I clearly heard movement within the dense bushes. My senses were heightened, and I kept my stealth skill activated, holding Courtney securely in my arm. Whoever or whatever it was hadn’t noticed us, and I intended to keep it that way.
We moved cautiously, each step deliberate and silent, until I finally caught sight of the source of the disturbance. A man stood there, his skin slightly tanned and his appearance almost human, save for his pointed ears and the unnerving red glow of his eyes. There was no doubt about it—he was a Demon.
What was he doing here?
If I had to hazard a guess, he was likely a scout sent from the village of Uteska, tasked with checking on the newcomers. Though we were still hours away from the village, they had already managed to locate us. This alone was troubling, but what was more concerning was his audacity to venture so far from his home.
Clearly, they were extremely wary. For Demons to have survived so long under human disguise, they must possess a keen sense of caution. Yet this scout’s boldness seemed reckless.
I glanced toward a large, distinctive tent, standing out among the others. It was Radakel’s tent. Hadn’t he noticed the intruder yet? The Demon had impressive stealth skills, but I had expected Radakel to be more vigilant. Was he sleeping so soundly that he missed this threat?
I found myself at a crossroads. What should I do?
If I were a valiant Hero, loyal to the Empire, I would undoubtedly try to apprehend the Demon or call for help to ensure his capture. On the other hand, if I were indifferent to the Empire’s plight, I might simply let the scout go, turning a blind eye. But this option was fraught with peril—the Demons could prepare an ambush, endangering those I wanted to protect.
In the end, there was only one viable choice.
I decided to follow him.
The Demon had been observing our tents for a good five minutes, likely counting our numbers and trying to discern who we were. Once he seemed satisfied with the information he’d gathered, he turned around to leave.
I followed him silently through the forest, each step calculated to avoid detection.
This might take a while if we continue at this pace…
Suddenly, the Demon kicked off the ground, launching into a swift run.
Finally!
I sighed in relief, picking up my pace to match his. I maintained a safe distance, but my enhanced vision and acute hearing made it easy to track his movements.
[Eye of Odin]
Jagon. Level 78.
Impressive. The Demon was stronger than I initially thought. He could easily overpower most of my classmates, save for the top few. However, he was still no match for me.
I could eliminate him right here, dispose of his body in the forest, and return to my tent as if nothing had happened. But no, that wouldn’t suffice. I needed to see for myself what was transpiring and what secrets lay hidden. I didn’t entirely trust Radakel, after all.
The Demon was evidently familiar with this forest, navigating it with speed and efficiency. While I had trained extensively in the Green Forest, this terrain was different, yet I managed to keep up, maintaining a relentless pace for the next hour.
Eventually, the Demon Jagon began to slow down. Seizing the opportunity, I halted my pursuit and transitioned to a silent walk, ensuring my steps were as quiet as the whispers of the wind.
I waited for about ten minutes before resuming my pursuit, my senses on high alert. Jagon alone was level 78, which implied there could be others of similar strength nearby. While I could handle a few of them, an entire army would undoubtedly spell my end.
After roughly fifteen minutes of cautious trekking, the scent of roasted meat reached my nostrils. Moving slowly, I followed the aroma and eventually hid behind a large tree, using my stealth skill to remain unseen. Peering out, I saw a village.
It wasn’t large, but it was unmistakably a village. People moved about, children played, and the air was filled with chatter. The only distinguishing feature was their slightly pointed ears—they were all Demons.
They seemed entirely at ease, showing their true forms without bothering to disguise themselves as humans. Perhaps they had guards posted around the village to alert them of any travelers. That would make sense, given how isolated Uteska was.
As I scanned their faces, especially those of the children, I couldn’t see any significant differences between them and us. They were just living their lives, unaware of the threat looming over them.
Radakel intended to exterminate them all?
Amelia would never accept that. She would undoubtedly defend the children at the very least. But what would Radakel do in that case?
Would he kill the rest and imprison the children to appease Amelia? I could easily see him doing that, bending his actions just enough to keep her from outright rebellion.
Radakel had mentioned that these Demons had killed the previous human villagers. Given that, Amelia might have no choice but to comply in the end, as it wasn’t her world or her country that had suffered the loss.
First, I needed to verify if they had indeed killed the humans. If they were guilty, then… I wouldn’t interfere and would let Radakel ravage this village. They would be getting what they deserved.
With my stealth skill still active, I advanced cautiously, climbing and leaping over the fence. The slight noise I made caught the attention of a few villagers and a guard, but they quickly resumed their activities, seeing nothing amiss.
My objective was clear: the tallest house, which appeared to be the village chief’s residence.
I navigated through the village, dodging playing children and busy adults. Fortunately, the door to the chief’s house was open, allowing me to slip inside.
Jagon was there, ascending the stairs. I followed silently, keeping to the shadows. He stopped in front of a door and knocked.
“Enter,” came the voice of a woman.
Jagon stepped inside. I followed closely behind and saw an extraordinarily beautiful woman seated on a chair. She had long brown hair cascading down her back and striking red eyes that contrasted with her thoughtful expression. Her pointed ears were visible, and her full, sensual lips were pressed together as she pondered something.
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