V2 Chapter 130
Well, Sister’s back has me, has the Garden.
This Trading City… no one can snatch it from her…!
Cian mused inwardly. Although Oriel didn’t know this, Cian has already made some designs and plans regarding the Trading City's situation before he left the Demon Empire. Although he has some confidence in his Beloved Sister, there will always be no {Absolute}!
Cian was always walking with that principle in mind.
Before he took one step, he would always plan for taking three steps beforehand.
If Oriel encountered problems for the Trading City, Cian would immediately dispatch the personnel staying within the Trading City and initiate the plan. Okmahun City is his strong base. It can only expand, not shrink.
The more power Oriel and the City obtain, the stronger he becomes as well.
… …
As one of the six dangerous S-Class Death Areas, the Winter Mountain naturally was the place many adventurers and mercenaries most wished to be able to hunt, because every time coming here meant they would advance and gain more.
Of course, death is also everywhere. But, when there is a danger, there would also be wealth and opportunity…!
Hence, despite it being known as Death Areas, many adventurers and Mercenaries still choose these places for their hunting ground.
Not less than a hundred people died in places like this every day. Still, if one managed to hunt a monster in these places, even if it was the weakest level, they already possess the privilege to boast around in the central region. Hence, it can also be regarded as some sort of reputation.
Nobody could say clearly for just how many years Winter Mountain had existed on Green Star Continent, but after entering the forest, that hiding the sky and covering the earth lushness was sufficient to tell people it was an ancient existence.
This area was different from the area that Cian and Sibylla had passed through to enter the Human World. That place was like a short tunnel connected the two Empire—while this place was a forest that edge at the inner area of the Winter Mountain. Barely any traces of human activities could be found in this Forest. Even within the snow, only the footprints of beasts and monsters could be seen.
Distantly, Cian vaguely sensed bursts of clear air caressing from ahead that brought the scent of plants penetrating deeply in the heart, unspeakably comforting. With deep breaths of fresh and clean air, the whole body’s thirty-six thousand pores seemed to completely stretch open, causing Cian to feel as if he had returned to his mother’s womb.
Comforting and had a sense of security—that kind of feeling was so relaxing it was hard to put into words.
Though, this should have been impossible. After all, this place was a very dangerous place that slaughters people without mercy. However, Cian felt as if the forest was welcoming him…was it just his imagination? The sin of the ignorant? Completely weird…
Everywhere was a wet green-white world where cold brooks and rivers ran through dark forests and the ground was made of piled-up snow, displaying a wonderful scenery that was completely opposite of its true nature. A man-eating forest—where death roams freely and unconstrained.
Huge willows grew along the watercourses that were half-solid, larger than any that Cian had ever seen, even back in the previous world. Their great trunks as gnarled and twisted as an old man’s face and festooned with beards of silvery moss. Even Cian couldn’t help but wonder if these horrifying trees would suddenly become alive and attack them, and that even if that suddenly happened, he wouldn’t be surprised.
Trees pressed close on every side, shutting out the last ray of sunlight that had managed to pass through the thick snow clouds hiding the sky; hemlock and red cedars, white oaks, soldier pines that stood as tall and straight as towers, colossal sentinels, big-leaf maples, redwoods, wormtrees, even here and there a wild weirwood could be found.
Bushes layered with snow pile, but still giving off a vibrant sense of life. Cian was even interested in some herbs and elixir materials that passed through them. Levelia and the others as well, picked things on the ground as they walk through, like picking littered garbages on the ground.
As expected of an Ancient Forest that barely any human would disturb. Rare and Uncommon herbs and plants can be seen everywhere—even if they returned after failing to subjugate the Basilisk, these things are enough for them to return with great wealth.
Each and every herbs and material can be sold expensively. of course, under the envious gazes of the other members of the group, Cian not only has a rare {Storage Ring} but also he seemed to have great eyesight for this kind of thing as he found them faster than any of the member could, giving him quite a haul.
Well, with {Night’s Eye} ability, even Appraisal Skill would shrink from its mightiness.
However, they didn’t dare tried to steal it from him. As Adventurers too had unspoken rules they followed, which should not be violated. And one of them is the Finder’s Keeper rule. As long as you find it first, it is yours. It’s an inviolable code among the Adventurers and Mercenaries.
Cian’s mood was quite high.
Underneath the tangled branches many medical herbs, familiar ferns and flowers grew in profusion; sword ferns, Blood Mushroom, Mood Lady Ferns, ice bellflowers and harmony grass, Frost Stars and Poison kisses, and still many more. Although they look extremely similar to those found back on Earth, Cian can still find some difference. Though he was not that knowledgeable about plant life, so in his eyes, almost everything is the same.
Cian harvested all of them without leaving anything behind. Even if it was not rare or anything, they are still quite valuable and Cian would never shy away with it. Call him stingy or anything… you don’t know when it would become useful.
Other trees were furred with moss, green or grey or red-tailed, and once a vivid purple. Lichens covered every rock and stone. Toadstools festered besides rotting logs. The very air seemed white, cold but has the ancient primeval taste of adventure.
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A completely different world that Cian had never seen yet before.
During their journey through the outer area of the Winter Mountain, they attracted a lot of attention. Of course not only from human adventurers but also among the monsters and beasts. After all, among the members of the group, all of them were elite among elites of the Winter Mountain Adventurers Guild; The Flame Tyrant Clan.
To many monsters and beasts who desired flesh and blood of powerhouses to increase their strength, this kind of target was quite tempting. Thus, there were many sneak attacks along the road. However, every single one of them was resolved by the member of the group. Even Cian’s swordplay was praised by the members of the Flame Tyrant Clan.
Not only was graceful and elegant, with each step, but he also took a life. It was extremely deadly.
Precise, and without any waste of movement. His attacks would always hit an opportune moment. It seemed like no weakness could escape from his eyes as his every attack hit a fatal spot that crippled or killed monsters instantly. He was like a mysterious white alpha wolf, firmly staring at its target, waiting for the moment it could deliver a fatal strike.
Cian's movements were the most precise each of the members of the group had ever seen. Though he seemed to just be doing whatever he wanted, each action was completely optimized, such that there weren’t any needless movements.
Every time they saw him as if he was strolling amidst a group of beasts, they could only sigh in admiration.
With each of the member’s current strength, unless it was a C to B rank Monster or Beast, they would not be able to produce any threat to the group. Therefore, many trouble-makers had been unable to disrupt their pace.
Of course, not just magical beasts attack them along the way. As they walk through the dangerous forest, they encountered bandits and thieves that tried to attack them after they were exhausted in fighting several groups of monsters. If not for their individual strength, they would surely have a hard time continuing the expedition.
This kind of scene was normal in this world—especially in this dangerous forest.
In fact, the worst monster you could encounter in this place was not a magical beast, but fellow human beings.
Although this kind of scene was quite a rarity in the other areas, in this forbidden land were human laws are almost non-existent, greedy and wicked humans showed their fangs. Only benefits and profits were supreme in this world. This is the Law of the Jungle…!
Nevertheless, each member of the group, not to mention Cian, the Fire Tyrant Clan was never good people that haven’t killed anyone before. Their hands too had been soiled and dyed with blood, for who knows how many people already. They would never take the initiative to provoke and kill other people, nor take liberties with the innocent. But that is as long as they are not the one who is provoked.
After living in this kind of crazy world, they too are cold-blooded killers!
Rooooar!
Rooooar!
Rooooar!
In the forested area, the roars of magical beasts and monsters sounded out. Cian stood on top of a tree branch and saw what was ahead.
At that location, there were three pitch-black wolves. These three Steel Wolves had the strength comparable to a C ranking Monster. Their blood-red eyes were locked onto Levelia, who was directly in front of the group. Not too far behind Levelia, the member looked around vigilantly.
“Cian. Aerean, I’ll leave these three fellows to the two of you. We’ll make camp here for tonight. We should arrive at the boundary of the inner area of the Winter Mountain tomorrow,” Levelia signaled the others to stop and stared at Cian who was standing at the top of the branch and smiled mischievously.
This woman… did she get addicted to commanding him…? Cian frowned. If this was known by the Garden; The Second Demon Prince getting commanded like a slave, they would surely transform into evil slaughter demons and torture this woman in fury. However, Cian didn’t say anything and just sigh. Well, priority first before emotion…
His indifferent eyes immediately turned sharp as he silently analyzed the patterns in the movement of the three Steel Wolves.
The Winter Mountain was occupied by an extremely unique type of monster, which had a huge difference compared to normal monsters. Among them were these Steel Wolves. They are far more dangerous, stronger, and fiercer than normal wolf-type beasts found in any normal areas within the Continent. However—
They’re weaker than I thought.
Cian had heard that despite being classified as C rank, Steel Wolves are still monsters that needed caution even among the Veteran High Ranking Adventurers. Not only their hide was as hard as steel and cannot easily be penetrated by ordinary weapons, but their speed can also rival that of a B Rank monster, and the sharpness of their claws and fangs can tear metals apart without a problem.
One wolf can be defeated by three B rank Adventurers. But if it is two or more wolves, even a B rank Party composed of B rank adventurers would surely need to avoid.
Their teamwork is what makes them among the terrifying demons in the Winter Mountain.
Still, in Cian’s eyes… their prided speed was as slow as a turtle…
They might outnumber him. But, they are just beasts nothing more. The way a wolf moved was slow and predictable as far as he could see.
Cian held the hilt of the black slender sword hanging at the back of his waist and leaped from the branch. Landing on the ground softly, like a feather, the three Steel Wolves immediately turned around, three pairs of eyes releasing a fierce glow staring at him. And without any hesitation, they charged at him with a savage air.
Cian snorted coldly. The wolf’s speed was clearly faster than the beast that he had encountered up until now, not even getting close, and an air of brutality rushing forward. When it approached Cian, the wolf’s speed suddenly exploded, viciously pouncing at his chest.
Fwoosh!!
Following the slight twist of Cian’s body, a violent wind blew past his face, making part of his face slightly sting. Cian squinted his eyes, his right foot that stepped backward when he twisted his body taking a large step forward. Every move he made was thrilling, and each by hair’s breadth that even those who watched him; Levelia and the others, couldn’t help but felt their heart throbbed in fear for him. However, not caring about their anxiety, Cian slashed the black sword twice.
As if having blind confidence on their hide, the wolf only snorted when it saw Cian lightly slashing its sword at it. However, when it did—Clang! Splat! Blood splattered in the open wounds.
The attacked wolf let out a pained howl, but before it could recover from pain, Cian twirled the word on his hand, grasping the hilt with a reverse grip and swung it upwards.
A large gush wound appeared on the wolves’ neck, and blood spurted, splashing on Cian’s face. Splat! It fell on the ground, twitching, its eyes still wide in shock, not realizing its death before it stopped and died.
Cian’s beloved sword; {Imagis realis} how could mere steel-like hide block its blade?
Cian’s ears twitched as the sound of wind being cut passed his ears. The other two wolves were actually attacking him from a different direction—pincer attack..? Cian’s lips curled upwards. His eyes narrowed, he put more force into his right foot, and when he was about to evade the first attack—
“Little boy, move aside!”
An angelic-like voice came from the rear. Cian frowned—Little boy? Him? He suddenly felt displeased but he didn’t say anything and jumped back.
At this moment, the Dark Elf; Aerean had already pulled her bow to the maximum.
A blue light was formed in front of her and a violent fluctuation spread out.
By the time the Dark Elf’s fingers had released the arrows made out of light, her tanned but beautiful face had also turned solemn.
Wooosh. Wooosh. Wooosh.
“Storm Arrows!”
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
The arrows made out of light Aerean had condensed using her magic power shot out and turned into blade-like wind piercing arrows. The wind arrows tore through the air and descended with overwhelming power. The ground was heavily damaged as a result.
Dong! Dong! Dong!
These wind arrows directly enshrouded the remaining two Steel Wolves. As the wind arrows, possessing a storm-like momentum, showering the Steel Wolves, surged over, they instantly cut the two Steel Wolves and wounded them all over their bodies.
In the end, they roared and struggled as they fell to the ground. Fresh blood flowed out from their wounds. Seeing this, Cian can’t help but praised Aerean’s skills. Truly incredible…!
The {Archery Art} Skill that the Dark Elf; Aerean displayed should be the well-known 4th rank combat art under Archery Skill; {Storm Arrows}.
It is a well-known superior-tier skill due to it being the product of combining wind magic and Archery Art. It’s a combination skill with a hard level of difficulty. Especially, with Aerean’s damage effect… it was an eye-opener.