I clearly heard movement within the dense bushes. My senses were heightened, and I kept my stealth skill activated, holding Courtney securely in my arm. Whoever or whatever it was hadn't noticed us, and I intended to keep it that way.
We moved cautiously, each step deliberate and silent, until I finally caught sight of the source of the disturbance. A man stood there, his skin slightly tanned and his appearance almost human, save for his pointed ears and the unnerving red glow of his eyes. There was no doubt about it—he was a Demon.
What was he doing here?
If I had to hazard a guess, he was likely a scout sent from the village of Uteska, tasked with checking on the newcomers. Though we were still hours away from the village, they had already managed to locate us. This alone was troubling, but what was more concerning was his audacity to venture so far from his home.
Clearly, they were extremely wary. For Demons to have survived so long under human disguise, they must possess a keen sense of caution. Yet this scout's boldness seemed reckless.
I glanced toward a large, distinctive tent, standing out among the others. It was Radakel's tent. Hadn't he noticed the intruder yet? The Demon had impressive stealth skills, but I had expected Radakel to be more vigilant. Was he sleeping so soundly that he missed this threat?
I found myself at a crossroads. What should I do?
If I were a valiant Hero, loyal to the Empire, I would undoubtedly try to apprehend the Demon or call for help to ensure his capture. On the other hand, if I were indifferent to the Empire's plight, I might simply let the scout go, turning a blind eye. But this option was fraught with peril—the Demons could prepare an ambush, endangering those I wanted to protect.
In the end, there was only one viable choice.
I decided to follow him.
The Demon had been observing our tents for a good five minutes, likely counting our numbers and trying to discern who we were. Once he seemed satisfied with the information he'd gathered, he turned around to leave.
I followed him silently through the forest, each step calculated to avoid detection.
This might take a while if we continue at this pace...
Suddenly, the Demon kicked off the ground, launching into a swift run.
Would he kill the rest and imprison the children to appease Amelia? I could easily see him doing that, bending his actions just enough to keep her from outright rebellion.
Radakel had mentioned that these Demons had killed the previous human villagers. Given that, Amelia might have no choice but to comply in the end, as it wasn't her world or her country that had suffered the loss.
First, I needed to verify if they had indeed killed the humans. If they were guilty, then... I wouldn't interfere and would let Radakel ravage this village. They would be getting what they deserved.
With my stealth skill still active, I advanced cautiously, climbing and leaping over the fence. The slight noise I made caught the attention of a few villagers and a guard, but they quickly resumed their activities, seeing nothing amiss.
My objective was clear: the tallest house, which appeared to be the village chief's residence.
I navigated through the village, dodging playing children and busy adults. Fortunately, the door to the chief's house was open, allowing me to slip inside.
Jagon was there, ascending the stairs. I followed silently, keeping to the shadows. He stopped in front of a door and knocked.
"Enter," came the voice of a woman.
Jagon stepped inside. I followed closely behind and saw an extraordinarily beautiful woman seated on a chair. She had long brown hair cascading down her back and striking red eyes that contrasted with her thoughtful expression. Her pointed ears were visible, and her full, sensual lips were pressed together as she pondered something.
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