123: Dungeon (2)

Chapter 123: Dungeon (2)

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The first time Neji stepped inside Floor-1 of this ‘Tower’, he counted 5 save-stones releasing pillars of light in the sky.

Mursha’s village had one of them, the Lake Fishmen had one, the Cyclops that killed all the males of the Ogre tribe also had one, so currently Neji owned 3 of the 5 [Save Stones], with only two remaining.

From what Neji heard from Mursha, four save-stones needed to be destroyed for the last to be accessible, which was currently inside a barrier. Right inside the barrier, the White Tiger also resided, protecting the save stone.

Meaning, if Neji were to destroy four of those save-stones, his only way of escaping would be the one beside the White Tiger. In other words, until he defeated that beast, he would be stuck here.

So Neji planned to first hunt the 4th Save Stone today and come back tomorrow for the White Tiger.

"So time flows faster here than the outside world?" Kimi asked as she walked beside Neji in her armour. "This is all kinda interesting. Maybe there are other continents in the endless sea? I am curious now. Oh, maybe I can finally make my own manga! It would be about this place, a hero chosen by the world who fights the demon lord!"

"Trash."

"Hey, come on!" Kimi protested Neji's insult. "That plot is one of the classics. Back in the 21st century, it was very popular. Though these days we don't see it anymore. Honestly, entertainment has fallen so low these days. It's all about hero this, hero that."

Kimi and Neji were taking a walk around the small village, with Kurai running around on the other side away from them.

Kimi and Neji were almost of the same height, with Kimi being 3 centimetres shorter, standing at 180 centimetres.

"Also, are there vampires?" Kimi asked. "I would have liked to meet more Cat-Girls and Dog-Girls too, but I already saw many of them in the outside world. But I have never seen any Vampires, which is why I am curious. Oh, I remember there was once a rumour about a baby being born with a Vampire-like Quirk, but never heard any news after that."

She had her hands behind her back as she leaned over to Neji's face. "Do you plan to get a Vampire girl?"

Her blue eyes stared at his own and Neji slid his tongue across her chin, causing her to shudder, but only smile in the end. "Stop, that tickles!"

Neji laughed at her and shook his head. "I don't know. It really depends." He slowly turned around in the middle of the village where a large crowd was gathering. "Anyway, everyone has gathered so it’s time for us to move.”

Neji walked in front of the gathering of monster girls who were ready to fight their lives away.

“The only intelligent faction left is the Great Wolves.” He spoke. “A faction consisting of different species of wolves, who feed on anyone who isn't themselves, serving under a single leader.”

Except for their leader, they can’t communicate with other species, but they were still one of the biggest four factions in this part of the jungle.

The 21 Orc and Ogres nodded their heads, some shaking while some standing brave. Kurai was on top of Mursha’s head, who was standing a step in front of everyone.

“Our plan this time is simple. I will take the lead and attack from the air. The wolves can’t fly, and while they might have aerial attacks, I will leave those on your hands to care. Also, this time, you’re allowed to kill if you’re able to stop one attack.”

The reason they were almost defeated against the Cyclops was that they weren’t allowed to level up in their attack against the Fishmen. Doing that wasn’t smart, Neji learned from this experience. So this time around, he will let his people get some kills too.

The monsters looked excited at that. They liked growing stronger, more than anyone.

Neji turned to Kimi. “I can’t leave you in the village alone, so stay back a little since there’ll be a lot of blood-shedding,” Neji said. “Just yell if you come face to face with a monster, okay?”

Kimi didn’t look so comfortable with his words. “You know, I am stronger than you right?”

“Faster, you mean.” Neji scoffed. “I can push you down and strip you naked right here, you won’t even be able to resist.”

Kimi’s face grew red. “Y-you’ll do that?”

“...”

Neji released a sigh and turned back to the monster girls. “Okay, it’s time for us to move out. I need three of you to be with your Queen here, make sure to protect her from any stray monsters.” Neji’s eyes brushed past the Ogres and fell on the woman and her two daughters who were the first after Mursha to receive the Blessing of Seeds. “Oh, hello there. Step ahead with your daughters, Zaming. Make sure she is well protected, am I clear?”

The widow Ogre and her daughters stepped up and bowed. “Yes, of course, my liege. We will give our life if needed.”

“Good.” Neji nodded but Kimi looked a bit annoyed.

“You know, it kinda hurts my pride if you do this.”

“You… and pride?” Neji scoffed again, then ignoring her, he proceeded with his orders. “Anyway, start moving.”

With that, Neji and his monster girl army started to move across the village.

—★—

It took them a few hours to reach the other side of the southern jungle. The jungle was big and dense, after all.

Now, the army was surrounding a large cave from all directions. Neji was sure the wolves inside had already noticed their scent, but they weren’t coming out even after waiting for 5 minutes.

At last, Neji rose to the air by releasing a spiral shockwave from his feet and pointed his hands at the entrance of the cave.

Before he could release dozens of Tremor Slashes through the air, a deep and crispy voice spoke from within the cave.

“Drop your hands.”

Neji did so, feeling no hostility from the voice.

An almost ethereal wolf with blue and white fur, its eyes entirely blue, then walked out of the cave, glaring at Neji.

[Image Here]

[Andrius - Elemental Wolf - Level 284]

“What do you want, Demi?” The wolf growled. “We don’t wish to fight. Leave us alone.”

Neji blinked. “Oh… I heard the great wolf king, Andrius was always prepared to tear apart his enemies, though? What changed?”

The wolf scoffed. “I have heard about doing to the Lake Fishmen and Cyclops. A powerful Demi whose mana is so vast that one can’t even sense it. I don’t want to take any chances against you.”

“Interesting.” Neji raised his arms again. “Looks like you’re scared, maybe this will be easier than I thought.”

The wolf showed its teeth, still glaring with its blue eyes. “I am not scared of losing. I am simply scared that this battle will cost the lives of my children. Don’t test me, Demi.”

“Also, stop calling me that.” Neji said, his hands starting to shine. “I am a Human… well, a High Human to be precise, but forget the details.”

At that, the wolf froze. “...What?” it said. “H-High Human? It can’t be- No, but it all makes sense… only a high human can have such mana.”

Immediately, before Neji could release his attack, the wolf lord bowed and yelled. “Please! M-my lord, forgive my insolence! Please, let us live! We will give you whatever you want. I know you’re after the Save Stone, we will hand it over! Please, spare our lives!”

Seeing this, a few of the wolves who were hiding inside the cave peeked out with wide eyes, howling in their own language.

“...” Neji stared at the wolf, his attack still channelling. “Ooookay?”

What the hell? This dude looks so majestic. Why the sudden change?

Then again… Besides this being quicker, meaning he would be able to challenge the White Tiger today, Neji also needed rides for his monster army.

Slowly, he put his hands down and landed on the ground in front of the weeping wolf.

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