Chapter 4

Meruem has been in the Silver Caith’s village for a few days now, slowly adjusting to the life in this strange village as well as the world he has found himself in. After being interrogated by Shura the Chief of the Silver Caith, he came to know the world he was in was called Runeterra. 

Shura was nice enough when he first questioned him. He was mainly curious why he was there in the forest. The Evergreen forest as they call it was not one where many humans would visit as it is easy to get lost in the unchanging forest. Only beastmen who had inborn senses to navigate through the forest would be safe from its grasp.

The forest is also very dangerous, one of the many predators that Meruem have fought called Night Hunters or the leader of the pack Red Night Hunter was one of them.

Meruem is walking and observing the Silver Caith village as it is something completely new to him. The way they live and the type of jobs here in this village or in this world felt foreign to Meruem who came from a completely different environment and lifestyle.

‘Man this feels like a dream, everything is just so strange and new. It’s interesting but it feels like I don’t belong here. But I am glad that this village is not hostile to a stranger in this village, especially a human.” Meruem thought.

Meruem looked around, some of the villager look at his with interest and some with clear disdain.

‘Come to think of it, there was that war that happened between humans and the all of the scattered beast tribes. Slavery was very common practice back then so I was told by Shura. Well no wonder the old generation beast tribe members completely hates me. Come to think of it, how long do they actually live, according to the chief their life span are pretty long.’

“Yo Meruem, whatcha doing Bud” called out Reed. 

“Getting myself acquainted to how your village do things” replied Meruem casually. Meruem remembered the first time he talked to Reed, the one who found him and brought him here, Meruem was very thankful of him for Reed has just saved his life. He was pretty sure he was going to starve to death in that forest, with nothing but those damn birds as company.

For the most part they clicked pretty well and Meruem found himself enjoying spending time with Reed. Meruem was surprise that they actually are the same age, Meruem was certain he was like 40 years or even older. Considering the long life span of the Silver Cats and their appearances that barely change even after 100 years has passed, so he was told.

“I’m surprise most of the villager respects you a lot Reed. You know considering your half” blurted out Meruem.

“Hmm well, hard work I guess? But those times were kinda difficult for me and my sister” replied Reed.

“That so? Oh well you whatever you did must have worked. Every kids in this village practically idolises you” complimented Meruem. ‘It must have been hell for them when they were young. I’ve watched enough or read enough light novels about bullying a child just because of his race or something they have no control over.’

“Oi why does it sound like you don’t even really care?”

“I do. But there’s no point dwelling in the past. If you wana share depressing stories wait till it gets dark and make sure there’s good alcohol and snacks. Especially don’t forget the snacks.” 

“Yeah yeah whatever. Well you know, I’ll leave you to it. Have fun with my sister” said Reed while walking away and waving at Meruem with his right hand.

“Wait. She’s here and she’s watc- I mean she’s stalking me still. I thought you say she’ll get bored after a day or two, but it’s already been five days.” Shouted Meruem.

“Don’t you walk away from me. Ahh damn it he got away.” Sighed Meruem.

‘The hell is her problem. I can actually feel her eyes boring at me, staring deep into my soul. *shiver*.”

Meruem POV

Yes this actually has been going on since the day that I laid my eyes on her emotionless face and her emotionless eyes and hearing her void like voice. Remembering it again makes me feel like crying. Her voice is just so off that it fills me with dread. Apparently according to Reed she’s enamoured with me for some reason. I once asked why, apparently she can’t read my mind. I was like what? As in what the hell are you talking about. Apparently when a Silver Caith comes of age, he/she has to go through a zodiac opening ceremony. After the ceremony has been completed your Zodiac spirit should be awakened. A Zodiac spirit will give a Silver Caith a range of different capabilities in tandem with the kind of Zodiac spirit they have. 

Lila has the Gemini spirits and she has unlocked the mind reading element of her Zodiac Spirit, but for some reason this does not seem to work on me. Hmm I wonder why. Anyway this triggered her stalker mode on because she found this particular trait of mine interesting and intriguing. Oh man I don’t want this, I didn’t want to trigger her flag or go on her route at all. I mean yeah don’t get me wrong she looks incredibly stunning that she puts all those anime female character I was in love with to shame but still her robot like behaviour is just not very appealing. Besides it’s too soon for me to get any love interest. I haven’t even saved a damsel in distress yet.

“Why are you staring into space?” an emotionless voice asked out of nowhere.

“Ahh! Whoah you scared me” shrieked Meruem.

“Hehehe” Lila laughed in an emotionless voiced that sent shivers down my spine.

“Umm so are you tired of stalking me?” I asked timidly.

“No. My interest in you just escalates by the day” she replied emotionlessly.

“Great. Wouldn’t your dad be mad, you taking an interest in a human?” I countered desperately.

“No not really. Infact I bet he will be delighted. He actually likes you and besides your very strong as well so he would gladly support my sudden interest in males” she replied.

“Great. The good news I was waiting to hear” I said my voice dripping with sarcasm.

Wait what why is she not saying anything?

Why is her face red?

No No No No. Is she getting the wrong idea? Is it not obvious that I was being sarcastic?

Wait does sarcasm even work in this world?

Sigh so many questions yet so little answers.

Oh well now I don’t have the heart to tell her that I was joking. She looks really happy and as a man it’s job to protect a girl’s happiness.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Damn I was seriously cool just now.

“Anyway I’m going out to train somewhere where I won’t bother anyone. Do you want to come with me? I don’t want to get lost in the forest again or anything. Don’t get the wrong idea though, I was going to ask Reed but seeing as you were already here. You know it’s totally cool if you don’t want to.” I quickly said. This is so embarrassing.

Lila just smiled at me and grabbed my hand while leading the way.

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After walking for about fifteen minutes. I find myself being led by Lila into an area where there is a narrow river running. There is huge boulders everywhere and they are somehow filled with arrow holes. ‘Must be her training area’ I thought. There is even a small waterfall and the noise of the water hitting the river is somehow soothing to hear. It doesn’t make sense but it’s making me feel calm. This is totally the perfect training spot. ‘Lila you just earned a huge love points from me. Keep this up and I might even fall for you heheheheh.’

“No one will bother us here. No one except me and you know about this place” she suddenly spoke in her usual empty voice.

Wait isn’t this bad. Me and her alone in this spot of the forest, with no one else knowing where this is. Isn’t my chastity in danger?

“Umm. Thanks Lila” I said timidly. My face red from embarrassment. I don’t understand, is she serious about me? But we just met. Love can’t just blossom from something like a few days meeting. Besides we didn’t even properly talk this last few days. All those times it consisted of me observing the villages, talking to Reed and her stalking my every move.

Is it really okay to be interested in a guy just because your mind reading ability does not work on him. Shouldn’t she be more suspicious or wary about a guy like that? That kind of reaction makes much more sense right? Right!!!!?

Anyway I need to think about the next champion I’m going to unlock. Hmm Annie would be very good. Let’s see.

I immediately willed myself to automatically open Annie’s information and immediately the blue box of information appears.

Annie 

Passive: Pyromania- After the User Cast 4 Spells. The next spell that hits the enemy will stun the enemy.

First Skill: Disintegrate- Enables the user to throw energy filled fire.

Cost: 20 Energy

Second Skill: Incinerate- Enables the user to cast a blazing cone of fire. Dealing damage to enemies in that area.

Cost: 30 Energy

Third Skill: Molten Shield- Increase the users armour and magic resist.

Cost: 10 Energy

Ultimate Skill: Summon Tibbers- Enables the user to summon a giant bear called Tibbers.

Cost: 100 Energy

Hmm that’s pretty good. I think I’m going to get her next. I mean I need some AP (Ability Power) damage for sure. I have already got AD (Attack Damage) with Ashe, besides I need a meat shield and Tibbers will be perfect to tank damage. 

“What are you doing? I thought you were going to train but you are just standing there” asked Lila in wonder.

“Shussh little one. It speaks to me.” I retorted.

“What?” she asked surprise at my nonsensical reply, her voice surprisingly has more emotion than usual. 

It doesn’t sound as dead unlike before. Honestly I’m glad.

“Just thinking. Just wait for a bit” 

“K” she replied with her usual void like voice. What happened to that bit of emotion earlier? Where did it go? Sigh 

whatever I can’t get distracted now.

‘Annie Unlocked’ I willed in my mind and the shackles that bound Annie’s abilities to be mine have disappeared.

45 Points Spent. 55 Remaining Points.

Well I don’t think I need to unlock another champion, what’s important is expanding my energy pool. Doing so enables me to use my abilities more which in turn gives me the ability to defeat my enemies and level up. HEHEHE Perfect.

“Why are showing a creepy face?” inquired a void like voice.

“I don’t have a creepy face” I retorted automatically without even thinking about it.

I put the remaining 55 points to my energy pool.

“Champion Annie Activate” I whispered.

The transformation immediately begun and it seem to be much faster compared to last time. The change happened instantly. The snow white hair now turned fiery red, the charcoal black hoody changed to a dark shade of red and I now have a pendant of a bear.

“What did you do? Your appearance have completely change” gasped Lila in wonder and astonishment. Her blue eyes twinkle with amazement. She looked at me appraisingly and smiled.

“Is this your unique ability?” she asked finally.

I nodded to confirm her thoughts.

“Amazing” she asked. Her voice has now completely change. Instead of sounding void like and empty. Her voice sounds like silk, smooth and sweet. It’s like the angels have descended and are speaking to me, I can’t get enough of it.

Suddenly as if noticing the change in her voice. She immediately covered her mouth in shocked. The now bright animated face, change back to when I first laid my eyes on her. Cold and empty.

I do not know what happened to make her like this, why must she put up a façade. Why can’t she be herself? Why is she so scared of showing this?

Instinctively I grabbed her and pulled her towards me, being in shock at the sudden contact and the force I used to pull her towards me, she fell into my waiting embrace, she struggled against me for a minute but I didn't want to let her go. I wanted to show her that I'm here for her even if we only just recently met. I can't leave her alone like this. She finally stop struggling and relax in my embrace. I held her there, both not saying anything.

“Do you want to hear my story?”