V3 Chapter 85

“Roel!”

Zia cried out in shock, looking at the ‘fortress’ that had always stood upright against any kind of enemies, but has now been reduced to such a state after just one attack.

Just how strong is this Evil Python?!

“...Veston, El Sol Ferbeta! [Flame Meteor!]”

A large fireball appeared above them, immediately raising the temperature of the entire area.

“Jin, are you an idiot?! Rain is still there!!”

Zia could not help but cry out in anger.

However, with her resistance to flame being completely inferior to others, she didn’t dare dash close to the burning ball of fire.

“Jin, you stupid idiot!”

Even Jonathan cursed out loud, causing the red-robed mage to feel awkward.

What can he do? It’s a subconscious reflex, okay? It’s clearly a monster we can’t go easy…

However, the massive fireball had already landed on the target causing, a massive explosion to occur.

Boooom!!

The shockwave of the explosion knocked back Jonathan and the others a few meters away, burning heat slapping their faces.

“Damn you, idiot!”

Zia gritted her teeth in rage.

She looks at the area which was now covered with burning flames.

How about Rain?

Is he okay?

Though, impossible with how large the area spell was, she still hopes that Rain would be alive.

They stared at the scorched place, and suddenly their eyes widened in surprise.

In the area, covered by flames, a large snake coiled around itself appeared, almost unscathed. Though, if not for the burned scales on its body, they would surely doubt that the monster was directly hit by that powerful spell. But what made them even more surprised was not that incredibly toughness, but the pair of wings that appeared on the monster’s back, wrapping around itself.

“This… this is impossible!”

“No…I, it’s…! It’s an Evolved!”

Zia and the rest suck a cold breath as they stared right at the monster that managed to survive that explosion with barely a scratch on it.

Fear and shock surged in Zia’s heart.

One must know that an Evil Python is already a horrifying monster, and now, it has evolved, turning into an even more terrifying creature.

“An Evolved Monster!! No wonder this Evil Python seemed to be stronger than normal,”

The full armored knight that was sent flying by a single attack cursed in frustration. Even now, he felt as if his internal organs are in disarray. Jonathan’s expression also darkened, and his eyes narrowed dangerously.

An Evil Python is a strong monster, though, it’s not something they feared. It’s still a B-rank Monster. And with their group, it’s only a little bit harder to defeat.

But it would be different if it’s an Evolved Monster- A [Winged Evil Serpent].

It’s a horrifying monster only heard in legend, and said to be already comparable to A-rank Monsters. And yet this legendary monster had been living in this place. It's a nightmare comparable to that of a basilisk.

Even Jonathan didn’t dare to think they can defeat this kind of monster so easily.

Perhaps, I might need to go all-out!

Hisss...!!

The monster moved.

Like a petal blossoming, the wings that wrapped around it slowly spread out, and a large python head with gleaming red ruby-like eyes shone brightly in the dark, dusty surrounding.

It glared in anger toward Jonathan and the others.

What happened to Rain…?

Jonathan’s expression fell, and for some reason, his heart squeezed painfully thinking about the mysterious black-haired boy meeting his early demise.

His anger rose, and his face unknown to him, become fiercer, full of madness. His aura exploded, shocking even Zia and the others. He clenched his hold on the sword, and was about to attack in anger when-

“Enough. Stop all of you!”

A familiar voice reached their ears.

It's Rain.

He's alive!

Jonathan’s action stopped, and couldn’t help but stared wide-eyed at the scene in front of them.

Rain was at the center, being coiled around by the Winged Evil Serpent, without the least bit of scratch. It’s as if, the Winged Evil Serpent was protecting him.

But how is this possible…?

Though Jonathan can hardly believe it, when he saw the Serpent’s head lowering down, and rubbing its head against the boy’s hands affectionately, he can only believe. But it’s a truth that anyone would doubt even if they see it with their own eyes.

How?

What has happened in that single moment they had lost sight of him…?

Jonathan was not the only one who was confused. Zia and the others as well, looking at Rain strangely and full of disbelief.

Even still, with his appearance, and unscathed- from any injuries both could have been from the monster itself, and Jin’s explosive spell, slowly, the sense of tension had died down inside them, replaced by amazement and wonder. The surging murderous intent in the air was fading as if it was an illusion.

“You almost killed me,”

A voice full of undisguised frustration and blame came from Rain. Though his expression remained the same, he stared at them with somehow, invisible pressure.

Jonathan smiled wryly, and shrug.

“I’m sorry, I thought you are being attacked,” the red-robed mage apologizes honestly while wearing a helpless smile.

“Oh I know. I’m just joking. Haha. It's not something I can blame you,”

Rain chuckled seeing the red-robed man’s awkward expression. He was not narrow-minded. Recalling the situation just now, he might also attack as well if he was in their shoes. So he was not angry. And besides, he doubt even that Flame Spell could hurt him. Not only his fire resistance is high, he also has a lot of defensive skills and spells ready to be activated at a moment’s notice. With all of those cards in his hands, he might even survived a Nuclear Explosion.

“But what did you do, little brother…? What's wrong with that Evil Serpent? Did you tame it?” Jonathan asked curiously while sheathing his sword.

Rain thought for a moment before nodding his head, as the tail of the Winged Evil Serpent slowly loosened around him.

“Something like that,” he answered. Though, he didn't know how to explain it. Still, it’s an undeniable fact that he had indeed succeeded in taming the Winged Evil Serpent. And that's the truth.

Truthfully, his taming skill is not yet enough to tame a monster the likes of the Winged Evil Serpent. However, though he cannot, it doesn't mean he had no other means to do it since the Evil Serpent seemed to take the initiative to submit to him.

After sensing his aura, and understanding his words, the Winged Evil Serpent's attitude turns a180 degrees, immediately becoming intimate with him.

Rain felt that it must have been because of Zarda and the other Lamians aura. Zarda had once marked him giving him protection, as well as affinity against, all, if not most Serpent-type beasts. That's why he is quite confident that he can talk reason with the Evil Winged Serpent, and avoid a fight.

Though, if he had heard about its reputation and nature, he might have not done so that confidently. Perhaps, ignorance is truly bliss.

Furthermore, his skills seemed to help as well, especially [Animal Friendship], [Animal Empathy], and [Serpent's Aura]. The affinity with the Winged-Evil Serpent has been already in the highest possible ratio- which is not what a normal person can do. Because of that, he was able to connect with it, and even befriend it.

Rain let out a faint smile as he caressed the serpent’s flat head.

“In any case, you don't need to worry, for she is a distant relative of mine. She would not hurt me,”

A distant relative…?

What is he talking about…?

Jonathan and the others look at him with suspicion, and more so, confusion. But Rain didn’t have any intention of explaining that. He only said that jokingly. Who knows they would actually take it seriously.

Rain look at the Winged Evil Serpent. His hand caressed the smooth, scaly body of the snake, and then suddenly warm blue light appeared around his hand.

[Recovery] and [Health Recovery (Weak)] immediately activated, and the monster’s wounds, and burned scales, slowly peeled off, revealing new scales.

The Winged Evil Serpent once again lowered its head, rubbing at Rain, seemly thanking him.

“Sorry about what they did,” he said.

Though, in the ears of Jonathan and the others, all they hear were whispering hiss.

And once again Jonathan and the others frowned. Though, now they finally understand that he was communicating with the monster. Perhaps, what he was saying was the language of the snakes.

This boy...

Jonathan was even more amazed.

Through his inherent unique skill, he was able to slowly decipher what Rain was saying, but it’s still bits and pieces.

To think he was able to talk fluently with the Winged-Evil Serpent. How did he do that? Is that also a skill?

More so, to think he was able to befriend an Evil Python. Especially its evolved form, the Winged-Evil Serpent.

This beast is always regarded as a cruel, and bloodthirsty monster that would never think of anyone as equal. They would not care and attack, and devour any creature it regarded as prey. Thus, why it was called Evil- this kind of monster would even dare attack a City in the slightest grievance, and eat anything it encounters.

In Jonathan's family, the Aquarian, some of them were tamers, and they were even those that tried to tame an Evil Python before. Some even tried hatching from eggs. However, through their continuous experiment, they only understand that the Evil Python only regarded them, humans as prey. An innate instinct.

Even in death, they just look down at them as nothing but food. How could they submit to livestock? Much more, look up to them as masters? That would be absurd!

As a result, all attempts failed. Even those monsters who have difficult taming chances, and strict and hard requirements, can still be tamed- but an Evil Python?

No.

They think of themselves as descendants of dragons and looked down on any creature as food. Why would they let their food tame them like pets?

Whether their pride was just a result of having low intelligence or not, it’s not clear, but one thing for certain… taming an Evil Python, much less, an evolved version Winged-Evil Serpent, is almost impossible.

But Rain just did the impossible.

If those old researchers know about this, they would be crying in shock. They had already concluded that an Evil Serpent cannot be tamed. And they are monsters among monsters. An evil that must be purged.

But Rain’s existence had proved them wrong!

"... ..."

The atmosphere around the group somewhat eased. Though they still regarded the Winged-Evil Serpent vigilantly, they didn’t try to attack it now. They just watch as Rain continued talking with Winged-Evil Serpent as if it was normal.

Though, in their ears, all they heard were hushing noises. Really interesting.

“…That would truly be reassuring,”

Rain’s expression suddenly beamed happily as if he had heard something very exciting. He nodded his head with sparkles in his eyes.

“Thank you, Noir,”

After talking with the Evil Serpent for a while, he then turned around and started walking back toward Jonathan and the others with the Winged-Evil Serpent and Cyan closely following behind him.

“Care to explain?”

Jonathan came over and asked.

“Well, it’s nothing complicated. Noir agreed to help us, that’s all,”

“Noir?”

“Yes, a fitting name, right?”

Rain smiled happily.

“I’m not…sure. I have never heard of that word before. Anyway, what I want to know is something else… can we trust it?”

“Don’t worry about it, she would not hurt me.”

Rain answered, simply.

But his expression was full of confidence that it doesn’t seem to regard any questioning.

I don’t think that’s the problem…

Jonathan smiled wryly.

He glanced at the Winged-Evil Serpent that was playing around with the Persona Slime, and couldn’t help but feel weird. This boy seems to have a great affinity with monsters. No, it should be, like a piece from a puzzle, he looks as if he belongs there, surrounded by monsters, rather than them.

But how is that even possible?

Am I just overthinking it?

Jonathan shook his head, feeling somewhat absurd.

Humans stick with humans… monsters stick with monsters.

Since ancient times, monsters and humans have always been like oil and water. Even if one had some understanding with them like Tamers, they can never be able to understand each other. It’s always a Master-Slave relationship.

Being friends with monsters... in this era of war, just what kind of future would that lead to?

With both sides wanting supremacy, that would be like stuck between a rock and a hard place.

And yet… Rain seems to be heading that kind of situation.

Rain... just who are you?

And on which side are you standing...?

Jonathan felt something with Rain, something he just couldn't understand, nor explain. Only, he knew there’s something about the boy that completely made him different from other people. From them.

Rain is not a bad kid. Not an evil person. At least, Jonathan was confident of that. But there is still something strange coming from him, like two monsters standing behind him from time to time, giving him a warning. Though it's coming from him, it's not from him. It's like a protective aura that seemed like an illusion, but at the same time not.

But Jonathan has a feeling, that the moment Rain's life was in danger, this illusion would become reality...something like that.

He even felt that, even with his current power, he would never be able to match up, much less defeat these monsters. Just what kind of beings are standing behind Rain?

...in addition, the Family he mentioned, could it be...they are not humans...?

Jonathan furrowed his brows in that suspicion that seemed to be likely turning into reality.

He didn't know what to do, nor what to think about it. If he was mistaken, then he can just ignore it. But if not...what should he do?

In this era of war- Monsters, Demons, and Humans- the war doesn't have any chance of stopping. This would become the second Great War recorded in history. And this time, once the war sparks again, there would be no stopping like now. It would not end again unless the world has a clear victor.

Humans and Monsters would never be able to see eye to eye, just like how Humans and Demons cannot stay in one place.

So, Rain... you, just whose side will you be on?

Jonathan stared at Rain with a complicated expression.

... ...

With a new companion in their group, they then continued without resting.

Since an intense battle was safely avoided, they were able to avoid wasting energy. However, Jonathan and the others felt it somewhat strange as time passed by.

Rain was spending more time with the Winged-Evil Serpent and the Persona Slime, laughing and chatting more than with them.

For some reason, Jonathan felt somewhat displeased. But looking at Rain, and watching him smiling happily, and laughing like a little child, his anger somewhat diffused, and couldn’t muster any strength to be annoyed, or even jealous anymore, and just watch him with a gentle expression.

Children at his age should have that kind of expression…

Jonathan thought in amusement. Rain was still young, but he was too mature for his age. It was to the point that he and the others often forget his age when speaking with him, and unconsciously regarded him as someone of the same age as them.

And so, though just a tiny wish and hope inside of him…Jonathan would have wanted for him to always be like this...if possible.

A carefree, little boy.