Every single person in the room besides Shouta and Melakios, who was still half asleep, shouted out in surprise. Their outburst startled Melakios as he began to sit up straighter. While he began to think, everyone else bombarded the Clan Head with questions.

Mainly one, though.

“But Father, he isn’t even a Tengu! Why?”

“I’m older than him! Why, Grandfather?”

Why…Melakios looked at what Shouta was going to do for him. Teach, train, protect, and even feed and shelter. Anyone can learn how to be a Soul Mason, and if you happen to be a student, it will include bed, bath, and meals. It was also obvious that the Tengu would provide some sort of protection.

So that left the special martial art.

“Does this mean I have to be a part of the Tengu Clan in order to learn this martial art?”

“Impeccable! Truly astounding! There’s that as well.”

That sort of calmed down the servants, but Takumi and Teiko were still taking it hard. But luckily for the both of them, the matter was put on hold.

“If you don’t mind, I think I need a little room.”

“Of course. Come on, everyone! I’m hungry! Hahahaha!”

After everyone else besides Alkelios and Clair left, Melakios began to meditate to search his body for any damage. He realized his Seed had grown a tiny bit! Could it be due to using it? That answer was scratched off the next second when he reached into his pack rat and noticed he had no soul stones left!

They were all gone! Melakios doubted that the Tengu stole anything, especially since they would need to control soul energy to open the bag. Maybe this was the reason his Seed grew? It kind of made sense.

He still had his Cores and Soul Items, but even his animal souls were gone! How much does this Seed eat?! His vault was at zero! The cores he had were the monster cores he obtained during his stay in Gloss City, although he acquired them before that in the forest. Maybe he could use these? He wasn’t entirely sure the Cores would supply him with decent soul energy.

Sure enough, most of the lower leveled monster Cores held little to no soul energy. Even if the higher leveled ones had some, it was only in a tiny amount. The only decent Core was the Terror Turtle’s Core. Combining the remaining energy, he began to enchant his suit.

Using the Terror Turtle as a base, he wanted more defense. He first collected all the soul energy and condensed it onto the Terror Turtle’s soul energy. Collectively, the amount of souls would equal about fifty lizard souls, but the remnants of these souls were exceptionally pure. The total power was far more than fifty lizards, it was more like a hundred!

In fact, Melakios was feeling the strain again. He didn’t stop until the energy was put into the Power Armament. The already menacing outfit became terrifying. Horns grew on the helmet, wings grew on his shoulders, and a tail grew from his back

The gauntlets and boots grew claws and small spikes grew along the spine. The black color started turning red, although it looked more like days old blood stains. A black red.

Melakios knew this was a stupid idea. He also knew he was on the run. He couldn’t stay in one place for too long or Valafar would show up again. He told the two to begin packing things. While Clair and Alkelios set to work, Melakios went back to sleep.

Down the hall, in the main room where everyone else was, Shouta was sitting with his eyes closed. He suddenly looked up and wryly smiled. In a voice far from his previous domineering attitude,

“So that’s how it is, huh? I get it. I guess we’ll help.”

The others around him looked towards him quizzically. He turned back to them and ordered,

“Okay, I need some stuff. Go fetch Takumi.”

Later that night, Melakios awoke. He was still sore, but he definitely felt better than this morning. Clair and Alkelios stood up and gestured silently to Melakios. The three began to sneak out but just as they got outside, they saw many figures standing on the surrounding mountains, their figures shrouded by darkness.

Then a deep intimidating voice called out,

“So you thought you could leave without saying goodbye, huh? But you still haven’t seen our full hospitality! Hahaha! Okay men, move out!”

The shadowy figures all jumped into the sky and flew towards the three. The three grimaced towards each other as they got ready to fight. The soldiers all stopped midflight, assuming a sort of arrow formation with a gap in the center. Actually, it looked more like a path.

“Hey kid, looks like they are forcing us forward. Keep your guard up, I’ll help you get out of here.”

“Just don’t kill anyone, Mr. Alkelios.”

“I understand.”

The three resolved themselves, but when they took the first step, the soldiers all stood at attention in the sky. They adjusted the formation to be more of a straight path into the air. Down the path, slowly floating towards the three was Shouta and Takumi. Teiko was nowhere in sight.

Melakios readjusted his grip on the Argive Sword as Alkelios took a different stance. Clair began to claw the ground. When the two Tengu landed before them without any hesitation ad no inclination for battle, the three just stood there in the awkward atmosphere.

“I think you misunderstand us. Hahaha!”

“I apologize, my Father can be quite the eccentric man. Here, this contains a spirit recording of our martial arts. The souls within are our old ancestors. They do not hold any will as they are just memories placed in an array. We also will give you instructions for Soul Masonry and soul searching as well. We understand your plight and respect your decision.”

Melakios was still a little confused so Alkelios received the box. In it contained many different Glyphs and Runes that Nesune might not have ever seen. These were some of the most expensive one could get! After cooling down, Melakios understood.

“Thank you, Clan Head. I appreciate this gesture. If I can, I will definitely repay this act of hospitality.”

“Hahaha! Don’t get in over your head, now! Can’t have my granddaughter become a widow before she is married, can we?”

“Tell her I am sorry.”

“Sorry, no can do. She left earlier today. She still hasn’t come back.”

“Was what we were doing that obvious?”

“No, but I can see things. So I made preparations. Now I would suggest going to one of the major cities. Pairma Capital belongs to Demon King Asmodai. He and Prince Gäap are actually of equal strength, but Asmodai got lucky by finding a Sacred Lance. Pairma has a tournament around now, so that might get you some spending money or maybe a Core or Soul Item. We wish you luck, little human!”

“Thank you very much, Clan Head!”

As they left, several different parties within the shadows began to move.