V3 Chapter 15

“Are you really sure that this Foxman can be trusted, Asceius?”

Iris turned at her brother and asked with a doubtful expression.

“I don’t believe him,”

Asceius answered simply. His lips curved into a playful smile that Iris had never seen before.

Looking at his elder sister’s widened, and confused eyes, he chuckled.

“No need to worry about it, Elder Sister. It’s as simple as it can be—don’t believe him. He’s a liar and a cruel murderer. You have seen him when he killed those Beastmen as well, and indeed he has no intention of betraying me…but you have seen his methods of killing, do you not? Do you really think that there’s a sane person like him who could do such a thing without hesitation to his kind?”

The frown on Iris face became deeper, and she turned towards the back of the abnormal guy who was riding carelessly on his Manticore, without any hint of fear or anxiety in his entire being, despite knowing the danger his surrounding possesses.

His lack of worry, his laid back manner, and the cheerful smile on his face, it’s as if he was just strolling around his own backyard, not an ounce of vigilance could be seen true. Looking at his cheerful expression, and the warm, handsome smile hanging on his face, she can’t help but indeed, feel somewhat bewildered that such a man could kill his kind cold-bloodedly.

“…Beastmen are known for their loyalty, as well as honesty. Despite the frequent conflict against tribes, they still possess an undying devotion to their blood. Against enemies, they will hold hands if need be.” Asceius said with a wry smile.

“…One can even be said, they are honest to a fault—and to all Werebeasts, we are indeed the enemies. Humans and Werebeasts had always been rivals, much more than the Demi-Humans. All Werebeasts possess the same vendetta against us, humans. And that they would do anything to uproot us from our highest position. For them, this is like a mission, one that they are prepared to give their lives for—they had tried for countless years, secretly or openly. If not for the Oracle’s existence, they would have tried to confront us directly, and even with our strength, with the allied Werebeasts, we would be hard-pressed. We even already have a hard time dealing with the Lion King; it would be a disaster if the Serpent Empress and the other Monster Kings would show up as well.”

“That is why, we cannot trust a Werebeast, Asceius,”

Asceius nodded his head.

“Yes, but don’t you think he’s different?” he looks at Cian with a strange gaze.

“If I’m not mistaken, his blood doesn’t matter to him. Unlike the normal Werebeasts, he didn’t have that much loyalty to his kind. All that matters to him is his own self. That’s why, don’t let his appearance fool you, Elder Sister. There’s more to him than you think you can see on his exterior. He looks harmless, but he can dig your heart out with a smile on his face…do you really think you can believe in a person like that?”

Just like what he said, Werebeasts, or Beastmen as many call them, was a very special race, although they had never established a formal empire and existed in the form of tribes, their strength, however, is not at all weaker than any empire established in the Black Lands, including the Godstone Kingdom. Even up to the point that they were not inferior in any aspect of an empire and may even be stronger in some parts.

Of course, this was regarding their united strength. However, basically, the situation was that they were governed separately, were a few races or simply a single race was under a tribe. Within the few biggest tribes, the majority of them only consisted of a single race, fundamentally being the large and influential clans within the Werebeast race.

Although there would also still be conflicts and contradictions among the Werebeasts from time to time, when other races invaded them, they would unite together to eliminate the invaders of the foreign race completely. Perhaps it’s an innate characteristic or just a strange quirk of the Werebeasts, but right or wrong, they always sided their kind rather than their enemies.

Of course, mostly—some still exist abnormal wickedness among them, but they are rare, and only a selected few have them. And perhaps this Foxman before them was among those exceptions.

“Then, what’s the meaning of all this?”

Iris asked with exasperation. If he knows that the Foxman can’t be trusted, then what is Asceius doing?

“Why are you defending him? Befriending him? You even let him go with us? I didn’t find you foolish to this extent before!”

But Asceius remained unfazed.

“And that’s the reason.”

“What?”

Asceius turned towards her, with that same beautiful smile on his face.

“You can trust him to do something foolish along the way. There’s no better companion in this ruins than him, don’t you think?”

“You’re an idiot, aren't you?”

Iris gritted her teeth.

Asceius let out an amused laugh.

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“Hahaha, that’s actually a joke. Though what I said before is true, I feel like he’s not all that at all, Elder Sister. He’s a reliable comrade, that I can assure you. And that he would never betray those he acknowledged or befriend. He might be cruel, cold, and bloodthirsty. But I know for sure, that he’s dependable. As long as he’s on your side, he would not turn his back on you. No matter what or from which country you come from, for him it doesn't matter. He was the type that would only care about the people around him. And that's why it's safe to be around with him.”

“Forgive me, but I beg to differ. I just can’t see that on him.” Iris rolled her eyes, not believing her brother.

“Well, give it time, Elder Sister. Give him a chance, and observe him for a while, you will understand what I’m talking about.” Asceius smiled, staring at Cian’s back.

“And in an off-chance...that I am wrong, just knowing what he is, you can prepare yourself whatever comes.”

Though, his expression seemed to be laded with sorrow. Although it’s not clearly obvious, for Iris who had been with him for a very long time, and known him far better than anyone else, this expression never bypassed her eyes.

Asceius, you’re really…?

Iris didn’t know how to describe how she felt, but she felt she shouldn’t say anything at this moment. That she should pretend to be ignorant about it. Though, of course, she hoped that her premonition was wrong, but whatever the case, she didn’t want to see her little brother become sad. She clenched her fists tightly and glared at the idiot’s back.

As if sensing her glare, Cian turned around; “What? Do I owe you money or something? Why are you glaring at me?”

“I hope you drop dead!”

Iris angrily snorted before averting her eyes in anger.

‘What did I do?’

Cian turned towards Asceius, which the latter just smiled playfully and shrugged.

Cian rolled his eyes.

If only his mastery of his mind-reading ability was high enough, he would surely have no problem reading the minds of this pair of idiotic siblings. But sadly, his mastery was still too low, and in addition, both the two of them possess a strength that is currently beyond him. Unless they would lower their guard intentionally, he didn’t have enough strength to penetrate their mental defenses.

Cian shook his head, and sigh.

Be that as it may, attitude and personality aside, the addition of Iris to their group is indeed an incredible boost for their strength.

A few days after the Princess joined the team. The battles that they encountered along the way had been becoming easier than before. With Iris herculean strength and fighting prowess, Asceius mage-like build that focused on support and range attack, while Cian along with Leona, both were playing an all-rounder, every battle had become much easier than before.

Although Iris and Cian were always in an argument, the chemistry they have during battles was something even Asceius couldn’t help but feel surprised. They complemented each other extremely well, that they look as if they had been fighting together for a long time already. It was shocking…and more, pleasantly incredible. Though, it can also be mainly attributed to his incredible sense, that he would know when, where and how he should act and do in every battle. His positioning, judgment, and his support were uncanny, and it made everything easier, all while without disturbing the others' fight or rhythm.

He knows when to attack, defend, or retreat. And even without being told to, he knows what to do to provide better assistance to others. His capability was amazing enough that even Iris had to admit, that Cian is really reliable and skillful. That anyone fighting would be able to display their full potential, not worrying about things behind them, as they know and reassured that there would be nothing left to worry about.

Still, this magnificent ability of him only earned more ire and irritation from her.

To think a skillful and remarkable Beastman like this existed without her knowing, or anyone living in the Black Lands in that matter--just how is he able to hide himself up until now? Just where did this monstrous beast crawl from? And why did she know nothing of him, even including his background or true identity?

Though, Iris was confident that she was far stronger than him. But if this beastman was given time to grow, would he become unbeatable?

Another Monster would surely be born among the Werebeasts.

For humanity, and to the Godstone Kingdom... this is certainly the worst possible thing to happen.

Iris felt a massive headache coming in the very near future.

... ...

Led by Cian—who was acting as a group leader, despite the chagrin of the princess, but nevertheless, his strange but unaffected perception was more important for the group. Therefore, although she didn’t like it, Princess Iris could only yield to both Asceius and Cian’s decision—the basic structure and tactics of battles followed that of the normal Gameplay faithfully. But there was a major difference in terms of fighting techniques and skills.

If this was a Game, then Asceius was more in a range position, but he can also be powerful support or close-combat, power mage. Princess Iris, on the other hand, was like a berserker more than a tank, with her incredible strength. She's like a terrifying killer on the battlefield with her super high speed, titanic strength, deadly melee attacks, and her barbaric eye-for-an-eye style of fighting.

Even horrifying monsters more powerful than her would have trouble facing the wraith-like her if they didn't have special methods to control her movements. Otherwise, they could only wait for their death as they were torn apart by her sword or her bare hands.

No wonder, even those arrogant Werebeasts are extremely afraid of her. She appeared like an undefeatable War God that is born to kill.

What made things even easier for Cian and the others is that Iris was able to take all the attention of the enemies they faced herself during combat. What’s even more, she was an incredible damage dealer. Hence, Cian can’t really complain even if the barbaric princess acted out of their plan. As for Cian, he had grown familiar with Asceius and Princess Iris as teammates after many practice sessions, hence, even if there was a sudden change in play, he was able to easily and immediately adapt and filled the vacancies in their strategy.

Just that, Cian first thought their journey in the Ruins of Gods with Asceius and Princess Iris was 'this is going to be hard'. After all, monsters in this place were completely different from that of those found outside world. Here, the Monsters are much stronger, tougher, and smarter. But after going through several battles against monsters with the pair of royal siblings, to the Second Demon Prince despair, his view changed into 'this is harder than I imagined'.

The monsters are becoming stronger, and stronger as they walk through the wide, vast, and mystical forest. Because of this reason as well, Cian was made the leader of their group.

The three of them, Cian, Asceius, and Iris designed several formations and battle codes after several battles that were becoming harder as they proceeded forward. Their conclusion was to let Cian who, for some strange reason, still had his perception skill intact, and can alert them when the enemies appeared, as well as monitor the whole battlefield during battles—this made things much easier for everyone.

After all, since they are now shouldering each other, with no one else to trust and believe, teamwork was necessary for them to survive and emerge victoriously.

Although Princess Iris still has some doubts, no, rather major doubts about Cian. But Asceius was firm on his decision to believe in him. In which, the human princess has no other choice but to trust as well.

… …