Chapter 37

Chapter 37

[Translator – Peptobismol]

Chapter 37

Zeon was engulfed in dark, fine sand.

It was the emission of Exion.

One of the benefits of releasing Exion externally is that it enhances skill and versatility.

Zeon wielded Exion, shaping it in various forms.

At times, he molded it into a protective shield-like shape, while other times, he fashioned it into wing-like undulations.

The sight of Zeon emitting Exion outwardly bore an uncanny resemblance to a deity, especially as he used Sand Strides, seemingly gliding on sand.

Despite witnessing Zeon playing with Exion, Dyoden remained silent.

Since the battle with Akaruk, a whole day would go by without him speaking even one word.

His gaze grew deeper, devoid of any expressions on his face.

To those unfamiliar, merely facing his visage was enough to induce trepidation.

However, having observed Dyoden for a long time, Zeon remained nonchalant.

Throughout his strides, Zeon tested Exion, pondering how to further enhance its utility.

The confrontation between Dyoden and Akaruk compelled Zeon to contemplate many thoughts.

Observing high-level combat significantly broadened Zeon’s understanding, even without direct involvement.

Throughout the fights, Zeon felt his heart race.

I want to fight like that.

I want to reach such heights.

Such desires spurred within him.

Though it had been a long time since departing from the mansion, the longing persisted, growing stronger.

That was why Zeon kept experimenting with Exion.

To reach a level akin to Dyoden’s, or even surpass it, there was no room for rest.

Dyoden’s strength wasn’t achieved overnight.

It was the outcome of relentless strife over a hundred years.

To catch up to someone like Dyoden, even moments for sleep or rest needed to be conserved.

Thanks to such efforts, Zeon’s prowess grew day by day.

While engrossed in playing with Exion, Zeon suddenly furrowed his brow.

It was due to an unbelievable sight in the distance.

As Zeon retracted Exion, he asked Dyoden.

“Am I the only one seeing a mirage right now?”

“It’s not a mirage.”

“So, it’s real?”

“Unless my eyes have malfunctioned....”

“Wow! That’s for real?”

Zeon widened his eyes, gazing ahead.

Far on the horizon, something massive was approaching.

Thick legs, four in number, larger than a three-story house, with curved tusks akin to a bow and terrifyingly protruding fangs.

It resembled the legendary Mammoth, yet far more intimidating and colossal.

It seemed like a small mountain moving.

However, a huge artificial structure was seen behind the Mammoth.

A warehouse on wheels, much larger than the Mammoth, lined up in succession.

It was akin to a train.

Tiny figures bustling atop the warehouses caught their attention.

Dyoden spoke.

“They are Caravans.”

“Really, Caravans?”

Zeon exclaimed, surprised.

Caravans were originally groups of traders traversing remote deserts or plains, transporting goods using camels or horses.

Even in the current era, Caravans existed.

They facilitated intermediary trade between colonies.

It was no easy feat.

The entire world had transformed into a desert.

And deserts were unforgiving to humans.

The scorching sun, searing sands.

Moreover, deserts teemed with all sorts of dangers, including scavengers.

Enduring all these adversities while shuttling between colonies was far from easy.

There wasn’t another colony on Earth with such walls, except Neo Seoul.

Other colonies engaged in daily battles with monsters. Due to these circumstances, expanding their territories wasn’t easy.

The Awakened individuals’ skills developed through wars with the monsters.

Particularly, they could all be considered specialists when it came to anti-monsters warfare.

Perhaps that’s why everyone accompanying Beloff emitted an unusual aura.

What was most impressive was their size.

To slightly exaggerate, they were all as big as brown bears.

They stood formidable, not in the least bit inferior even next to the colossal Dyoden.

Beloff said to Dyoden.

“Haha! It was fate that we met in the middle of the desert. How about joining us today as an honored guest?”

“Fine.”

“Haha! As fiery as ever.”

Upon Dyoden’s consent, Beloff burst into a hearty laugh.

Zeon glanced at Dyoden with an expression of surprise.

He expected a refusal, naturally.

‘He surely has a plan, right?’

Despite their outward appearance of mere brute strength, Zeon knew better. There had never been an action from Dyoden without reason. He formulated plans, acting accordingly.

It was a feat only possible with his remarkable intelligence.

Beloff guided the two onto the Mammoth-drawn massive warehouse.

Atop the enormous warehouse were canopies, chairs, and other arrangements for people to dwell.

The warehouse was stocked with goods purchased from Kamchatka Colony, where people lived above it.

Once they reached the top of the warehouse, Beloff exclaimed.

“Haha! Meeting a hero of the desert, we can’t just stay quiet. Bring out the vodka.”

“Vodka? Was there still some of that liquor remaining?”

“Hehe! It was difficult to procure from Kamchatka Colony. Turned out there was one last distributor of old Russian spirits. They aren’t produced anymore, but some of the old liquor remains.”

“Impressive.”

“Indeed! If we bring this liquor to Neo Seoul, we could earn a fortune.”

In the current era, liquor was a scarce commodity.

The grains used for liquor production had vanished entirely.

Now, even grains were produced in colonies’ factories. Due to the scarcity, they couldn’t even think about making liquor.

If anything, liquor was more valuable than diamonds.

Therefore, Beloff’s confidence was justified.

He offered a bottle of this precious vodka to Dyoden and Zeon.

Dyoden, who hadn’t tasted alcohol in a while, eyed it greedily.

Beloff looked at Zeon.

“I think your brother is still young?”

“I don’t drink.”

“In that case, let me offer something special to the brother. Try this smoked deer jerky. Once you taste it, you’ll never forget it.”

As Beloff gestured, a boy who seemed barely twelve approached carrying jerky.

He was a handsome boy with rich blonde hair.

“This is my son, Damian. Damian, offer the jerky to the brother.”

“Yes!”

The boy called Damian handed the jerky to Zeon.

Zeon stared intently at Damian’s face.

Damian seemed uncomfortable under Zeon’s gaze and slightly lowered his head, avoiding eye contact.

Zeon accepted the jerky.

“Thank you.”

“Yes, brother.”

Damian appeared quite shy.

He still couldn’t meet Zeon’s eyes directly.

At that moment, Beloff raised his glass.

“Come, let’s drink and eat together. Don’t worry about the monsters, my subordinates and the Mammoth will keep them at bay. Hahaha!”

Clang!

Dyoden clinked the glasses, and Zeon chewed on the jerky.

The deer jerky Damian offered differed vastly from jerky made from monsters.

It practically melted in his mouth.

It was so delicious, Zeon felt like he was dreaming.

[Translator – Peptobismol]