V3 Chapter 14

A bear and a lion, rolling on the ground, Leona twisting and snapping her jaws. She landed a few bites, causing the bear to roar in pain, but not any concern. In fact, if one looks closely, she was the one more battered, bruised, and bleeding.

Looking at her condition as she still fought courageously, Cian’s eyes narrowed ominously.

That damn werebeast, how dare he beat up the girl I'm nurturing!

He's dead to me!

A single shot is all I need.

Cian peered through the scope of his black sniper rifle and aimed at the howling bear. He pulled forward a few centimeters, his mind focused and everything seemed to have gone silent, with only the thing reflected in the scope was the one in his world.

If I missed, the Werebeast would know my position...

The worst part would be it, deciding to escape.

With his eye on the slight rise in front of him, Cian edged forward, first his body, then sliding his weapon forward underneath him. Cian knew he could be spotted, with all these supernatural shenanigans. Even with the range of the target should roughly 800 meters from his location, it was not a safe spot.

But it doesn’t matter; Leona was doing best at being a decoy and distraction.

And that’s all he needed.

The wind was light-to-moderate, about eight or nine KPH coming from his two o’clock, but Cian could see swirls in the grass that indicated it was not steady—perhaps due to the intense battle going on. This was the very moment where sniping became more art than science.

Cian had to look at patterns and try to figure out what the wind would be doing over the entire 500 meters during the flight of the round, and he must read it and imagined as meticulous as a master artist to his painting or sculpture done.

Just like an artist, a poor position, poor trigger control, poor breath control, and unlucky externals such as a gust of wind were just a few of the problems that would ruin a perfect shot. And Cian knows better not to miss the shot, or else the second would never be done.

Him being discovered or the Bearman escaping away, which it didn’t do right now due to the expectation of victory over Leona, would be the worst situation. And with his tired body, cat and mouse chase is the last thing he wanted right now.

He needs to make a kill!

And then, after he will devour it!

Suddenly, Leona aimed for suicide charge—whether she wanted to kill it using her life, or that, she had somehow sensed the existence of her beloved master around them, watching and was ascertain to prove her strength to him or any sort, which was much more likely compared to the former due to the fact that Cian knew she could feel him as long as he is around her, just like how he could feel her. Although the senses of people, except for him, has been impeded by the unknown force of this world, the connection between them cannot be severed.

The connection between them had been forged when she was tamed by him. And it was not something easily severed by mere illusions.

Seeing her actions, Cian narrowed his eyes. It is time. He concluded the moment he saw Leona pouncing at the Werebear, trying to pin it down, which she was surely failing but rooting it in place, she had done well. He then exhaled half-way out, settling himself. He eyed mid-chest of his target, just below the base of his neck.

A gust of breeze tilted the grass halfway to the target, and….squeeze the trigger.

Baaang!

A muffled sound echoed, and like a torpedo through the sea, as the tip of the silver-colored bullet parted the air around it, flying straight towards its destination.

With his [Night’s Eye], Cian could see the sound of his gun rattled the Werebear and Leona, their ears twitching, but they didn’t know what it was and thought it was just normal noise from the fight in some direction and didn’t care, resuming their heated battle, that was already nearing the end.

After all, he couldn’t sense any magic fluctuation coming at him.

And this causes the Werebear to make a death call—

The sniper rifle bucked against his shoulder, and without pausing, Cian cycled in a new round and shifted his aim. Blood spurted, along with the painful howl of the bear, as the bullet pierced through its head--the target changed due to the monster unknowingly moved down to grapple the Manticore it was desperately fighting--perfectly hit.

But it was still alive, blood-colored his entire face. Its thick, and tense muscles in his head, which seemed to be molded from metal strands, and the skull that as hard as a rock, obstruct the bullet to penetrate even deeper. However, one of the things that the movies made correctly, is that silver bullets are fatal to shapeshifters!

Even in this world, fighting a werebeast, silver weapons are always the best.

The wound was shallow but it was fatal, the poison of the silver bullet had double the pain it felt. More than that, the blood seeping out of the bearman's head was more than normal, like a leaking faucet. It also disturbed the monster's mind. If not for the fact that the Bearman was a high-ranking Elite Werebeast, the bullet wound would have been far worse. In fact, if it was another kind of bullet, it would have hardly penetrated its skin and muscle. But this was where the horror of the silver bullet comes from.

The silver bullet softened the flesh of the shapeshifter, drilling into it. If this was a game, then the silver bullet would have an amplification effect if used against Werebeasts- Defense Penetration Effect or Ignore Defense Effect.

The Bearman felt the excruciating pain that assaulted him and roared in agony, its eyes flashed with horror and confusion as to what had occurred. And what had hit him. He had not felt any kind of magic energy. Nor he had seen anything that had attacked him. He didn't felt anything, or anyone around him other than the Manticore. So what is happening?!

All he felt was as if something had suddenly penetrated through its head, burrowing deep in his skin. His balanced staggered, and he fell back. Then, suddenly out of nowhere, another peculiar noise occurred, and something once again hit him. But this time, it's on his left eye. Though it was not able to deal with a fatal wound, enough to endanger his life, the sudden loss of vision from his left eye, strengthed the Werebear's fear and confusion.

Cian grinned, the bear was stunned, growingly in pain, and then Leona made use of it and opened her jaws full of sharp fangs, clamping her jaws onto the bear’s neck and ripping into his flesh with her teeth.

Another cry of pain echoed.

This time, a howl of despair.

But the Werebear was still trying to struggle to survive, and hurriedly raised his bear arms, trying to smash the Manticore’s head.

Baaaaang!! Baaang! Baaang!!

Sadly, Cian once again fired his round. Its massive arm littered with wounds, blood showering in the air like rain.

Cian didn’t stop, with another pull of the bolt; he fired a series of bullet rounds, this time not stopping.

… …

“You’re done?”

As Cian and Leona returned to where Asceius was, they were greeted by the latter along with his sister who was furrowing her brows while looking at him from head to toe as if she was looking at a rare animal in the zoo.

“Ah, at the very least I’m still alive. Even my cracked ribs are completely healed, by the way, so I guess that means I’m okay… just a bit exhausted from the intense exercise,” he teased.

Asceius furrowed as he looks at him; “You have cracked ribs?”

He forgot that Cian was actually the weakest among them.

With the power level of the Werebeasts, Cian would surely have a difficult time. Because of the Foxman's always 'My Pace' attitude and confident expression, Asceius had unknowingly regarded him as equal, or not less inferior in terms of strength with them. So, to think that Cian was gravely hurt by just a Werebeast, he was quite surprised, at the same time, worried.

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“Yes,”

Cian grinned as he ran his hands over his chest. He was indeed in real pain, you know, fortunately, a bit of meat made the pain go away.

“I tell you, I was in a great deal of pain… you really owe me now, Cara mia,”

“Well, you’re the one who wanted to cooperate with me,”

Asceius grinned mischievously. Cian replied with a wry chuckle and shrugged his shoulders when suddenly a cough from behind them rang out.

“Ah, right… Cian, this my elder sister, Iris Redheid Grimward, and Elder Sister this is Cian Cahlo, a friend of mine,”

Princess Iris cocked her eyebrow condescendingly, scrutinizing his every angle with those hawk-like green eyes. She was frowning the more she looked at him, and Cian was feeling somewhat displeased inside his heart, which he tried to never reveal.

Indeed, she is beautiful, very beautiful in fact, but that doesn’t mean she could look down on him. If this was in the vast world, he would have whipped her into submission. Though, he needs to admit she was beautiful.

She seemed to be of Asian descent. She has black hair, glossy and gleaming in the light of the moon. The strands look silky and soft, as it swayed in the wind. Her figure was even more fascinating, it was enough to turn your spirit and soul upside down.

Wearing an outfit in the style of a mandarin gown that hugged and accentuated the wondrous curves of her figure, she was gorgeous. Her lips pinks and delicate, and the way she lifted her chin with a slight tilt as if she could shrivel a man’s balls with one arrogant, disdainful glance.

Her eyes were an odd shade of green, emerald with a blue hue. Long, slim legs, nicely rounded hips, a trim waist cinched tightly with her Asian-style gown, and breasts that were firm and full. Not too full, Cian amended his assessment, but full enough to fit nicely in his hands. Not that he intended to—

As Cian was observing the Godstone Kingdom’s proud princess, the latter did as well. Now that she had seen him quite close, more than ever, she was impressed.

Unlike his savage identity and background, the man before her moved with grace and elegance, hardly be seen among the brutish werebeasts. One hand resting on his sword hilt, the sword hanged on the back of his waist casually. His eyes were clear, his jaw strong and his features fair—in fact, his skin seemed pale, but that would but that could be caused by the moonlight.

His eyes looked sharp and intelligent. He had a straight nose, a wide mouth, and a strong jaw with a sexy hint of dark whiskers. There was an innately aloof indifference as if he was used to looking down on the world, making her somewhat apprehensive, as if he was born royal.

But that shouldn’t be possible—he is a Foxman, just a mere beast.

But what a stunning beast. She admits.

Unbeknownst to her bias evaluation of him as a mere beast, Cian gracefully raised a hand in greeting.

“Good Evening, Bellisima.”

His voice carried up to her with the slight stir of a breeze that tickled her neck, and she almost shivered. She felt giddy with surging excitement.

“As you have heard, my name is Cian Cahlo, a pleasure to meet you,”

Princess Iris came to her senses with a heart-pounding jolt that Cian could actually hear. His keen animalistic senses working their very best. He then saw her mouth closed with a frown. Her chin tilted up.

“A Werebeast?” she said with a soft grumble voice.

“When did you know a Werebeast, much less, treating one as a friend, Asceius?” she said, with an accompanied disdainful expression.

Though it looks natural, Cian knows it's fake. She was trying to pretend that she was not affected by him. But Cian didn't care about her annoying attitude, rather something else.

She's also the same, I can't read her damn mind as well.

Just how useless is this ability?

There are so many people in this world that he cannot read. He was so excited when he obtained it, thinking he got another cheat-like ability. However, to think it depended on his strength, as well as the spirit and strength of the target.

People who are stronger than him seemed to possess a wall of steel around their mind that is nigh impossible to invade. Or perhaps, there is some kind of mental defense items on them that blocks his powers. However, if this goes on, it would hardly be useful against enemies.

“Elder Sister!"

Asceius called out with a warning expression.

“You know that Werebeasts are nothing but savage brutes that couldn’t be trusted! I told you before, and I thought you had listened to my warning!”

Iris grumbled, never trying to conceal her annoyed voice or tone, which Cian didn’t really care.

“I trust him, and Cian might be a Werebeast but it didn’t mean he couldn’t be a friend,”

The prince scowled as he made a step, moving closer to Cian. He was making his stance on this argument and was hell-bent on protecting Cian. Asceius stood in front of Cian, afraid that Iris would lose patience and attack him. He knows how unreasonable her sister can be.

Princess Iris scowled deeper, and astonishment flashed across her eyes, surprised at her brother's actions. She stared at her little brother as if he was a stranger. Never seen she had before, this kind of Asceius. Much less, defending someone against her. Not to mention, Werebeast, not-so-friendly folks. And most of all, a rival race of their Kingdom.

This can’t possibly…

She didn’t know how to describe how she felt. Although not many know of this, but her little brother, ever since he was young, besides that important body part, was no different from a girl. He had a matchless complexion and was humble and graceful. He was obviously a cut above the rest, whether in talent, martial arts, studying, or even the way to conduct oneself in society. It can even be said that in everything, he was one of the best out of their generation of the family.

However, unexpectedly, his appearance now, although it wasn’t clear yet, she had a feeling that he looked just like a girl in love.

Oh no! This can’t be possible!

I haven’t heard him socializing with him, ganging up with a beastman…much less this unknown foxman!

No, wait. Is this why he had never turned his attention to women? Even the one chosen by their father as his fiancée, he had never treated her fairly, or sincerely. Does he actually like men?

Princess Iris' expression paled.

“What did you do to him?!” she snarled angrily at Cian who was standing with a fed-up expression. She didn’t dare believe what she had thought and concluded that this was none other than the Werebeast's fault.

But the latter was not the least bit faze even against her glare. He smiled as she scowled at him, making the Princess, for the very first time extremely distress. A slow, devastating one that curled to the left in a lopsided fashion before transforming into a full-fledged smile.

“Not all Werebeasts is a beast, Bellisima, as not all men are trustworthy. Trust me, it has half for both. And I’m one, on the better side.”

“Silence!”

Princess Iris snarled in anger, and her hand reaches out to Cian’s throat.

So fast! Cian’s eyes narrowed and his hand shot out, catching her hand, while Asceius grasped her waist. The hand of the princess, forming a claw, was only inches away from his throat.

“Elder Sister!”

Asceius cried out in anger.

“Never trust a Werebeast!” she scowled.

“But you see what he did against those Werebeasts!”

“It doesn’t mean anything! He is still a Werebeast!”

“Hm, I don’t mind discussing my morality and race, but can you get this claw off my throat first? I felt as if you can clamp a flesh out of me, I’m not so keen on getting my throat another hole, my mouth is enough for it.” Cian inclined his head, never taking his eyes off her.

“And I can sew it for you until you can shut your mouth for eternity, foxman!” Princess Iris growled.

“I said, that’s enough, elder sister!”

Asceius drag her hand away from Cian’s throat and glared at her.

“He’s my friend, and he had helped me. So you cannot hurt him!”

“I don’t think he was helping you! Do you think I did not see it?! He walked to the side like a coward while you are surrounded! He was going to leave you alone, fighting desperately for your own life!”

“You wound me Bellisima,” Cian grinned. His canine teeth looked very pointed. And his eyes twinkling in with humor, “It’s a part of a plan, okay? Asceius would act as a decoy, while I go to the idiot and snuffed his life out of him in an instant. It’s what you call, placing a right man for the job, and Asceius understand that more than anyone,”

“Hah, plan? What I see is a man running like a coward!” she snorted.

Cian’s brows shut up.

“You expect me to fight foolishly while we are outnumbered? Then, I can apologize; I’m too smart for my own good.”

His eyes narrowed, and Asceius felt an invisible crackle of tension as if the air between Cian and his elder sister had suddenly turned electric.

“I expect you to face them like a man!”

“So to prove my manhood I should act like a lamb before the slaughter?”

Cian chuckled.

“... You slay me,”

“You!!”

Princess Iris raised her hand again but Asceius was able to move first, he stepped in front of Cian to protect him. This time, he didn't let his guard down and immediately made a stance of his sister.

“Get out of the way, Asceius!” she snarled in anger.

“Elder Sister, calm down! We are not enemies here,”

“That’s right, Sweetheart, it’s difficult to have a wee chat if you keep trying to kill me. We can act like civilized people and talk like gentlemen. Just so you know, I was born with right conduct, and even always ace up my socio-studies,”

“Not helping Cian!”

Asceius glared at Cian.

This bastard keeps acting like a rogue even at this moment, and this made him not knowing whether to laugh or cry about it. Whether he was intentionally making his sister angry or not, this bastard is certainly acting like a rogue more than usual. Though he felt some kind of amusement as never did he saw someone standing up against his sister. Not before this idiot who even pricked out his nerves sometimes.

Whether he has nerves of steel or not, it was really a wonder why this foxman is so courageous.

Just what is he depending on?

Most of the foxman he had seen and met are timid, honest, and respectful. He never had seen a foxman like him before, so foolishly shameless. Though he also found it somewhat charming, especially when he was acting bad, he finds it interesting.

In fact, Asceius had truly seen Cian as a friend, as he had helped his heart enjoy the past few days in peace. In the past, he was filled with anxiety and worries but now is different. With Cian, he was able to start enjoying the adventure, or so the Foxman calls it. Therefore, he wouldn’t want anything bad happening to him, especially in the hands of his Elder Sister.

“There’s nothing to talk about!”

Princess Iris turned at Asceius and saw his beseeching expression and finally calms down.

“I don’t know why you are protecting him, Asceius. However, I don’t trust this bastard.”

“Thank god, the feeling is mutual,”

The corner of Cian's mouth curled up just enough to show a dimple.

Princess Iris snorted.

“Typical Werebeast arrogance. It’s your greatest weakness, and you’re too arrogant to even know it.”

Cian affected a wounded look, “Bellisima, be fair. I was an arrogant bastard even in my previous life, and I don’t think I’m a Werebeast at that time,”

“Scoundrel!”

Iris swung his arm, freeing herself from her brother’s constraint in anger. She grunted but she didn’t attack anymore. Still, she pointed at Cian with a glare filled with hate and anger; “Mark my words; there will come a time when I shall put my hands on your heart, Werebeast! Give me a reason, and I’ll hunt you down, kill you, and make you regret crossing my path!”

“I died once, dinna care for it much.”

But to this threat, Cian just smiled mischievously, though his eyes held a taunting, and provoking gleam.

“This bastard!!”

… …