Houses spread in a semi-chaotic manner, trees standing proud at irregular intervals, and the green grass, full of vitality, covering the ground all over the place. Compared to towns and cities, the village was much more rural, much more peaceful, and much more refreshing.
Two days have passed since Dianthus and the others were summoned, and so far, there haven't been any problems. The beasts who attacked the Tree of Life before also haven't shown up again. It was a time of peace.
Grey and Yuna also tried using potions, elixirs, and all sorts of alchemy products tk the tree to see if they could heal the scars and damages left by the beasts on it, but it was to no avail. Not even holy magic nor plant magic could help in the case.
The tree's composition, having been made with alchemy, was completely out of Grey's scope of knowledge. There was a solution he thought of, but since it was only made from speculations, he didn't resort to using it. It was something he was only willing to do when the worse comes to worst.
With the familiars guarding the Tree of Life, the villagers' focus was now switched back to the wedding. Excitement can now be traced on their faces as they looked forward to the day their little Aria becomes a bride.
The wedding venue was now done and constructed beautifully, designed to be one with nature, a variety of greens and flora to be seen no matter where one looked. It was like paradise, a paradise where two souls will soon become one.
"Are the flowers ready?"
"How about the reception? Is everything going well?"
"No, no, a little bit to the left."
The only things left were the little details like the flower arrangements, the seats, and a few arrangements after the wedding. Everything was almost ready and the wedding was drawing closer by the hour. There was only excitement in the air.
Of course, with the wedding drawing close, the bride and groom were now doing rehearsals for their wedding. Actually, there wasn't much need to, it was just that they wanted their wedding to be perfect. After, it would be one of the most important events in their lives, one they wouldn't forget.
"Waah～! Big Sis, you look so beautiful! And graceful too!" ［Zeke］
"Hey, Zeke, calm down...! You're bothering them...!" ［Reina］
"Uuu... I can't believe it... My sweet, little Aria's all grown up now... Dear, our little baby, she... She..." ［Falroe］
"Calm down, dear. No matter what happens, she'll always be our baby." ［Valka］
Well, even when it was only a rehearsal, Aria's family still gave their best expressions as if it was the real thing. Falroe in particular was acting like a father who got her daughter stolen, his face full of snot and tears.
Being subjected to such a treatment, Aria was forced to hide her face on the practice bouquet she was holding onto. She was very embarrassed that even her ears were red as she walked down the aisle with Kris. No matter how much she loves her family, it was still too much.
The groom, on the hand, could only smile wryly at what was happening with his bride. While he couldn't relate much since he grew up an orphan, he didn't feel anything was lacking. After all, he has Grey and Yuna attending as his younger siblings. For that, he was thankful.
"Aria, don't forget to let us see our grandkids!" ［Falroe］
"Dad!" ［Aria］
It was quite the entertaining scene. And it was worth noting that it wasn't the first time such a scene happened. Every time they rehearsed, the same thing happened over and over again. Grey and Yuna couldn't count how many times they had to repeat because of their antics.
What made it worse was that it was the Chief's duty to preside over the wedding. In other words, Falroe herself was the one going to conduct the wedding ceremony. He was crying so boldly in front of everyone. In a way, it was amazing, just amazing.
With a face red as one can be, the wedding rehearsals continued and everything went smoothly. The preparations are also going along well and will be finished just the day before the wedding. Everything was perfect.
"Phew... That was a little tiring..." ［Kris］
Said Kris as he sat down on one of the benches. Even though he said such a statement, there was no frown to be seen on his face. In fact, there was only a sweet and gentle smile as he looked at his bride.
As he looked at her, memories of the past came flashing into his mind. The first time they met, their first talk together, their first quest, their first quarrel, and a lot of other firsts and unforgettable memories. It was quite a long journey, but now, they were just a few days away from their wedding day.
Kris was happy, but he was also trembling a little. It was the first time he has been so nervous his entire life. Not even the raid a few months ago could compare with how nervous he is right now. It was as if his heart was pounding madly.
Nevertheless, he couldn't be any thankful that Aria came into his life. The future which he never really saw much promise once was now full of things to look forward to. He couldn't help but smile as he thought about their future together. An everlasting journey of companionship and love.
As for Aria, she is currently talking with Grey and Yuna, now completely recovered from her embarrassment. For her, there was no time to waste. She couldn't sit still knowing her wedding was just a couple of days away.
"Grey, Yuna, I'm really sorry for springing this up on you..." ［Aria］
"No, it's alright. We were also thinking of helping one way or another." ［Grey］
"Un! And we'd also like Miss Aria and Mister Kris to have the best wedding! We'll make sure to cook the best dishes possible!" ［Yuna］
With unanimous request from the villagers, Aria requested the two to cook the food for their reception afterwards. It was a request that the two accepted easily with hearts lit ablaze, determined to cook the best they could.
After all, the wedding does not only include the ceremony itself. The reception was also an important part where the bride and groom can express their gratitude to their family and the people. There was no way Grey and Yuna could do it willy-nilly.
Hundreds, if not thousands, of dishes are already flooding Grey and Yuna's minds as they think of what dishes they are going to cook, appropriate for the celebration. Of course, it went without saying that they are only going to choose the best of the best.
"Fufufu! I'm happy you're fired up, but don't overwork yourselves, alright? Just do what you can. I'm already happy enough that you are attending." ［Aria］
"Don't worry too much, Miss Aria. We're also enjoying this. This is the least we could do to thank you for everything." ［Grey］
Aria's heart was moved at Grey's words, Yuna nodding silently in agreement. A warm emotion was causing inside as feelings of gratitude and happiness mixed with one another. She was thankful to have friends like the two of them.
"Fufu. Then I guess I'll have to look forward to the reception." ［Aria］
"Un! Please do!" ［Yuna］
The wedding preparations continued and the people busied themselves with their own tasks. Kris and Aria started rehearsing again, making sure everything was perfect. Grey and Yuna discussed their plans. And the villagers moved things here and there. It was a busy scene.
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Reina has also finished the dresses and coats she was making for everyone to wear. She also asked Grey and Yuna if they would like her to make theirs too, but they refused. They didn't want to burden her. They'll only wear what they have with them.
"Big Bro, Bis Sis, can I play with the pups again?" ［Zeke］
"Me too! I also want to play!" ［Ruru］
Well, everyone was busy except the children. With their small stature and meager strengths, they could barely do much to help. All they could do was watch the others work and play around nearby.
Their hearts have been captured by the cuteness and fluffiness of the familiars. And for the past few days, they have been playing with them. Even Zeke, who was a little older, couldn't help but be captured by their cuteness.
"Okay, but don't wander away too far. Your parents will be worried. Can you promise Big Sis that?" ［Yuna］
"Yes!" ［Ruru］
"Don't worry, Big Sis Yuna. I'll keep watch of Ruru and the others!" ［Zeke］
"Oh my, looks like our Zeke has grown into a fine young man. Fufufu!" ［Yuna］
It didn't take too long for Grey and Yuna to agree to the children's request. Not only were they weak to their pleas, it would also serve as a good time for the familiars to take a break from monster hunting and let loose.
As for the adults, they played board and card games whenever they were on break. It was a good time for them to relax and bond with one another. Triumphant cries of victory and groans of defeat could be heard anywhere.
The playing of games started right after their tea time together. Falroe requested Grey to let the villagers experience them and the latter agreed so easily. A lot of boards and cards were made that day and the rest was history.
"Huhuhu, you're still a hundred years too early from beating me, boy." ［Falroe］
"Chief, this is unfair. You've started playing earlier than us." ［Alto］
"Excuses, excuses. A win is a win." ［Falroe］
Even Falroe who lost miserably to Yuna over and over again a couple days ago was now claiming victories here and there. His face was that of a proud victor, completely different to the crying mess he was before. Yes, completely different.
The day went on smoothly and more and more things got finished as more time passedー or so how it should have been. It was almost time for lunch when, without any warning....
BOOOMMMMM
After a sudden mana spike, loud and thundering reverberations resounded in the air, reaching far throughout the whole village. There weren't any large explosions nor crimson flames to be seen, only large clouds of dust rising up towards the blue sky, along with patches of black flying here and there.
The origin of the sound was none other the direction of the Tree of Life and the patches of black were bird-type beasts which circled the tree and sending down a barrage of attacks from above,
"Sirius, Canopus, Kentaurus, head to the Tree of Life first! Arcturus, erect barriers on the village and protect the villagers!" ［Grey］
"By your will, Master." ［Sirius］
"As you command!" ［Arcturus］
Grey's commands came lightning fast. Not even a second after the sounds reached his ears, he was able to act accordingly. He didn't let the shock affect him and had the familiars move without wasting any time.
Heeding Grey's command, the familiars, which were still playing with the children, struggled quickly to escape their embrace. Soon after, they came running towards the open, greatly shocking the villagers when they responded to Grey's words.
"Eh? The puppies!" ［Ruru］
As soon as they were far away from the children, they returned to their original forms, shining light to the surroundings. When the light diminished, there were only four majestic creatures to be found in the place of the puppies.
Sirius, leading with Canopus and Kentaurus, headed towards the Tree of Life. Meanwhile, Arcturus flew straight upwards at breakneck speed, only stopping at heights hundreds of kilometers from the ground.
Roooaaarrrr
A loud roar echoed throughout the village as Arctiris spread his wings open. Soon enough, clear lights of silver and gold showered down the village and barriers were erected one after another. It was as if a guardian god had ascended.
There wasn't a barrier to protect the villagers, but also a barrier, larger than the others to trap the enemies which invaded. Unless they are on par or stronger than him, there was no way of breaking it. There was only one opening, a gateway for Grey and the others to enter.
"Mister Falroe, please keep everyone safe and calm. We'll be heading to the Tree of Life now." ［Grey］
"Dad, I leave everything to you!" ［Aria］
"Y-Yes..." ［Falroe］
The high-rankers didn't sit still either. After leaving some words for Falroe and the others, they followed after the familiars, leaving clouds of dust in their wake. There was a trace of urgency in their faces as they left.
Not even a minute passed and everyone already managed to arrive at the entrance. What greeted them the moment they stepped foot inside the area, a scene of chaos and pandemonium greeted them. It was like a hellish arena where death could come at any second.
It has only been several seconds since the fight started, but even with the help of familiars, a lot of the guards were already injured. There were even a few with limbs missing and lash, fatal wounds all over their bodies, only a matter of seconds before death fetches them.
《Perfect Heal!》《Rejuvenate!》《Holy Bell!》 ［Grey］
Not wasting any time, Grey utilized "Multitask" as quickly as he could, casting three holy-attribute spells at the same time. While it could not save those at critical states, it slowed down their death by a large margin, enough for him to aid them.
Not even a second later, Grey then grabbed a "Divine Potion" from his "Inventory", crushing it with his hands and handling it with wind magic. He then used "Elemental Aura" to increase his control of the wind, letting his mana drain at insane speed.
Like a God who presided over the wind, Grey controlled the wind as if it was a part of his body, spreading the contents of the "Divine Potion" with its aid and delivering them to the mouths of the injured guards.
With the potency of the potions, a single drop was all it was needed to restore the guards to perfect health, and restore them it did. While Grey wasted an invaluable item, it was worth it considering that he saved many lives.
"Huff... Huff... Huff..." ［Grey］
"Grey, are you alright?!" ［Yuna］
"It's alright... Huff... I can still... Huff... keep on going..." ［Grey］
Of course, with such intense performance, it was obvious that astronomical amounts of mana was drawn from his body. If it weren't for his "Mana Bank", his mana would have been cut down significantly. Still, there was the drawback of using too much mana simultaneously.
"Those who can move, carry those who are unconscious and leave the premises. We'll handle the rest!" ［Kris］
"Butー"
"Just go!" ［Kris］
"Y-Yes!"
The others didn't sit still either. After they were healed, Kris quickly had them back off from the battle. There were some beasts who took advantage of the situation, but before they could even get close to them, Kris, Aria, and Yuna finished them off,
Slowly but surely, the guards headed out of the vicinity and outside of the barrier one by one. In their place, Arcturus joined the fray, already finished with casting barriers all around the village.
Unlike before where there would only be two beasts targeting the tree, now there were a few dozen of them attacking, obviously led by the two largest beasts present which perfectly matched Aria's previous description.
《Appraisal》 ［Grey］
-----------------------------------
【Beast】
【Species】Citraka
【Status】Healthy, Crazed
【Sex】Female
【Age】49 (Adult)
【Mana Capacity】5,538 【Mana Quality】A
【Combat Power】2,892 【Threat Level】A
【Attribute】Plant
【Intelligence】93
【Description】
A large feline-type beast which specializes in speed and stealth. It uses the plant attribute to cover its body with plants of all sorts and blend in in the surroundings. It is also known as the "Assassins of the Forest", infamous for causing thousands of deaths on a yearly basis.
-----------------------------------
【Beast】
【Species】Molterow
【Status】Healthy, Crazed
【Sex】Female
【Age】52 (Adult)
【Mana Capacity】5,592 【Mana Quality】A
【Combat Power】2,913 【Threat Level】A
【Attribute】Earth
【Intelligence】89
【Description】
Found in large forests throughout the world, Molterows are large avian beasts which are naturally aggressive towards Salferines and beasts who do not belong to the forest. They use large rocks created with magic and hurl them towards the enemies. Most of the boulders found their nests are remnants of their attacks.
-----------------------------------
One looked like an oversized cheetah while the other was a large, flying cassowary, both of them as dangerous as one could get. Even Aria who was a high-ranker could get in danger if she was careless.
While Grey was thankful they weren't the beasts he initially thought of, he didn't feel happy. After all, Citrakas and Molterows are supposed to be only at the peak of B-rank! The ones before him are much stronger.
There was only one thing which Grey could think of that could cause such a drastic power-up. It was one thing the two beasts had in common. It was their consumption of the Tree of Life!
"Mister Kris, Miss Aria, Yuna and I will handle the Citraka and Molterow. Please take care of the tree and the other beasts," ［Grey］
"Understood!" ［Aria］
"Got it!" ［Kris］
Burst of wind disturbed the air as the group split up from one another. Aria headed to the back where she could shoot arrows comfortably, Kris headed towards the Tree's vicinity, whilst Grey and Yuna chased after the two leader beasts.
Of course, the familiars also didn't sit still. Grey and Yuna's familiars minimized their sizes for easier movements while Kris and Aria's familiars protected the trees from attacks both below and above. It was a very fierce battle.
"Die!" ［Kris］
With a swing of Kris' warhammer, beasts came flying towards the barrier one after another. With the difference of power between them, it only takes him a single strike to finish off those who dared to approach him.
A beast tried to lunge from behind, but before it had the chance to touch him, an arrow pierced through its skull, leading a clean hole behind. A little thud then echoed as the beast fell helplessly to the ground.
"Oh, thanks, Aria!" ［Kris］
The source of the arrow was none other than his lovely fiancée who was now shooting arrows like a turret. Each arrow she shot, another beast's life gets extinguished. The scent of death loomed stronger.
Krruaaakkk Khiieekkkk Graawwrrr
Yelps, shrieks, and cries echoed continuously as the familiars helped out with the massacre. With such a single bite from them, bones were crushed and lives were taken. Not a single beast was able to approach the tree even a little.
Grroaaarrr
The Citraka tried to attack Amaryll, but before its claws could reach her, a clanging sound echoed in the air. Before it even noticed, a silver-haired elven girl appeared before it, parrying its attack with her delicate arms.
"Your opponent is me!" ［Yuna］
Yuna swung her daggers lightly and a gashing wound appeared on the Citraka's front legs. Unfortunately, the wound was too shallow. Before her strike could land, the beast managed to avoid it as its instincts screamed at it.
There was nothing more needed to be said nor done. Just in their first clash alone, the beast could tell that Yuna was overwhelmingly stronger than it. Even its evasion just now was a mere fluke. If it isn't careful, it could easily lose its life.
Like a scared little kitten, the Citraka tried to run away as fast and stealthily as it could. And it was really fast, unfortunately for it, its opponent was Yuna. Be it speed or stealth, Yuna was superior in every single aspect.
"You're finished!" ［Yuna］
A painful cry resounded in the air as Yuna's dagger pierced the beast's skull. It couldn't even run far away and it already lost its life. It was the price it had to pay for disturbing their peace and quiet.
As for Grey, well, there was nothing left to be said. He was the strongest amongst the ones present. Just by raw strength alone, he was dozens of times stronger than the Molterow. The outcome was already decided.
Grey was now atop the Tree of Life, his eyes focused on the flying beasts which were attacking the treetop. While they were much smaller in number, they were just as annoying. The ability to fly was really troublesome.
"How bothersome..." ［Grey］
Mumbled Grey as he pulled back one of his arms. His right hand was already clenched into a fist and a storm of mana gathered in it. He planted one of his feet in front of him and with quick movements, he released a powerful punch.
《Burst Caliber!》 ［Grey］
Raging winds laid waste the surroundings as Grey's punch broke the sound barrier. Everything in front of him was blasted towards the barrier, feeling the full brunt of Grey's strike, their bodies collapsing on themselves as the pressure from the strike weighed on them like a domineering mountain.
A few seconds later, the flying beasts dropped like flies as they fell towards the ground, covered in wounds and blood gushing out of them. There wasn't a single survivor. It was a merciless massacre which only lasted a few seconds.
"Impressive as always, Grey." ［Kris］
"I could say the same to you, Mister Kris. Looks like you've also finished." ［Grey］
"Well, all of them we're below C-rank, after all." ［Aria］
Just as Grey came down from the Tree of Life's canopy, the others have also finished with their tasks. There wasn't a single enemy left standing, all were down in the ground, bathing in their own blood. It wasn't a pleasant scene.
"Haah... This is going to be a hassle to cleanー" ［Kris］
Kris couldn't finish his words when all of the sudden, everyone present felt a shiver run down their spines. An ominous sensation creeped in their hearts, one which was both suffocating and terrorizing. There was a feeling of dread in the air.
Black mist gathered around the corpses of the Citraka and Molterow, growing thicker and thicker with time, the ominous sensation growing with it. Soon after, a red glint flashed as two pairs of eyes opened up abruptly, revealing a deadly gleam.
GROOAARRRRRR KHIIEEEKKKK
CHAPTER 147 END