V3 Chapter 11

The mountain forest that was covered by a layer of strange atmosphere suddenly froze. The source of this solidification was ten shadowy-faced human figures among the large group of people following behind them appeared shot past through them and landed in front.

“This must be fate that we have seen each other in this dangerous world, Your Highness Asceius,”

A young man with bear ears step forward and said with an annoying smile. He was quite big, standing over two meters tall, and burly muscles. He was wearing simple leather clothes and brown pants. On his arms were arm guards seemingly made from gold. He looked like an ex-football player, complete with a huge neck and a crooked, lumpy nose that seemed to have been broken too many times. Anyway, to Cian, he was ugly.

But as expected, they are beastmen—or in this land, they are called Werebeast, being associated with the Demi-humans, unlike that of the outside world.

In the Mainland, Beastmen and Demi-humans had always been a separate faction. And in fact, they are even enemies, the former allying with the humans while the latter on the Demon side—one side a descendant of the Magical Beasts, while the other the offsprings of Monsters. But in this land, they seemed to be one and the same.

And according to Asceius, even an organization existed called the Monster Alliance—a group consisted of Monsters and Beastmen acting as Kings and Leaders of all Beastmen and Demi-humans in the Black Lands exist—both being called in a single name: [Werebeasts].

No wonder they are so good at hiding, they are literally beasts. In fact, if not for Cian’s [Night’s Eye], just like Asceius, he would also not be able to notice their existence. But to think they didn’t even think of ambushing them…they actually show themselves like idiots. Are they that confident? Or were they just fools so full of themselves who thought that they can win against them…without any foul play?

Though, he doesn't care about it, but being underestimated by fools feel very unpleasant.

“Barrak, whether this is fate or not is none of my concern. You are standing in our path, so if you want this place to retain its beauty you might as well move out of the way,”

Asceius replied with elegance, but the cold aura around him thickens, dropping the temperature low. Winter dust started to cover the nearby vegetation, and even Cian himself started to feel somewhat cold. He really wanted it if he would warn him before he released his cold aura. He dislikes cold, you know.

“You’re still as arrogant as ever. But do you really think that your Godstone Kingdom can protect you this time?!” Barrak snorted in disdain. “You have given me trouble last time we had met. But this time, I will exact my revenge. Even if you die here, no one will know who had done it! Feel free to pray that you can get away from my hands, but you will never!”

“Hmph! You really think highly of yourself Barrak. Do you think I care about the prestige of the Kingdom? You stupid idiot. I can protect myself well. And I can kill even hundreds of you!” Asceius scowled in anger. His eyes glimmered and the air around him slowly turned into a chill.

“You might be strong, but do you think I’m alone?”

Barrak grinned.

The people around him stepped forward, grinning, scowling, smirking whatsoever while showing their impressive figure full of body muscles.

Wow... this is the first time I see someone so proud because he has a group with him when the enemy is just one or two.

How shameful.

Furthermore, looking at their smirking expression, they seemed to be quite proud of their figures, which to Cian just couldn’t understand. Although he was fond of muscles, only if it’s on women. Muscled women are also quite a turn on. But to men, they look just as terrifying as they were.

Cian didn’t like to appear too bulky, and he likes his current slender form, even if it turned into quite effeminate. But perhaps, that is because of his modern views, and to beastmen, the more packed and large their bodies were, the more appealing they are?

Most of the Beastmen he knew have quite pride in their muscles. So perhaps, that is indeed the case.

Seven of them were Werebear, while the other was Kobolds, or at least that's what Cian thought they were called, since their head was more a dog than a human head.

And from the aura they are releasing, at least most of them were as strong as the mercenary; Levelia Ornsted. That little girl he seduced before entering the Winter Mountain.

Now, he started to miss the red-haired human warrior even more. Her body was extremely satisfying. She possesses incredible assets, as well as muscles that were springy and smooth at the same time. It was somewhat different from Harley, though both kinds of muscled bodies are the best on their own rights.

As Cian’s thoughts veered in a very strange direction, the situation around the forest was becoming even darker, and tenser, as if a light spark could ignite the entire forest into massive flames that could burn everything.

“…and I am not, either,”

Asceius grinned and step closer to Cian. Normally, he would surely have a very difficult time against these many opponents. And even if he won in the end, he would perhaps be heavily wounded. And if that happens, his life would become even more uncertain since the Ruins offer not less dangerous than them. In fact, even more. But now, it seems like cooperating with Cian was really the right choice.

Perhaps this time’s trial would be much harder for him compared to before. There are so many people who are extremely against the growing force of the Godstone Kingdom. And he would surely be a good achievement for the Werebeast faction if someone was able to kill him, or capture him, at least. It was no secret for both factions about the increasing conflict between two races. In fact, it seems as if, only a single spark could ignite the war between them. Though, no one would dare to start because of the existence of the Mysterious Oracle.

Everyone knows that both Factions are just quietly waiting as to who will beat the first drum of battle, so they would have a good reason to act.

But, secret assassinations like this are best, especially if no one knows about it. And so, for the stupid, warmonger War beasts, one of the missions they have for entering this Ruins is to kill him, or the other Elite Humans to weaken the force of humanity…aside from the treasures, that is.

“Him?”

Finally Barrak and the other’s attention went towards Cian, who was been saying silent all this time.

“A foxman.” he muttered with disdain.

Among the Were-Clans, the Foxman has one of the lowest combat powers. Although most of them were good at illusion and fire magic, they cannot rival the other Beast and Monster clans in terms of physical power. And even in magic, they are still below that of other magic-innate Demi-humans such as the Lamias, Salamanders, and Nagas. In fact, the Fox Tribe, compared to the other Were-Clans had already been weakened to the point that their old majesty has now been forgotten, reducing them to a small, third rate Clan.

They are even lower, weaker, and inferior to Goblins.

“You, a Foxman… I don’t know why you are with him, but you should know which side you’re on.”

Barrak said with a grin.

“You’re a Werebeast, humans are our enemies. You should know that. Even if you have some friendship with him, as a Werebeast like you, I’ll make an exception for you. Stand aside, and just watch… if you want. But if you tried otherwise, we will brand you as a traitor! And you will be our enemy!”

“… …”

Cian tilted his head, wondering what this idiot is talking about. And then, suddenly he realized something…that’s right. He almost forgot, he was actually adorning the Foxman identity, right now. And this Barrak, who looks like an ugly Orc had mistaken him for a Werebeast.

How amusing…

“Don’t think about it, I am Barrak, son of the Patriarch of the Griizilie WereBear tribe. Made one mistake and your Fox Clan will be in big trouble,” Barrak grinned viciously.

“…is what he said,”

Cian turned towards Asceius, smiling helplessly.

“Ah, what should I do…?”

Asceius frowned, confused and bewildered as to what Cian was talking about. Then, suddenly he saw him shrugging his shoulders with a helpless smile, bitter and even apologetic, “I’m sorry, Bellisima. My Tribe needs me,” he said and started walking away, leaving Asceius in shock.

The Ice Prince thought he heard it wrong. When he was about to lash out in anger and disappointment, suddenly he noticed Leona following her master, look at him in amusement.

Those human-like eyes look at him from the corner of her eyes with mirth on her expression. If the beast was a human, surely, it would have been giggling by now. And since he had been traveling with that mysterious and strange Manticore, of course, this kind of expression could not be missed by him.

This sudden realization poured cold water into his anger and made him calm down.

Damn it!

Asceius gritted his teeth, but his lips almost curved into a grin. Suddenly, he was reminded of who Cian Cahlo is.

Betrayal…?

As if. He would never do something like that. He didn’t know him that long, but Asceius was certain Cian was not the type that goes back on his words.

He glanced up at the Foxman’s face. He seemed to have seen a corner of his mouth quirked for an instant before returning to normal. His black eyes, as deep as an abyss but gleaming like a starry sky, sparkled with humor, perfectly hidden within that apologetic gaze.

If someone who had not known about him truly would surely be fooled by his act.

This guy… it seems like someone would have a hard time today.

And it surely would not be him.

“Damn it! Cian…I thought we are friends! Why are you throwing me off now!”

Asceius gnashed his teeth and cried out, trying to stifle his grin by pretending to be angry. Even his act was no less than that of Cian’s.

Amazing, it seems like women are born innately for drama was not an exaggeration. Though he is not a woman, he’s still a beauty nonetheless.

Cian felt amused, knowing that Asceius had already caught on of his little naughty play.

The Asceius he knows would never throw those kind-of sickly, woman-like outburst. The Ice Prince' expression right now was like that of a woman being betrayed by her lover. Even Cian felt goosebumps.

What the hell...

“Mi dispiace, bellisima. But my tribe is more important than you…I cannot actually choose you over them, can I?” Cian’s eyes gleamed but he still fixed his expression.

“How dare you, Cian!!!”

Asceius roared in anger, but Cian was already a few distances away from him. He roared like a wounded lion, but hidden in his eyes was an amusement no less than the other person. Though he had a hard time understanding what he was speaking about as the language, even the accent seemed so foreign and something he had never heard before.

Mi dispiace?

What does that even mean?

That’s not even in the language of the Werebeast or Human.

He really speaks in a strange manner.

“Barrak, was it. This is none of my matter… he and I were friends…at least before. Now, you leave my tribe alone,”

Cian turned towards Barrak who was grinning in amusement, which to Cian was certain he had found the drama unfolding before his eyes, starring him and Asceius, quite appealing. Though, he sure knows why the interest in the betrayal-trend plays. In fact, even he felt pulled into those drama-like soap operas his mother wanted to watch back on Earth.

“Good choice.”

Barrak nodded his head.

“You can count on it. Werebeasts are best only with Werebeasts. Associating with humans is the most disappointing crime a Werebeast could commit.”

Cian stared at Barrak, and the killing intent that passed through the Werebear’s eyes for just a moment didn’t miss him. Surely, Barrak was going to kill him in the end.

Cian was not foolish enough to think that Barrak would overlook him. After all, who would let go of a possible witness of crime? That’s foolishness. At least, it's something he would never do. More so to him, if it’s just some lowly Foxman, whose Tribe is much weaker and inferior that that of the Goblins.

But, sadly, not like Cian would care. Barrak has already entered his kill list. Even if the Death God didn’t want the Werebear to die, he would still have no choice but to come and pick him up today. His ticket has been long overdue.

“Now, don’t try to fight, Asceius. You might as well come with us, or else, don’t blame us for being a little bit rough…!”

“Ha! I’d rather die than surrender! Barrak, you, who didn’t have any balls to face me without your stupid gang, do you really think that you had already won?” Asceius sneered fearlessly.

Barrak snorted in disgust.

“What about you, Asceius? Do you even have you phallus welded in there, or was it…perhaps, it's too small I can't seem to find it.”

Pfft-! Cian almost burst into laughter after hearing Barrak's words.

Damn this beast, he sure has a toxic mouth.

“Shut up! Barrak, I don’t know what you’re planning, but I had spared you before. But not this time! I will make sure, I’ll lop that stupid head of yours right here, right now!” Asceius growled and a sword of ice appeared in his hand. He was clearly very angry.

“Heh, you can still talk…but how long exactly it can last?”

Barrak waved his hand and the nine guys around him immediately moved in high-speed, their figures turned into a blur, before reappearing just around Asceius, encircling him.

Without using [Night’s Eye] even Cian would find it extremely difficult to fight against these guys. They are as fast as Leona, and surely they have yet to completely display what they can truly do. And their strength should also be quite high.

Magic…would be a bad line-up against them.

Magic takes time to conjure, but their speed and power are beyond that. They will surely take the fight in a melee battle.

Though Asceius is also good at Martial Arts… but the Werebeasts are naturally gifted in physical prowess.

AIt seems like, Asceius is already in a disadvantageous position since the beginning.

I’m not keen on eating humans since that’s gross. After all, I had been a human myself. The brand of a human still stuck with me. And I doubt I would get incredible and interesting abilities from them anyway. But those kobolds… hm, I think I’ll just take a bite out of them. I think I will have myself some dog stew today, I heard they tasted good and very nutritious.

As Cian was observing and analyzing the Werebeasts, suddenly he felt someone staring at him, only to catch Asceius glaring at him.

What are you still doing there? It’s time…

His eyes were crying out to him, and this cause Cian to feel somewhat amused.

He turned towards the Werebeasts surrounding Asceius and saw them suddenly crouching down—they are about to attack. And Asceius noticed it as well, and his expression turned solemn. He was also aware of his own disadvantaged position against several Werebeasts at the same time. One or two would be alright. But more than that would be too much even for him.

Fwoooosh.

The air around the area cool down and Asceius made his stance. Leona felt Cian’s fighting spirit rising and it too did the same. Its beautiful golden eyes gleaming in excitement. She always likes battles. It never bores her. And for some reason, she felt as if every battle strengthened her, and increases her strength. It’s like a drug, addicting.

“Catch him!”

Barrak cried out.

Cian narrowed his eyes, and he slowly slid closer to Barrak. With just six to seven meters distance between them, now he was assured he could kill Barrak in one second using his [Blood Release] and his numerous skills. Although the Werebear is obviously stronger than him by several levels, as long as he can catch the beast off-guard, Cian was confident of killing him instantly, even before the Werebear could recover and fight back.

He has so many sure-kill attacks, and he would never miss.

Even with the other Werebeasts around, Cian’s full attention was focused on Barrak. The latter just watch happily, excited by the expected victory with the other Werebeasts surrounding Asceius, not knowing that an even worse predator has already locked his eyes on him. The poor Werebear was still gloating in his still-have-yet-to-achieve victory.

Cian captured Asceius looking at him, and he locked his gaze at her as well. Cian nodded his head, and his eyes turned towards Barrak, telling him his plan. Fighting all ten at the same time would foolish, and troublesome. Might as well lop off the head of the leader first before minding what to do with the others. And Asceius seems to understand this as well.

After a few moments, both of their lips curved upwards and when Asceius nodded his head, their time to make a move finally came.

However, as they were about to make a move—

There was once again another change in the situation.

Gyaaaaaakkkkk—!!!

Along with that strange cry, an enormous amount of killing intent enveloped the entire area. Aside from Asceius, the Ten Werebeasts including Barrak, and also Leona and Cian felt as if the sky has fallen down, and they almost kneeled in the ground.

Fuck…! What the hell is this?!

Cian felt his heart almost jumped out from his chest. Among the people here, he was the weakest. Although the Werebeasts have a hard time enduring the pressure, they were slowly getting used to it, and even able to steady their balance.

But Cian was different; he almost vomited blood, while Leona was pressed heavily on the ground panting.

This is killing intent...!

How savage!

Who?!

Cian felt his blood run cold, and all the hairs in his body stood erect. Suddenly, as he was about to crumble down, a comfortable feeling washed over him, coming from his right eye, easing the pain and pressure bearing down on him. His breathing turned slow, and the fog of his mind slowly clearing away.

He clenched his hand, reeling the relief and comfort flowing through his every vein. Then, suddenly he noticed, Leona beside him was still trembling, shivering on the ground.

Smiling wryly, he extended his hand and reached out, stroking the poor Manticore’s body. In that instant, the shivering of Leona stopped and she started to regain her bearing.

But what the hell was that?

Who the hell let out that horrifying murderous intention indiscriminately?

Don’t they fear involving innocent people?

When Cian was furrowing his brows, displeased another bird’s cry snatches his attention. At that moment, Cian, Asceius, Leona, and the Werebeasts suddenly stopped what they are doing and simultaneously raised their heads.

An enormous bird was flying above them.

Estimated in proportion to its wingspan, the massive body must have been several hundred meters in size.

Stunned, Cian looked up to watch the majestic entry of the enormous bird. Cian felt something above them, something extremely eerie and powerful. Not the bird, of course, but it was obviously carrying it. Carrying the one that released such unbelievable pressure.

As the atmosphere around the area tensed, suddenly a black dot appeared in the sky—flying out from the enormous bird. Then, the black dot came closer, and closer, and now turning into a full-body figure, of a beautiful heavenly maiden descending from the back of the giant bird, wearing an outfit in the style of a mandarin gown that hugged and accentuated the wondrous curves of her figure.

With [Night’s Eye], Cian can clearly make out the almost perfect features of the beautiful maiden.

With mesmerizing lustrous eyes and pristine white teeth, her beauty could only be described as otherworldly. It was to the point that it can actually rival that of his mother Sitana and Bluebird, the two most beautiful women he had seen in his two lives.

Who is she?