V3 Chapter 17

“What are you truly scheming? Even approaching my brother?”

The tone of Iris changed, turning into more interrogative.

She completely ignored the growling of Leona who had stood beside Cian, as her eyes fixed on him. To her, a Manticore like Leona might be special, but it still would not appear in her eyes. She can easily kill the Manticore. So its threatening gesture didn’t completely intimidate her. Her full focus was on its master; the Foxman; Cian.

“Elder Sister?”

A faint voice rang out.

Asceius had arrived behind her before she knows it. But Iris didn’t avert her eyes away from the Werebeast that just pricked her nerves and annoyed the hell out of her. Because of this, Asceius was left confused about her and Cian’s conversation, but rather than answering his doubts, she continued speaking to Cian.

“Who knows,” the only answer that appeared.

Iris growled in anger. Is he playing with her? But before she could say anything, curse or whatever, Cian turned towards her, his eyes, however, stared directly at Asceius.

“Though, in all honesty, I guess I thought of him as… just a ticket to this place.”

“… …”

Cian smiled at Asceius, which the latter did also the same. It seems like, what he said didn’t affect him at all, or perhaps, he had already known.

“There’s no point in hiding it now. When I claimed I know nothing about this place that is the truth. Whether you believe it or not. I approach him because I thought I would be able to explore this strange land with his help. And that, because I don’t trust anyone… our relationship is not built out of trust, but at the very least, I am assured that Asceius wouldn’t betray me, or do me harm. My eyes have never betrayed me before, and would not now…and call it intuition, or beastly instinct, but I know that Asceius is not the type of person that would break his word either. Because of this, I choose to be with him. We will explore this land together, help and support each other…and survive. That’s all there is to it,”

“That’s right, Elder Sister. There’s already no cause for concern.”

Asceius nodded his head, giving out a faint smile.

“I know you cannot trust a Werebeast, but just like I said before, Cian is different. I hope you can believe me,”

Iris narrowed her eyes, “I can’t…rather, I won’t.” she scowled disdainfully.

“Why’d you take the word of a Werebeast, much less a cunning Foxman, is quite beyond me, Asceius,” she grumbled in anger. “A man like him would sell his kind for a few Golds.”

“That’s enough!”

Cian’s eyes darkened and he was slowly approaching his very limits. He might actually forget everything and attack her right now, if not for Asceius who immediately stood between them, and cried out.

“You said too much, Elder Sister!”

“Asceius!”

“Elder Sister, it’s not him…but you! You easily suspect everybody,” Asceius grumbled in annoyance. “According to you, every person we meet is some kind of villain.”

“That’s because they generally are. I thought you know better!”

“Generally, yes…but not all! Cian is my friend, and he had not done anything that could be detrimental to us. He had stayed trustworthy, and that’s enough!”

“Will you wait for the time when he really did something…?! I never see you as naïve as that!” Iris scoffed, then glared at Cian who was watching them indifferently.

“This is not about naivety, Elder Sister. And you know that. He might not be a true companion, but nevertheless, he is our comrade. We wouldn’t be able to get this far easily without his help. Who was it that showed us the path through that illusion-like swamp? The one who helps us defeat the raging fang gators easily, without having any casualties or dangerous wounds that we should have received…let’s face it, that large number of Fang Gators is something even dangerous for us.”

“We can defeat them with our power alone!”

Iris snorted in defiance,

“Perhaps, but it would cost us more than we could have imagined,”

"... ..."

The atmosphere turned gloomy silent for a while.

Both parties wouldn’t want to back down. Iris frowned in frustration. She wanted to say something against it, but when she was faced with Asceius angry, at the same time, pleading expression, she could only sigh.

“You will regret this, Asceius…I know you will. He’s not someone you could trust,” she said. She turned her gaze to Cian and glared at him in hatred and anger. If a look could kill, Cian was certain he would have died countless times already.

“Wild Beast, remember, give me even a reason to do so, I’ll cut you down without hesitation. No matter who you are,” after saying that so coldly, one can feel the chill creeping down your back, she turned around and walks away.

“I believe you will,”

Cian muttered as he followed her retreating back with her eyes.

To keep the fire from going out, he then threw pieces of wood into the flame. The pieces shone brightly and popped repeatedly, and the fire grew slightly larger. Although there was a chance that they would be found by the enemy, such as monsters, the fire was needed to keep them from being attacked by magical beasts in the forest, and to keep warm. Though, since he had picked a good spot, the fire was being covered by the surroundings, so the chances of being found were minimal.

“Cian.”

While Cian was staring at Iris back with complex feelings inside his chest, Asceius called out to him. When he turned to him, he flashed an unusual apologetic look.

“I’m sorry about that.”

With a small smile, he approached him.

Having gotten up next to the fire, he then sat down near him. After revealing a lonely expression for an instant, he showed a serious expression. It was an expression that left a strong impression of him being a prince.

“I hope you can extend your patience for Elder Sister, as she is just worried. Anxious. This situation of ours is getting on her nerves, and there's no way about this. She didn’t like trusting Werebeasts, as you should know the Werebeasts and us, humans have been at odds for quite a long time now. And lately, it’s even getting worse,” he said with a helpless sigh.

“I can see that... However, this is this, and that is that. I know the reason for it, but I cannot promise you so easily. Though, I’ll give my word that I will do my best to ignore, and tolerate whatever she does. After all, I also wanted to avoid unnecessary conflict as much as I could. We are now stuck in the same boat, especially in this perilous and stormy journey. I don’t want this boat to capsize, just because of some meaningless conflict, and differed opinions,” Cian muttered with a faint smile.

“Thank you,”

“However,”

Cian stared Asceius, his expression is hard to define due to the light of the fire that seemed to dye his face.

“I cannot promise you that it will be forever, Asceius. My patience is not limitless. You and I are friends, at least, that’s what I believe. And just like what I told you before, I needed you for this journey, just as much as you needed me. But, I also had my limit. If she continues like that, then it would be safe to assume that this relationship of ours is truly not meant to be.”

“… …”

“…we might as well separate; it will do both of us good. I don’t have any interest in this conflict of races of yours, nor will I stand on someone’s side. But I am not so patient enough to remain docile whenever someone asks me for a fight.”

Cian said with a cold voice, somewhat startling Asceius.

“In any case, you agreed to team up with me because you know you cannot rashly explore this land alone. But now, you have your sister with you, and we know that she’s much stronger than even both of us combined. So from here on out, you will be safe. There would be no need to continue this impromptu alliance between us any longer.”

“…what about you?”

Asceius bit his lips, somewhat feeling sorry. Indeed, he had agreed to explore this land together, because he knows it would be dangerous for him to do it alone. And he needed an ally. Though, it had changed since then.

Through their journey, he somehow, without even planning it, had somewhat gotten close to him. It was to the point, that Asceius had seen a friend in him. So, of course, he was very reluctant to separate from him, and leave him on his own devices, in this dangerous land. What differs him from the traitors and ungrateful people he loathed so much then?"

Furthermore, just because he now had an even better ally, he would cast him away—that seemed to be quite wrong in many things. But if this goes on, Cian and Iris would eventually fight. He knows the two’s personality and character, that Asceius was certain that the day when they would battle it out, would surely come.

But can he prevent that?

More so, it was clear that Cian was much weaker compared to his Elder Sister. And if they fight, Cian would surely lose.

Cian grabbed a skewer and took a bite of the meat.

“That has never been a problem,” he said. “I’m used to walk alone. Danger or not, I have lived my whole life crossing those, with only myself as the company.”

Leona growled, seemly trying to voice out her existence, and denying his claims. Cian, though, smiled only and stroke her fur.

“Cian…”

Ability [Molt] successfully plundered!

“…If sympathy is what you want to give, then you can keep it. I’d rather die somewhere than be given pity.” Cian scowled coldly. “If you want us to remain, friends, then don’t do it.”

Asceius opened his mouth, wanting to speak but in the end, he could only let out a sigh. “Even still, I know it’s selfish, but if possible, I want you to continue this journey with us. Of course, if you really wanted to leave, I wouldn’t stop you. I can assure you, however, that no matter what happens, Elder Sister will not be able to hurt you.”

He stared at Cian’s frowning expression, and smiled gently; “This is not out of pity. You and I, are friends, right?”

Ability [Tough Vitality] successfully plundered!

“…suit yourself,”

Cian shook his head. Not caring about it anymore. Whatever Asceius said, he would not take his words back. That's what Cian had understood from their everyday companionship. Though he likes to tease him a lot, making him annoyed and angry, through their journey, they now have an incredible understanding of each other. Asceius, too, was the same.

Asceius smiled happily. Then, he took out the skewered meat from Cian’s hand, not caring about the bite mark, as well as the latter’s strange expression, he happily devoured the skewered meat. It was an expression that is completely unsuitable for his title as the infamous Ice Prince. In fact, Iris might even be surprised by this look on his face if she saw it. It was truly rare for Asceius to make this kind of expression in front of anyone, much less a stranger he had met not too long ago.

“It would have been good, if you are a woman, Asceius,”

Cian couldn't help but muttered with a wry smile. This smile of his, really made it hard for anyone to differentiate him from a real woman. In fact, it perhaps even overshadowed the smiles of those beautiful women could have in this world or the previous.

“Whash zat?” Asceius raised his head, and look at him.

“It’s nothing,”

Cian shook his head while smiling wryly; feeling a bit conflicted by this strange emotion in his heart. He took another skewered meat and continued filling his stomach, as well as, his strength.

Ability [Exoskeleton] successfully plundered!

Ability [Iron Tail Attack] successfully plundered!

What an unusually calm night…

Cian raised his head up to see the moon.

Proving that this place was different from the Earth he knows, one large and one small pair of moons were hanging high in the night sky.

‘Have I already made all the way up here? Time does go fast.’

Feeling somewhat melancholic, Cian found himself thinking wistfully about his true hometown, the place he’d lived for all of his fifteen years. He closed his eyes for a moment and saw the big, huge concrete jungle with sky towering buildings and glass. Countless, and all kinds of people walking here and there.

Despite the darkness of the world, the light was so bright, peaceful, and everyone lived in an equilibrium.

Suddenly a whole series of familiar images smells and tastes assailed his senses. He saw the richly decorated textiles and glasses, streets, cars, and buildings. The colorful clothes, in all different designs and appearance. He smelled the rich odors of all kinds of perfume, wafting around the breezing fragrance. He tasted the delicious tang of the hot coffee and teas they served in the cafes and savored the tasty and warm aroma of many different kinds of foods from the restaurants and cafes.

Then, he had a vivid recollection of his mother’s face—not Sitana, but his true Mother. Usually strict and indifferent, but still overflowing with love and devotion. Even his Sister’s obsessive care and attention…

I’ve come a long way…

Cian was feeling a bit awkward from being able to enjoy the night breeze at ease.

When did I become so melancholic? And I here I thought I would never miss that kind of life.

Cian wondered if it was because he had been passing through the sections without a break. To him, having this kind of peaceful time was like a square peg in a round hole. He hadn’t had a good rest ever since entering the Black Lands. He had been rolling over the ground, stabbing monsters, and running all over the place. The only sleep he’d had were mere quick naps to recover from fatigue.

But when he sat back and looked back, he realized how intensely he had lived his life in his pursuit of thrill, and adventure. It felt as if he had entered the Black Lands just yesterday And now that he was relaxing, he felt a little bit tired. Though not physically tired, mental fatigue seemed to have piled up considerably. However, he tried to not let his guard down. His senses were relentlessly scanning through the area in great detail. He dismissed all the distracting thoughts from his head.

*Rustle*

He watched the serene night sky and enjoyed the night breeze.

This alone seemed to relieve his mental fatigue and pressure that had been building up till now.

‘This reminds me of the sky in Afghanistan.’

The place where he had lived a few years of his life as a mercenary.

That time was also like this…

“….”

Cian thought he was becoming needlessly sentimental as the night wore on. He was trying to get rid of all the idle thoughts from his head. He couldn’t believe he had so many miscellaneous thoughts. But to his surprise, ‘Is it because of this smell of blood?’ His mind was now clearer than ever.

Just like the sky after heavy rain. it’s making him feel heavy deep inside. Worse, it’s making him think about useless things. Though, I guess it’s time to end this farce…

As Cian stood up, at this moment, he suddenly heard a rustling noise. When he turned towards the source, he saw Asceius coming out from his tent. His eyes shown through his wild hair still looked very sleepy. He even gave a big yawn.

“Why did you get up? You still have some time before your turn.”

Cian said with a faint smile.

“How can I sleep if it’s so noisy around here?”

A chuckle slipped out of Cian’s mouth. Noise? Truthfully, contrary to his statement, their surroundings were rather too calm, and quiet. There are no cries of the bugs, nor the whistle of the wind. Not even the sound of insects could be heard, nor the rustling of the leaves. Completely, there was no sound that could be heard. It’s as if someone had intentionally muted all the sound.

Asceius rubbed his sleepy eyes as he walks towards Cian. Behind him was Iris whose face displayed a very annoyed expression as well. Though, from the half-closed eyes, it can be said that she seemed to also be unable to fall asleep.

“Don’t try to pretend. How long are you going to let them be like that?” Iris muttered with a cold voice.

“I was going to get rid of them when they came closer. But there is much more careful than I thought…I’m sorry to let them wake you up.” Cian answered Iris with a grin on his face.

“Of course, they would be extra careful. It would not be weird if they did not,” Iris snorted coldly. She’s their target, so of course, there would be an extra precaution on their actions. If not, they would just be inviting death.

“It’s okay. I was getting stiff since I haven’t been moving my body lately. Might as well do some proper exercise.” Asceius shrugs his shoulders and didn’t mind it as he stood beside Cian. Then, he turned around to look at his Elder Sister. “Elder Sister. I was wondering myself.”

“Yeah?”

“How did they know you were here?”

“Does that even matter?”

Iris slowly drew her sword out of the scabbard while her eyes give off a cold glow.

“What matters is that they are enemies who are pointing their swords at us.”

As soon as she finished his words, *Pat* Her shadow suddenly disappeared.

*Spurt*

“Aaaak!”

With the sound of blood splashing, a desperate scream came out from the bush.