The 12 Monster Kings stand in equilibrium… that’s what Allen had known.

“Oh, indeed you have a good mind.” Sun Wukong nodded her head in satisfaction. “As you should have known, there were only twelve monster kings existed in this world… but it’s not that there were only twelve, as a matter of fact, many should have come from the other worlds. Then why only twelve?”

!!

“As the rule of the Heavens, the existence of monster kings within the world should be in an even number. And the twelve is the highest number possible, in order not to break the balance of nature.”

“That is the law… a rule set by the Heaven that must be followed by every world.”

“But why does a thirteenth exist?” Sun Wukong narrowed her eyes.

“I dare say, every monster kings out there, of course excluding your lover, they are all out to find and kill you to regain the balance. But there might also be those who will try to pull you into their forces… giving you options, either join them or die~”” Sun Wukong’s eyes were like crescent moons that shone with radiant beauty.

She seemed to be enjoying Allen’s precarious situation.

“Then what about you?”

Allen hesitated and Sun Wukong answered with the contempt that seemed to be habitual with her, “Me, let’s just say, heaven’s set rules… I never like that fact.”

“Furthermore, your existence might mean something…” Sun Wukong played with her hair, as she submerged deeper in the water.

“It could be a part of something…”

“… …”

“Besides; I never cared about this war. I only help to repay a friend of mine~”

Allen frowned. “What do you mean it meant something?”

“Tell me, Human King, are you being a Monster King just happened accidentally or it was done from an external source?” She looked interested as she asked Allen.

“Of course it happen--!?”

As Allen was about to answer, his words suddenly stuck in his throat. Eh? Did I, becoming a Monster King just an accident?

Or was I made to by someone…?!

Lucy!!?

Allen widened his eyes in disbelief. That can’t be possible… in the first place, Lucy, among all people should know the significance of a Lord Class! Especially the Monster King!

If Sun Wukong said was the truth, then Lucy shouldn’t have given it to him in fear of breaking the balance…?

Then why is she adamant on giving it to him? They are friends but not that close…

Is this related to her, request…?!

Allen’s mind blanks out.

He was already suspicious of her at that time but since he can’t give heads or tails about what was strange, he didn’t give it too much attention.

Besides, a Lord Class is just too tempting…

If someone gave you a very expensive cake when you’re hungry, 9 out of 10 people wouldn’t question the giver’s intention or the cake’s whereabouts.

Again, he subconsciously looked down at his hand. More uncertainties bubbled up in his heart.

“Maybe everything will be made clear once I met her again. I can make my final decision then.” An imperceptible gleam flickered within Allen’s eyes.

He set aside this suspicion to think about another time. As for Lucy, he was confident that she would come looking for him eventually.

After all, he still owes her a debt. No matter how big this world was,

“When that time comes, I might get answers to everything!” He didn’t consider the matter anymore. Currently, there were quite a few strange things going on with his body.

Seeing Allen’s reaction, the smile on Sun Wukong’s face grew even wider. Indeed, her guess was right all along.

“I had answered your questions, now then why don’t you join me in this wonderful bath?” Sun Wukong smiled innocently, though, with those strange eyes of hers, it gives off a different kind of feeling.

“You should have trusted me now, right? I felt uncomfortable being the only one naked here.”

Then don’t! Who asked you to?!

Allen wanted to scream but he held himself. He reached to his parka and started undressing after some slight hesitation.

In any case, taking a bath with someone isn’t that big of a deal. In the previous life, he had done it so many times~

With the sound of clothing sliding off bare skin, Allen’s black clothes and pants fell to the ground.

“Monkey King, just what are you scheming?”

Saying that Allen found a shallow part and stepped into the hot spring.

The Lightning Qilin as well as Madam White just watched and listened quietly on the side. They didn’t dare interfere after confirming that the Monkey King held no hostilities towards their master.

Only Li Meihua started walking towards Allen, though still in her fox form.

When she arrived beside Allen, she submerged into the water and lay beside him.

She didn’t change because she was embarrassed to do so. Allen felt her conflicted emotions through [ Monster Empathy ] and felt funny.

He began stroking her soft fur, which made her felt pleased.

“I am not, you’re too distrustful.” Sun Wukong smiled and then suddenly thrown something towards him.

It was a fruit that looked like a pineapple.

“Try the Spirit Fruit,” she said, popping one into her mouth. “The flavor is incredible.”

Spirit fruit?

“Is this a celestial fruit? I have heard about this fruit before.”

Celestial fruit. Fruits that was said to be not from the mortal world but from the realms of the Gods.

An elixir!

These are fruits came from a spirit tree who swallows the essence of heavens to grow; Mana and Spiritual Qi that cultivators cultivate are included in this as well.

Just by that, anyone would know that it was an amazing thing!

It was extremely a rare item, no, it almost to the point that it could be classified as mythic type item!

“And here I thought that you would give me a peach of immortality~” Allen teased.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Peach of Immortality isn’t a cabbage you have because you wanted it. Besides I was even given a mouthful of scolding just because I stole one. Do you think I still have that kind of thing?”

“Only one?” Allen smiled as he looked at her suspiciously. The matter about the legendary monkey king stealing and eating the peach of immortality was a very famous event. Who wouldn’t know?

“Human King, spare me with those glances. Peach of Immortality isn’t a tree that would bear fruit every month or year. It takes millennia to be able to bear one fruit; do you think it was a luxury?”

Sun Wukong let out a sigh. “Furthermore, for some reason, I was stranded in this world and couldn’t get back.”

“How about the man-fruit?”

“Don’t be so ambitious,” Sun Wukong snorted, displeased. “Indeed, I had some but I don’t have them anymore. I already give them to my brothers to eat~”

Allen made a face. “Every first meeting needed a gift. You’re the one who called me here, so you should bestow at least one. This fruit doesn’t count!”

Allen grinned and bit down onto one of the fruits. Suddenly, his eyes began to glow, and when he squinted, they looked like two crescent moons.

Even before the flesh could dissolve, a roaring sound filled Allen’s mind. At the same time, and indescribable, boundless power completely inundated him.

It was like an endless, furious sea, and he was a tiny, leaf-like boat, weak enough to be destroyed with a single blow.

Then the strong power flowed through his throat towards every part of his body.

Allen could feel his strength promoting once again.

As expected of a Spirit fruit!

“Good?” asked Sun Wukong with a smile.

Allen looked at Sun Wukong silently, then lowered his gaze to the Spirit Fruit in his hand. He put the fruit in his mouth again and ate it. A smile appeared on his face.

“Indeed, it’s extremely good.”

Allen continued to smile wryly, his expression amiable, but inwardly on guard.

After all, he had long since learned to hide his true state. Instead, he usually kept a light smile on his face to prevent others from knowing what he was truly thinking.

Sun Wukong might be a legendary figure, a deity that was worshipped by millions of people but, right now, she is not a mere myth but a real existence.

Sun Wukong is a well-known troublemaker and no one knows just is playing on her head!

“I guess you’re right. This is our first meeting, still, as the tradition, it's courtesy to bestow a gift… isn’t it?” Sun Wukong pondered. "For your enthronement, let me think of one~"

“Before that, can I ask something personal?”

“Go on,”

“Is this your true form?” Allen asked said, clearing his throat.

“Well, you know I always thought that the monkey king looks like… a monkey. I never expected for you to be like …”

Allen stared at Sun Wukong. Although he can’t see her body clearly he could still see her face.

“… this, looking like a normal little girl.”

“My true form is far more graceful than this,” Sun Wukong gave Allen a deep look.

“True form ha,”

“Look again and I’ll gouge your eyes,” Sun Wukong said with an enigmatic smile.

Allen rolled his eyes and continued stroking Li Meihua’s fur.

“So, why don’t you begin? What do you want to say…?”

“No need to rush, here, how about a drink~”

Allen caught the gourd, Sun Wukong thrown at him. Sniffing the content, it was wine.

“I didn’t have much time to waste…”

“Relax, as I said. The flow of time in this place is far different from the outside. We have all the time in the world,”

Hearing that, Allen finally reinforced his guess. “Sun Wukong, are you detaining me?”

With those words, Lightning Qilin, Madam White and Li Meihua who have finally relax after seeing Allen and Sun Wukong’s peaceful conversation to once again stiffen.

“What are you planning, Monkey King?” Allen’s voice immediately plummeted to less than zero degrees!

“You really have a sharp mind,” Sun Wukong raised her wine gourd and drank.

Her tone of voice remained light and calm throughout.

“Indeed, I need you to stay here for two to three days at most~”

Boom!!

Allen’s fierce aura exploded. “What do you want to do? Sun Wukong?!”

“Relax, Human King. This is the Insect Queen’s request, not mine…”

“Alkrasha?!”

“That’s right. In fact, I was also surprised when she came to me and asks for a help.”

“Did something happen?” Allen took back his aura and calm down.

“The other Monster Kings are already looking for you… Alkrasha managed to mislead them but some were just even more troublesome… They’re now here, looking for your trail…”

“Is that why I’m here?”

Sun Wukong nodded.

“Just sit back and wait. Even if they found some clues about you but as long as I’m here, no one can mess inside my territory.” Sun Wukong said as she continued drinking her wine.

“So, do Alkrasha a favor... I know it's difficult for you but please, stay here, and try not to do anything stupid.”

“Monkey King, why are you doing this?” Allen asked curiously. “I don’t think you’re that close with Alkrasha for you to do this…”

“Indeed, there was no special reason in particular— Alkrasha and my relationship might be a bit thin and short but it’s still as insipid as water.” Sun Wukong replied lightly.

“… …”

She smiled enigmatically.

"However, as it may be. I guess I’m just simply bored. Playing once in a while would somehow relieve my boredom.” Sun Wukong sighed in melancholy.

Allen remained silent before he let out a sigh. “Is that all?”

“Sometimes you only need a simple reason to do something. Sometimes you don’t even need it and only done it just because of simple words ‘On a whim’”

“The great Monkey King is as whimsical as I’ve heard,” Allen showed a brilliant smile.

He paused for a bit then,

“Monkey King, how’s Alkrasha? Is she fine?”

“She’s great. Though she’s doing all she can to protect you. Be thankful.”

Allen’s expression softened.

Without his knowledge, Alkrasha was fighting all on her own just to protect him. How moving is this?

In the previous world, he would’ve found the notion of being with the infamous Insect Queen inconceivable, but here they are.

The Insect Queen was not bad, more like she was a great woman.

He was really lucky to have her!

“I am…” He answered. “I’m extremely thankful to have her, and also,”

--- ---

[ Peach of Immortality - In Chinese mythology, Peaches of Immortality are consumed by the immortals due to their mystic virtue of conferring longevity on all who eat them. This fruit is known to be grown by the Heavenly Queen Mother.

In the Chinese novel ( Journey to the West ) the Monkey King Sun Wukong became a protector of this Peach of Tree and due to this, he immediately realized the power of the Peach. He stole one though with some troubles. It is said that it can give over 3,000 years of life after the consumption of a single peach ]

[ Man-fruit - Featured in Chinese novel ( Journey to the West ). A certain 1,000-foot-tall tree was stationed behind a monastery run by a Taoist master and his disciples- in which the master had been gone.

The tree bore 30 of the legendary Man-fruit(fruits that looked just like a new born, complete with sense organs) once every 10,000 years. The man-fruits would grant 360 years of life to one who merely smelled them and 47,000 years of life to one who consumed them. ]