Chapter 272: The Beautiful Territory

Chapter 272: The Beautiful Territory

The morning after Mika had prepared a meal for us, we set out once again. According to Woodsorrel, we were to reach their territory within the day. It was likely a gathering place for more powerful demon foxes and other beings. Never be hostile. We were in agreement in that direction.

Wow, there are various types of demons, arent there?

Yes, thats right.

During our journey, Woodsorrel inquired about the demons. It seemed her questions stemmed more from orders given by her superiors than from her own curiosity. She probably should have asked these questions the day before, but it appeared she had completely forgotten until it was brought up, possibly by one of her monkey subordinates They were really having a hard time with her.

I shared everything I knew about demons, as there was no reason to withhold information. I explained that they were beings created through spiritual arts by merging humans with other beasts and that the process typically required one human and one beast to avoid failure. Some creators endowed their creations with the ability to switch between two forms, while others did not. I also mentioned that there were countless demons created for the purpose of war, aside from us.

War, huh Isnt it stupid for thousands of humans to kill each other?

Youre right, but dont tell me that. I didnt start it, and I wasnt even human to begin with.

Woodsorrel seemed unable to grasp the concept of war. Even though territorial disputes are common among ordinary creatures, she claimed that beings with intelligence living in this forest were strangers to such conflicts.

However, with intelligence, or rather because of it, one cannot be free from conflict. The higher the intelligence, the more ones desires are likely to grow beyond basic instincts. With higher intelligence, conflicts become more brutal and insidious. Having been continuously embroiled in conflicts, I was convinced of this.

Is it even possible to be free from conflict?

Yes, because if we did, we would anger God.

Ah, thats right. There was a real god in these mountains. Woodsorrel had mentioned that there was a Mountain God. Its unlikely that any fool would provoke conflict knowing that divine punishment from a transcendent god could befall them. I knew this more than anyone else since I fought against a descendant of God.

But gods I would rather not meet them. Who would want to present themselves before a being far superior to themselves? As someone who needed to survive for a hundred years, I had no intention of deliberately crossing a dangerous bridge.

May I ask what this god is like?

For this reason, it was necessary to understand the nature of the Mountain God Woodsorrel spoke of. When I asked that, it was not Woodsorrel but Gardenia who was perched on Chiriks lap who responded.

[The God is kind. Occasionally, they descend from the mountain. And they have a fondness for alcohol. Half the reason we come down to the human settlements is to acquire alcohol.]

Alcohol alcohol, huh

Hearing about the deitys preference for alcohol left me feeling at a loss. I am a complete non-drinker. Even the mere smell of alcohol is enough to make me dizzy. It was clear that our tastes would not align.

However, it was said that the Mountain God does not harshly treat those who appreciate the bounty of the mountain. Meaning, that as someone with a sweet tooth and a love for fruits, I would fall into their favor. As long as I didnt intentionally upset them, it was unlikely we would become enemies.

Thats the way it is! Ah, were about to get a view of it! Th.ê most uptodate novels are published on n(0)velbj)n(.)co/m

About to get a view? It doesnt seem like anything has changed though

Yet, despite its slender appearance, the arm wouldnt budge. Even though I didnt use any fighting spirit, could it be stronger than me? Are you kidding me? I was among the strongest in terms of sheer physical strength among the demons.

Well, well, I can see why Woodsorrel is fond of you. Such fighting spirit and spiritual power a fine young man indeed.

The woman clinging to my back seemed unfazed by my strength and was whispering in my ear as she attempted to remove my iron mask. I tried to tell her to stop, but for some reason, I couldnt produce any sound at all. Just as her hand was about to touch the iron mask, something firmly grasped her wrist. It was Chriss prosthetic arm.

The prosthetic ar creaked with the force applied and stopped the movement of the arm I had been unable to budge myself. Her other hand was positioned on the hilt of her twin swords, ready to draw them at any moment.

When I glanced at Chris through my compound eyes, I saw that her expression was utterly serious. However, the expressionless Chris seemed terrifyingly chilling no, the air around us was physically growing colder!

It appeared that Chris had pushed her fighting spirit and spiritual power beyond their limits, causing the moisture in the air to cool down due to the effect. I wanted to tell Chris to stop as well, but for some reason, I couldnt move my body, let alone speak.

Step away from Antares. Otherwise, I will cut you down.

This young girl speaks out of turn. This man has not rejected me, you see?

I detect a faint smell of alcohol and herbs. Youre using that to strip Antares of his movement, arent you?

Oh? Quite impressive for someone from the Furu race. I shall praise you, young girl.

Chriss observation seemed to have been correct. The odd sensation in my body was apparently due to the woman standing behind me. Considering that even Chris had been stopped in her tracks, it was possible that this woman was also suppressing my powers. She really had done quite a number on me.

However, a calm part within me was desperately trying to restrain Chris. Hadnt this woman declared upon her arrival that there was no need for us to be on guard simply because she was present? Given that she had almost completely masked her presence and that despite being right behind me, I couldnt sense any fighting spirit or spiritual power from her, it was highly likely that this womans abilities were too much for us.

Engaging such an opponent in battle was out of the question. I screamed this in my mind, but my pleas failed to reach Chris. She didnt yield and continued to glare at the woman with a stern expression.

Hehehe, alright, alright. Perhaps Ive been a little bit too playful.

Fortunately, there was no battle between Chris and the woman. When the woman released the arm around my neck and stepped back, Chris also relaxed her prosthetic arm, and the temperature in the air returned to its previous state.

Yet, the question remained: who was this woman? It was clear she was not a human. But wait, could it be that she appeared in human form? That meant

Hey, Great Mother! What are you doing?!

What am I doing? I was merely taking a little examination. This young man could prove to be a fine seed.

[Haa~ Let me introduce you. This is Lady Button. She is the founder of the demon fox tribe and one of the vice chiefs of the guardians.]

Thats right. Its good of you to come. Youre most welcome here.

While Woodsorrel reacted with indignation, Gardenisa revealed the womans true identity with a hint of exasperation. Lady Button herself jumped down from the coachmans seat and spread her arms in a gesture of welcome.