Ruby says "You almost flattened the camp with a thunderclap! And this idiot mutt wouldn't let us near you!"

"That's because I ordered him not to let anyone disturb me while I was in the soulscape."

Alannis says "You fought the shadow demon without saying anything?"

"Yes, a battle in the soulscape is not something you could help with."

Mericel says "He's right, and he doesn't need any help in a soul battle. He beat Drog when he was a rank five demon."

Leyla says "How is your arm? Should I try healing it again?"

I turn my arm so I can see the wound, only to find it gone already. I show it to Leyla so she can see that it is fine. Looking around I see that the girls except for Myria have gone back to sleep, Myria I am guessing can hear the conversation just fine.

Ruby says "So, what about the thunder that woke everyone?"

"I guess that was from me ranking up after I ate the shadow demon."

Drog says "Congratulations, master!"

Ruby says "You ranked up?"

Alannis says "Wait, you ate it?!? Just what are you?"

"That is a long story, and we only have a few hours till dawn. I will tell you tomorrow night when we camp."

Drog says "What element did you get?"

"Lightning."

Drog says "Wow, that is one I haven't seen before!"

"Maybe it's because I'm a unique?"

Drog says "Maybe."

"Anyway, everyone go back to sleep. We will be moving in a few hours."

Once everyone has gone back to try and sleep for a few hours I call Drog over. Maybe it is because I ranked up but now I can feel where he is. I wonder if this is how Drog senses all the other demons.

Drog says "Yes, master?"

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"The shadow demon was delicious, how can I go about finding more?"

Drog says "It was hard to sense that one since it was inside a weapon, but if I sense any I will let you know."

"I can feel where you are, is that normal?"

Drog says "Yes, you are higher rank than me. You will sense any demon that is lower rank than you. As you rank up your senses will improve."

"You are rank zero, but you kept your senses from when you were rank five?"

Drog says "Yes, and my intelligence, when I was originally rank zero I couldn't even speak."

"Will it take the same amount for you to rank back up or will it be easier this time?"

Drog says "It will take the same amount, but it will be easier."

"How come?"

Drog says "In hell I had to hide constantly from stronger demons and seek out those I could kill, here there are easy to kill humans instead. And if I run into something stronger I just hide behind you."

"Yeah, good plan, until we run into something that can kill me."

Drog says "You are unique master, and I don't just mean what you are. You were not even rank zero when you defeated me at rank five, I think it would take something immensely powerful to kill you."

"Well, thanks for that Drog. For what it's worth I have grown to like having you around."

Drog wags his tail at me then lays down next to me. I let Drog keep watch and close my eyes to meditate until the sun starts to rise. Then I get up and start making breakfast for everyone.

The smell of cooking meat wakes up the beastwomen first but soon everyone is awake and eating. Once I am done eating I head over to talk to Alannis.

"Alannis, I need you to do something."

Alannis says "What do you need?"

"I'm just guessing, but is horseback riding a common skill?"

Alannis says "Somewhat common I guess, most soldiers know how to ride, why?"

"So, I assume commoners don't normally know how to ride?"

Alannis says "No. Oh, I get it now! The ex-slaves won't know how to ride."

"That's what I am thinking. So can you teach them how to ride and care for the horses?"

Alannis says "Of course! I will start right now!"

"Thank you."

Alannis says "Um, do you want to learn as well?"

"I already know how to ride."

Alannis says "Oh, then why don't you teach them?"

"Because they and the horses are scared of me."

Alannis says "Oh, right. Sorry."

"Don't worry about it."

Alannis heads off to talk to the girls, and Leyla quickly follows her. Within minutes everyone is gathered by the horses, even Ruby. The only ones not participating are me, Drog, and Mericel.

The lessons go on for almost two hours, by then I have already packed up the camp. Once everyone is mounted I set off, taking the lead on foot. Drog is watching the left flank while Mericel watches the road on our right, we stop frequently for the new riders to get down and stretch.

Even with all the stops, we still make it to the edge of the forest well before dark. I decide we will stop early and make camp in the trees, and we will enter the plains tomorrow. Once camp is set and dinner is done I sit down with Alannis and Leyla, I promised to tell them what I am.

"Myria, you may as well join us, you will listen anyway."

Myria quickly comes over and sits down with us, she shows no sign of being upset at being caught listening. So I start with my summoning and give the girls a brief description of everything that happened to me and how I ended up as I am now. It is hard to keep a straight face as I see the looks of shock and horror on their faces.

Alannis says "That is a horrible story!"

Leyla says "No wonder you want to kill the king!"

Myria says "That's why you smell so strange!"

"Wait! Do I smell strange? What do I smell like?"