Chapter 433: Underground City

A group of beastkin were walking in the underground waterway. Two of them were carrying the beastkin children that Valdel saved, and another one was carrying John. When they were trying to save the two children they had no time so they, unfortunately, brought John along with them.

"Hey what should we do with this human? Should we throw him somewhere or should we just kill him?" The one who was carrying John couldn't help but ask, as he was starting to get irritated by carrying a human. Just the idea alone was making him feel sick.

"Don't talk like that, that human protected the children so we must treat him properly."

"Even if he did protect them this guy's still human. So I say we should just leave him here."

"That would make you no different from the humans that discriminate against us."

When the beastkin that suggested to leave John somewhere in the waterways, heard what the other beastkin said he started to growl. A wave of killing intent could be felt coming from him. Yet the person he was directing killing intent towards wasn't bothered.

"What did you say? Did you actually compared me to those filthy humans?"

"Yeah, isn't it the truth? Even the way you talk is the same as a human, calling others filthy and such." When the other person heard that he could no longer hold it in and was about ready to attack. The person who spoke was also about ready to fight when another beastkin who was twice their size appeared in the middle stopping them.

"You two better stop it now, or else I'll get mad." The man who appeared in between the two spoke in a tone, that made him sound gentle and kind. Yet that was far from the truth. The two who heard what the man said had their tails lowered in fear.

"Tsk, fine since Rogan said so I will stop, but if you keep on saying sh*t like that even if Rogan interferes, I will kill you."

"Hmph, if Rogan didn't interfere you and your foul mouth would be gone from this world and would have entered the hunting planes."

"What did you say, Keku? Care to repeat those words?!"

"Enough! Keku you should stop provoking Hian. As for you Hian, you should stop getting so easily provoked. Keep that temper of yours in check and stop using violence whenever possible."

The two lowered their heads and could not say anything. Seeing that they looked like they had reflected on their actions, Rogan continued speaking.

"Also Hian, Keku is right. You shouldn't be hostile to all humans. That person you're carrying is a fine human who risked his life to protect two children. We must not repay such bravery and kindness by leaving him to die in the Holy Kingdom's hands."

Hearing what Rogan said, Hian sighed. "Fine, I guess you're right. But then if we were going to save the humans that protected the children why didn't we bring those three with us?"

"Those three don't need us to help them."

"I mean I know they're strong and all, but even they would have trouble escaping that encirclement."

"That's what you think?... Tell me how strong, do you think those three are?"

"They seem to be at the same level as one of our more experienced hunters. Seeing as they can handle a dozen wyvern knights they should be at that level."

"You underestimate them too much. Those three have power beyond what you imagine. Especially the one who fought the hero of the Holy Kingdom." When Rogan remembered that last strike that both Ren and Kim Chul released he couldn't help but sweat.

When Hian saw Rogan looking a bit perturbed he couldn't help but reassess the three. If even Rogan who was the third strongest of the group of hunters spoke like that the three humans must be somehow more competent than he thought.

"Enough about that, let's just continue. If we stay here for too long those knights might find something. We'll continue our talk back at the city." Rogan hurriedly spoke as he started walking again. The group of beastkin continued their journey back.

...

After a few twists and turns in the waterways, the three had arrived at an ancient-looking area with a huge door. The place they were in no longer looked like the Holy Kingdom's waterways and was a different place altogether. Rogan then stood in front of the door and roared. He then spoke in the ancient beast kin language.

"Gakh Un Ka!" Upon saying those words the ancient-looking door swung open, revealing an underground city. It was a place filled with demi-humans, which were mostly beastkin and some dwarves. There were also some half-demons and half-dragons here and there.

The city was underground but it was illuminated by the sparkling minerals surrounding the place. There was also the huge lanterns up above. Unlike the civilization of the Holy Kingdom which used things that didn't need mana, the underground city was using the natural mana of the surroundings.

The guards near the gate saw Rogan's group and greeted them. The Captain of the guards then noticed the two beastkin children and the human they were carrying.

"Is that the guy who tortured these poor children?" The Guard Captain was practically growling as he said those words. Rogan shook his head as he replied.

"No it's actually the opposite, this guy alongside three others protected the children."

"I see... Even so, why did you need to bring him here? You do know that no human is allowed into the city?"

"So you want us to leave him there for the Holy Kingdom bastards to have their way with him? If we did that we would be no better than the Holy Kingdom bastards. If we leave those who help us and be ungrateful to them, then we really are no better than the people we hate."

"Still, rules are rules. If the Chief finds out about this."

"Don't worry about the Chief I'll explain it to him."

"Fine, if it was anyone else that said those words I wouldn't have listened, but since it's you, Rogan, I'll trust you."

"Thanks."

After talking with the guards the group headed straight to the Chief's house. While they were walking the people who noticed Rogan's group started to greet them. Everyone in the underground city knew and loved Rogans' group for it was their group that saved many demi-humans from the Holy Kingdom.

Rogan's group felt proud and happy when they saw everyone greeting them with smiling faces. This was the reason they kept on fighting the Holy Kingdom despite being in a losing position.

...

The group finally arrived at the Chief's house. The chief who was talking to the head warrior noticed Rogan's group and greeted them.

"Rogan, so you have returned, how was the hunt this time?"

"Greeting Chief, greetings head warrior the hunt this time was a success. We were able to save two children of the Cat tribe. Also-" Rogan wasn't able to finish when one of the warriors who guards the chief drew his weapon and pointed it at the unconscious John.

"Why is there a human here?!" The Chief quickly raised his hand and signaled the guard to lower his weapon. Seeing the signal the guard reluctantly lowered his weapon.

"Rogan, there should be a story behind this, correct? Will you explain to us why you have brought a human to our sanctuary."

"Yes Chief, I have a good reason for this." Rogan then began to explain the events that transpired, of how some humans protected the children. Once Rogan was done explaining the situation the Chief grew silent. After a short pause, the Chief spoke.

"I see... I understand the reason why you brought this human. Still, if you were going to do that, then why leave the other three?"

"Those three humans do not need protection from us."

"Hmm, why would you say that?"

"Forgive me for saying this, but those three humans don't need us to deal with the Holy Kingdom. How could we protect people stronger than us?"

"They're that strong?" The chief exclaimed with a surprised expression.

"Yes, especially the one who fought the human hero. That person is not someone we should provoke." While Rogan and the Chief were talking, the head warrior suddenly drew his weapon and shouted.

"Who's hiding there!?" When the others heard the head warrior's shout they quickly drew out their weapons and looked around warily. The guards of the chief encircled him to protect him from all directions.

"Come out you rats!" The head warrior shouted as he suddenly sprinted towards Rogan. The head warrior then raised his war ax and slashed at the area behind Rogan. As expected the slashing blade had hit nothing. Yet at that moment someone started to talk.

"Pretty impressive spotting us. How did you do it? We have hidden our presences so well." When the people heard that voice they grew even warier as they looked around and saw no one.

"You may be able to suppress your presence and even your breathing was in sync with the people around you. Still, it's impossible to hide from my nose. Even among my fellow tribesmen, I have a stronger sense of smell. I could smell the foul stench of a rat from a mile away."

"Heh, I see. Guess there is no need to hide now." From within the shadows, two men and a woman appeared. These three were none other than Ren, Valdel, and Lara. The moment they appeared, Ren looked at Rogan who was in a state of shock, and spoke with a smile.

"Thanks for leading the way."