Chapter 27: The Azure-Scaled Ghost Snake (1)
It had been nearly three months since they entered the Demonic Realm.
Through constant training during that time, Mitchell had reached the level of a mature 4th Class, and Grant had become perfectly proficient in the Heavenly Destruction Sword and the Heavenly Destruction Formation.
[It’s a shame, truly a shame. I could have had two talents to teach the Sword of Death to.]
Kalia clicked his tongue repeatedly while watching Grant, who was training hard some distance away.
[To think he actually has no talent for handling souls.]
“Still, he’s excellent at everything else. Besides, I’m the one who needs to inherit the Sword of Death, so that’s enough, isn't it?”
[That is true, but…….]
Mitchell shook his head at Kalia’s lingering regret.
It wasn't that Mitchell didn't understand Kalia at all.
The man had founded a family just because he feared his lineage would die out for lack of successors, so how could he not feel this way?
The talent to handle souls was so rare that the once-prosperous Lunay family often went a whole generation without finding a single disciple.
Soul-type black magic was in a similar boat, though they were slightly better off because they had the shortcut of contracting with demons.
Thanks to that, they managed to keep their line going.
In any case, Mitchell was more curious about when he could learn a new martial art.
“Master, please pay some attention to me too. I think I’ve fully adapted now, so when do I learn the new technique?”
Only then did Kalia withdraw his interest from Grant and inspect Mitchell.
He spoke only after sending his energy through Mitchell’s body to examine every corner.
[Hmm, seeing as your body's energy is stable, it seems you’ve become accustomed to your current stage. I will teach you once we return to the family, so pack your things.]
Yes!
With a bright expression, Mitchell approached Grant.
“Grant, let’s head back to the family now. You can perfectly execute the Heavenly Destruction Flash and Formation now anyway.”
“Hmm…….”
“Why? You don’t want to go?”
“No, it’s not that. I just wanted to see the Nightmare Horse you mentioned.”
Come to think of it, there was the Nightmare Horse.
He had mentioned it a while ago, and Grant had shown quite a bit of interest upon hearing about it.
“I told you. It was emitting energy comparable to the Head of the Family going all out.”
“Hey, even if it’s a monster, could it really be on par with a human? It probably just has a lot of energy.”
Just as Mitchell was about to retort, Kalia let out a dry chuckle.
[Disciple, just leave him behind. He needs to learn what happens when one doesn't know their place.]
Agreeing deeply with those words, Mitchell told Grant to stay by himself if he wanted and immediately started packing.
Only then did Grant move hurriedly.
“No, I was just saying. Who said they were staying?”
“I’m telling you to stay. I trained alone, so why can't you?”
“Ugh, alright, I get it. Just wait a bit while I pack my bags.”
Once Mitchell stood up with his belongings, Grant shouldered his backpack and followed close behind.
Since they hadn't ventured too deep to prepare for any potential emergencies, they could reach the entrance in half a day.
“Ready? I’ll lead us so we don't run into monsters, so keep up.”
Of course, that was Kalia’s job.
Mitchell advanced exactly as Kalia instructed.
Kalia’s long years of experience shone brightly even across 200 years, and thanks to that, they didn't encounter a single monster during an hour of walking.
Grant, following behind Mitchell, let out a gasp of admiration.
“How do you know the way so well? It’s fascinating every time I see it.”
“It’s all right there if you look at the map.”
“Is it the same? A map doesn't show every little forest path like this.”
Over the past month, following Mitchell’s lead allowed them to avoid unnecessary contact with monsters.
He looked like a seasoned hunter.
To Grant, who knew nothing of Kalia’s existence, it couldn't help but feel mysterious.
However, Mitchell, having no intention of telling the truth, simply shrugged his shoulders.
As they were moving through the dense forest path again, Kalia suddenly shouted.
[Stop!]
But there were no words following that.
Mitchell was about to ask quietly what was wrong when Kalia gave another urgent command.
[Damn it! Go back! Go back to where the camp was. Hurry!]
Mitchell realized something was wrong from the urgency in Kalia’s voice.
Kalia was eccentric at times, but he had never spoken nonsense.
Mitchell immediately turned around and retraced his steps.
Surprised by this, Grant asked while following closely.
“What’s the sudden move?”
“We have to go back. Follow me, fast.”
Seeing Mitchell’s hardened expression, Grant must have felt something was wrong as he fell silent again.
Knowing the path was safe since they had just traveled it, Mitchell used his light-footwork at full speed and arrived back at their original camp before long.
[I don't know if you can do it, but there’s no choice. I will help you, so do exactly as I say from now on.]
Mitchell nodded.
[Bring the carcass of the Blood Wolf that attacked the camp the other day.]
He was referring to the body they had buried some distance away to prevent the rotting smell from attracting other beasts.
Mitchell went straight to the burial site and began digging.
“What on earth are you doing?”
“It’s urgent, so just dig for now.”
Grant started digging hard with a confused expression, and soon, the carcass of a Blood Wolf was revealed.
“Keep digging, and when I call you, bring the carcass over.”
“……Understood.”
Mitchell took one carcass and headed to the spot Kalia pointed out.
[Place it to the right of that pointed stone there.]
“Like this?”
