V3 Chapter 27

Cian could feel the emptiness that his bone left in his arm.

However, it was only for a moment as that hollow feeling slowly disappeared as if it was an illusion. Though he didn’t know if this was still because of the [Extraskeletal Manipulation] skill, it seems like the expelled bones could be instantly regenerated.

Well, if not, he would never be able to use this skill as much as he wants. And worst, it will be reduced into a useless skill or a one-kill trump card that can only be used in dire moments. After all, fighting without bones in his body would be the worst. But now, knowing that the discharge bones are instantly regenerated made him feel relieved.

Perhaps, the [Exaskeletal Manipulation] skill is one of the best skills he had obtained in this Black Land Adventures of his.

As Cian was happily enjoying his newly acquired skill, Lamia was quietly watching him from the sideline.

As I thought he is a Demon, though one from the vast world.

She had seen him transforming into one when they were fighting against the JaggerJaw. That incredible demonic power, truthfully, she cannot believe it. In fact, even she had never expected him to be a real demon.

To think even someone like her had been fooled.

Whether it was a skill or not, but Cian’s Transformation as either a Werebeast or a Demon was perfect, that any doubt would be ignored or forgotten seeing him in either form. But this also confirmed one of Lamia’s doubts.

Cian’s aura and blood didn’t seem to belong to a single race. She had always wondered why, despite being a Beastmen, his blood and Magic Power complicatedly tainted by another, or rather, another peculiar stench that certainly doesn’t belong to a mere Werebeast. It’s like a cocktail of magic power. And also, the fact that despite having God’s Blood of an Ancestor Magical Beast, his magical power is incredibly vast and denser than even that of the Humans which claimed themselves to be the descendants of Gods.

However, one must know that this amount of Magic Power for a Werebeast is almost impossible to possess. After all, Werebeasts specialized in physical strength, unlike several Demi-human Clans, including the Serpent Clan that holds the blood of the Mythical Monster Medusa, like her.

Though with the exception of the few, most Werebeasts possess magic power as well, however, unlike most magic, what they have is rather peculiar. Known as [Bloodline], or [Trait]. Magic for them is just a method to enhance their beastly characteristics and gain more power. They cannot cast magic spells, or conjure complicated magic phenomena. If Magic is a program, then the Werebeasts have a simple system- their magic power only flows through their veins to reinforce and enhance their physique.

So, having able to cast magic is something completely uncommon--though, as a Fox Clansman, it’s understandable. Since the Fox Tribe is among the few Werebeast Tribes that is blessed with magic; though, mostly inherent magic; [Illusion] and [Fire]. But this little fox can use even more.

She had witnessed him used [Darkness], as well as [Lightning]. He had even noticed using him Ice Magic not too long ago. Triple? No, perhaps, he is even one of the rarest Quadra Elemental Sorcerer. Or worse, the legendary Elemental Master that can use all attributes.

A Werebeast having such incredible talent is unheard of. Not even among the Magic Innate Demi-humans.

But if he was a Demon, a true and genuine Demon from the legends, then this amount and density of magical power are not at all that strange. It is said that Demons are only second to Dragons in terms of magical power. That’s why they are feared.

But if he is, then this is bad.

In the Black Lands, a Demon is a personification of horror. They are considered an enemy, in both the Humans and the Werebeasts. If other people know about his existence, they would do anything and everything to kill him. He would surely become the world's enemy.

Me, included.

This stupid fox…

Lamia’s expression turned ugly as she looks at Cian who was trying out his new powers. A cold gleam appeared in her eyes. Though she didn’t fear him, nor she cared about him being a demon. However, what worries her was Cian’s ability to seemly grow stronger as he fights. She had seen many pieces of evidence that prove that claim.

She had never witnessed his limits, and even if you thought you have seen the limit of his power, the next fight, he would prove you wrong. There seems to be no end to the peculiar skills he possesses. Abilities that should not even be possessed by someone like him, in the first place.

If nothing could be done now when he is still could easily be dealt with, Lamia feared that a day will come when even she would be unable to stop him. And that's what worries her.

A horrifying monster… the demon who will destroy the world.

Perhaps, he is the one that was told in the prophecy by the Oracle. One that will usher the destruction of the new world. A Demon who transcends even the Gods. And if it’s really him…

Lamia’s eyes become colder as she slowly stood up, expanding in size. In a few seconds, she had already transformed into a giant snake.

If she could devour him now, she should be able to restrain him and slowly kill him. Though it’s dangerous, his power is yet to reach her level. And because of that, he would never be able to escape from within her. If she kills him now, he would certainly not be able to retaliate.

I need to kill him now!

I can't let him live!

Though, she didn’t have anything against him and even can be considered her benefactor. But for the sake of the future-- he needs to die. For the world, for the future, she would even let go of her pride and tarnished her reputation. She can't let him live!

Cian who had finished trying out his new abilities suddenly felt something and turned around. He saw Lamia looking at him, and smiled.

“Is something wrong? Or was your meal not enough?”

“... …”

Lamia’s advancement stop.

No, rather, she couldn’t move.

True, she wanted to kill him. But for some reason, when she finally stood in front of him, she realizes she couldn’t do it.

There’s something within her that’s stopping her.

Something, even she couldn't understand or explain.

What’s happening to me?

Her body seemed to be out of her control. And then, suddenly, before she knew it, her head lowered down and started to rub against him, which the latter happily embraced as well. Though, with confusion.

“What’s this? It’s rare for you to act spoiled. Are you really hungry?”

Cian muttered in amusement, completely unaware of the Serpent's troubled mind, and conflicted emotions. He didn't know that his life is hanging by the scale, as he stood guard-less in front of her. She could swallow him whole in a blink of an eye, and breaking free within her body would be next to impossible.

But Lamia cannot do it... for the first time in her long life, she was unable to kill.

This is impossible!

Did he do something to me...?!

But still, unaware of the danger, Cian continued to smile, and stroke the large serpent's head. Then, he rubs his ring, and large corpses of different monsters and magical beasts appeared from thin air, piling up in the ground.

“Come on, have your fill. You too, Leona. Eat. We will move on after you rest…hm?”

As he was stroking Lamia's head, suddenly his attention was stolen by something strange. From the piled-up bones of the JaggerJaw, remaining after he had eaten it, that he had set aside, a small thumb-sized flame could be seen floating within it.

Normally, with this size, it could hardly be seen, but in this dark surroundings, the light it’s giving caused it to become conspicuous. It wasn’t there a while ago, he thought. He moved the pile of bones and saw the small flame closely. It fluttered in the wind, like that of a candle that seems to be blown out at any given moment.

What’s this?

He wondered as he had never seen lithe likes of it before.

Lamia and Leona walked over as well, their interest caught. Leona didn’t know, but a flash of brilliance appeared in the eyes of Lamia. It seems like she had recognized the small flame, and her eyes sparkled. The excitement she was feeling completely overshadowed the urge to kill Cian, and eventually, the idea of it disappeared inside her mind. Even she didn't know or notice the strangeness of this.

She was the cold-blooded Empress that strikes fear to the inhabitants of the Black Lands. How many had she killed before? How many lives had she taken without even batting an eyelid? Both Demi-humans and Humans have been her prey, and she killed them the moment she was given a reason to.

But now... that cold heart was cracked. And it happens without even her noticing. She stared at the faint flicker of fire and onto Cian. But the latter has still yet to move and take it. She frowned. This thing is a treasure and it will only appear once among a thousand monsters. And also, this thing will only show itself for a few minutes, before disappearing. And when it does, it will disappear forever.

He needs to take it now!

What the hell is he doing?!

Nudging his arm with her large head, Lamia pushed his arm towards the small fire.

“Are you saying you want me to take it?”

Cian asked in bewilderment. Lamia nodded hurriedly. Of course, you idiot! Hurry take it, you imbecile! That's a treasure right there! Why are you still looking at it?! Looking at the glaring eyes of Lamia, Cian seemed to see a gleam of a smile of excitement on her gaze. He furrowed her brows and stared at the small cluster of flames seemly dancing with the wind.

Just by reaching towards it, the small flame flew towards his palm as if it was attracted.

He exerted power in his right eye and look at it again, this time, using his [Night’s Eye: Magic Eye]. Though, inferior to the skill [Appraisal], his [Night’s Eye] can still see the description of most items or creatures.

Night had stored quite an extensive amount of knowledge deep inside her eye, and Cian can access it anytime he wanted. Unfortunately, because the knowledge of a God can be too much for a mortal, he cannot absorb the knowledge stored within it completely. Still, he can make use of it through this kind of action. Well, rather, perhaps, Night had made it like this because of this particular reason.

[Soul Fire (Rare)- Soul Fire of a JaggerJaw. Possess a fraction of the power of the original monster.]

Soul Fire? Cian widened his eyes in surprise. Then, suddenly he recalled what Asceius had once told him after entering the Ruins of the Gods. One of the treasures that one can obtain from this ruins- one of the most precious treasures that could only be found in this world, to the point that many people wanted and fought over it desperately- [Soul Fires].

A treasure that is left behind by any Monsters after their death. If one absorbed the soul fire, they can absorb a fraction of the monster's power, and if lucky, a skill originating from that monster. And most of these abilities are so precious that they cannot be easily compared to mere Skill Stones.

Because of the chances of obtaining skills from ancient monsters, the Ruins of Gods became extremely important to any races in the Black Lands. Though, according to him, it seems like [Soul Fires] are very rare, and difficult to obtain.

Not only less than 10% of the monster population inhabiting the ruins could leave it behind after death. Though, one can even say that only, perhaps, an ancestral-type monster mostly has it. Thus, much less finding it, killing a monster that could generate a [Soul Fire] is also a very difficult problem. Killing a Monster like that required a lot of people. But even if they succeeded, another problem would appear- who would take the Soul Fire?

Because of this problem, members of one group would end up killing each other. Skills, after all, are one factor of strength. The more you have it, the stronger you become. Thus, it is said to be a blessing, but more so a Curse.

Though, it’s not really that amazing in Cian’s opinion. Since he has his [Plunder] skill, which can function the same thing any time, anywhere he wanted, the value of this treasure was reduced significantly. But it’s not also a small thing either. It can still give skills and unique abilities, after all. And more so, the success was much higher than his skill [Plunder].