Alex and Alice appeared in the heart of the Fox Tribe village, a quiet space hidden deep within the [Mystic Forest], which is a tier 5 arena a bit far from [Bell City].
Lilith stood beside them, having used her teleportation spell.
Around them, dozens of fox-kin women—each with shimmering red or white tails and furred ears—began to gather.
The village fell silent as they noticed the strangers.
"L-Lilith?"
"She's back!"
"Who's that with her?"
Some glanced suspiciously at Alex and Alice, clearly wary of an outsider.
Most races and especially humans were known enemies of the fox-kin, often trying to capture them for their powerful magic or rare abilities.
In seconds, the village square came alive as fox-kin women rushed forward, joyfully surrounding Lilith.
Alex and Alice were momentarily forgotten for a short period of time.
"It's alright," she said firmly, drawing their attention. "This is Alex, the one who saved me. He helped me escape the dungeon." Her voice softened as she continued, "He's a friend. I trust him."
The fox-kin murmured among themselves, exchanging wary glances, but gradually, the tension in the air faded.
A few of them even relaxed, looking at Alex with curiosity.
But as the crowd began to part, one figure stood out—a tall, beautiful and elegant fox girl with silver-gray fur streaked with white, as well as two tails instead of a single one.
She wore a necklace of stones and feathers, her gaze calm and wise.
She stepped forward, a quiet authority about her.
"So, you're the human who saved my daughter," she said, her voice steady. "Thank you for that. I am Alera, chief of the Fox Tribe."
And at that exact moment, Alex understood everything.
Why?
Well, because he actually knew about Alera from his past life.
Just like Aldritch, she was one of the stronger NPCs of [Universal Descent], fighting the [Abyssal Humans] and other evil races to avenge her tribe.
She was currently around level 400, meaning tier 6, the strongest in this village.
But when he met her in his past life, she was an emotionless tier 8 powerhouse (level 1000) and didn't care about killing, whether enemy or ally.
'So that is her story...' Alex understood as he sighed.
Her tribe died early from the hands of the demons, and that actually especially made even more sense why she would keep hunting demons one after the other before.
It was confirmed: the attack happened in Alex's previous life, and the [Fox Tribe] had lost.
But now that he was here, he wasn't going to let it happen.
.net
Alex returned her nod, "Just doing what I felt was right. I'm glad I could help."
Alera's expression softened, "Then please, join us. I'd like to speak with you about... the future."
She led Alex and Alice through the village.
They seemed intrigued by his strength and calm demeanor, so unlike the stories they'd heard of humans.
Lilith accompanied them to be able to see all the fox girls she knew since childhood.
Some of the women even tried to approach Alex with lustful gazes, most of them having never seen a man in their lives.
But Alice would be the one stopping them.
'I said I accepted other women, but I would be the one to choose if someone is alright,' she thought.
Alex wasn't bothered though, he didn't know about Alice's intentions yet, so all he thought was that she was protective.
"Come on girls, he's my savior," Lilith sighed, trying to stop her people from approaching the only male they saw in years.
Eventually, they arrived back at the village square, where Alera was waiting for them.
She looked pretty much the same as her daughter, including her figure, which was very endowed.
"So around 2 weeks until the attack," Alex confirmed as he approached.
Alera nodded. "Yes, we believe they're gathering forces already. I'm afraid our time is short."
Knowing that, Alex smirked, it indeed left him just enough time to prepare for the attack.
"I'll be back in a week, maybe two. Just know I'll be here when you need me."
The fox-kin around him let out small sighs of relief.
Lilith gave him a soft smile, and her mother nodded approvingly.
Maybe with Alex in the picture, they could be saved.
Ding!
[New Location Added to the World Map: Mystic Forest (Fox Tribe Village)]
[You can now teleport to Fox Tribe Village at any time.]
"Nice," this would make it easier for him to come back.
As Alex prepared to leave, Lilith moved a step closer, her eyes steady as she looked at him. "Thank you," she said quietly. "For everything."
"Anytime," he replied, his voice steady. "Stay safe until then."
He turned to Alice, taking her hand. With one last look at the Fox Tribe village and a nod to Alera and Lilith, he activated his teleport, bringing them back to [Bell City].
The moment they landed, a notification appeared.
Ding!
[You have received the SS-Level Hidden Quest, "Save the Fox Tribe."]
[Objective: Save the Fox Tribe from the attack of the demons, as otherwise they will be wiped out completely.]
[Time: 2 weeks left.]
[Reward: ???]
Alex read the notification, his expression growing determined.
The Fox Tribe had given him their trust, and he wasn't about to let them down.
"Alright," he muttered, a smirk forming as he clenched his fists. "Game on, demons."