Chapter 70

First stabbing, then slashing with his black dagger, Rain beat every monster that came his way. Lightning Bolt, Bone Spikes, and thin spider webs that shot from the tip of his fingers, immobilizing and trapping monsters. By the time his arm fell to his side, he was sweating dangerously, rivers running down his face and making their way through his lips, drenching his parched lips well.

Salty... he mused as he licked his lips with a wry smile. He took a step back, ready for the enemies before him as they charged towards him with ferocity, like a raging storm. They surrounded him, trying to drown him with numbers. Rain could sense that despite their numbers, they feared him. His bloodthirsty, and beastly aura, like a wolf preparing to pounce, was raging, boiling, and on the verge of explosion. And yes, they were right to be wary.

His Rapier on his right swung, while his left hand grasped the hilt of his dagger tightly. Bracing himself, he deflected the first blow. His eyes already almost turning reddish from all the blood dyeing his face, a cocktail between his own and the monster's blood. He then whirled, and with two clean movements, sliced through a Horned Jaguar's paws with sharp claws, then with the blue dagger now, dyed almost red with blood, thrust, burying the blade in the beast's skull, killing it instantly.

This seems endless...!

He thought.

But he was wrong.

Everything ended...rather, more likely, taking a break. Monsters stopped charging towards them, seemingly wary. But they encircled them, and there's no way out. Nevertheless, even if there is, Rain doubted they would make the run. Not, unless 'that' is there, looking down at them.

What a misfortune this is...

They are already a few meters distance away from their former location, and Rain had already backed up against the others as they made a closed group, eyeing the still high number of monsters surrounding them. But what made him vigilant and somewhat anxious was the existence of a giant Lion-like Magical Beast with bat wings and a single horn on its forehead.

It stood towering above them with roughly around three to four meters in height and four to five meters long, or perhaps even larger. Nevertheless, it surely doesn’t look like a normal magical beast. Well, with that beauty and grace combined, it was clear it was not.

The surface of its body was covered by a layer of crimson-colored crystal, which reflected light and gleamed ominously but beautifully in the dark, star-less sky.

It was looking at them with an icy cold gaze. Just by being looked at by it, one felt the helplessness of despair. That no matter what they do, there was no saving the situation.

Rain glared at the monster. The beast possesses a pair of bloody red feline eyes that carried a strange glint of crimson light and a large mouth covered with fangs. When it flapped its bat-like wings, numerous small clusters of flame were swept in all directions, much like a flamethrower. And its four rough and strong claws were similarly covered with a layer of red crystal, and the stinger that swayed behind it seemed to be alive as a snake as it moves.

Each time they stepped down, they would cause the empty air to shake, displaying a great strength that was difficult to imagine. This is the first monster I've felt despair facing against aside from my Elder Sisters... A Monster capable of killing him in an instant.

The huge Magic Beast stood in the air while a shapeless pressure descended from the sky, causing his spirit to tremble. Even the mightiest hero might feel despair facing against it.

When Rain and the others were fighting, this monster suddenly appeared, and all the fighting ceased in an instant. The monsters back out, one by one. And now, they were left in a clearing, surrounded, with no way out.

Seven Killer Ants left, surrounding him protectively as the Lion-like creature look down upon them. The group behind him was shivering in fear and anxiety, as they recognize the monster that finally appeared. And of course, even without introduction, Rain can guess what kind of being it was.

Mind heavy, heart thundering, stomach in knots, his thoughts, fear, and anxiety ready to consume him—Rain's body at this moment, was already a construct of pain and his mind an instrument of torture.

Still, he tried his best to keep from trembling in the face of such horrible adversity but found it almost impossible to do so. Even his hands—which, at that point, had been numbed and tired—began to tremble, as if playing a chord meant to instill within those around him the greatest sense of fear imaginable.

The beautiful woman settled behind him, shivering as well. She was already half-squinting her beautiful eyes, and her body was already soaked in sweat a long time ago. It was not her first time coming into this place—One of the Forbidden Lands; the Desolate cave, entrance to the Great Desolate Plain.

Desolate Plain was a boundless grassland expanding widely, and located behind the Desolate Cave. And as a matter of fact, the Desolate Plain being said as an entire grassland was not correct, because merely the periphery that could be seen was filled with green grass. And after passing through this periphery grassland, the inside was more bleak and desolate, swamps were spread all over, and there were many wetlands, deserts, and also numerous ferocious magical beasts and monsters all over- well, at least that was the records says. They even said that even S-Rank Magical Beasts and Monsters of legend appears in that place.

The Desolate Cave, on the other hand, is considered an adventurer’s paradise due to its abundant resources. However, at the same time, this is also their graveyard.

The Desolate cave was the borderline that separates the dangerous Desolate Plain and the Mainland. Still, you can find extremely powerful monsters inhabiting this place. Hence, despite the Desolate Cave a bit accommodating than the forbidden land- the Desolate Plain, people still avoid this place like a plague, giving it the name of a Taboo land as well. Death Zone.

But it’s not like all the people didn’t dare enter this place. There are still some daredevils that would risk their life just to take a shortcut to wealth, which in this place is a paradise for them.

After all, not only this place has a lot of, almost untouched resources, but also you can find rare, and seemingly considered extinct but precious materials on the mainland, here in this place.

Just a single one of that material would surely make a beggar into a millionaire in an instant. Though the number of people that tried to brave this dangerous place had dwindled so much in the past years, it doesn't mean there are none whatsoever. There's only a fine line separating between wealth and danger.

As for this, the beautiful female knight too had her own share of experience about fighting a horde of monsters in this place before. However, she had never encountered the monster horde of this scale; surely this must be because of the Monster King. It must have rallied every monster in the Desolate Cave to hunt them down!

Looking at the mighty Monster King, truthfully, she had already given up all her hope. She knew that they would not last much longer, and very quickly she and her companions would be torn into shreds by these monsters, and even the bones might not even remain. Just that, the only thing that pierces her heart and made her regret, was that they actually involve someone else in their doom.

She turned towards the black-haired man who had brave this dangerous situation and tried to help them and couldn’t help but felt sorry. She wanted to apologize but under these circumstances...? She suddenly felt somewhat awkward.

She stared at his own solemn and dark expression, and her pursed lips and her somber expression seemed to indicate that she was aware of the black-haired boy's tumultuous mood.

But who was not?

Each of them shared the same tumbling emotions as they stood in front of this horrible creature that looked down upon them.

A creature that symbolizes despair, and Death.

A Monster King.

... ...

What does she think of a man who’s ready to break down and cry?

Rain couldn't help but thought as he noticed the beautiful knight's gaze landing on him in this situation. And it somehow calms him down. Though, whatever she thought, he couldn’t necessarily care about.

He appeared, wanting to save them, but at this moment he knows that a miracle can never happen all of a sudden. At least, in front of this monster, a miracle is unlikely to occur.

“We will create a moment of distraction… please, take milady out of here, and protect her,” one of the Knights scooted over Rain and whispered.

"We beg of you!"

The others look at him, nodding with a faint, friendly smile.

Those are the expressions of people who were prepared to die, and this wrenched his heart. Their loyalty and courage somewhat touched Rain. Can't help it. He's the type to cry on a hero's brave death while watching on a Tv screen. Even Leonidas heroic shout had touched his heart and he had cried over it for hours until credits appeared on the black screen.

That's why these knight's display of loyalty was too much for him. And somehow, he didn’t want them to die. Thus, he appeared. But it seems like, he had expected too much of himself.

The beautiful woman looked at him, pain and despair across her face. She wanted her protectors to live and did everything she could to save them from sacrificing themselves. But to no avail, and in this moment of life and death, no matter what she says, she couldn’t change the outcome.

It's either die with them or survive in honor for their cause and living with their loyalties on her shoulders.

The Knights are prepared to lay their life, and she couldn’t change their decision. They choose their death in exchange for her life, and she was very grateful for it, but more, hurt.

Rain stared at the beautiful woman, stifling her cry over her sorrowful expression. Before, he couldn’t make out her features because of distance and also by the dirt and blood covering her face. Even her long hair was a tangled mass, covering almost her face and shoulders. The ends were tangled with mud and dark with blood. But now, when she was this close, she was beautiful.

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She was stunning even up close. Such fragile elegance. Amidst blood and dirt, there was a pearlescent luster to her skin as if she was glowing with beauty from the inside out.

She had creamy pale skin and her eyes were a golden-brown that glimmered like amber. There was a sharp intelligence in her eyes, but a gentle demeanor still came out, along with a very strong will. A fierce passion that marked her as a warrior. Not just any woman... but a true warrior of blood and steel.

“Please,”

The knight bowed his head slightly towards Rain, but the latter was not excited about it.

He turned towards the monster.

You can’t keep standing here forever, he thought.

Just go and get it over with.

Rain gritted his teeth. Hopefully, Lafetti and the others would get worried that he had yet to come back and look for him.

I need time…!

Rain raised his head and stared at the icy red eyes of the monster.

“Can we talk?” he tried to ask, hopefully, this Monster King would know how.

Fortunately, he was not disappointed.

The Monster King tilted its head to watch as Rain stepped forward, despite the anxious warning of the humans behind him. A trace of curiosity and confusion appeared on its eyes that were flashing with human-like intelligence.

Its nose twitched and his eyes narrowed slightly. It stared at Rain with a low growl. Its red gleaming eyes focused on him. Its lips pulled back to reveal a row of long, pointed white teeth that look like a row of sharp daggers.

“Vushta bress gravalas greba,” it rasped in a masculine voice.

“Donka, Lamians trisala guarta?”

Rain’s eyes widened in shock. The beast can indeed talk! He was not the only one though, as the four people behind him were also flabbergasted. A beast that can talk… although they had heard about the existence of the Monster Kings before, they had never witnessed one talking…at least, personally. Especially a Magical Beast. This is the first time.

Rain rested a hand against his chest and gave out a stiff smile, bowing his head slightly in respect; “Forgive my manners, dear king. Indeed, I think I am the one you are referring to, as I am the only one human within the village right now.”

“You can understand it?!”

Rain heard the voice of the beautiful woman and couldn’t help but turn at her. Looking at her bright eyes staring at him in astonishment, he nodded in reply; “Yes, but talking in his language is impossible for the moment…”

It still needed time for him to completely understand, breakdown and register the language in his psychic mind for him to be able to use it.

That’s how his [All Language Comprehension] ability works. It’s not instantaneous. But for the beautiful woman and the three knights being able to understand the monster’s language was already an incredible feat that makes them stupefied in shock.

There were many Monster languages in the world, like stars in the sky. And all of them were as complicated as the hardest puzzle. It was even already an achievement for a scholar to know one or two Monster Languages, even if they only vaguely understand it, or speak of it.

And yet this unassuming handsome boy of unknown origin can actually understand the language of the Monster King speaks. It was beyond incredible!

The Monster King landed on the ground with a thud and started walking towards them. Rain felt his heart almost jumped out, but he didn’t retreat and instead waited for him to come closer.

When the Monster was only less than two meters away from him, the Monster King stop; “Shizha furan hurka?” (You do not speak our language?)

Rain shook his head. No.

“Not yet.”

“Vagaran furan zierte?” (But you understand me?)

Rain nodded.

“Yes.”

“Wartifashio!” (Fascinating!)

The Monster King made a huffing sound and swished his stinger-like tail.

“Dushara, swerta gruva Zarda, elovura tonta, orka mon Lamians, ziiiza arka?” (Zarda is a long-time friend of mine, and I heard how an amusing human had settled in this forest lately. But to think, you are among those thieves? Does the Lamians know about this, human?)

Thieves?

Rain furrowed his brows. “…no, this is a spontaneous event, an accident. I was passing by and heard the commotion, and then came over,” he replied with voice laded with the utmost respect.

“I saw their plight and decided to help. I am human as well, as you can see. And didn’t want to see human dying in front of me…if possible.”

“Zimafruza, reshta. Gorbo fleza Shuval agraasa terra?” (Chivalry, I see. But do you ever think of being nosy can lead to death?)

“…I understand that when I decided to help,”

Rain gritted his teeth.

“But I’d rather die than do nothing, and watch anyone helplessly die in front of me.”

The Monster King growled at Rain, baring his fangs at him. The Monster King lifted a paw, then advanced a step in his direction.

The Monster King’s action caused the three knights and the beautiful woman to point their swords at him, ready to lunge and attack the lion-like Monster King at moment’s notice.

Despite their trembling bodies, they still made their stand. Although they didn’t know what was going on, and how the black-haired youth in front of them could converse with the Monster King, they still waited with bated breath. Though, with the Monster King’s explosion of aura, they couldn’t help but step back, intimidated.

Well, even without the Monster King’s terrifying aura just looking at the Monster’s face, the beautiful golden mane atop the beautiful ruby-like scales that seemed far beautiful than ordinary jewels, and the great, royal, solemn, overwhelming feline eyes; and then they would find themselves unable to look at the creature directly, and already went trembly.

“Haa—a—arrhhh!!” roared the Monster King with all his power, half rising from the ground, and his great mouth opened wider and wider and the roar grew louder and louder.

“Piss off, humans… this is not your matter! Your crimes will be judge, after!”

The Monster King roared in anger, and his words shock the Rain and the others.

“You can speak human language?”

Rain asked, with his jaw hanging.

The Monster King turned towards Rain, and his expression on its Lion-face somewhat softened.

“Silly child,” he mused in a low voice; so low as to be almost a purr, if it is not disrespectful to think a Lion purring.

“I can understand your words; of course I can speak it. But I’m not fond of it,”

Rain bit his lip to keep from smiling. His accent was adorable. No this is not the time for that, “Dear King, can you spare these people? There might be some misunderstanding between you and them—blood is not needed to be shed!”

He kneeled on the ground, begging for consideration.

“Misunderstanding?! They came unto my lair, break-in, and tried to steal my treasure…and you call it, misunderstanding?!”

The Monster King growled at him, but Rain didn’t dare fight back.

Rain turned towards them and saw their guilty expressions, and he immediately understands what had happened. Damn, he felt betrayed. Though, what's there to feel anything? He's the one who stupidly interferes because of some human moral shenanigans. He doesn't have the right to blame them.

Rain gritted his teeth and glared at them. However, he bit his lips and calm down, “Dear King, I’ll take the responsibility, please let them go,”

He heard gasps from behind him, but he didn’t look at them. His heart still angry, this is the last time. He thought as he clenched his fist. This is just because of the bogos vestige honor and morality of being a Human Being.

“Are you still going to protect them?” said the Monster King, with a very low growl.

“They didn’t deserve your sacrifice, silly child.”

“Perhaps… but for morality that had been instilled within me as a human being, I will do this for myself and my humanity…” Rain replied. “But not again.”

The Monster King stared at his unyielding blue eyes and narrowed his gaze. “So be it. I owe Zarda a long time ago. I shall do what you ask. But boy, if you ever betrayed the Lamians—”

“I will never,”

Rain shook his head with a wry smile. Something like this is not worth hesitating. Even if he gives up his life, he would never turn his back on his family. Never.

“They are my family,”

“Bahasara...Vagreda. ordapiosa heva tumani davarasa Lamians, omarisa,” (Family… a strange word. The Lamians are a good bunch, I hope you honor what you said today.)

The Monster King made another huffing nose, then turned around, and started walking into the forest. The monsters started disappearing into the woods, and in an instant, the countless monsters disappeared as if they were an illusion.

Rain look at the back of the Monster King, and suddenly saw it halted, glancing at him.

“Roosha araseto, Zarda orvam dumares,” (Let’s go. I haven’t met with that lass Zarda for quite a while, there’s much to catch up.)

“Yes,”

Rain glanced at the Knights and the beautiful woman for a moment and then followed the Monster King.

“Wait!” the beautiful woman called out.

“Where are you going?!”

Rain halted for a moment.

“You might as well leave this place. This is not a place you can wander around. You will lose your life…and the next time this happened, I won’t save you again.”

This would be the first, and also the last time they would see each other. Rain thought as he entered the bushes, following the Monster King who was walking as if it was a cat.

“Wait, you’re not coming with us?!”

Rain pretended he didn’t hear anything. He saw at the corner of his eyes, the beautiful woman running after him, but the Killer Ants jumped in front of her, startling her. Rain shook his head and his figure disappeared behind the bushes and trees.

The beautiful woman stood up, dazed as she stared at the place where their savior had disappeared to. The Killer Ants started dispersing and she had the urge to follow him. However, the three Knights that had been spared from disaster stop her in time.

“We need to go, Milady!”

“But he…!”

“He’s…fine,” the Knight replied.

“I think he knows that Monster King, and so he wouldn’t be in any danger”

Another Knight said. And she nodded in agreement.

Just who was that young man? What is he doing here? And how did he know that terrifying Monster King? Much less, even able to understand its language! It was so incredible.

Perhaps, he could be the one that could help them in this quest?

“Let’s go! We need to report this to Elder Sister!”

He must be the one that can help us!

She was sure of it.

“Yes, Milady!”

… …