V3 Chapter 16

As the group covered almost a dozen kilometers walking through the seemingly never-ending forest full of horrifying monsters and magical beasts, the group decided to rest for a while, to recover and conserve their strength. Though they are pretty confident of their abilities, in this kind of death march-like adventure, it’s better to take things slow, and conserve as much energy and strength as they could. If not, when things become drastic, they might find themselves in a serious predicament due to exhaustion.

Because of that, despite their incredible strength, they have never forgotten to take enough rest along the way, in order for each and every one of them to stay in top shape.

“The monsters we’ll be dealing with are pretty tough. We have to be fully prepared.” Asceius said.

Cian nodded in agreement as he also thought the same.

With that said, the party immediately made preparations to camp outside.

Asceius and Iris, perhaps because they had a lot of experience sleeping outside, or that they had already gone into the ruins several times, quickly got themselves ready to camp. Asceius, in particular, showed Cian a very fascinating sight when he lit the bonfire.

Taking something from his storage ring, he pulled out a bottle filled with some kind of bugs and poured a few on top of the firewood. Then, under Cian's surprise, the bugs suddenly burst into flames, creating a spectacular display of sparks.

“Impressive.”

Asceius gave a coy smile in response to Cian’s short exclamation. Well, up until now, Cian had always been the one who was preparing the bonfire and lighting it up with simple magic. But at this time, because Cian and Iris were the ones responsible for checking the surroundings for possible danger--with Cian’s mysterious ability to still be able to use his Perception skill, while Iris, not really liking the labor work, and instead, walking around the place, and checking everything just like him—or rather, perhaps it was because of her distrust for Cian, that she was roaming around the area, following and keeping him on sight.

Even up until now, Cian still feels some cold eyes piercing through him wherever he goes, which somewhat irritates him. Nevertheless, Asceius was the only one left in the campground to prepare the camp. However, as a Water-Ice Mage, Asceius didn’t have an affinity for Fire. Therefore, he could only do some special actions to create it. And that’s through the use of those mysterious bugs.

“They are called firebugs. When facing their natural enemies, they’ll ignite themselves on fire and combust the enemy along with them."

"How fascinating,"

Cian muttered with obvious interest.

"Well, the Black Lands is full of such wonderful insects.”

While nodding his head, mesmerized, Cian looked at the remains of the firebugs slowly fading in the flames. Suicidal Insects, so to speak. Fascinating. As expected, there are still so many things in this world that even Cian didn’t know about. Especially in the Black Lands, which, for some reason, still retain some monsters that were even known to have gone extinct in the Main Land.

Curious, Cian picked up the bottle that contains the fireflies-like bugs that were still emitting light, uncork it, and under Asceius stunned expression, took out three to four small bugs, and eat it.

“Hey!”

Asceius face distorted with a funny expression.

“It’s not food, and it’s not something that could be eaten. It’s poisonous, you know!”

“It’s fine…I’m not afraid of poison,”

Cian answered simply. With a crunching sound, he savored the flavor, which for some reason, reminded him of the taste of popcorn. Even the crunching noises he made when chewing felt as if he was eating it. Though, it tasted a bit like roasted liver.

This could be good for snacks…

Sadly, he doesn't seem to have obtained any abilities. Though, what kind of ability from it is good anyway? Burning himself to death? That would be terrifying~

“It’s not about that!” Asceius made a wry look. “… jeez, you really eat anything…be careful, you might upset your stomach,” he reminded while shaking his head. He reaches out and tried to take the bottle out, but Cian didn’t give it back.

“I like this, can I have it?” he asked. Though, his tone seemed more like a statement rather than a question. In fact, he was once again taking several out and started eating it without care.

“Whatever,”

Asceius smiled bitterly. It’s not really something important. Its purpose is just for lighting up a fire, and he has several bottles of it with him. He made sure to bring many of them as it was convenient to use in making fire.

Cian grinned, thanked him, and started enjoying the newfound snacks. He knows Asceius wouldn’t refuse. Unlike him, Asceius is quite soft-hearted, and wouldn’t care about small things like this.

Ability [Spark] successfully plundered!

Oh?

… …

As the bonfire burned brightly, they started preparing their tents.

Cian who had finished setting his tent first was the first one to keep the night-watch. His dark eyes shifted from side to side, always moving, always alert. He caught a movement to the left, between two large, green-yellow blushes that seemed to can almost cover an adult’s figure, and his eyes narrowed.

However, what came jumping in was a bunny—though, not a normal rabbit, as it was half-a-meter in size, with four red eyes, and a pair of antler-like horns on its head. He sighs and smiled wryly as it immediately scattered away the moment it noticed his gaze.

Unlike most monsters and magical beasts in this forest, it’s a harmless creature—docile, most of the time, but it would become ferocious when provoked. Though, its strength was at best, just a bit stronger than that of a normal Goblin. But still, it can easily kill a normal human being. Its specialty is its speed. It's quite fast, actually.

However, Cian was not interested in chasing after it. He had tasted the creature before, and although it’s tasty, it doesn’t give him skills or abilities no matter how many he had eaten. It doesn’t even increase his strength at all, and even if it did, it would be at most, minimal. Then, his attention went back to the right, noticing a certain someone deep in the recesses beyond the tall trees, standing perfectly still, watching him and unaware that he, in turn, watched her.

She had always kept an eye on him, every second, and every moment she could. His every action, movement, expression, all had been recorded in those hawk-like eyes of her. She’s like a predator that’s just waiting for her prey to show even a single mistake. And she would sweep in, and devour him whole.

She had never trusted him.

A wise choice, in fact. He was never one that can be trusted.

He’s a villain. A Murderer. A Demon.

But still...

Iris Reidheld Grimwald.

Asceius older sister, and also a very powerful Human Princess. Her strength is something even possibly above that of his imagination. Although Cian had already understood that, but seeing her, and watching her fight through their journey, he realized he has yet to actually, and truly measured her monstrosity.

Perhaps, she’s even stronger than his Older Sister; Oriel?

He felt somewhat helpless, even if he had his skill [Vector Body] back. Perhaps, he might be able to force her to be serious, but defeating her is absolutely impossible.

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Cian might always act fearless and confident, but he is not a fool. He completely understands that, despite having numerous cheat-like abilities, he is yet to completely able to stand on the stage of the true Monsters in the world.

Take his Mother; the Demon Empress for example, whose power seemed as if a very tall, and unreachable mountain in front of him, or Blue Bird, whose mysteriousness and power would never lose to the infamous Demon Empress.

In fact, Cian already knows that even with his Elder Sister alone, his current strength is yet to be enough to defeat her. Despite how strong he had become in these two years of training, and cultivating himself, there’s still this seemly impassable chasm between them.

The amount of Magic Power she possesses alone could squash him easily, not to talk about her Genius talent in magic.

If the competition is drawn to a melee battle, Cian has a high chance of emerging victoriously. But, aside from that, he’s helpless.

In fact, just against Ezra Redhawk, that human saint, without his special ability, he would be in great trouble—if not for his [Vector Body], he would not be able to defeat her that easily. He might even lose. [Night’s Eye] has its limits, and it became clear when he lost his [Vector Body]. Without that cheat ability, it’s as if he had lost a large portion of his strength.

It seems like, it’s really too early to face Lucifalion. If I had not come here, and met that brother of mine in the Banquet, without knowing anything, things might have become even more troublesome for me in the future. It seems like; it’s really my luck that I had come into this land.

Cian made a sigh.

Here I had realized many things, more so, realized how overconfident I had become just because of possessing a cheat-like ability. It seems like; a single skill cannot make me truly become strong. The body is the foundation, the mind is the strength.

I had known that all this time, and yet I had thought I was still following it.

The illusion of my strength made me blind…

He smiled wryly, cursing how much of a fool he was. Though, he felt somewhat lucky that his plans, all this time had been moving quite smoothly than expected. While having that foolish confidence, it would not be a surprise if a terrible mistake had been made, giving him endless trouble.

Perhaps, luck is truly on his side.

But Luck has its own limits as well.

But that wouldn’t happen again.

I'll make sure to take advantage of this ruins to raise my power as much as possible. I'll temper myself as much as I could. I'll be sure to grow stronger than before.

Cian vowed as he resumed his surveying in the surrounding. The fire burning in front of him, cackled, as the branches burning within, broke apart, and falls down. The red flame lit up his face.

“You look as if you’ve eaten a bug. Just what kind of scheme are you planning now, Wild beast?”

An annoying voice rang out from behind him.

Cian turned around with an annoyed expression.

“I get that you really don’t like me, Bellisima. But accusing me of always thinking of a scheme is quite disturbing. Am I such a person, so evil and dubious?” he said with a faint expression of a smile, yet his eyes remained cold.

“…Nonetheless, I won’t stoop to your level, as I know a distrustful woman can be very annoying,”

Their eyes meet.

Cian smiles. His smile is meant to show he means no harm. But Iris felt displeased.

“At the very least, you have self-awareness. I applaud you for that, Wild Beast.” she snorted with clear annoyance. “And, as a piece of advice, you haven’t seen yet how truly annoying a distrustful woman, could be. So, best heed my advice, before you make a mistake, especially on your attitude. If you value your life, you might as well leave this party, or else, you would never be able to leave, even if you wanted to,”

An invisible pressure came out from Iris, and Cian suddenly felt his body turned stiff. He gritted his teeth, he’s breathing rapidly and his complexion somewhat pale. His expression was as if an entire mountain was bearing down on him. If he was not Cian Cahlo, he would certainly have fainted long ago!

This monster.

Invoking all his skills and abilities, an equally invisible force immediately welled up inside him, nourishing his stiff and taut nerves, causing him to slowly regain his calm. At the same time, a cool sensation was released from his [Eye], helping to cool and calm his overworked mind.

He glared at Iris, only to see her sneering expression, and seemingly waiting for something.

Is she provoking me into a fight?

Cian frowned. But a wise man knows when the odds are against him. She is only looking for a reason to kill him or make him leave.

“Something like that is not up to me to decide, your very highness,”

Cian answered. He looks at her with eyes that could be looking at an overgrown bush in the corner of a garden.

“Asceius and I made a contract—a friendly promise to walk through this land together, and leave alive. Unless, Asceius himself would break it, and ask me himself to leave, or some unexpected accidents, I can never take the initiative. Even if it’s you, who’s making a very desperate plea, I am not a man who takes back the words he said. And when I said, I meant it, and I will honor the words I spoke until the end. Or do you think Asceius is someone who would break his promise, perhaps, your highness?”

“He is not,”

A shadow loomed over the Princess's expression. However, before it could break out, her expression once again changed, calming. It seems like, despite this person’s personality and character, she had great control of herself.

Should I say, as expected of a Royal Princess?

“But to think a Werebeast would know how to uphold a promise, it’s so absurd, it almost makes me laugh,”

“Despite how we look, we Werebeasts take promises very deeply.”

Cian scowled.

“Some perhaps may not, but at the very least, they are fewer compared to your kind, your highness.”

“What do you mean by that, Foxman?!” she growled.

“I beg your pardon, I meant no ill-will from those words,”

Cian still unfazed said with a pretended look of pain but his gaze remained indifferent.

“However, from the realistic point of view, you know what I am talking about, didn’t you, your highness? And if I’m not mistaken, compared to other races, the sin of Betrayal is deep-rooted within humanity… or maybe it’s what you call the chain of life. All living things make use of each other in one way or another…more or less, you are more beast than us, Werebeasts.”

“How dare you!” Iris roared.

"...?!"

Asceius who was preparing their tent from the side immediately stood up and turned towards them, startled, and anxious.

“Pretty spot-on, I guess. It hit you more than I think it would,”

Sensing a hint of obsession in her gaze, or perhaps, hatred, Cian let out a silent sigh and averted his eyes. He understood her feelings, her intentions, but understanding is completely different from acceptance.

Furthermore, he cannot separate from Asceius now. Not when he is still inside the Ruins. He now realized how dangerous this ruins is. And with him and just Leona alone, he is worried that he cannot survive in this place for long.

No wonder, Asceius decided to curve his pride and accepted his strange invitation to roam around this ruins together. It’s because, even with someone like him, this place is still very dangerous!

Though, Iris is pretty annoying--no, extremely annoying actually, she’s incredibly powerful. With her, exploring the ruins would be much safer. Though Cian values his pride, he is not narrow-minded. Being one is a downfall for an assassin.

He can curve his pride to whichever angle it gives him an advantage. And this situation is not that different. To preserve his life, as well as gather more benefits as much as he could, allying with someone strong is better. Not to mention, with Asceius, he can somehow feel relieved that they would never betray him, or turn against him.

At least, not now.

I cannot break the relationship with them.

Let me squeeze every benefit I could get from them first.

Because of this, despite his growing annoyance with Iris, Cian still held on to his anger.

With a faint smile, he turned his gaze away and resumed the surveillance of his surroundings. His eyes scanning left to right, then back across the way. His eyes reflected every movement, and every shadow—always the hunting fox, looking more for prey than for danger.

Iris furrowed her brows, looking at him. She has the urge to beat him up, but what did he say wrong?

What he said, although hard to admit, but is true. Humanity was scattered, in whose fault?

And indeed, compared to Werebeast, Humanity is much of a sinner than them.

Iris didn’t want to agree, but she could only swallow it. Werebeast, despite their appearances, are actually much more patriotic to their kind. Though, that’s the only aspect that is praiseworthy about them.

They are still animals…beasts!

The Wild Beast that gets on her nerves, is nothing but a Foxman. Considered as one of the weakest of the Werebeast Tribes, they are well-known for having a meek and docile nature. Though some of them still retain their cunning nature, however, most of them are faint-hearted, and a coward.

In fact, some wealthy and powerful Werebeast just keep them as a pet of some sort, due to their quite good-looking appearances.

But this Foxman had subverted this kind of normal in every sense.

Not only his egoistic pride intact, but he's also incredibly powerful for a mere Foxman!

The Foxman's black hair in front of her danced in the wind around that perfectly handsome face. Long black leather coat, wrinkled purple-red chinos, and a pair of black long boots. Hair fairly long and tangled in places. Perhaps he has had no chance to wash it in some days. Perhaps he has just crawled out of the underbrush somewhere. Or perhaps he just finds it more natural and comfortable to have messy hair. Still, it gives him a somewhat wild look, boosting his charm.

Iris stared at Cian, and indeed she had to admit, he looks extremely handsome with facial features perfect, devilish and somewhat pleasant horrifying to look at. This should be the literal meaning of a ‘Looks that could stop children from crying and make women, old and young bewitched,’ kind of face.

A typical bewitching fox straight out from fantasy legends come to life.

And even though his simple-looking black coat was coarse and thick, he still gave out the vibe of calmness and serenity.

Despite being a Werebeast, some of his human traits remained the same, even clearly defined, not like a typical normal Werebeast, that looked more like a beast rather than a human. His dark eyes, even, looked like a starless night sky—deep, mysterious but beautiful that seemed to possess a power that can suck you in, and trap you. Coupled with his handsome face that seemed to be always as calm as the surface of an undisturbed lake-

This Werebeast’s appearance really looked pleasing to the eye—perhaps, much better in some angles compared to all the handsome men she had seen before.

Or was it the difference in the so-called charm?

Something about his aura that can bewitch, or attract people to him?

Iris glared at Cian and becoming even more annoyed seeing his casual attitude.

But a good appearance is useless!

She had never been this disrespected before, nor did anyone fought back at her. She had used to people cowering before her or lowering their head out of fear. But this Foxman, whether he is just plain courageous, confident or just a fool, he had never shown any fear or respect towards her ever since they had met.

In fact, this Foxman never even seemed to care about her identity.

Just who is this Foxman?

And what is he planning, really?

Did he approach Asceius because of some ulterior motives?