V3 Chapter 62

The ferocious beasts residing within the Ruins of Gods were wild and ferocious.

Not only were they stronger than normal beasts that could be seen outside of this realm, but a minority of them were also considered ancient powerful beasts that terrorized the entire world a long time ago.

And these powerful monsters were put together in this single place, causing their ferocity and cruel nature seemed to have been enhanced even more.

Just like how ancient sorcerers create a 'Kodoku'- a poisonous magic seen in various Japanese Folklores, they would mix several insects in a jar, and let them kill one another until only one survived.

The survivor would then turns into a creature called 'Kodoku'. A terrible, and very poisonous insect that would kill the cursed target.

In this strange world, the Ruins of the Gods, just like the 'Kodoku', it’s as if all these monsters were put in this world together, let them fight and compete for survival- all in order to groom them into even more powerful beasts.

That is why the monsters in this world had a much fiercer and cruel nature that those seen outside. Once sighted, either fight to the death or escape desperately. Even powerful people and elite geniuses didn’t dare to fight these monsters. As much as possible, they would avoid or escape.

Perhaps, in this Ruins of the Gods, only someone like Cian would have the guts to face any monsters he encountered without fear.

Explore, find treasures, fight, and eat, that’s the Demon Prince' routine. Though the Ruins of the Gods didn’t seem to have the concept of time, Cian relied on his biological clock for rest and break. However, he felt as if he had already stayed here for a very long time.

He hadn’t expected that things would come into this. He had thought he can leave anytime he wanted, play for a while, and leave. But to think he would be unable to leave until this Ruins closed off… what a cheat.

Now he was stranded in this strange place, not knowing when he could go out. Though, he wasn’t that worried or anything, since he’s still enjoying his adventure. However-

What happened to the Walpurgis Banquet…?

Did Elder Sister and Lucifalion start their battle already?

Walpurgis Banquet is just his decided moment to come out in the public and display his true self. However, since Aanuel has an incredible trashy reputation, there was nothing that would change even if he doesn’t go. It would just be labeled as his own usual thing even if he missed it. Rather, even before, he had never placed any importance to the Walpurgis Banquet unlike most demons do. After all, these are the tradition of the Demon Empire.

Furthermore, Sitana would also not care about it. Aside from scolding, she wouldn’t give him any sort of real punishment. The only thing he found it regrettable after missing it would be that he would not be able to help or show her support to her Elder Sister if both of her siblings really started their battle for hegemony.

After all, the intense situation and signs of extreme aggression for several parties in the Demon Empire had given him a premonition that this year's banquet would be a very explosive event. Perhaps, even Lucifalion would start working on his plan.

Even still, is it better if I postponed my coming out?

Can I see this misfortune, a fortune in disguise, instead?

'When the Sandpiper and the Clam fight each other, it’s the Fisherman who benefits' -

He had always followed that saying, even back in the modern world where he would often find a troublesome target- some druglord or mafia lord, or even some kind of highly influential politicians. Whenever he had that task, he would always set up a trap, and pit his target to other rival families or groups and would just wait as they kill each other, before charging right in and take his target's head.

By doing so, he would eliminate a lot of troublesome things, more so, danger and even more, evidence of his own involvement. It's just like borrowing someone's knife to kill someone. Safe and easy.

...and also, I might be able to gain more advantages if I just act like a fisherman and wait for all of them to start killing each other. However, if that’s the case, Elder Sister would be in a more dangerous position.

But at this moment, that kind of plan, is something he just couldn't do.

Should I use Elder Sister as bait for more advantage?

That’s impossible.

Cian shook his head without hesitation.

If it was before, he might have. But now, he doesn’t have the heart to do it. He had already seen Oriel as his own person, his own woman, and he would never do anything that would hurt her.

And besides, even if I want it, the situation is already dire.

The bait had already been cast, and now the fishes were fighting intensely to take it.

Everything has been prepared. The stage has been set, along with fireworks. The continent is already chaotic, and a single spark can blow everything up. The situation had become a great deterrent to many factions, but it also had become a great danger.

But not for me...

As long as I did my part properly, I would not be swallowed by the explosion, and just watch them burn even brighter in the dark.

But the war can be set aside for later. The problem is the current Demon Empire. Especially its hidden dangers.

All I can hope is that the Garden would be able to support Elder Sister on my absence.

I think hiding my identity and power should be better continued, at least, until I see the path to victory. It would be bad if I underestimate Lucifalion and become overconfident with my current abilities.

Though, I'm confident that I can now fight him without losing, but Lucifalion is not the only enemy I have. There are still wild beasts lurking in the dark, and waiting for an opportunity to strike. They are the problem. Even if I defeat Lucifalion, these sneaky hyenas would be a danger... especially, not knowing their full strength and capabilities. I might be the one to be taken surprise.

Not to mention, I still don’t know what course of action would Situel take, or would she even choose sides in this situation?

If possible, I don't want to fight with Situel. That little girl has a troublesome ability, so I really don't want her to mess things up.

If my plan didn’t work, things would become even more difficult. It is always better to be safe than sorry. There could be no mistakes!

Though worried about the things happening in the vast world, Cian still spent his life exploring the Ruins of the Gods with Amadea, and a new companion, the ever so obedient Regina.

With Regina’s help, Cian and Amadea have an easier time inside the Ruins. Though, not much, Regina knows about the Ruins of the Gods better them. Thus, he treated her as Asceius replacement and asked many things about the Ruins of the Gods, and the Godstone Kingdom.

Now, he finally has a more compact understanding of the only Human Kingdom in the Black Lands and learned even the information that Asceius didn’t dare to tell him. This had also led him to make a better plan to conquer the Kingdom.

Now, he just needs a good oppurtunity to start.

... ...

Though the forest they were in was filled with precious and rare resources such as herbs, plants, and fruits, however, in terms of treasures that one expects to find, it’s completely lacking.

Well, perhaps Cian’s expectation is just too much, but since he had arrived in this place, he hadn't come across any adventures he had expected. It seems like because the Ruins of the Gods had been opened for many years. Almost all opportunities or fortunes had already been taken away.

And perhaps, because the Ruins of the Gods is too big, and the people have been randomly sent to various places that he felt the entire place appearing quite desolate. It was nothing extraordinary except for its intense Magical Power that nurtured many precious wild herbs and plants, most even were already extinct in the outside world.

But it’s not like there’s no sign of other people aside from them.

As they explored the area from time to time, Cian and the others could see fighting marks everywhere. There were even corpses and bloodstains on some areas, though bodies had disappeared for some reason- perhaps eaten and drag away by some wild beasts or monsters.

People would fight because of small conflicts or precious items. Not to mention, the conflict between the Demi-Humans and Human Beings.

As for the illusion enchantment that covered the entire forest, this had already been broken by Cian.

The confusion spell that seemed to bewitched and confused people has no effect on him now. After staying in this place for quite a long time already, his Magic Eye had already adapted to the power and made him able to see the misty world of illusion in tinted glass.

Whether it was intentional or a natural phenomenon, the entire forest was covered with turbulent currents. Reflected in his eyes, was a current of magical power that was almost similar to those under the ocean.

And though these magical current were invisible to the naked eyes, but it's actually the true cause of the illusionary maze. Especially, the restrains of their senses and perception. However, as long as one can see it, and follow the current, the illusion would lose its effects.

However, even if one knows of this, it's not something that one can easily do. Rather, even Archmages who possesses incredible magical perception would find it hard to understand and navigate through these misty currents of magical power. This is not something a mortal can easily do.

But Cian is different. He has something that no one else has- and that is the Eye of a God. The turbulent current of magical power is clear as an ocean currents, or wind swirls.

That’s why he was not afraid of leaving and wandering around. He can now find his way easily through the forest better than before.

“...this is strange,”

Suddenly, Regina who was leading the group muttered with a grim expression.

“What’s strange?”

Cian tilted his head, not knowing what she meant. After all, he doesn’t feel anything strange at all. Nor, he felt any presence. Even Amadea look bewildered.

“Master, I can’t feel any monsters and demonic beasts around…”

Regina said in anxiety.

“Usually, monsters and demonic beasts are everywhere. No matter where you go, you will be attacked by these demonic beasts. However, I can’t feel any of them here…” she looks really worried.

“We might have stepped into a very powerful monster’s territory, that’s why I think we need to leave,”

Cian turned his attention, and look around. When she mentioned it, he also realized it. regina has a point. And if what she said is true, then he can understand her worries and anxiety. Though, she knows that he and Amadea are strong, but against ancient powerful monsters, it would be difficult to survive.

After all, it was said that even Archmages and Fighter Kings have low chances of survival inside this Ruins of the Gods. It’s a testament to how powerful and frightening ancient monsters are. And so, Regina’s anxiety was not unfounded. However, truthfully, this was also his fault.

Regina had no idea that it was because of the aura force of his demonic blood which he released slightly to scare the monsters away. After all, it would be tiring to be attacked relentlessly by monsters.

The demon race placed great emphasis on the bloodline. It’s not awareness but instinctive reaction when feeling the aura of the demonkind. Though powerful demonic beasts can ignore it, weaker demonic beasts cannot. That’s why they had not encountered monsters along their way.

Still, it doesn’t mean Cian doesn’t find this weird as well.

This forest holds quite an incredible number of demonic beasts, and they should have encountered some daredevils by now. Not to mention, some ancient monsters as well like his aura and would surely come at him to try and devour him... just like the Jaggerjaw.

But up until now, their exploration was uneventful.

Could it be what Regina said is true?

Cian shook his head, scanned his surroundings. But as he look around, he couln't help but muttered in disappointment, "I heard a lot about it, but then again, this Ruins of the Gods isn't that much fun!"

He found that the Ruins of the Gods were too vast and the resources were far from ample and endless as what was rumored outside.

Maybe he was late and most of the things had been taken away, or it was his bad luck. He felt as if three days have already passed and yet, he didn't even see a single treasure chest, let alone a single magical artifact.

Though, of course, the number of precious herbs and plants he had collected up until now was of high quality that even most of them were classified as extinct in the outside world. It can be said that even with this, his trip to the Ruins of the Gods has been fruitful.

Still, he's unsatisfied.

"Well, that can't be helped. Most treasures can only be found in Dungeons. And these Dungeons are secluded and hard to find," Regina said with a wry smile.

"Dungeons, was it? I'm curious... hm? This is?"

As he was surveying the area, suddenly, his eyes narrowed.

His ear trembled slightly as he turned his head to look at the tall grass nearby.

Inside, he could sense the movement of a magical beast moving about from 10 meters away.

Among the hiding monsters, this particular monster stood out the most. Judging from the aura it was emitting, it was certainly a very powerful monster.

However, this magical beast was barely making any movements, so even Regina wasn’t able to detect its presence.

The magical beast paused for a moment as if it were hesitating before it decided if it wanted to attack Cian and his group. In the end, it silently retreated.

Sensing the magical beast’s retreat, his mind was filled with doubt.

What’s happening?

Even if my aura can scare a few magical beasts, it would not be effective against high-level monsters. And that monster just now is already comparable to a B rank Red Crown Dragon Serpent. It should not fear my aura, and would surely attack…but why did it run away?

Could it be am I just overthinking it?

Was it actually a weak monster?

Cian wondered, but as he thought about that, another question came into his mind.

With the magical beast being so low in strength, how could it possibly have the knowledge to make such a decision?

Up until now, no matter if it was just an E, or D rank Magical Beast, or even a C rank Ancient Beast, they would scurry out of their hiding spots to attack him even when he was releasing his demonic aura. Though, most of them would be scared but some daredevils would fall into their greed and would try to have a piece of him, leading to their deaths, of course.

His blood, after all, was a delicacy for them.

Even if they were in a hidden area, they would try to make a sneak attack, making this situation a lot more different than what he was expecting.

But why is it... hm? No, this is…

Cian’s face darkens. He felt being watched. It’s completely different from before. This time, it’s as if a wild beast was eyeing on him. His eyes grew cold as his sharp eyes pierced into the surrounding with his gaze.

It seems like what Regina had said is true… have we entered someone’s territory?

Awoooooh!!

A loud howl echoed in the forest, and immediately after, countless movements could be felt by him from all directions. It’s as if something was running towards them.

“Something’s coming!”

He muttered with a cold expression.

It’s finally showing itself…!

“Regina, Amadea, prepare!”

Regina’s eyes went cold, and her expression immediately turned solemn. Her fighting aura immediately exploded. As expected of a Silver rank Battle warrior her aura was fierce, like an unsheathed sharp sword.

It’s as if, her aura alone can materialize and kill. Her entire demeanor changed in an instant.

Amadea, on the other hand, like an ethereal existence, she was standing beside them, but her presence had already disappeared- no, rather, it should be that her presence had already assimilated with their surroundings. It’s like she had become a mere strand of grass among the others.

That kind of incredible power. If not for their connection, Cian fears that even he would not be able to find her if she disappeared. In this world where one’s senses were flawed due to being restricted, her powers are second to none.

That is the power of the ancient blood alraune.

The once called the spirit of nature.

Even Regina noticed this, and was dumbfounded.

She can see Amadea beside her, and yet she cannot feel her presence as if what she was seeing was nothing but an illusion. If she wanted to kill her, Regina was scared she wouldn’t even notice that she had already died.

She's really strong...!

The wooshing noises became louder.

A heavy air permeated through the atmosphere.