V3 Chapter 7

In the sky, the glorious Ruins of the Gods floated in place while releasing a halo of heavenly light.

Its presence was ancient and eternal.

The buildings that could be seen with the naked eye, even the palace that stood at the very center of the ruins, seemingly towering above the heavens was pure gold, bands of colorful magical energies swirled around it like a rainbow. Its ambiance was antique and mysterious, like a place where the Gods and Goddesses themselves might live.

This was the Ruins of the Gods.

The vestige left by the Ancients.

The moment it materialized, it exuded a sense of prosperity and caused Heaven and Earth to quake.

In the next second, a rainbow formed and strange but beautiful flowers grew out of the soil. All sorts of phenomenon occurred one by one and lingered in space. Like a dream, like a fantasy, the entire scenery was magical.

"This is… the Ruins of the Gods activating!"

"Haha, finally the long wait is over! I am here to snatch all the fortunes and pave out a path as someone powerful! I will be the Hero of the new Generation!!"

"Treasures, magical techniques, and Ancient Artifacts… All kinds of fortunes are in this palace! I must go in!"

"The Gods Vestiges and Relics are inches away, what is everyone waiting for!?"

Countless people stared at the golden floating Palace with greed written on their faces. In the next second, those who were gathered immediately made their moves and flew towards the floating Palace. It was followed by explosions and colorful bright lights—but they are far from being pleasant.

The moment the opening of the Ruins occurred, almost all people immediately bared their fangs towards the people around them, and a fight broke out in an instant. Elites from different factions were like fireworks lit, exploding instantly.

The violent tribes and races such as most of the Monster Race and the Barbarians gathered in the place behaved just the same. They fought each other off as they edged themselves closer to the Palace.

The backdrop of it all was spectacular!

Though, those violent people are the minority as most immediately flew towards the Ruins of the Gods. They were terrified that if they were too late, the Ruins of the Gods would shut its door.

"The Ruins is finally opening its door."

Cian smiled faintly at the golden palace as heat flashed across his eyes—full of anticipation.

“You’re not going?”

“Not yet, after all, the scenery from this place is much more beautiful, don’t you think so as well?” replied Cian as he watched the people from the various tribes fighting against other people.

Unique abilities and magic techniques he had never seen before appeared dazzling his eyes.

His tongue licked his lips—

what would happen if I eat all of them?

Hmm… that is something I look forward to~

“You have quite a nasty hobby, you know?”

Cian chuckled in amusement as he turned his head towards the person that had appeared under the tree. He was not the least bit surprised to see Asceius appearing before him as if he had already expected it. This realization annoyed Asceius even more. Just what is he doing, really?

“You came here to fight me, as well?” asked Cian lazily as he looks at Asceius. Though, his voice and tone remained indifferent with still the usual smile on his face- which for Asceius had become similar to that of a brand.

“What? Are you selling a fight?”

Annoyed, Asceius snorted.

“Too bad, I’m not in the mood right now,”

Then, his gaze turned towards the surrounding the people that seemed around them. Meeting his gaze, those who were about to attack suddenly turned their heads away and flew towards the Ruins of the Gods with great haste. Though, their expression was full of complicated emotions—why is the Ice Prince with that unknown guy? Who is that youth?

They wanted to kill first the unknown Werebeast since he was alone and was clearly an easy target. It's a common fact, that despite the truce between the Humans and the Monster Alliance, the Humans and the Werebeasts hated each other. And would kill the other party when an opportunity arises.

However, the humans who were about to attack the unknown foxman turned around, bewildered, and left with confusion on their faces. Why is the infamous Ice Prince of the Godstone Kingdom having a friendly conversation with the said Foxman? Because of that, they couldn't attack even if they wanted it.

Who didn't know about the infamous Ice Prince?

He might not be as strong as the Princess of Storm, still, Asceius is an existence that cannot be underestimated.

“… …”

The Ice Prince sudden appearance turned the entire atmosphere into an awkward silence.

Most of the other remaining people and even those who were fighting halted in their actions and stared at the two of them. Their expressions were dark as they stared at Cian who was sitting peacefully and lazily at the top of a branch.

He was actually waiting for the others to attack him, as he never feared anyone, not before, not now, not in the future. Even if the situation becomes a sudden battle, he believes that he would be fine.

The people who saw what Asceius did could stare with wide eyes at the sudden unbelievable event. After all, they know completely who Asceius was and he had never defended anyone, much less get closer to someone. What made matters worse is that they don’t know who Cian was and cannot recognize him, and most of all, the fact that he was a Werebeast… meaning he came from the Beast God City Faction.

When did the infamous Ice Prince of the Godstone Kingdom get close to a Werebeast of the Beast God City?

However, they could only doubt and assume.

They turned at them one last time, even looking at Cian for quite a long time as if trying to engrave his appearance in their hearts, before turning around and followed the others.

“Well? Aren’t you quite loving, Cara mia? Though, sadly, I think it’s pretty unnecessary,”

Sounding bored, Cian turned his attention towards Asceius who was standing in front of the tree, expression ice-cold, like a millennial block of ice. He looked as if nothing in the world could penetrate his cool composure, or bother him.

Asceius snapped at him.

“I didn’t do that for you,”

“Jeez, you’re still a denial as ever,”

Cian chuckled in amusement as he leaped down, landing gently on the ground. Though, the place he landed was an extremely compromising position as he landed just behind Asceius with his arms reached at each side of the beautiful prince’s head, seemingly hugging him from behind.

“I know you like me, we’re very good friends, after all,” his mischievous voice reaching inches away from the man's ears.

As if being struck by lightning, the Ice Prince's body shivered violently and his leg swept behind him in a fierce kick like it was a conditional reflex. However, it didn’t hit anything as the mischievous foxman was already a few meters away from him, chuckling in amusement while staring at him with crescent eyes.

“You!!”

Asceius gnashed his teeth in anger. His face was dyed bright red that it further incenses Cian’s amusement.

“I’m just joking, no need to be so defensive~”

As he said that, from behind him Asceius saw the familiar Manticore that he had seen before. He appeared indifferent, however, Asceius was extremely shocked and startled deep within his heart—to think I could not even notice it up until now. When did a Manticore possess such concealment ability? No, wait… the scene when it appeared, why does it look like the Assassin Spider’s ability; [Camouflage Phase]?

That shouldn’t be possible…

A Manticore possessing the Assassin Spider’s ability is unheard of!

No, it’s basically a nightmare!

“If you won’t stop with the bad jokes, believe me, I’ll kill you right here and now!”

Asceius gritted his teeth in anger as he glared at Cian hatefully. Though the redness on his face makes him somewhat cute that it lessens the danger he was releasing. More so, despite saying that, he actually didn’t leave makes him even more adorable.

Cian chuckled in amusement, “Indeed, your presence and actions intrigue me. What's the sudden change? I thought you wouldn’t want to associate with me?”

“Believe me, I don’t.” the Prince snarled before turning around, “However, I have gone inside the Ruins before. Baptized by its danger, I know how difficult surviving alone inside … I’ve considered your proposal, and I think it’s best to have a company. And as a liar, you are much trustworthy than the others…save from your prattling mischief, which I could do without,” said Asceius with equal parts venom and sarcasm.

“You called me a liar, so I failed to understand where the trustworthy part came about. You did not fear that I will betray you when the time comes?” Cian grinned.

Asceius snorted; “I don’t care. You have not given loyalty to me, what betrayal are you talking about? We are only collaborators,”

“Et tu, Brute?”

“… …”

Cian chuckled in amusement after getting a cold glare from Asceius.

“Well, fine, let’s stop the teasing. Since it’s also what I wanted, I would be happy to oblige to escort you, Bellisima~”

Now Cian wore a more friendly and sincere expression, smiling so that his youthful face appeared ready to crack.

“I will make sure you will have a wonderful adventure, so please do your best to follow the Rules of Use and Dosage Guidelines when following my fluffy tail, your highness,” with a playful smile, he inclined his head, leaning forward.

Asceius rolled his eyes; “Now I’m starting to doubt my decision.”

“Going back on your words will make you look petty, Cara mia. As an intelligent man, with beauty surpassing that of any creature, an open-minded and cultured person such as you should not, by any chance turn into such a person. It would be the loss of both worlds,” he shot a sly look at Asceius, whose azure colored eyes reflected the challenge back at him.

This guy... is really annoying.

Asceius scowled in annoyance.

The man named Cian Cahlo, seemed to be a being full of life, but in the way, a piece of spoiled fruits is full of flavor. His skin was vibrant, almost feverish and his eyes were wide and bright as if dazzled by harsh lights, despite the gloom of the day and the dimness of the forest.

There was a hardness about him, a determination, an air of stoicism and confidence, a great strength that couldn't be denied or ignored.

But at the same time, Asceius also sensed heartlessness.

Here was a man who had seen death, and wielded death, and who didn't fear death.

Within them, Asceius seemed to felt something frightening hiding within those beautiful eyes. Like a wild beast secretly hiding, and was just waiting for prey to come and appear. Hence, the Human Prince was certain that Cian Cahlo was surely not a simple youth—he’s like a flower hiding his thorns in his sleeve.

However, be that as it may, he couldn’t detect any hostility from the monster hiding within Cian. Rather, when the monster turned his attention at him, rather than hostility, it’s as if the cruel and merciless tiger turned into a mischievous kitten who wanted to play pranks.

Such a feeling is truly ridiculous, and perhaps may just be his imagination. But, nevertheless, the truth still appears—he just can’t ignore him. This is the reason why he accepted the proposal despite the mysterious foxman's strangeness and mystery that seemed to be as dangerous as the Ruins of the Gods itself.

Since Cian Cahlo doesn’t seem to hold any kind of hostility for him, it means that it was safe to assume that he was not an enemy. On the contrary, he felt quite drawn to the stranger, although the prince did not understand this emotion. He looked into Cian’s eyes and now knew for a certainty that he meant no harm. Though, not a hundred percent certainty, but at the very least, there’s some trust that he can hold onto on this sudden cooperation of two strangers.

Asceius knows the danger that filled the Ruins; so of course, if he wanted to leave with a successful trial he needed a helping hand. Two is always better than one. And Cian Cahlo’s existence is a good opportunity laid in front of him.

Furthermore, he was somewhat curious about this youth—he was surely not someone as strong as him just in the realm of Intermediate Mage judging from the magical power he possesses. However, why does he feel danger?

He did not know why at his Sage level strength he actually felt some danger.

The danger of death… at that, as if the Death God was looking at him—that kind of strange feeling. He had his share of death and even had several times where he had brushed past it. Therefore, he was somewhat familiar with it.

Then why?

A mere Intermediate Stage Mage unexpectedly would let him have a feeling of danger?

Asceius felt somewhat in disbelief, even so, his interest in this young werebeast rose higher.

What kind of ability is he hiding?

And why does he have not heard of him before?

Though the Black Lands seemed vast, but it's actually very small. He should have heard of someone the likes of this strange Foxman in front of him before, and yet...

Ascceius look at Cian with a strange but complicated gaze before turning around.

I'll surely reveal everything you are hiding!

“Quit running your mouth and let’s go,”

Asceius started chanting his magic. Immediately after, his figure slowly floated. However, he turned back and looks at Cian with a frown.

“…Do you not know any flying magic?”

Cian was not doing anything, much less casting flying magic. He was just looking at him with the usual grin, which had become annoying already. He just really couldn’t understand what goes inside of this idiot’s head.

“Flying magic is for Wind mages, right? Even if the other Magic Elements have their own type of spell, I don’t know of them, so I can’t cast one. I have no magic affinity with the wind.”

Cian had heard about flying magic before, but it was a privilege for the Wind Mages. And even if he had a Wind Affinity, only Advance Mages could use such Magic. It’s not something an Intermediate Stage like him could use at the current time.

Asceius rolled his eyes and sigh; “Well then, I shall lend you the power of the Wind,”

However, as he was about to chant flying magic for Cian, suddenly, the latter shook his head and said ‘no need’ and under the shock eyes of Asceius, black wings sprouted from Cian’s back.

Wings that looked like that of an Angel, but covered with obsidian colored feathers. It was extremely beautiful to look at but the fierce aura it was exuding makes anyone feel as if they were being stared by a gruesome predator. A faint image of a black eagle-like bird seemed to have stared right through Asceius when the black wings spread out that it startled him. Though, the eerie feeling was momentary.

“You! Aren’t you from the Fox Tribe?!”

Asceius widened in shock as he looks down at Cian. He couldn’t believe that he would manifest wings like the Winged Clan Beastman.

“Who said Foxes can’t fly?”

Cian grinned and the black wings on his back spread widely as he soared in the sky.

“Now my dear friend, don’t show such a face. The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.”

Cian muttered with a playful gaiety.

The Manticore as well blossomed a pair of bat-like wings out of nowhere and flew. Though, the wings seemed translucent and illusion-like. And most of all, rather than flying, the Manticore was like a Griffon as it runs through the air, seemingly having an invisible scaffold beneath its feet.

“… …Who are you, really?”

But Asceius was not the least bit interested in the flying Manticore. He knows that normal Manticore might not manifest wings, but those of royal blood could. With the densest bloodline of their ancestor, the Manticore can manifest their wings for a period of time and fly.

Cian’s Manticore had shown many signs of it being uncommon and different from normal Manticores. Therefore, Asceius had long suspected of it being a Royal Blood Manticore. And this only proves his suspicion.

What he was more interested in was Cian who should have been a Fox Werebeast, actually possess wings. And could fly.

How in the God's name is this possible?!

Cian laughed as he stops and turned to face the incredulous face of Asceus, “Let’s see, that’s a good question, my friend. However, the answer is simple— I’m me, and there can never be other than me,” he answered at a venture, "I’m Cian Cahlo, the one who never stop dreaming about Neverland.”

Asceius face darkened even more.

He just really can’t make a sense out of this idiot, who spoke nothing but inanity.

Just how many secrets is this bastard hiding…?

“Your expression is a little strange,” said Cian with mirth, noticing his queer gaze.

“… …”

“But I already have a lover. I’m also not really interested in men. But—if it’s my dear Asceius, I don’t mind trying it once,”

Ascieus coughed uncontrollably, choking his spit wrongly into his lungs when he heard those words. He almost fell from the air as his balance went off—

“You bastard—fox!!”

“Ahahahahaha,”

Cian laughed in amusement as he turned around and rush towards the Ruins of the Gods. Asceius with beet-red face, yelled in a raging voice chased after him with madness and anger.

“Get back here! I’m going to kill you!!”

… …