The feast had ended, in the real world and the unreal. It had been three days since he visited Shlomo and told him his plan. The one-armed youth and his new horse beastfolk Pathseeker friend had hunted many monsters since. Frankly, two Pathseekers wouldn’t be able to clear the many monsters roaming the wide areas all around the village. They focused their efforts on the ‘safe’ blocked road that formerly connected Pecan Village to the outside world.

Apparently Shlomo had tried to kill the monster before but its regeneration was far too potent for Shlomo to kill alone however with Viers, they had a greater chance. Because Viers was still injured, he suggested to thin the monsters in the vicinity first while waiting for his wounds to heal, so they wouldn’t interfere when the time came. The monsters also served as the barbeque ingredients.

Winter had just ended, people’s food stores should be low. They might forage in the forest for sustenance but meat is still a rarity and there are risks. If we suddenly prepared more meat than they could eat and give them cured meat for souvenirs, it would do wonders for my and Shlomo’s reputation.

Incidentally, Combat Overture Arte also took three days to make but it was mostly Paina’s work. He only provided the power, Paina created the Arte from scratch.

Combat Overture can be considered my body strengthening Arte, like Jarret’s Iron King’s Valor and Freya’s Shining Star Impulse.

Oh yeah, almost forgot.

The Gnarku Bear’s cave had a lot of mushrooms growing inside it. The mushrooms had quite a bit of mana inside them, making them magic mushrooms. Perfect for giving Viers extra life energy. Viers went back into the cave to pick a big sack worth of mushrooms.

Not only monsters, I can also eat other things to increase my life tank, hur-hur-hur!

When he came back out, Ojoko was waiting for him. The horse monster bound to Shlomo came with a cart after seeing the smoke from the fire. It was their agreed signal. Ojoko helped Viers in bringing the bear’s remains to the village. He shared the mushrooms with the helpful horse.

Viers rode on the cart, thinking while his body felt the rhythmically swaying ride.

…I have to lose weight, heh… Viers let out a mocking smile to himself.

Without appearance changing Arte, even if he disguised himself, his belly would give him away. Just like the incident at Osemore.

Shame about the mask though.

That mask was from his cultist days with Farley. It wasn't an ordinary mask. It changed the voice of its wearer and had enchantments to prevent see-through spells. The coincidental Hannya design was nice too. It was lost during the battle with Freya, along with most of his things.

I’ll get a new mask later in the future. As for slimming down… with my current monster-eating spree, it would be almost impossible. Physically impossible too, my stomach can only eat so much. I can share it with my other monster forms but I don’t want to expose that ability of mine too much… What a dilemma.

“Big Bro! Mom, Dad, Avel came back. Wow! He brings a bear this time. It's huge!”

They agreed that the party venue would be at the Irvings place. Luca saw Avel when she was helping Susan process the food. Avel and Shlomo brought around ten monsters already. Shlomo even killed a Rank 2 yesterday. The life energy Viers got from eating some of its meat was substantial.

“Hello, Arim, Susan, how’s the preparation going?”

“Almost ready. It will be ready for this evening.”

It was hard work for the Irvings to be sure but Viers and Shlomo allowed them to get more benefits later.

“Good, Shlomo should join us soon. Tonight will be a merry one, hahah.”

That night at Pecan Village there was a barbeque party. Viers mimicked the ‘festivals’ in the games, only this event was self-created.

Two days ago, he and Luca went around the village. He introduced himself and informed the villagers about the barbeque gathering. The promise of free food was a strong lure and their reaction was very positive.

Avel also used this opportunity to allow Luca to interact with them since she handled the invitation part of the conversation. The villagers, despite their dislike for Luca, turned into obedient children because a Pathseeker was standing beside her and there was also the promised meat utopia.

They also went to Daniel’s place, the one who wanted to kill Luca before. Turned out he was the village chief’s son.

The little shit is an effing Arrogant Young Master! Who would have thought?

But they didn’t meet Daniel or his dad. Luca told the servant about the barbeque party then they left.

At the day of the self-made festival event, guests had been coming two hours before the promised time. Avel wouldn’t compromise and told them to wait, politely of course.

The party was an astounding success. Most of the whole village was there, around 50 people. Plenty of meat to go around and a full belied guest is a happy guest. The producers, meaning the Irvings, Shlomo, and Avel used this opportunity to build up a reputation and spread a good impression. Even though it wasn’t to Luca’s degree, Arim and Susan naturally got their share of shunning from the other villagers.

When the party was a full swing, Avel addressed the villagers.

“Welcome and greetings, people of Pecan Village.”

Avel became the center of attention.

“I was injured and almost died but by a stroke of luck, I luckily ended up in this wonderful place. The young couple and little Luca saved me when I was on the verge of death. They nursed me and took care of me, gave me a roof to stay under. My heartfelt gratitude to them, I’ll definitely not forget this kindness.”

That invited some murmurs.

“Throughout the days, I’ve learned about the predicament of this village. About how closed you all are from the outside world and surrounded by monsters. The sacred tree might be able to protect you for some time yet but it wouldn’t last forever. If monsters become able to get close to this place but you don’t have anywhere to go then you are doomed.”

“To that end, together with my new friend Mister Shlomo, I, Avel of Javia shall strive to open the closed path to the outside world!”

Shlomo was now standing beside him. The villagers looked at Avel with hopeful eyes.

“I might take one month. In the meantime, we’ll reduce the monsters in that area. We’ll share the meat with everyone so you all don’t have to worry about food for the time being.”

They cheered.

“Okay, okay, calm down. I would like you all to remember that I couldn’t do this alone. Mister Shlomo here would do no less than me. He and little Luca faced discrimination from all of you. I know what you’re thinking. You’re afraid, afraid because they are different. I urge you to look past the appearance and see their true selves.”

Now they looked worried, feeling awkward.

“Shlomo might be a beastfolk but he has feelings just like us. Luca possesses purple hair but she cries and laughs like all of you… We are all stronger together. Be kind to your neighbors, see past the outer layer, then you’ll see them like I did, good people both.”

At that timing, as if by design, two people approached.

Nadiem, the village head and Daniel’s father. His son also followed behind him. Nadiem was a stocky man in his forties. Despite most of the villagers being thin or skinny, he wasn’t. Proof he had been living quite well.

“Hail, Lord Pathseeker. I heard you slapped my son,” Nadiem said in a flat voice.

That’s strange, why is Daniel’s other cheek swollen too? That one looked freshly made.

“You should be grateful I did not break his neck. After he tried to spear Luca to death.”

“Thank you!”

Nadiem bowed.

For a moment, Avel doubted his ears.

“…What?”

“I have nothing but gratitude for your leniency, Daniel!” Nadiem used his hand to make Daniel bow his head.

“…I’m sorry,” the kid looked like he was about to cry.

“Arim, Susan, I’m really sorry about my son’s reckless behavior. I’ll be sure to thoroughly tell him about this. Please find it in your heart to give a shred of forgiveness.” Nadiem’s tone carried his desperation.

“And of course, Luca.” The big and grown man bowed before the girl. “I am truly sorry.”

The Irvings looked at Avel which he ignored. This was their choice to make.

“…Please raise your head, village chief. Of course, I felt angry about the attack on my daughter but she was not harmed. Just make sure this won’t happen again.” Arim forgave them.

The two households talked for a while, they seemed to make peace with each other.

Oh well, Avel thought. Perhaps with the chief at the helm, the discrimination would diminish over time.

“Well, since we’re making peace. Here, the spear I took from the kid. Looks quite expensive.” Avel offered the spear back.

“Nonono. Please, take the spear. May it serve you well.”

Not to a magic item degree but it’s still a very well-made spear.

“Then I respectfully accept! Come come, chief. We have plenty of food. To new friends, cheers!” Avel raised his mug.

“Cheers!”

The revelry resumed.

Avel moved closer to Nadiem and whispered.

“Be good to Luca and her family. If something ever happens to them because of you or your son, I’ll turn your son into a meat pie and make you eat it. Before that day ends, your body will be nailed to the front door of your house, alive. After days of bleeding out, after you’ve exhaled your last breath, you’ll find no peace in death. Your soul will spend an eternity burning in my personal hell, along with your precious, precious son. I have marked you just now. Even if you run to the edge of the world I can find you. We understand each other, yes?”

Nadiem’s back was wet from cold sweat. Avel left while maintaining his smiling face. The sight of his clear and innocent face that was hiding such an evil personality was a sight of horror that Nadiem wouldn't forget for all his life.

This village chief Nadiem is smarter than I thought. He didn't react hastily when his son came home with a swollen cheek. He observed the situation instead. He knew my strength so he kissed my ass. Well, regardless of what he truly feels, as long as the guy knows his place then fine. With some basics, Luca could take care of herself.

Time to pig out. I refused to let all this food filled with life span go to waste. Let’s start with the Rank 2 monster meat, nom nom.