Chapter 266: Guardian of the Forest

Chapter 266: Guardian of the Forest

Although the number of tails was different, I recognized the nature of the fox twisting in my grasp. It was the demon fox race, the same race as Woodsorrel with whom I had once made a secret pact during the rookie tournament battle, allowing her to leave and gain her freedom. Aside from the number of tails, she seemed just like a grown version of Woodsorrel from that time.

[Damn it! My illusion its not working at all?!]

I know its an illusion, but my spiritual power isnt so weak that I would easily fall for it.

The demon fox who was lifted up by me by the scruff of her neck attempted to use an illusion to confuse me again. However, as long as it wasnt a surprise attack, I could prepare and thus was able to repel the illusion by amplifying my spiritual power. RêAd lateSt chapters at novelhall.com Only

Apparently not expecting her illusion to be repelled so effortlessly, the demon fox looked up at me with her mouth agape. But she quickly regained her composure and started scratching and kicking at my arm.

[Damn you! Let me go]

Stop struggling, or Ill end up breaking your neck.

It seemed my threat had its intended effect as the demon fox became limp and subdued in my arm. Meanwhile, Mika and Asumi had also shaken off the illusion. The fox seemed surprised by this, but for me, it was nothing out of the ordinary.

The two of them were among the top fighters in our group, second only to Tigar and Zald. Their fighting spirit and spiritual powers were immense and finely honed thanks to their experiences racing across battlefields as part of the special operations unit. The demon fox was certainly skilled, but we had the upper hand. It was as simple as that.

Though I hadnt raised my voice, the turtle and snake on the rock stopped their movements. They seemed reluctant to let this demon fox die. Is it because they care for their comrade, or is this demon fox special? I was about to find out.

You seem to understand our language. So answer me. Why did you target us?

[I might as well pretend I cant hear you since my telepathy isnt getting through. Oh, and while Im at it, Ill throw in some insults too! Idiot, idiot!]

You do realize I can hear you, right?

[Geh?!]

She might have been a more skilled illusion spiritualist than Rinne when we first met, but it seemed she was lacking in a lot of ways. Faced with such a childlike reaction, I couldnt help but feel my anger dissipate.

But then, was it normal for my desire for retaliation to fade away this quickly, given that she had attempted to take our lives? Perhaps this, too, was a form of illusion. I decided to heighten my spiritual power just in case.

To put it simply, I wasnt under any illusion. It seemed the demon foxs actions and speech were simply too childish. Perhaps her behavior reminded me of the children among our own ranks.

Contrary to my relief, the demon fox was in a panic. I usually keep my spiritual power contained, but it seems that direct physical contact was enough for it to be felt. The fox in my grasp must have thought I intended to kill her, as she began to thrash about with her limbs once again.

[If you hurt me, my friends wont stay still, you know!]

You were the one who attacked first. Ill ask again, why did you attack us?

[Like Id tell you! The guardians of the forest keep their mouths shut!]

The guardians of the forest I see, so shes referring to those who protect this forest. Our goal isnt within this forest. Maybe I should clarify that.

The demon fox listened silently to my words, which were part persuasion and part threat, until the end. After pondering for a moment, she connected telepathically with all three of us.

[I understand your side of the story. But we have our own circumstances too. You get that, right?]

Yes, I suppose so.

[Thats why I need to consult with the higher-ups about what to do with you guys.]

It seemed that the decision could not be made by the demon fox before me alone. Although she might be the leader of her current group, it appeared she did not possess the authority to make an immediate decision.

However, instead of outright dismissing us, she mentioned the need to consult with others. It seemed we might not be asked to leave immediately but we could be given a chance while she sought guidance.

[Return to your group and wait there. I will ask and get back to you Ah, but know this: if you move without permission, I will take it as you deceiving me.]

Alright. How long should we expect to wait?

[About four days.]

Four days. That duration seemed doable, even if it meant a delay. We had been taking frequent breaks, but we were also continuously on the move. A complete stop to rest properly might actually be welcome.

Moreover if we were to be asked to leave, there might be a fight. Preparing and gathering our strength in preparation for such an event wouldnt be a bad idea. We would wait.

Alright. We will wait for your response in four days. If theres no reply after that, well take it upon ourselves to move on. And if we are attacked then

[Then youll retaliate, I suppose. Ill hurry to make sure that doesnt happen, so please stay put on your end.]

Alright Ah, one more thing. Just to confirm, you are of the demon fox race, correct?

[Youre well-informed. Yes, I am Gardenia of the demon fox race.

Indeed, she was from the demon fox race. I had thought as much from the start, and it turned out I wasnt mistaken. Given this, the chances that she knew of Woodsorrel were high. If Woodsorrel was around, perhaps she could be persuaded to help us in our cause.

Then, perhaps you know of a demon fox named Woodsorrel? I actually met her once, about eight years ago.

[Hmm. I do know her, but what about it?]

Gardenia narrowed her eyes and started examining me as if trying to read my intentions. I needed to tread carefully here; mentioning the Battle Beast Tournament could easily lead to misunderstandings. It was important to steer clear of any unsettling terms and focus on a message that only Woodsorrel would understand. So, I decided

If you know her, I have a message to pass on. Tell her Ive learned to use telepathy.

[Whats that supposed to mean? Well, Ill pass it along anyway.]

As expected, Gardenia didnt seem to understand the meaning and lowered her level of vigilance by a notch. She and her comrades left us, and we, in turn, collected our weapons and headed back to our group to talk about the events that happened.