V3 Chapter 76

Rain pulled out his smartphone and looked for Zarda’s name in his contact list.

“Hello?”

‘Rain? Where are you?!’

The moment the call connected, Zarda's anxious voice immediately rang out from the other end.

Was it that long already?

Rain hadn’t cared about the passing time, but it seems like, he had already disappeared for too long that Zarda and the others are getting anxious, panicking, and looking everywhere for him.

“I’m fine, Elder Sister,” he said before taking a glance at Jonathan and the others who were currently looking at him weirdly, their eyes focused on the black thin box leaning against his ears.

A magical item? They thought. But why does it seems as if he was talking with someone else? Is that a communication-type magical tool that lets one converse with someone despite the distance?

Though such a thing is not unheard of, these precious treasures are as rare as legendary items. It's not something even a Royal Family could easily have. But to think this boy has it, how extravagant!

“I’m just strolling around, well, not anymore actually. I found some Minotaurs who are kidnapping women so…yeah, that’s right…no, I can’t leave it alone. I’m planning on going there…I know it’s dangerous, but I will be fine…that’s why I called you, yes…I can’t back down now. Hm, you can feel where I am, right? Yes, I will be waiting,”

Rain smiled wryly as he ended the call.

“Your family?”

“Yeah,” Rain said, replying to Jonathan who asked.

“Well, we’re set… the enemies might be numerous, but it doesn’t matter. Killing them all by ourselves is not our goal. As long as we can save the captives and run away, then that’s better. But even if not, and things go awry, as long as we can persevere for a while, my family would come to help, bringing the cavalry." he said with a smile, completely unworried. He then shrugs his shoulders with a nonchalant expression while picking up the cups and pastries, storing them back into his inventory.

“Good. Then, we’re ready if you are,” Jonathan grinned.

Rain can feel his surging fighting spirit.

These people are strange… he mused. He has the reason to go, that’s because he grew up in a modern world, where crimes such as kidnapping and slavery are a sin no one can forgive, especially him. His sense of justice would easily flare in front of such heinous crimes.

So, if possible, he doesn’t want to turn a blind eye to it and would do something to resolve it. Some call it ‘A Fool’s Errand’ or ‘Stupid sense of Justice’, but he prefers to call it, ‘satiating his hypocritical desire’, instead.

Modern children always have the dream of becoming heroes, saving the world, protecting the weak. Though Rain has no desire of becoming a Hero, himself, ‘the sense of Justice’ Part that these innocent souls have, nonetheless, was also budding in his heart. That’s why he doesn’t have any hesitation in saving someone. Whether they be a monster or a human.

But for the natives of this world…it’s different.

They live in a world that only accommodates the strong.

A dog eats dog world. A world full of competition to survive. Justice depends on one’s definition of it. And most of them define with benefits in mind.

Just like how the Lamians live.

Rain would not hold anything against those people that only acts selfishly. Though he might feel disappointed or angry, he can never blame them. Environment molds one’s nature. This is just how they live, and he is not in the position to criticize people for their own set of morals and principles they follow in their lives. In any case, as a human being, self-preservation has always been an instinct.

If Jonathan didn’t agree after hearing that they are going to save were Demi-humans and not Humans, he would just feel disappointed, and would not take it against them. But to think they would offer their help without hesitation.

Either they are just good people, or they are those type of foolish men who loves preaching about justice. Nevertheless, Rain can’t say he dislikes these kinds of people.

I guess no matter what world it is, they would always be a couple of idiots and weird fools like them.

Or was it me, the foolish one, judging this world with twisted standards even without knowing or understanding this world?

Rain shook his head and smiled faintly.

“Follow me,”

He muttered and started walking away, with a somehow elevated heart.

For some reason, meeting Jonathan and the others caused him to see the world in a new light. And this caused him to feel very happy.

… …

“Are you from one of the secret families, little brother?”

As they walk through the forest, Jonathan suddenly asks Rain.

Secret family?

Rain tilted his head.

“No,”

But… what does he mean by secret family…?

His interest was piqued.

“That can’t be true. You said you are living here with your family…and from what I know, only the secret families would have the heart to stay and live in a forbidden zone like this.” Jonathan replied with an expression of disbelief.

However, Rain can only shrug it off.

“I know nothing about that…and besides, my family is a bit strange, and certainly not something you would expect. But still, I’m quite curious about this…so-called, Secret Families? From your tone, they don’t seem to be that simple?”

Jonathan stared at him for a moment, doubting whether the boy really didn’t know about the Secret Families or was he just pretending. But all he saw was innocent curiosity and interest. It seems like he didn’t know.

Well, I will know if I see the people who will appear later… but who is this boy?

And what’s his relationship with the Princess?

If what he had told them was not a lie, and the princess indeed let him call her by her name, then, he surely is not someone simple at all. Not even a Great Noble can call the Princess name so easily, more so, letting someone do that, as this is akin to making him in the same standing with her.

But she’s a princess, you know.

Not just a princess, but the first princess of the Delouria Kingdom that was founded by the Legendary Hero King and the Great Ancient Hero who had saved the world a long time ago. No matter the race, or place, they invoke awe and admiration, especially for the human race.

Even compared to most empires or kingdoms established on the Continent, the Delouria Kingdom has always been placed among one of the strongest. That’s why even the status of a Prince and Princess of the Delouria Kingdom could as well be comparable to a King or an Emperor from another country.

Even if their territory is small, they still ranked top along with the biggest Empire. All because of their kingdom’s power, authority, influence, and historical background.

“Secret Families are known as legendary ancient families that have been surviving for a long time ago. There are many stories about them, rumors, saying they are great nobles of the past empires that have long been perished. Still, their power is not something one can easily imagine. It was even suspected that the power they possess can rival that of a small country. But even so, they secluded themselves and rarely comes out into the world. And even the information about them is hardly accurate- thus, no one knows anything about them. All that we know is that they are someone that can’t be underestimated, even for us the Great Kingdom.” Jonathan explained.

“Of course, we do have some people who claim they came from a certain family… most of them were pretenders, but those that were genuine, showcase incredible talent, and strength despite their young age… we have those kinds of visitors sometimes, seemly trying to show-off their wealth or talents,”

Why does he sound pissed, or annoyed? Did he have some scuffles with them? Rain couldn’t help but wonder the moment he heard the tone of Jonathan’s voice turned from patience to that of undisguised disgust.

Even still, Ancient families…huh.

They sound really cool…

A family with a very long history, well, of course, they would surely not be simple at all.

Though Rain might not care about a Kingdom or an Empire since this is the Desolate Cave, these Secret families would be trouble to ignore. Always, unknown enemies are the most problematic. And since there is no clear information or data about them, they can be anywhere and wherever.

Perhaps, they can even enter the Desolate Cave and cause trouble…

And if these people dislike demi-humans, then we would be in even more trouble…

Perhaps, I’m just overthinking it?

This place has several Monster Kings protecting this place, and Elder Sister and Grandpa Arfa are already enough to make a deterrent against the Great Kingdom. Even those Secret Families would not dare fight against a Monster King. If they have the strength to do so, the Continent would have been freed from the terror of the Monsters and Demons.

Well, though I admit I only know a few things about the situation of the Continent, and even that would perhaps be inaccurate. After all, I only heard about the general situation from Elder Sister and the others.

I think I need to make a network. It seems like the idea of that Lady Jaye said is right- settling in one place would not be good. I still need to understand the entire situation of the world I am in…

Rain recalled the advice of the people he had met in the net. It seems like some of them make sense.

Though, at the current time, it would be hard for me to leave the Desolate Cave since Lafetti and the others would surely not let me go.

I guess the only source of information would be this old man and the princess…

Creating a connection with the princess seemed to be a must. Once again, Rain rekindled that idea in his head. He had thought about it before, but set it aside, or outright forgotten it since the Lamians would not agree to that kind of proposal. Rather, they would want to chase the humans as far away as possible from him, and from them.

But, to gain a foothold in this world… in this continent, having a connection with someone from a great kingdom, not mention a princess would surely be helpful in more than one way. And in the future, if they needed to reconnect with the rest of the world, having someone who can act as a bridge-like her would be very welcome.

… I guess, I really need to start a plan like that as soon as I could.

And persuading the Lamians would be the first, necessary step.

… …

Amani Lamian Village:

Village Chief House/Office.

“Why have you call us, Chief?”

Drova walked into the room along with Lafetti and saw Zarda, Sarete, Stagna, and Threia sitting on the chair. However, what’s different from normal was the fact that the two of them are wearing their battle attire.

“Are we going to war?”

Drova asked, though her expression was beaming.

The prospect of war seemed to excite the warmonger Lamian.

“Yeah, I guess you can call it a war,”

Stagna replied with an amused tone.

“I don’t have the time for this.”

Lafetti frowned. She was never interested in something like a war.

“Rather, have you all seen Rain…?”

Zarda rubbed her temple with a wry smile.

“You don’t need to look for him…rather, we’re coming to him.”

“Huh?”

Drova and Lafetti tilted their heads in bewilderment.

Zarda let out a deep sigh, “I told you to keep an eye on him at all times, did you?”

The others look at each other, before shrugging their shoulders. They shook their heads with wry smiles. Keep an eye on him? That’s easier said than done. One moment you avert your eyes from him, he would have already disappeared to who knows where. It had already happened numerous times.

Fortunately, he seems to follow their agreement of not leaving the village, so they just left him alone. He would be in Miyabila, or Sarete’s place anyway. If not, it’ll be in Threia’s abode, or the Training Hall, playing with Drova and the others.

But this time is different-!

“You know how trouble-magnet he is, and you just left him alone? What did I say about ‘Keep your eyes on him at all times!’ did you not understand?! You all know that the moment we averted our attention from him, he would surely be involved in some troublesome matters in here, there, everywhere! Now, look at what you’ve done!!” Zarda hissed in rage.

“What do you mean?! Did something happen to Rain?!”

Lafetti’s eyes turned wide in anxiety.

Zarda was hissing in frustration, glaring at them. She seems to be just on the verge of exploding. It seems like she’s really mad, this time. Seeing her like that, Sarete who was beside her, replied instead.

“No, but he is currently heading to the Minotaur Lair at the Southern Region…to pick a fight,”

“Pick a fight? Why? Did something happen between Rain and those bull-headed bastards?”

Drova asked in doubt. Though she was excited about the raid, however, she was also bewildered. Rain is not the type to suddenly pick a fight with someone without reason. Something must have happened. Something that annoyed or angered him to the point that he would pick a fight with his own volition.

“… whatever reason is, Rain is already on foot toward the Minotaur Lair as we speak.”

Zarda said as she stood up.

“We don’t have the time to discuss these things… Drova, immediately gather some of our warriors, we needed to chase after him as soon as possible. We’ll bring him back, no matter what happens." Then, her expression turned cold, "As for those Minotaurs, well, I have already seen them as eyesores a long time ago. Those bastards keep on trespassing our territory without permission- I have been tolerating it because I don’t want to start chaos in the Desolate Cave. But since things have reached this far, we’ll round them up! It’s a good time since I needed to teach ‘that’ scheming bastard a lesson! Not controlling his people and letting them do what they want in someone’s land…! Enough is enough! Now go! We’ll leave as soon as possible!”

“““Yes Chief!”””

“Hoo, now that’s what I’m talking about!” Drova laughed loudly. "Rain really lives up to my expectations!"

"Drova, though I don't mind your training with Rain. And though, I’m angry with Rain… I think this situation is also your fault. I need you to stop corrupting him," Zarda hissed in annoyance.

That trouble-making attitude Rain had is certainly from this woman who always feed him with strange ideas. Surely, the Minotaur’s wrongdoings, such as trespassing their territories and kidnapping women from other tribes every year must be one of them. If not, how did Rain knows about it?!

She must have told him about it, complaining like always, and Rain as good and righteous as he is, couldn’t allow such wrongdoings and rush to save these people.

Aah, Rain, my Rain… why can you be so good-hearted?!!

Though that’s also what she loves about him, Zarda felt conflicted that he was always placing himself in danger. She would rather him become cold-hearted than throwing himself in grave danger every time.

Don’t worry, Rain! I’m coming! Just… just please, please, please wait for us!!

"That's not my fault,"

Drova rolled her eyes. Somehow, she had become the culprit of Rain’s reckless attitude, despite actually not having anything about it. Rather, it was not even her fault that Rain learned the Minotaur’s foul activities. It’s just by chance, by a whim, and by a naïve sense of justice.

Nevertheless, Drova doesn’t care about it- reason or whatever. All that matters is that finally, she can fight again. And against one of the strong tribes of the Desolate Cave at that- the Minotaurs!

She doesn’t need to worry about Rain. She knows his powers more than anyone in this world since she had fought with him every day.

He might not be able to defeat the Minotaurs alone… but staying alive? That is no problem at all!

That is why Rain would surely be alright until they get there. Right now, all that occupies her head is how excited she is in the upcoming battle!

"….Anyway, isn't it also fun, at least, we wouldn't be bored at all~"

"""Drova!"""

This time, not only Zarda glared at her, but also Sarete, Threia, Stagna, and Lafetti.

Feeling their pressure, Drova immediately surrendered. With an amused smile, "Okay, I'm going now. Stagna help me call those who were outside. Let them come home as fast as they could."

As if escaping from their glares, Drova turned around while giggling, and left immediately.

She's very excited like a little child hearing they were going to an amusement park. Though, for Drova, perhaps picking a fight and raiding a Monster Lair would be more fun than an amusement park.

“Alright, give me a few minutes,”

Stagna shook her head, stood up, and immediately followed Drova out.

“Now go! We will set out immediately as soon as possible. You know, we need to get there before Rain could reach the Minotaurs! Understand!?” Zarda hissed while frowning.

“Understood!”

Just wait, Rain! We’ll be there!

Zarda looked at the sky which seemed to be covered in white cotton. Worry and anxiety-filled her mind.