Chapter 32

Jae stood, arms folded, looking at the person on the cold ground in front of him; a Demon race kid, probably about 14 years old. His features consisted of black hair and eyes, in addition to a pair of black horns protruding from his forehead.

And, he was tied up.

"Mmph! Mmmmph!!"

"Okay, be quiet, please!"

When Jae briefly glanced at the kid's Soul State, he confirmed that it was, in fact, Jiyeru. Just like he had thought. The both of them were still inside the cave, that appeared to have been modified into a sort of hideout, and Jae was looking around.

Hm. They seem to have set up a temporary settlement here... From the looks of it, they haven't been here for long, though. And Jiyeru's the only one here right now. Magic tools, clothing, food, spare necessities, sleeping quarters, management areas―it's been properly thought out and well-organised, huh...

The ones who settled here―they were most likely all people of the Demon race―appeared to have dug out the deeper parts of the cave to extend the base, but it hasn't been properly fleshed out yet; like when you move into a new house and haven't finished unpacking.

Finally, Jae looked back towards Jiyeru.

He's weak, but interesting.

Soul State - Demon

Name : Jiyeru Illujhin Soul Level : 42 / 300

Title : Ruler of Beasts

Age : 20 Years Health : 200

Magic Energy : 22,556 Power : 791

Magical Ability : 1,244

Defence : 1,008

Magical Defence : 1,117

Resistances : 207

Speed : 941 Condition : [Confusion], [Distress], [Heavy Confusion], [Heavy Distress], [Enervated], [Scared], [Worried], [Anxious]

But still, he's 20? What's with that? Anyway, 'Ruler of Beasts', huh...

―Another [Ruler] Title has appeared.

The last Ruler Title Jae saw was Sloth's Copy with Ruler of Sloth (which now belongs to him), then Aphy with Ruler of Pride, and before that, the Goblin Lord, with Ruler of Goblins.

All three had something special about them, and now, yet another [Ruler] has emerged.

Currently, Jae doesn't know what the actual effects of the Title are exactly, but has a general idea from after he became the Ruler of Sloth.

On another note, looking at the Health value reinforced Jae's theory about it.

It's something related with lifespan, right? Like, how long the organism has left to live or something.

Jae was convinced of this; Recalling all of the Health values he has seen so far, Jae compared them with one another, and eventually, came to the conclusion that it actually identifies how long that creature has left to live, granted it doesn't get killed by another creature before then.

Of course, there were still plenty of holes in this theory though.

Including Rena's bugged status, as well as my own Health value.

Health : 19,156

I don't know what the hell this is about; I can't possibly have a lifespan of over 19,000 years, right? Even Rena had something ridiculous like over 800 years, but then there was that weird code-like thing too...

'It couldn't be', he thought.

These numbers are just absurd, so there must be more to it, right? But I don't know what else there could be... Other than the two of us, everything else has had something that seems reasonable, so it must be related to the real answer.

At this point, Jae didn't quite remember what the Soul States of major powers in the Pride dungeon looked like, since he never saw more than a couple of them with his own eyes, so unfortunately he couldn't compare it with the Health values of newer monsters.

Most of the creatures Jae has come across, including Humans, have had a higher Health stat than what would probably be expected if it truly did mean the lifespan, but he presumed the reason for that was either because of the existence of magical energy, or, the existence of the System, including the Status. Possibly even both.

Haaah, well, it's just another one of the many things I can't figure out right now, isn't it? It's stupid. Anyway, about this guy... 'Brother Jiyeru'... Him being Ruler of Beasts makes sense, if you think about it; Rena said that Jiyeru had a lot of pets like huge dogs, and that he let them roam around the castle. They were probably a type of monster he tamed and used as guard dogs or something. If I go with the idea that he's a monster tamer, then the Title indeed fits the story.

Staring blankly into the fearful eyes of Jiyeru, who was both paralysed with lightning magic and had a rock in his mouth―it was a gag in order to prevent him from casting spells or using skills that require incantations―Jae thought it was a bit weird that he had captured and gagged a guy who looked only 14, and so released the earth magic. Obviously, he still kept the paralysis.

It's fine since he's not really a kid.

"--P-pah...! H-hey! Who the hell are you, and whaddaya want from me!?"

Oh, he speaks this country's human language, eh?

Putting on a smile, Jae opened his mouth.

"Okay, so I'm the one asking questions here. Keep your mouth shut unless I permit you to talk. Capiche?"

Although he didn't understand that last thing, Jiyeru fell silent at Jae's overbearing pressure. Just by leaking a sliver of his mana out and empowering it with intimidation, Jae had gained a complete upper hand.

For a Demon race like Jiyeru, who was inevitably accustomed to magic, it was a piece of cake to understand that the unknown man in front of him was infinitely superior to him in both mana capacity and general physical ability.

The man, who Jiyeru had never seen in his life before, frightened him to death.

Just who the hell is this guy!? He's definitely not human, so what is he?!

―He knew this because of three reasons:

1. Humans were absolutely forbidden from entering the Cursed Zone.

2. Even if a human did somehow, and for some reason, infiltrate the Cursed Zone, he would immediately become corrupted by the miasma and die a most painful death.

And 3. His mana did not match the typical pattern of a human's. There was also the fact that Jiyeru had never even heard of a human with such intensely concentrated magic energy before, and especially not one who could control that energy.

God damn it, Jiera, you didn't tell me anything like this was here in the Cursed Zone!! ...Wait a minute, when the hell did this guy even get here in the first place? No, did he overhear my report...?

Jiyeru's expression paled.

...Oh, shit... N-no matter what, I need to survive and report this to her. This guy doesn't seem to want to kill me, so if I answer his questions I should live.

Although he thought this, Jiyeru still stared at Jae warily like a cornered animal. Ignoring it, the latter opened his mouth.

"So, first thing's first. Who are you?"

Shit! That's non-disclosure, you bastard!

But he couldn't not reply, and so Jiyeru replied after a long pause.

"......Jiera."

Jae inwardly sighed after hearing the answer. He wore a slightly disappointed look while looking at Jiyeru.

So, he's resorted to lying... That's a shame; I thought there was a chance we could get along. But why did he choose his sister's name? Oh well.

"Okay, Jiyeru--"

He flinched.

"--I think we shouldn't lie to each other, yes? Since you're a Demon, you should know I'm not a human, right? Hence, us two should get along, shouldn't we?"

Jae smiled, while Jiyeru grimaced.

Guh... How the hell does he know my name? ...Don't tell me, he has a Spirit Scope? That should be the only means to discover my real name, since my Status is disguised right now. But no, no, wait a second. It's confirmed that only three scopes exist in the whole world since we're the ones that developed them, and all three of those scopes are in this hideout...

After thinking for a moment, his eyes widened slightly.

...A Spirit race, then...? No, there's no way that's the case―to have such a refined humanoid form as a Spirit race is impossible, isn't it? ...Wait, if I recall correctly, there are a certain few of the Spirit race who can do that, right...? But... Only one such person comes to mind...

Jiyeru gulped nervously.

N-no, it can't be, can it...?

As he contemplated very meticulously about the situation, as well as the person in front of him, Jiyeru cooled down a bit. He soon finished his thoughts.

...If it's really him, it should be alright.

Slowly, Jiyeru opened his mouth.

"A-are you perhaps... Rena's father?"

"The Cursed Zone?", asked Ryan. His party member, Nicolas, replied.

"Yeah. It's a dreadful place located just beyond the border of Seronia; a section within the far northen part of the Great Forest."

"And? What about it?"

"Well, from what I've heard, it's a super dangerous place filled with this lethal gas called 'miasma' that infects the inhabiting monsters or something; They say it was turned that way by the Demons? Since the place was judged as such a shit-hole, apparently it was sealed off with this massive barrier, over, like, a hundred years ago, to stop it from spreading."

"Get on with it."

"Right... The thing is, you see, about the monsters there... They are all in a state of constant [Limit Break]."

Ryan froze for a split-second.

"...Huh? Like that bastard's skill?"

"Yeah. It was only a recent discovery actually, by the barrier's guards, so getting information on it was easier than expected; all the higher-ups were talking about it rather freely during a meeting earlier."

"Hmm......"

"It also seems that a knight squad is going to be sent soon to investigate more about it."

"The hell? Ain't it fuckin' dangerous?"

"Well, that's the thing I was gonna say... See, it looks like they decided democratically, and since the majority don't care about what anyone else wants or thinks, they just get what they desire, which in this case is information. They're fine with sacrificing knights to get even just a sliver of info, so long as they, themselves, aren't the ones being put in a bad situation."

Nicolas continued explaining how the high officials in the palace wanted to try and discover a way to erase the miasma and possibly cure the Cursed Zone. And then, how those officials are all just incredibly corrupt bastards that only work for their own gain, and completely disregarding the existences of those below them.

"It's heavy discrimination that's going on right now, even if it goes unnoticed from the outside. They may all seem like fat and lazy motherfuckers, but they're suprisingly smart, good at politics, and good at acting as though nothing is wrong."

Nicolas shrugged.

"Well, I guess that's just what it takes to survive in a place like this, after all. There's a reason why, although slavery is prohibited in this country, almost every noble household contains numerous slaves, why human trafficking runs rampant, and why most officials are easily bribed. It even includes the police force, ya know? It's a fucking disgusting country, it really is."

"Uh-huh..."

"Oh, and about your question from before―the answer is yes. There are some Demon race prisoners being held beneath the palace."

"And you've seen 'em?"

"Yeah. But how did you guess?"

"There's a war goin' on between this shitty place and the Demon country right? Of course there'd be prisoners of war."

"Ohh, right, right. Well, I was curious to see what kind of prisoners are held beneath the royal palace, so yeah, I checked 'em out, but turns out they were kinda lame criminals. That's when I found the Demon guys. I was getting really fuckin' bored just listening in on some random old dudes just going on and on about war and whatever, anyway. I really just don't understand any of it."

Ryan snorted.

"Yeah? Well, too bad, 'cause you're good at it, so you're gonna keep doin' it for as long as it's necessary. There's still a helluva lot we need to learn about this world and anythin' related to war is important if we want to last."

"...Right. But, it's all still really hard for me to comprehend―that we've actually come to another world and all that..."

"..."

"Do you not get that, leader?"

"......Hm. I've never thought about it."

Nicolas tilted his head and asked in surprise.

"Really? It's been almost a year, hasn't it? Almost everyone in the class's Age has gone up too, and we've even started our last year of school. Well, it's our second year, but still."

"..."

"...How do you think the people back on Earth are doing? I wasn't all that close with my family, so I'm alright, but there are a few people I wish I could meet again... I know there are a lot of other people who just can't deal with this place, or are really homesick. Like Kait....."

Suddenly, he turned serious.

"Do you think Ash could do it?"

Nicolas was talking about Ashley's claim that she would bring everyone home. She made it when they first arrived, and yet not even a sliver of progress has been made towards that goal. Ryan only looked apathetically over the city below, out the window.

He replied in a monotone voice.

"......Huh. Who knows."

At this point, most of the students have already become accustomed to life in the other world―humans are very adaptable creatures, after all, so it was only a matter of time. Of course, there were many that stayed homesick and those who desperately wanted to return or to meet once again with their loved ones or friends, but since no development has been made about the matter, most of them simply gave up and accepted the fact that they would never get the chance.

It wasn't like life was bad here anyway; in fact, if you exclude that there is no electricity or advanced technology here and that they didn't have their families, then everyone would say it was far better here compared to the lives they lived on Earth.

The two continued to look over the city in silence, when suddenly...

*ttring!*

You have received a message (1)

Ryan stared at the notification in front of him, as his expressionless face disappeared like a lie, instead being replaced by a tiny smirk.

Well, would ya look at that.

Skimming through the message, Ryan closed it and called out.

"...Nico."

"Yeah?"

"Inform Kait to prepare her things."

"Eh? 'Kay..."

Ryan then muttered something.

"It won't be long now."

It seems Nicolas overheard it as he was confused by the words.

"Huh? Leader, what'd you say?"

"Eh...? Nothin' you need to worry your li'l head about. Just focus on ya job."

" ?? "

Nicolas could only look in confusion towards his smirking party leader, before heading out.

"A-are you perhaps...... Rena's father?"

"..."

Certainly, it's not strange to assume that in his position...

Jae was taken aback at first, but after thinking about it for a second, he realised why Jiyeru might've asked that question.

If Jiyeru never saw Rena's real father, if his appearance is similar to mine, or if Jiyeru forgot what he looked like, then it'd rule out the possibility of me being a fake since I never proclaimed myself to be her father, did I? But, how would he narrow it down to me being her father, exactly? Is there a method to tell that I don't know of?

"So what if I am?"

Jiyeru's face noticeably eased after Jae's words, and it seemed as if he was truly glad. From this, Jae could immediately tell.

This guy isn't an enemy. But let's question him just to make sure.

"What's your relationship with Rena?"

He asked for confirmation.

"Hm? A-ah, I'm her half-brother. My name is Jiyeru Illujhin.... Well, if you really are him, then you'd already know that, haha."

"...Indeed. I've heard of you, Mr. Pet Owner."

"Huh...? Oh, did Rena tell you about a 'fluffy dog', perchance? She must've been talking about the Cerberus."

"Hoh, a Cerberus, huh?"

That's certainly interesting. Well, from his heart rate, he probably isn't lying, and he genuinely believes that I'm Rena's father... Well, he's 100% wrong about that, but at the same time, he's also kind of right? Anyway, although he's trying not to show it, he's most likely hiding things from me.

After a few moments of gloomily looking at the floor, Jiyeru looked Jae in the eyes and asked with a serious tone.

"Is she safe?"

"..."

When Jae didn't respond after a few moments, Jiyeru looked overcome with despair. He must've thought that either Jae didn't know, or that he knew she wasn't in good condition.

In reality, however, Jae was simply struck with guilt about leaving her behind.

.....Yeah... I'll definitely go back and pick her up, as soon as I get out of this place.

The weight of his previous actions seemed to have magnified over the two years he was inside the Sloth Dungeon, and now his guilty conscience was too heavy for Jae to endure. He vowed to return to her after escaping this miasma-filled barrier.

Soon realising that Jiyeru might've misunderstood, he corrected himself.

"Rena's safe, so don't worry. But she isn't with me now."

"Is that... really so...? Haaah...", He heaved a great sigh of relief before continuing.

"Well, it's consoling that she's fine, at least. Actually, it's probably for the best she isn't here right now; this place is far too dangerous for such a small child."

......Ah.

Jae just realised it, too.

That is certainly the case. So was it good that I didn't bring her with me? No, wait, that girl's a genius; I probably could've taught her how to protect herself with mana in the dungeon, so would she really have been in danger here?

Jae didn't really know what the correct choice was, but there is no point thinking hypotheticals, so he brushed it aside. After all, you can't change the past or what has already happened.

More importantly, Jae wanted to gather as much information as possible from Jiyeru, and first of all, he needed to fully verify what 'side' Jiyeru belonged to.

"Jiyeru."

"Yes?"

"What do you know about me? Tell me everything without fallacies. I'll fully undo the restraints then."

"A--of course."

Jiyeru then proceeded to inform Jae of everything he knew about the existence of 'Rena's Father'. Jae didn't detect any lies and determined that everything he said was the truth.

He spoke about how Rena's father was a high-ranking Spirit. Unfortunately, he didn't know exactly what rank, just that it was higher than average. As well as this...

Apparently, the sole person in the castle who ever actually saw Rena's father in person, was the three siblings' mother, the Queen. Everybody else was informed of his existence and role by her, but no one else ever saw him. This also means that she is the only person who will be able to discover the fact that Jae isn't Rena's biological father.

Of course, there were plenty of rumours spread that 'Rena's Father' never existed because of this, or scandalous likes such as, he was a Demon of low status, but nothing serious happened as a consequence.

In truth, there wasn't much that Jiyeru himself knew about him, other than that he was a high-ranking Spirit and Rena's father, but he knew a little bit about the Spirit race itself, and could thus deduce some things from that knowledge.

For one, only the higher-ranking Spirits can take on a humanoid appearance for extended periods of time, and although he never saw Rena's father in person, Jiyeru's mother told everyone about how her father was a high-ranking Spirits and could therefore sustain a perfect-looking humanoid appearance for as long as he wanted to―Apparently, it has something to do with the Spirit's mana capacity.

In the first place, Spirits cannot be seen by ordinary creatures when they're not in a humanoid form, so for anyone to see him would require him to be in humanoid form.

I see... So, is this partly why he was so convinced about my identity? Because he understood this, and caught a glimpse of how much mana I have?

It is also the same with their race's signature skill―the Spirit race has the ability to gaze into the souls of other creatures. The power of this technique grew with the Spirit's rank, and only high-ranking Spirits could see into the souls of more complex creatures like Humans and Demons.

Through studying this ability, the Demon race has managed to invent something called the Spirit Scope which can replicate the power of the Spirits, to a limited extent. Though it isn't very potent, it can still be used to figure out things one wouldn't otherwise necessarily know at a glance. Such as a creature's Age, Level, and Race Name.

This is it, Jae thought, This is what was mentioned before about the ability to look into souls. So it really wasn't「Envy」. Well, at least the fact they don't know about「Envy」is good. Anyway, that ability of the Spirits' is what the [Soul Discernment] System is based on, huh?

Supposedly, Rena was the only one who was able to tell if a Spirit was looking into her soul, and it was only because she was part-Spirit herself that she was able to do so. Normally, it's impossible. Her mother could only teach her that because she, herself, was informed of it by Rena's Father.

...Hold on. Does that have something to do with why her Soul State seemed like it was glitched? Because she is part-Spirit or something?

Though, Rena's existence herself is also impossible―when Jae heard this, he recalled her Title.

Ah... 'Impossible Child'...

"―My mother said that even she has no clue how Rena was conceived. Obviously, she could be lying, but it's common knowledge that Spirits can't reproduce with other races anyway; even the higher-ranking ones in humanoid forms don't have that capability."

"..."

"Of course, it's not like I or my sister blame her―We'd be just as confused too, after all, and our biological father is already dead... Anyway, apparently you... Mother said that her father suddenly disappeared after confirming Rena's safe birth."

Jiyeru clearly had plenty more questions to ask, but was holding them in, out of respect. Although he was a bit pissed off that Rena's father simply left without warning and without meeting anyone other than his mother, then, if he was real, Jiyeru thought that was something simply inexcusable.

But, since he was her father, at the end of the day, he decided to show as much respect as his pride would allow.

While thinking about what all was confessed to him, Jae did as promised and healed the paralysis. It's not like he could answer any of the questions Jiyeru would have even if he wanted to, so after briefly warning Jiyeru not to ask questions, he simply left it at that.

Jae turned around and began to walk out of the cave while thinking.

At least I know that the brother isn't an enemy. According to what he and Rena said, it's likely that neither his sister nor the queen is, either, just like I thought. I could ask any of them some questions about it, but since he said nothing, they probably don't know. Or, they're hiding that too. Whatever the case, there's nothing left for me to gain here; I already found out where the castle is thanks to him and informed them about Rena's safety, so he should have no major problems with my departure either.

"Thank you... O-oh, by the way, it was you who caused the Mana Detonation right?"

Jae, puzzled by the sudden question, stopped walking and turned around.

"'Mana Detonation'?"

"Yes. Uhh, I think it was lightning attribute? There was a big explosion of light that sounded like thunder."

Oh, what, did he see it from that far away?

"What, Flashbang? There were some monsters, don't worry about it."

Jiyeru widened his eyes.

"You mean a group of monsters in the Cursed Zone... You took them out by yourself...?"

"Hm? Why?"

I get that they were stronger than normal variations of those creatures, but they weren't a threat at all if you compare them to some of the other things out there like adult wyverns or drakes.

"Wow...", he exclaimed. Jae furrowed his brows slightly in response.

"What?"

"You're... really strong."

"...Thanks."

If compared to regular people, then yeah, I already knew that. Not in my eyes though. There are too many beings stronger than me, even right now.

"Oh! That reminds me. Since the other guys probably won't arrive here for a while, can you escort me?"

"Escort?"

What's this now? An escort mission, huh? I've always hated those with a passion, and I'm sure that anyone else who has experienced one knows what I'm talking about and agrees with me. Come on, don't do this to me man. I need to go and get Rena anyways...... Haa, since it's her brother, I'll hear him out.

Sighing lightly, Jae asked.

"What are the details of the request?"

Jiyeru's face lit up.

"Awesome! Uh, I just need you to protect me out there until the other squads arrive; it'll only take a few hours to a day, max, and this way, I'll be able to complete my task a lot quicker. I'll reward you as well if you want?"

Looking at the ecstatic guy's face who looked like a young teen, Jae felt a bit odd.

This kid... If it's only a day, then why not. I can also use this opportunity for some things. Fine.

"I don't care about a reward. Just go quickly."

"......What..."

Gawking in pure disbelief at the severed head of a 'Hellfiend Colossal Viper', Jiyeru muttered under his breath.

".....What... just happened...?"

It was a huge snake with jet black scales, a length greater than several buses, and with the same glowing veins along its entire body. He was confused because, out of nowhere, this monstrosity of a creature had suddenly attacked them before dying within a matter of moments. Everything was too fast for Jiyeru to even realise what happened before it ended.

"It's just magic."

'Colossal'. Pft.

Suppressing a mocking chuckle, Jae spoke to the still-stunned Jiyeru.

"What are you even trying to do here anyway, in a place with monsters like these?"

And, while asking such questions, Jae formed a sort of tier-list in his head.

So, the snake is weaker than the bear, but still has a lot of strength, as well as being bigger and faster. Since it's called a viper, I presume it also has venom? Strangely enough, it's stealth is exceptional too―Even with mana detection, I couldn't notice it until it came that close. It's definitely dangerous.

It was another indication that Jae was not all-powerful, and it almost made him feel a little nervous. Something that size could stay hidden even under his radar, so it was possible that things had escaped him in the past, and it was likewise possible that it would happen again in the future.

Meanwhile, the wolves are weaker than the snake, but have numbers, communication and teamwork. There's the owl, too, which is slightly weaker than the wolves, but is faster, sneakier, and can fly. And below that, the rodent creatures and insects. Overall, the bear is the strongest in terms of raw power, but out of everything I've seen, there's likely nothing that can top the snake.

There was no real reason for determining the forest's food chain or anything; Jae just did it for personal entertainment, while guarding Jiyeru.

Then, he smirked.

Of course, even if it can stay hidden from my radar, nothing here can top me though. Even if every living organism in this forest came at me, I'd probably still win. After all, it's absolutely impossible for there to be anything on par with a dragon or the Sloth Clone outside of the Sin Dungeons, so as long as I'm not inside one of those, I'm quite literally the strongest being in the world, no?

Slowly but surely, and without him realising it, Jae's arrogance was rising.

In the end, it was an unavoidable thing for a human to have pride, especially one with such power like Jae.

Even though he made a promise to not become overly conceited, it was such a natural thing that even he didn't notice it until it was too late―

Skill「Pride」has levelled up [Lv.0]→[Lv.1] The pride within you grows...

......Huh...?

Jae stared at the notification and clicked his tongue in regret.

"...Shit."

[So I am alive once more, hmm ... Oh, this place...? Hah. Full of weaklings.]

A powerful voice, full of dignity, reverberated in Jae's mind.

Immediately lamenting his previous actions and thoughts, Jae knew there was nothing he could do. The deed was already done, and it could not be undone.

[Hm? Boy, you smell..... familiar...]

Damn it...! ...You're imagining things.

[You dare accuse me? Hmph. Brat, I'll have you know: I, am the one and only Ruler of Pride!]

What? That's not true.

[Huh!? What did you just say to this great one!?]

It was a rather regretful event, but it seems like Pride has finally joined the party.