Chapter 50

The group was finally on their way back to the tribe. Though Zarda was still unconscious, however, since this was regarded as normal, everything went better than everyone expected. They had emerged victorious and most importantly, no casualties occurred on the group. They had also managed to gather many good crafting materials, treasures and food from the Ant Hill.

As Rain was walking side by side with Lafetti, the cage that was imprisoning the Ant Queen happened to bypass them. Looking at her, his lips couldn’t help but curved in amusement. Though somewhat embarrassed as well. After all, she was quite beautiful up close. Long waist-length red hair that was swaying with the breeze. Pale face, long nose, soft-looking cheekbones that seem to be coordinating perfectly with her beauty, and her compounded eyes that looked like that of an insect, gives a different allure.

Why was she alive?

That should be your question. Well, actually when she was cornered she was about to get killed. However, she suddenly declared that if she died, the scattered Killer Ants and Antmen would be like beasts without head wreaking havoc everywhere in the Desolate Cave.

The Killer Ants might die after a year or so without a Queen, however, the Queen Ant had a unique skill planted within their mind; {Curse of Insanity} and they wouldn’t stop attacking and destroying everything they saw until they die. It would be triggered once she died.

The Lamians that were about to kill her halted and they started hesitating. Although the giant ants are not a problem, if all of them started becoming crazy and did what she said, it would surely become a problem. Drova voted for a kill, but Stagna disagreed. If what the Ant Queen said was true, it would be another headache for them—the Desolate Cave would once again be in a time of chaos. Just how many Tolants and Antmen are scattered in the Desolate Cave? A hundred is but a conservative estimate.

Lafetti started to hesitate as well. Although she was like Drova most of the time, sometimes she would also use her head. She was the very definition of a good balance between brawn and brains. When she was about to make her decision, it was this time that Rain came over and made his proposition to capture her instead of killing her. In any case, she wouldn’t be able to escape from them. And besides, the army of Giant Ants and Antmen would be a great addition to their force--is what Rain reasoned. And they immediately agreed, much to his surprise.

Rain thought they would consider his proposal for a while. But an instantaneous agreement was beyond him.

Although the Ant Queen was dissatisfied with the outcome, she was aware of her position. Hence, she couldn’t say anything and was bound by metal chains, and placed in a thick cage like a wild beast.

Well, at least she was alive.

But…was the {Curse of Insanity} real?

Rain wondered about it. There are too many skills in the world that had yet to be known, so perhaps there is. And it’s also difficult to imagine a monster, an Ant nonetheless to lie about such a thing, and even made up a name for the skill.

No matter how much they raise their intelligence, they would still be unable to be so cunning like that. Unless they become a Monster King, surely their intelligence would be much higher than that of a human. That’s what Syphy had said. Therefore, there’s a high chance of what she said is true.

When the cage of the Ant Queen passed Rain and Lafetti, suddenly the Queen Ant noticed him, and her gloomy expression from being treated like a prisoner finally regained her energy in an instant. As if she was energized. She had recognized the lone human that was being protected by the Lamians carefully.

The way they look at him, they talk and they treated him was extremely peculiar that she couldn’t help but notice them. In an instant, she immediately reaches a conclusion. And because of that, she had already heralded Rain as her one and only chance of survival.

“Hey, hey!”

She happily called out.

The moment she did, she can feel the burning gaze of those around her. And even Lafetti was sending her a death glare. Even though she already understand Rain’s standing among the Lamians, however, being subjected to such glares and threatening auras, she was still quite surprised.

Is this normal?

How can these monsters be so protective of a single mere human?

It’s too shocking and strange.

“Do you need anything?” Rain asked softly. “Though, I don't think I need to ask if you are comfortable in there or not. Nevertheless, if you need anything please do ask. I’ll try my best to carry on what you need.” he smiles amiably, causing the Ant Queen’s eyes to gleam as she met his gaze.

There was no hint of aversion or apprehension as he looks at her, catching her off-guard, and drawing her attention to his mesmerizing blue eyes.

She has some self-awareness of how strange her visage was. And even if she, as a third evolution Antmen with a blessing of God, now looked almost similar to humans, her eyes especially could make anyone feel apprehensive. She had met many humans before, and all of them stared at her with fear and disgust—she hated those eyes. When she became aware, she birthed self-awareness. And no one wanted to be the target of those disgusted expressions. Even she herself.

But this boy… he actually looks at her properly, not minding her inhuman body parts.

And he even looks at her in the eyes.

Her heart stuttered in her chest.

“Then, help me get out of here,” she asked.

Rain’s smile turned into a helpless smile. “I’m sorry, that’s something I cannot do. It’s beyond my means… however, don’t worry; I’ll try my best to keep you alive, as long as you won’t do anything unnecessary.”

“Unnecessary…?”

“Yeah, something dangerous, perhaps.” Rain nodded his head. “If that happens, your safety is out of my hands. Anyway, the Lamians are good and generous and they are not one that would easily kill a helpless girl, so you can rest assured. Perhaps, we can even be friends after this,”

“That’s too good to be true,” the Ant Queen smiled stiffly.

However, she never believed the slightest words Rain said.

After all, who didn’t know about the Lamians character and merciless nature?

Although she had not been in this place for long, she had already heard about the Lamians. They are one of the top predators that could be seen living in the Death Forest and lorded over this territory. She didn’t want to get into conflict with them, at first. However, she became too confident of her ability and the number of her army that she looks down on them.

She only heard about their prowess in battle, but never actually experience it personally. Now, she regretted it—not like there is something she could do to avoid them. After all, as long as she inhabited this place, she would, one way or another clash with them.

But who would have expected for them to be this strong…?

Especially that one last Ice-based magic spell that had annihilated almost all her guardians and elites in an instant. That attack must have been a blessing. An extremely powerful blessing of a God!

“How is a human like you in this kind of place? And why are you with the Lamians? Did they catch you, and take you away from your group?”

The Ant Queen asked curiously. Looking at Rain, she seems to be trying to see through him.

“Kyaaa!!”

However, what answered her were sharp-pointed spears from several directions. Fortunately, she managed to notice them at the right moment and safely avoided it, if not she would really become a skewered Kebab in no time at all.

“Don’t say unnecessary things or else I will kill you, you damn maggot!”

The Lamias who was guarding her cage said in a threatening manner.

“Hiiii!” The Ant Queen immediately crawled back in fear.

“Of course not,”

At this moment, Rain answered with a faint smile.

“Of course at first, I wanted to immediately escape from this place. It was when I was still alone, scared. This place is not a place I could go and wander, and playing is the last thing I could ever do in this kind of place. I had learned that in a hard way… monsters everywhere, danger in every turn. My life has surely been a roller coaster ever since I woke up in this place. I can even feel that Death is always around me." he said helplessly. "However, when I met Lafetti and the others, I think it’s not that bad to spend my days with them."

He brushed a tendril of damp hair, due to sweat, off his smooth brow and look at him with a gentle expression then said with a clear hint of laughter, “Of course, I wasn’t kidnapped or anything. I stayed with them because I wanted to…and most of all, because my heart is also here. I don’t think I would be going anywhere either,” while saying that, he grabbed Lafetti’s hand and gives it a squeeze.

Rain’s answer delighted the other Lamias to the point that almost all of them suddenly smiled, like blooming flowers in the middle of a beautiful garden. At first, they were annoyed with the Ant Queen, this Damn b*tch saying unnecessary things, what would happen if Rain had a change of mind? They really wanted to rush and burn her while being skewered by wooden stakes. But now, they seem to not mind at all.

On the other hand, the Ant Queen stared at Rain with a queer expression. Though, her expression was calm, however, her heart was not behaving that well. While Rain said those words, she finds no lie or any hint of falsehood on his expression. In fact, even his eyes were gleaming with a loving affection as if he was bewitched.

She shivered, what did these Lamians do to this boy?

Did they feed him with a love potion or something?

I thought such a thing is only a stuff of legend…

She sat inside her cage, staring at the gentle handsome human, chewing her lip and frowning.

“This isn’t right.” she thought.

Did they mess with his mind? She wondered as she looks at the group, but their expression seemed to say otherwise. Their expressions are soft and full of happiness that could rarely be seen on monsters like them. It was clear that they were affected by the human boy’s words. However, if they really did mess with his mind, they should know that all of them are words not out of heart, even if he treated them with love.

It’s just a fake love…a false reality.

But are they so shallow that they are content with such a fraud?

The entire group continued walking while feeling delighted, waving their soft-looking waists like they were on a fashion show that would surely make men who saw it arc their back in embarrassment, trying to hide something under. A warm and happy murmur and whispers washed over the group. They would then look and glance at Rain from time to time with a strange fever on their faces.

Obviously, the one who was the happiest was none other than Lafetti who held Rain’s hand extremely tight, as if afraid of letting go. She still held her poker face but if one looks closely, the corner of her lips was somehow rising in an arc.

She felt proud and sweet – that’s right. Rain loves her so much. Of course, he wouldn’t care to stay with her and that means he wouldn’t leave her…

Rain was hers, no matter what happened.

She is his world.

He would never leave her just like those relationships before hers – no, she wouldn’t let what happened to them to also happen to her. Rain can quench her thirst in this dried and dreary land. He was her paradise in this scorching hell-like place… no matter what happened, she will never let go of the water she had finally found and dreamt for a long, long time in this deserted place!

Naturally, she wasn’t the only one who had thought about that.

All those in the tribe treat Rain as some sort of treasure – a priceless treasure that no amount of gold and silver can be bought. They could kill and massacre those who wanted to steal him away from them.

It was once only Zarda’s intention and although she had already briefed them about it—still, they were skeptical before. They only treasured him because of curiosity, interest, and their instinctive desire. But now, there are also many girls who really fell for him. After being with him for a long time already, they had changed their minds.

That mission that was treated as a tribe’s duty has now become a personal mission. Their determination to keep him for themselves is completely different from the last time.

They needed a man that would accept them whatever they are and didn’t have even the smallest amount of prejudice against them, mentally, spiritually, physically – and most of all sexually!

Having Rain makes them looked like normal people, satisfying their own egos and self-satisfaction. Yeah, indeed Rain was their slave – Though a different kind of slave. They owned him and they would never let him escaped from their grasp.

If possible, they would have already jumped on him and made love to him, marking him as their own. However, Lafetti was still quite reluctant to share so they wouldn’t push her. And besides, if they showed too much eagerness, they might scare him off, so they wanted Rain to somehow get used to the tribe first. In any case, there’s no need for haste, the human boy was theirs and will always be.

“A human like you love a monster… pfft,”

The Ant Queen didn’t mean it, but she somehow has the urge to laugh upon hearing Rain’s claims. After all, she finds it impossible to happen. And perhaps he was just being bewitched without him knowing, so him speaking like it was true somehow made her want to laugh. However, upon seeing and feeling the cold icy glares directed her, she instantly paled and didn’t dare to laugh anymore.

For God’s name, these Lamians are extremely overprotective!!

The Ant Queen snarled inwardly.

“Hey,” She called out to him again.

“Hm?” Rain turned his head and patiently paid her some attention—she must have been bored in that cage.

The Ant Queen stared at Rain, “You’re good with Demi-humans, is that what you’re trying to say?” she said while smiling brightly.

“Yeah, as long as you don’t pose a threat, and be friendly. Why not,” he said with a faint smile.

His gaze wandered over her slowly with an intensity that made her heart race. With her strange compounded eyes, all of the tiny lenses reflected on one person. She stared at him, examining him and watching every movement and gesture he makes as if trying to see whether he was lying or not. However, she could not see any of it, and this perplexed her.

There was no even sign of any bewitchment either.

Were the black curls on his head as soft as they looked? Did he have trouble with his hair tangling? And as long as his eyelashes were, they probably tangled, too. The Ant Queen couldn’t help but thought as she looks at the mysterious human boy's face.

“Then, as you can see I’m not dangerous at all. I can take it that you don’t hate me as well?”

The Ant Queen asked with a mischievous smile.

“Not really,” Rain shrugged. He glanced at her with a hint of a smile. “As long as you don’t hurt them and of course, me, I don’t have any reason to hate you…”

Hate or Like... not like he was interested in her either...

The Ant Queen’s compound eyes sparkled with hope.

“Thank you. And thanks for not trying to ignore me.”

He stiffened.

“Why would I ignore you?”

“Because I am a monster?”

“Hehe, don’t worry it added a charm to your appearance. Your beautiful, and I’m not saying that as a courtesy, I mean it.”

Whoa. This human was serious trouble. Not only was he gorgeous, but he knew the right things to say to women, even if there were monsters. Double the danger. If this human was not bewitched or anything—perhaps this is the reason why he was being treasured by these Lamians?

Perhaps, the Lamians are the ones who were bewitched, instead?

“…can we be friends?” she asked, somewhat hopeful.

“Of course,” His eyes gleamed as he slowly smiled.

She gulped audibly. “Then. Since we are now friends, can you tell them to free me? I promise I won’t do anything bad again, nor would I think of doing it… please,”

The Ant Queen begged. She was quite beautiful, to begin with, though with her eyes being compounded like that, it looked strange, but the structure and features of her face were very beautiful…

However, Rain shook his head without any hesitation.

“I’m sorry,”

“Why?”

The Ant Queen was enraged. Her hope plummeted to the ground. This human is a fraud! He said they were friends, and yet he mercilessly poured cold water on her. A fake!

She was beautiful even when she was angry. Rain couldn’t help but admired the glittering compound eyes that seemed to shine in the light, and her frowning expression. Even the pert nose, slightly tilted up at the tip. Not a classical nose like most Lamians possess, but somehow he liked it. It was natural and cute. Her lips were wide, yet delicately shaped. And mounds of red hair that fluffed around her shoulders. She was a natural beauty.

Though he was not a pervert, the swaying bare flesh of globes in front of him still made his inner perversion almost going out of control. Just like the Lamians, Antmen really didn’t wear anything in their upper bodies.

“Well, even if you are sincere or not, I won’t do anything since the decision can only be made by the Tribe… though I really like to free you, believe me. However, I can’t put any decision on behalf of the tribe… I don’t own them…”

Although not as big as melons, she had pert and slightly bigger breasts than Lafetti. A derriere a man could grab on to. It would be so easy to slip his hands underneath her top and fill his palms with the sweet, soft heaviness of her breasts—wait, what am I thinking?

Rain shook his head with a wry smile. Because of the natural lewdness of the Lamians, especially Lafetti, for some reason he was becoming affected as well.

“But you can at least put a good word for me… I’m certain that they will listen to you!”

“I can try but, other than that, I wouldn’t do anything…” Rain’s amiable expression suddenly turned serious. “I don’t want to put the whole tribe in a precarious situation nor would I create a hidden danger that might hurt the people I love just for my own stupidity and naivety…”

He was naïve, he admitted that but he was not foolish enough to trust someone’s words wholeheartedly, giving the people around him an unknown danger, without thinking about it. He rather be cruel and evil than make a mistake that can harm the people he loves. Be kind as much as you want... however, if his life and his family's safety was on the formula of kindness and danger, he would surely choose a solution that can save his life and his family first…

"That's why I'm sorry…” he smiled helplessly, “I can only try to lessen their hate. Though, your life is rest-assured. I know you’re good, and not some evil creature. And I will surely not let them kill you. That, I promise,”

“… …” The Ant Queen pouted in displeasure and snorted. “I want to believe you. I’m just not sure I can.” Her eyes searched his, and Rain, on the other hand, tried to pour all his concern and admiration for her into his gaze, She didn’t look away, which is a good start.

“I hope you can understand…”

Rain wore a faint smile, but a bit apologetic.

“...fine. However, you’re awfully sure that you can save me from death,”

Rain smiled slowly. “An unfortunate by-product of my arrogance. Though, also with a bit of my trust towards the people I love.”

Her mouth curled with a reluctant smile.

“You know, if you treat me like this—it would give me a lot of trouble disliking you,”

“Give it time. You’ll come around,”

The Ant Queen suddenly laughed inside her cage, causing the other Lamians who were listening to their conversation to sneer in displeasure. However, they didn’t want to appear more evil, less it would give a bad impression to Rain.

Rain just shrugged his shoulders, the happy sound from the Ant Queen, and her casual attitude more than before had somehow filled his heart with warm tranquility.

While having such a peaceful moment, Rain and the Lamians continued walking forward on a rugged path.

But the future in front of them was not as rough and rugged as the road.

And Rain was sure of it.

… …