that can kill anyone."

Akash replied.

The tube fortunately held against the deadly effects of the venom. Akash had prepared these special glass tubes during the night.

"It's done."

Akash said as he gestured Razi to go out. Before going out himself, he looked back at the dead Purple-Striped Scorpion and cupped his hands.

"Thank you, you gave me something I was in crucial need of."

Then, the duo came out of the cave and Akash showed the beasts waiting outside two fingers, indicating his success. Red Mamba and Golden Panther took a breath of relief after seeing that.

"Congratulations, My King."

Both beasts gave their salutations at the same time.

"All thanks to your information."

Akash gave credit where it was due.

"My King, will you go back now or will we move towards the Ebony Kingdom immediately?"

Red Mamba asked.

"To the Ebony Kingdom, of course."

Akash replied right after.

"Do either of you know the way?"

Akash asked the two beasts.

"I don't know the exact route, but I do know that it's to the south and we have to cross a dukedom to get there. After that, we can ask common folk living there about the kingdom."

.

Red Mamba replied.

"And you?"

Akash looked at Golden Panther.

"My knowledge is as limited as Red Mamba's."

He answered.

"Alright then, we can move towards that dukedom, immediately."

"Wait, Your Majesty!"

Red Mamba uttered.

"What now?"

Akash retorted.

"We have to ask permission from the duke before trespassing in his dukedom."

Golden Panther explained, after which Akash tsked and asked.

"How long will it take?"

"I don't know, I'm not on good terms with him. He is a cocky one."

Panther replied.

"Same goes for me."

Red Mamba added.

"Then send him a message with my name, Slayer of Black Dragon."

Akash spoke without a hint of fear or hesitation.

"Yes, he might accept your request then, to form a friendship with the newly formed kingdom."

Razi Tea gave his opinion, however, the proud sabretooth's blood kicked in for Akash.

"Kings do not make requests of mere dukes, tell them to let us go or this will lead to a war."

Akash refused to lower himself and Razi Tea flinched, instantly lowering his head.

"I'm sorry, My Liege. I misspoke."

"No, you didn't. Just keep these simple facts in mind from now on."

Akash stated.

"Yes, we will."

Razi Tea spoke not only for himself but on behalf of his entire family with that line, aware of how his position of leader could affect them.

"I will send a messenger, My King. Please be patient."

Akash hmmed, then all four went back to the castle of Golden Panther as it was getting dark already. While Golden Panther was leaving to find a good messenger, Akash called him back

.

"You don't have to find a messenger since we already have one here."

Then, everyone turned to Razi Tea, who was eating a fish. When Razi felt their gazes, he choked and coughed.

"My Liege, *cough cough* I'm not a suitable *cough* messenger."

Akash laughed and spoke.

"Haha, my dear Earl. I will just turn you into a suitable messenger then."

The other two who were present chuckled as well while Razi sighed, stood up and cleared his throat.

*Ehm, Ehm*

"If Your Majesty has already decided, then who am I to oppose it. Please, give me the instructions and I'll go right away."

"You can leave tomorrow, it's already dark."

Akash advised.

"No, My Liege. I won't die anyway, as such I want to finish the task given to me as fast as I can."

"Alright then, you have to recite what I'll say, word by word, to that duke."

Akash replied and said something to Razi Tea, which shocked everyone.

"My Liege, are you willing to wage war with that dukedom?"

Razi Tea asked.

"No, but if it happens, then I won't back off. You may go now."

Akash displayed his resolve. After which, Golden Panther instructed Razi about the routes and just as he was about to go, he suddenly stopped and turned around.

"What is the name of that duke?"

Razi asked.

Akash looked to the duo of beasts inquisitively before Red Mamba replied.

"His name is Rehan, an ogre."

Akash raised one eyebrow.

"An ogre?"

"Yes, My Liege."

Mamba confirmed.

"Does that dukedom have any more ogres?"

Akash asked.

"I don't know about that, neither of us have ever visited it."

Red Mamba replied.

"Ogres are a very powerful breed. A normal ogre can become a powerful beast, while a high ogre can actually evolve and turn into a powerful tamer."

Akash muttered.

"My King, did you say something?"

"No."

<Abran City>

The Tea family was constructing the buildings and headquarters of their businesses in Abran. Only a few days had passed in the city. Yet, their efficiency was simply impeccable. 

Zoki Tea, the second son of Baghi Tea, was in charge of the work. He was at the 2nd Moon of the Star Captain realm and had a low aptitude which was why he was relegated to working here as his future in cultivation wasn't bright. While he was busy working, he noticed three figures approaching. They were two males and one female. As they came to him, he noticed their faces were hidden by hoods. The leading man asked Zoki.

"Is this the infamous cursed city, Abran?"

{WARNING: DO NOT UNLOCK THE NEXT CHAPTER, THE NEXT CHAPTER IS A MISTAKE CHAPTER. SKIP IT AND READ FROM 73 CHAP}