While everyone else was taking part in the Morian raid quests, I decided to look for the Simurghs...and hopefully, interact peacefully with them. The Simurghs were proud creatures, however, they were also very loyal beasts. Initially, from the records of history, I had presumed this species to be extinct given the destruction they experienced by the gods a few millennia ago. With how fresh and new the feather I found looked, I can assume that there were at least a couple of survivors...possibly hiding in a very hidden location. Luckily, with my skills and luck, I can track these Simurghs with the help of the feather.

I took out the feather and extracted some of the essence. Then, I consumed the essence...or rather, I absorbed the feather's essence. Immediately, my senses peaked. Essence...pure, raw essence - if consumed - can be considered as a drug. In other words, take too much, and you might become addicted...might become too dependent on it...an overdose if you will. With the essence within my body coupled by my ability to manipulate essence, I can sense any essences that were comparable to what I absorbed. Involuntarily, my body turned towards the west...it seems the Simurghs or maybe more of their essences were towards the west.

I called for Blackie and we flew towards the west. After traveling for a while and consuming the essence two more times...since the effects were limited, we arrived at the far edge of Pine Forest where there was a valley. I patted Blackie's back signaling him to descend to the valley below. Upon arriving, three shadowy figures emerged from the cave and lunged towards me. I dodge quickly and jumped off of Blackie. Equipping my Werewolf Mask, I slashed out my claws at the three figures and with my strength, I was able to instakill all three while still in the air. As I land, I looked at the corpses of the monsters that attacked me. Luckily, I did not sense any Simurgh essence from the three attackers earlier so I was able to attack without fear of ruining any chances of befriending the Simurghs.

The three bodies were black humanoids with bat-like wings...these were lesser devils! Devils were once humans who were tempted and absorbed demonic energy, turning themselves into half human half demon...aka devils. Lesser devils were either humans who received their demonic energy from regular devils or the devils' offsprings. What were devils doing here where the Simurghs should reside? Could they be in trouble? I hurried inside the cave the lesser devils flew out from and saw...a large group of devils performing execution on a group of Simurghs. There was a S-ranked Demon with these group of devils. Looking at the bloodbath, I can tell that they had already commenced the execution and had already killed more than half of what remained of the Simurghs.

Immediately, I switched to my Ghost Mask and started killing the devils. However, he was only able to kill half before he was found by the Demon. The demon was S-rank...and his capabilities was at least two times mine. I won't be able to win. Grimacing, I decided to use a forbidden technique - OverLuck! OverLuck permanently transfers half of one of my stats into my luck. I chose my defense. Instantly, my luck tripled.

When the demon rushed over to attack, suddenly, from below the earth, a huge earthworm emerges and literally tore the demon in half. To one-hit kill a S-ranked demon, this earthworm must be at least a SS-rank monster. The earthworm continued to devastate the rest of the devils. Once they all died, the earthworm approached me. Cautiously, I thanked the earthworm and asked why he had saved me. The earthworm, whose name was Lum, told me in the Language of the Worms that it was to repay a debt. When I asked what debt, he told me that earlier, I had saved a worm from death...that worm was his favorite great-great-great-grandson. Lum reached forward and blessed me with a mark. This mark would allow me to summon earthworms to fight for me. Afterwards, Lum dove into the ground and left.

I approached the frightened Simurghs...there were only ten left...all relatively young. To be shaken and traumatized to such an extent, I pitied the once proud creatures. Years of solitude and hiding had deterred from their original radiance. In their language, I comforted them and assured that they were safe. I offered to find them homes if they decide to follow me. I know what you guys are thinking...and its true, I'm taking advantage of these Simurghs' situation and winning some long-lasting loyalty. After a few minutes, the Simurghs agree. I got up and hopped on Blackie. We flew back to the guild with the ten Simurghs following close behind.

Now...I just need to find a place for them to live...*cough* *cough* Shadow *cough* *cough*.