Author note (Sorry it took so long for this chapter everyone. I've been going through some problems of mine own for a long time. And I've been working on a few other things in the process. I hope to get the next chapter out soon.)
Part 1
(Slash) (Impact) (Spark)
Asterius: "AH!"
A certain rival who had now found his name was now doing what he loved most of all. That being fighting. As for who he was fighting.
Lido: "You're getting better. But you still have to position your body better during the strike. Only then can you bring out your full power."
He was now sparing with the leader of the Xenos. As well as the strongest of them.
(Tail whip) (Impact) (Point)
As they fought, Asterius suddenly had his labrys knocked out of his hand by a surprise tail attack. Lido did this without turning his body, so it caught him completely off guard. He then found a scimitar about an inch away from his neck.
Lido: "But more than just think of ways you can use your own body and weapons, you have to think of ways your opponent can use theirs. If you can't do that, it's only going to be easier for you to make a fatal mistake."
As Asterius trained with his senor Xenos, he realized more and more just how far he had to go if he ever wanted to defeat the White One. Not just him, but many of the foes he's faced since his birth.
Getting overwhelmed by his fellow Black Rhinos. The blindingly clear difference between him and the Cadmus Dragon. Foolishly eating a Magic Stone right from a Flame Rock. Getting out muscled by the combined strength of 4 Vulture Hunters. Training with Pasiphae. And most of all, he was extremely lucky he managed to defeat the Eumenide.
(Grin)
Only unlike before his battle with the hornless goat, he's no longer depressed about his flaws. He now sees overcoming them as another exciting part of his journey towards the White One.
Lido: "...Heh. Glad to see you smiling instead of pouting like before. When you were knocked out, Pasiphae-san talked about you a lot. She said you always seemed depressed about the things you couldn't do."
Despite the fact Asterius's smile still scared him a bit, Lido did his best to not show it. But he meant it everything he said regardless.
Asterius: "During my fight with the Eumenide, I promised the White One I would smile no matter what! If there's something to be sad about, I'd find something to be happy about! And that I'd never again forget to enjoy a fight!"
Lido: "Wait..during your fight with the Eumenide?"
Asterius: "Yes! During the fight I found myself in the darkness only to visited by him again! After that, I found myself back on the 31st Floor fighting the Eumenide again! It's thanks to the White One motivation that I was able to win that fight!"
Lido: (...)
The Lizardman was left speechless after hearing that. Based on what he heard, he was sure Asterius was hallucinating during his fight and somehow fought in his sleep until he woke up.
Although the Black Minotaur didn't seem to understand that himself. He actually believed the White One came to him in person to take him off the battlefield to talk before putting him back. He thinks someone else motivated him when it was himself.
Lido: "Glad to hear it! Wanna go another round?!"
Asterius: "Yes!"
After picking up his weapon, the 2 went at it again.
(Slash) (Impact) (Spark) (Grass swaying)
As for their location, they were sparring on Floor 32. In other words, they were sparring in the Seeker Jungle. They were close to 1 of the open areas on that Floor, but they decided to practise in the enclosed space between the trees. Lido suggested this because he needed to learn to fight in all kinds of environment.
They decided they had time to take a break and train here. Given their Level, there wasn't much concern if they were attacked by common Monsters.
(Stab) (Impact)
As the 2 clash, Asterius quickly realized that Lido's weapons were better for enclosed spaces then his. He used a scimitar and a long sword. While neither were very good for swing around like this, they were still good for stabbing. The same couldn't be said for Asterius's Labrys.
(Slide) (Stab)
That being said, he's learned a thing from his training with Pasiphae and his fight with the Eumenide. Like using the Curve Parry to lead his foes strike right into his horns. This was good for getting a hold of the incoming blades and tossing them away.
(Jab)
But in the end, he was facing the most skilled Xenos of all. As his blade slide along the surface of Asterius's labyrs, he made sure the tip hit a horn head on rather than going between them. This easily through him off. Getting the better of him with the Curve Parry like he did the Eumenide wasn't going to be easy.
(Whack)
It also didn't help that he had 2 swords to strike with. This wasn't something Asterius has had to deal with before, and gave Lido the advantage in mid range combat. But if Asterius tried to get close, he'd be overwhelmed by a triple assault from the 2 swords and the Lizardman's tail.
Despite his strength and smarts, the Eumenide manly relied on his scent and tamed Monsters to get the better of his prey. Lido was a completely different case. Asterius understood this. He also knew Lido was holding back as they trained, just like Pasiphae did. But he was determined to push him to his limit and surpass him. So he fought back with all his might.
(Jump) (Stab) (Tail whip) (Smack)
All of a sudden Lido began hopping off the tree trunks as he continued to strike. Asterius did his best to ward off the sword attacks, blocking one and dodging another. But this still left him open to a tail strike. Not only that, but Lido was jumping from different places as he jumped around Asterius. This made it even harder to predict his moves.
(Uproot)
Asterius: (?!)
All of a sudden the ground beneath him was ripped out from under his feat. And because of this, Asterius lost his footing.
(Impact) (Smack) (Point)
He had quickly fell to the ground, and Lido once again knocked his labrys from his hand with his tail. Asterius was now with a scimitar pointed at his neck again.
Lido: "You're good for a newbie, there's no questioning that. But you still have a lot to learn. Like paying attention to your surrounds. Most notably, what surrounds your feet."
Lido sudden pointed his towards Asterius's legs. It was then he realized what happened. As he was spinning around blocking Lido's assault, the long grass got tangled around his legs. That was when he himself uprooted said grass as well as the ground he was standing on.
Asterius: "Now I get it! I didn't even think the grass was a problem since I was so strong! But weak or strong, I was going to lose! Even the grass can beat me if I'm not careful!"
While most would find this embarrassing, he once again took it as a learning opportunity. Another thing to overcome in his quest for greater strength. Another thing that proved a challenge to him on the battle field. And most importantly, another thing to train his way through on his quest to defeat the White One.
Lido: (Damn. This guy really takes everything battle related as a fun part of a game. But while he's happy about it all, at the same time he's serious about everything. While I'm proud of him for that, I'm also worried what he might do in the future. No wonder Pasiphae was worried about not coming with him.)
Ranye: "Glad to see you 2 are enjoying yourselves, but can we move on before we're attacked again?"
As they just finished that round, Ranye who was waiting in the open area near them came over. This was their current group.
After they decided to depart to Floor 35 again, they contacted Gryuu to tell him about everything. It was then that he suggested they bring someone else to replace the now departed Creticus due to him having a bad feeling. Ranye offered to do so suggesting she'd better choice being a Monster born from the Seeker Jungle.
Around the same time, Lido asked if he could bring Asterius along with his group. He said he was interested in spending time with him after all that happened. And even said he'd like to spar with him. Asterius being who he was excited beyond words to be able to do so.
Of course Pasiphae wasn't too knee on the idea of him going through the Dungeon without her. Especially after all that happened and Gryuu saying he had a bad feeling. But after both Asterius begged her, and Gryuu telling it's best he spends more time with others, she regrettably allowed it. Under the condition that their group be the one Ranye joined up with.
Because of that, Autumn left Lido's group to help out Pasiphae's. And since there was no longer 2 Level 5's in it, they couldn't afford to keep a Level 2 like Myrmex around. So she despite feeling depressed about it had to return with Let.
Pasiphae: -Lido-kun! Ranye-chan! It's me! How's Asterius-kun doing?!-
Of course even that wasn't to make her concerns go away. She's been calling them every half hour to see how their group was doing. More so Asterius. More than that, she contacts both Lido and Ranye by their occulus just in case one of them got separated from him.
Lido: "He's fine, Pasiphae-san. We were just having a little sparring match so I could show him how to fight in this environment."
Ranye: "And before you ask, AGAIN, no one's had any serious injuries. We're all perfectly fine."
And if it wasn't obvious, she kept asking the same questions every time like paranoid mother who let her child go to school for the first time. While far more justified than that given their environment, the Xenos from both parties were getting annoyed by this.
Not just them, but Ray and Gros's groups have called in to tell them that she keeps calling them to see if they've run into any trouble they should know about. Obviously to warn Lido's group for Asterius's sake. Despite the fact she should know that they'd call both groups if that was the case.
Pasiphae: -...Okay. Just call me if-
Lido: "Yes! For the 16th time, we will call you if something goes wrong, Pasiphae-san. And you have to stop calling like this. You're wasting unnecessary occulus power."
Pasiphae: -Sigh ...I know. Sorry. It's just that whole incident with the Eumenide and Gryuu-san's bad feeling! I feel like all of Mother is going to come crashing down on us!-
Ranye: "Trust me, we all feel the same, Pasiphae-san. A Eumenide attacking Xenos with tamed Monsters and a scent that leaves us intoxicated, all while Gryuu-san didn't notice. That's all hard to take in."
The 3 of them all put on a serious look as they talk about this. It was luck that they managed to survive that whole ordeal. After seeing how strong the Eumenide was fighting Asterius, it was clear that while he was Level 5, he was not stat wise on par with any of Xenos leaders. Yet he still managed to give them this much hassle because of his Scent Ability.
What they also learned from that fight was just how dangerous said scent really was. While just admitting it from his hide threw them off for a moment, him actually bleeding left Pasiphae of all people completely helpless. Meaning he wasn't using it at it full potential when the lot fought him. The reason being they learned from Asterius dream. Meaning they lucked out.
But more importantly, if he hadn't abnormally attacked and instead they were sent after him when he had grown strong enough, there no doubt it would've been the death of those sent. Gryuu who had always turned them in the right direction not only failed, but said failure was their success. It makes them all wonder what other Eumenides could await them in the future.
Asterius: "I still don't understand. I fought the Eumenide and his scent did nothing to me. Why did it affect all of who are stronger than me?"
But unlike the rest of them, Asterius doesn't seemed too concerned about all that happened. As he much as he may have matured, he's still a child. And one with an abnormally straightforward personality.
That being said, he asked a valid question. Why didn't it work on him? None of them had an answer to that. Minotaur's clearly don't have a immunity to it as shown by Pasiphae. And Gryuu confirmed Black Rhino's are extra sensitive to scents as a past Xenos was one.
Gryuu also mentioned that Minotaur/Black Rhino nature comes from the fact Xenos retain features of such if they were hybrid in their past life. It's possible he has a third Monster gene in him that allowed this. But they knew of no Monster confirmed to have such and immunity. And they saw no other Monster features when it came to him.
Lido: "We don't know. But whatever it was that allowed you to resist it, we're all just glad you won the fight in the end. And I'm sure you'll only get stronger in the future."
Asterius: "Of course I will! I'll never give up on my path toward greater strength! And I'll face any challenge that awaits me!"
Ranye: "Hey now! Don't get ahead of yourself, kid. You may have defeated the Eumenide, but you're still not strong enough to defeat every foe that presents itself. Don't go and do anything stupid, okay?"
Pasiphae: -She's right, Asterius-kun! No matter how strong you get in the future, you should never go off on your own! Remember what you promised us?!-
Asterius: "I know. I'll try to not worry anyone anymore."
Although he says this, it was promise that was hard to keep given his nature. Not to mention he also made promises to the White One and the Eumenide. But the rest of the Xenos understood this and knew they had to keep an eye on him at all time.
Lido: "Alright, Pasiphae-san. We'll see you later."
Pasiphae: -Yes. I know I've said this many times now, but be careful and get to the rondayview in on piece. All of you."
Lido's group: "Yes, Pasiphae-san."
The occulus all turned off and their group started moving onward again.
(Roar) (Slash) (Spew) (Poof)
Asterius: "Hey, Lido? I have a question for you."
Lido: "What is it?"
Asterius: "Back when Kaggen-san told me what my Stats were for the first time, I asked what everyone else's were. I was just wondering what yours were."
Lido: "Looking for what strengths others have, huh?! Just like when we first met! Well okay. Mine are as followed."
l
Strength: Top 5-H176
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Endurance: Top 5-I94
l
Dexterity: Top 5-D538
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Agility: Top 5-H188
l
Magic: Mid 5-366/500
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Abilities: Fire Breath
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Asterius: "Wow! You're a High Level 5 in everything but Magic! But you're close with that one! It's no wonder you're the strongest Xenos!"
Lido: "Heh, heh! Thanks! It's been 20 years since I was reborn as a Xenos! And I've done my best to get stronger to protect everyone! And in hopes that we all can see the sunset one day."
As he said that last part, he looked towards the ceiling with a serious face. It's this time Asterius remembered what he said his dream was. He saw the ball of light known as the sun descending from the sky. Just before he fell into the same darkness Asterius found himself in more than once.
With a beautiful sight being the last thing he saw before that, and with it being something you can't find through out the Floors of their Mother. Asterius himself understood very much what it's like to seek the only light in the dark. While not as painful a desire as Pasiphae's, it's hard to imagine how strong his longing must've gotten over 20 years.
(Roar) (Slash) (Spew) (Poof)
Asterius: "Ranye, what about you?"
Ranye: "If you must know, my Stats are-
l
Strength: Top 4-F352
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Endurance: Top 4-F331
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Dexterity: Top 4-B740
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Agility: Top 4-B725
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Magic: Top 4-I12
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Abilities: Silk Shooting, and Acid
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Asterius: "That's good to know. But I was wondering what your dream as a Xenos was."
Lido & Ranye: (?!)
His 2 seniors was surprised he asked such a question. He never had showed any interest outside of combat before. While he did listen with interest to their stories before, it was only because he was trying to understand himself.
But ever since his fight with the Eumenide, he's changed a lot. While he's just as lustful for combat as before, he's not longer the lost child who only knew how to seek strength and mope over his short comings. And they were both proud of that.
Ranye: (...)
Even so, Ranye wasn't too thrilled to talk about her dream it would seem.
Ranye: "...Why do you want to know?"
Asterius: "Why? Well when I heard Lido talking about the sunset, I remembered all Xenos have a dream of their past life. I know his, Ray's, Gryuu's, and Pasiphae-san's. But I don't know anyone else's. So I though I'd ask you."
Ranye: "I'm not asking why you thought of the question, I'm asking why are you interested in knowing?"
Asterius: "The White One told me life is a story. And that all it's characters should be known. So I'm asking because I don't know you."
They were once again surprised by him. He sounded so mature and wise saying all that. Of course this didn't make it any easier for Ranye to talk about it.
(Roar) (Slash) (Spew) (Poof)
Asterius: "Well? You do have a dream, right?"
Ranye: (...)
Lido: "I think you should stop asking, Asterius. While it's good you're taking an interest in others for more than how they can fight, there are something others don't like to talk about."
Asterius: "What? Why?"
Lido: "Was Pasiphae-san happy when she talked about her past live?"
When he said that, Asterius quickly realized what he meant. Myrmex and Banco warned him to not talk to her about her children as would only bring her pain. And sure, enough, when he did, she started crying. Asterius realized that Ranye must have a pain that haunts her from her past life, too.
Lido: "Forget about it for now. We have work to do. Let's continue our way to the rendezvous and talk about this another time. Okay?"
Asterius: "...Okay."
Not wanting to bring up hurtful memories, he let it go. Thus the 3 Xenos moved on.
Part 2
The 3 Xenos continued to make their way down deeper and deeper into the Dungeon. Passing Floor 32 and had just left Floor 33.
(Wind Blowing)
As they make their down the stairs to the next Floor, they start to hear the wind blowing. They even start to hear something else in the wind as it blows. Not to mention it was getting hotter with each step they took.
Lido: "We're finally here!"
After all they went through to get here, they were all excited to finally be here. Not that anyone would blame them given what happened with the Eumenide.
(Shine)
As they walked further down they eventually saw a bright light. It got brighter and brighter as they made their way. It wasn't until they exited the tunnel that the light settled down and they saw where they were. They had all once again set foot in the Cycle Desert.
What separated this Floor from others was that it had wide open space rather then tunnels. At first glance, one would think they had left the Dungeon as it looked like a ligament desert.
Its open space wasn't like the Water City, but rather like a Safe Zone. It had wide open field of sandy ground. Both flat grounded and hilly areas alike. Both of which are where Monsters both spawn from and hide in to get the drop on their pray.
Like all the know Safe Zones, it had giant crystals hanging from ceiling that light the way. Only these lights didn't shine like the sun, they burned like it. For these crystals were know as scorch crystals. Crystals that a emanated both light and heat. In fact they were so hot that someone below Level 3 touched them, they would surely lose some skin. These mixed with the sandy terrain which reflected both the light and heat made for a scorcher.
Of course like the crystals lighting Safe Zones, they turned on and off periodically. So the heat only lasted until nightfall. But that's when things take complete turn. Because when the heat goes away, the cold comes to play.
The reason for this because while the sand reflecting the light keeps the place hot, it also keeps the sand cold. Just stepping on it was cold enough, but along with the scorch crystals existed wind crystals. Crystals that admitted small gusts of wind across the area. That mixed with the cold sand made for some freezing air.
This was what made the Cycle Desert what it was. Most Adventures who get this far tend to bring Salamander wool or at least try to get through before the cycle change. Both to avoid adapting to the change in temperature and the change in Monsters who are of course built for the environment presented.
If all this wasn't bad enough, one has to endure this the whole way through the Cycle Desert. Because unlike other Floors which had stairways leading the next, these ones had hills. Once you walk to the end of one these Floors, a hill awaits you to make your way to the next.
These hill are the only separating the 3 Floors from each other. This means there's no stairway tunnel to shelter from what is considered the harshest environmental in the after Floor 59.
This Region was know as the easiest place or Adventurers to die do to non-Monster circumstances. Having to consistently endure the heat or cold while making your way through 3 big Floors, so many have collapsed from exhaustion. Much less when they have to endure fighting off the Monsters who are unaffected by such. Monster that hide in the sand, dig under ground, and flying ones who use the bright light or lack there of as cover as they swoop down to attack.
Ranye: "As a Monster born for the Jungle, I have to say I hate this place most of all. Not just for it's environment, but it's lack of places to web to as well as the wind which plays against my webs. Maybe it would've been better to of had Let go with you instead. He certainly would've been more useful than me."
Lido: "It would've taken us even longer to get here with Pasiphae calling more because of it. Besides, getting used to fighting outside your environment is a good thing. It just might save your life one day. That might be what this Floor is for."
Asterius: "What do you mean?"
Lido: "Gryuu thinks having to fight through this harsh environment is Mother's way of training one for the Deeper Floors that follow. Having to train fighting Monsters in a place like this where everything's against you would certainly play a good role in toughing you up for the endless Monsters down there. Another theory is that it might be means to punish intruders. As the Jungle before this is an apposing environment to this one, as mentioned just now by Ranye. Of course no one knows if which one is true or if either is. they're just theories."
Asterius wasn't sure which of those theories were true. In fact it was possible neither of them were and this was just what their Mother did on a whim. Nevertheless, he knew their Mother had challenges waiting for them the further down they went. And that was all that mattered to him.
Ranye: "Regardless of the reason, we've got work to do. Let's find Pasiphae and the others and get this job done."
Asterius: "Speaking of which, I never asked. Why are we here?"
Ranye: "What? Pasiphae-san didn't even tell you why?"
Asterius: "Not that I can remember. We manly just talked about how to fight and what my name should be."
When the young Xenos said that, not just Ranye, but even Lido gave him a weird look. He wasn't sure why they were giving him that look, but it made him feel awkward all regardless.
Lido: "We'll tell you later. Right now let's just join up with the others."
With that said, the trio made their way to the Hidden Village.
Pasiphae: -Lido-kun! Ranye-chan! How is-
Lido, Ranye, Asterius: "HE'S/I'M FINE!"
Pasiphae: -I was just-
Lido, Ranye, Asterius: "CHECKING IN ON US! WE KNOW!"
The 3 couldn't wait to regroup so she'd stop asking. Actually, everyone from both sides with the exception of Pasiphae couldn't wait for it to end. Asterius's group was now the only one left to meet at the Hidden Village. Ray and Gros's groups all met up with Pasiphae's there.
Lido: "We're almost there, Pasiphae-san. We just made it to the Floor. So just had to make about a half mile distance and they'd all be together."
Asterius: "Wh-
Ranye: "Hiss!"
Suddenly the young Arachne Xenos made a small hissing noise. Most Monsters wouldn't be able to hear it, but a Level 5 like Asterius was able to and looked her way because of it.
She had her arms crossed, but she was shaking her index finger. While Asterius had a lot to learn, that meaning "no" was one of the things he had learned. Although he wasn't sure what she was saying no to.
Asterius was simply going to correct Lido by saying the Hidden Village isn't half mile away. In fact, it was only a few meters to the right of the entrance. He knew this because he had been there once before.
Lido: "Let's go."
Lido started walking, but he was walking away from where the Hidden Village was. Asterius was still confused by this. But not only was Ranye following him, Pasiphae didn't say anything against what Lido said. He scratched his head wondering what was going on.
Asterius: (I don't get it. Why are we going this way when the Hidden Village is right over there? Is there 2 of them on this Floor? No, that can't be. I would've sensed it. Then what's going on?)
The young Xenos didn't know what to make of the situation. But he trusted Lido and the others, so he followed without question.
Part 3
(Roar) (Slash) (Spew) (Poof)
The 3 Xenos continued to move through the desert without end. All while Asterius was still confused as to where they were going since he still couldn't feel another Hidden Village.
(Step)
Asterius: (?)
Suddenly, the Lizardman came to a complete stop. Ranye quickly did the same.
Asterius: "Why are we stopping?"
Ranye: "Because it's time."
Asterius: "Time? Time for what?"
Lido: "I KNOW YOU'RE THERE! I SUGGEST YOU COME OUT!"
Asterius: (?!)
The young Xenos quickly started looking around while readying his labrys. He wasn't sure what was here, but he knew Lido wouldn't shout if it wasn't serious.
Asterius: (Are we being attacked by another Eumenide?!)
This was the first thing that crossed his mind.
(Shoot) (Slash)
Asterius: (?!)
Out of nowhere an arrow was shot at Asterius. But Lido quickly took care of it.
Unknown Man: "Heh, heh, heh! So you noticed me, huh?"
As they look in the direction they came from, they see a man come out from behind one of the sand hills.
Asterius: (An Adventurer?!)
Having only ever met one in his dreams, this was his first time gazing upon the real deal. The Adventurer in question appeared to be a male Werewolf.
He brown hair and blue eyes. He wore an open coat baring his chest. He was also wearing a weird looking mask that covered only his mouth.
He had a hunting knife hanging around his neck and 2 knives one blue and another yellow at his hips. His image screamed he was a hunter of sorts. But what really stood out about him was the bow he was holding in his hand, as well as the arrow quiver.
Unknown Man: "So, when did you notice me?"
Lido: "Since Floor 32. You let your guard down during our sparing match."
Asterius: (?!)
Unknown Man: "Heh, heh. I see. I slacked off since I though you 2 were too busy killing each other to notice me."
Realizing they had been followed since Floor 32, Asterius was once again reminded of the gap between him and Lido.
Asterius: (Not only was he easily handling me, but he was able to notice a threat without being distracted, too?! Lido truly is amazing!)
He was once left in awe to the greatness he had witnessed. Despite this, he didn't lose focus of the werewolf in front of them.
Although Asterius was concerned about having been spotted by an Adventure after all he had been told, he was excited by the idea of being able to finally do battle with one. He took hold of his labrys and readied for battle with a smile on his face.
Ranye: "Whoa! Hold on!"
But before he could make a move, his Spider friend stepped in front of him holding out her arms to stop him.
(Spew)
She then shot a web line at his face and pulled him down to whisper in his ear.
Ranye: "Don't just attack him! He got a glimpse of how powerful Lido is just now, but he's not concerned about facing him plus the 2 of us. He obviously has friends hiding near by."
When she told him this, he tried looking around, but she stopped him.
Ranye: "Don't look around like that! If they know we know they're there, they'll be more prepared. Just keep your eyes on him for now, and be on your guard for more surprise attacks."
Asterius wasn't sure how she knew this. But he's come to realize how much his fellow Xenos know that he doesn't. So he did as she told him.
Unknown Man: "Oh ho! I see one of you is ready to fight. Just what are you talking about over there?"
Lido: "Before trying to intrude on their conversation, why don't you introduce yourself first."
Unknown Man: "Heh, heh, heh! Very well. My name is Belen. And since we're asking questions, just what kind of Minotaur is that one?"
Asterius: "Me? I'm a-
Ranye: "That's none of your business! Especially when you just wanna use that information to make him easier to sell!"
Asterius: (Easier to sell?)
Belen: "Heh, heh, heh! Guilty as charged. Well, a Black and hairless Minotaur will sell for a high price all the same. As will the rest of you."
With that said, the man reached for his blue knife.
(Tail whip) (Fire breath)
But faster than he could draw his knife, Lido whipped his tail so hard it caused a huge sand cloud to form. And as it was heading for Belen, he let loose his Fire Breath into it.
(Shine)
When the cloud vanished, the ground beneath it had all been turned to glass.
Belen: "Ah! Well played."
As for the Hunter, he was now sitting on the ground with newly formed glass around him. He wasn't able to get clear of the fire's range. But he managed to come out of it with only his left foot burned a bit.
Asterius: (He pretty far away, but still got burned? He can only be a Level 4 at best.)
As inexperienced as Asterius was, he still saw how weak their opponent was. What he couldn't see was why he looked and sounded so sure he could win. After all, if he see Lido and him training, he should've realized how outmatched he was.
Asterius: (I get it now. That's why Ranye said he has friends hiding. Because he was so confident despite being so weak.)
Finally realizing what she meant, he became extra ready for a sneak attack.
(Wind blowing) (Sand)
But for some reason, no one was attacking. Despite the fact Belen was injured, he had no comrades attacking. The 3 Xenos found this suspicious.
Lido: (What's going on?! I don't sense anyone near by watching us. Did we luck out and get an over confident idiot for once?)
Lido found that hard to believe. But it just doesn't appear there was anyone else here.
Belen: "I know what you all are thinking."
Lido, Ranye, & Asterius: (?!)
Belen: "You're thinking I have friends near by hiding in wait. I don't blame you for thinking that. But I really did come alone."
Lido and Ranye both look at each other with unsure looks. He didn't appear to be a brain dead idiot if he was able to realize that. But nether of them felt the presence of anyone else.
Asterius was too sure of what was going on. But he knew 2 things. Lido and Ranye were worried about something, and the Werewolf didn't stand a chance without backup.
So what was going on? Are they waiting for them to attack the Werewolf before they ambush them?
Belen: "Like I said, I came alone. Well, I had backup before you came here. But I sent them back when I realized you were heading for the desert region."
As he said that with a smile, he walked forward. Lido and Ranye raise an eyebrow as they wondered what he could be planning.
Nevertheless, they both knew he had to be lying and refused to let their guard down or get close to him until they knew what he was up to.
Ranye: (There's no way someone who could get to Level 4 could be dumb enough to think he could handle us. His friends must be waiting for us to attack.)
This was something both she and Lido agreed on. They both looked back and forth for his friends. But not even the smallest sign of hidden hunters could be felt.
But despite this, Belen walked towards them slowly along the now glassy plain. All while twirling his blue knife.
Lido: (?!)
That's when Lido in particular noticed something behind him. The sandy area where Belen was standing after the fire cleared hadn't turned to glass. The area around it did, but the place where he was standing.
Another thing worth noting was he came out of that with only a burned foot, despite the fact the flame passed him. Werewolves are know for their Agility, not their Endurance. If he was too slow to dodge it, he should obviously be too fragile to take it like that.
Belen: (Smile)
Lido: (?!)
That's when he noticed the blue knife he was twirling. He was holding that weapon when he breathed fire at him. He started to think it might be-
(Charging)
Lido & Ranye: (?!)
Asterius: "ENOUGH OF THIS! If you have friends, then have them all come out and let's fight!"
But before Lido could say anything, the young Xenos charged forward inching for a fight.
Lido: "Asterius! No!"
Belen: (Smile)
(Water)
Asterius: (?!)
The Hunter suddenly swung his blue knife around himself and a river of water was released from it all around him.
(Impact)
It hit Asterius's legs, but it didn't hurt him. The young Xenos was too strong for for such a weak attack to do damage. So pressed on to attack.
(Sinking)
Asterius: (?!)
But as he did, he noticed his feet started to sink into the sand below. He looked down and he noticed the sand had changed color, not to mention it felt very different.
(Water)
And as Belen released more and more water, all of this happened more and more.
Asterius: "Ah! What's going on?! Why is the sand absorbing me?!"
Ranye: "Don't move! It'll only make you sink more!"
Hearing this, he stopped moving immediately. But the lower half of his rib cage had already suck below.
(Spew)
Ranye quickly shot out a web line to pull him out.
Belen: "I don't think so!"
(Stab) (Zap)
Asterius & Ranye: "AH!"
Suddenly the Hunter stabbed his yellow knife into the mud. That's when something Asterius was very familiar with was admitted from it.
Asterius: (Lightning?!)
Yes. the blue knife admitted water while the yellow one admitted lightning. And it was surging through the mud to zap Asterius. Not only that, it moved through Ranye's web and did the same to her. And since Ranye's web was also conductive to lightning, she got shocked.
Lido quickly moved around the side of the new quicksand pit so he could get a clear shot at Belen. He readied his Fire Breath when-
Belen: "I wouldn't do that if I were you. You see what's coming out of the mud?"
Lido stopped his Fire Breath to look at what he meant. He saw steam coming out of the mud, just like it does from water when exposed to too much heat.
Belen: "Like fire, lightning evaporates water. But there's a big difference. When lightning does it, a gas known as Hydrogen is released."
The moment he said that, Lido immediately knew what he was getting at. While the Xenos don't have as much available to them it comes to learning, Lido knew what gas was. There are Floors within their Mother where it can be found. And it's because of that he knew that Fire and Gas doesn't mix well.
Lido: (So that's what that mask is for! It's a gas mask to help him breath!)
Belen: "I can tell by the look on your face that you get where I'm going with this. You burn me, you burn Blackie here, too."
(Water) (Zap) (Sink)
He kept releasing more water and lightning around himself, and hurt Asterius in the process. He was able to handle to damage no problem. But he was slowly sinking more and more. Soon enough he'd suffocate.
Ranye wanted to try to pull him out again. But even if she could power through the lightning, the moisture from the steam made it impossible for it to stick. Meaning she couldn't aim her webs at Belen, much less pull a 2 meter tall Bull out of sinking sand.
Belen: "You get it now?! This is why I came alone! Using these 2 Magic Swords like this in a sandy plain
Asterius: (There's no way in Hell I'm going out like this! The White One would never forgive me!)
(Inhale) (Howl)
Belen & Ranye: "AH"
Asterius let loose the strongest Howl he could unleash. In doing so, everyone near by who was below Level 5 felt a very unpleasant feeling surge through their bodies.
Ranye who experienced it before manged to shrug it off. But Belen who hasn't and is closer to him quickly fell.
(Sink)
Asterius: (?!)
Unfortunately, the Howl also caused his hide to shake a lot. So it made him sink faster.
Lido: "ASTERIUS!"
This was the last thing the young Xenos heard before his head quickly fell below the sand. Now unable to breath or get loose, he was not helpless.
(Gust)
Lido & Ranye: : (?!)
All of a sudden there a gust of wind that blew the gas coming out of the quicksand.
(Flapping)
And as Lido and Ranye looked up, they noticed the source of that gust was from a flying Monster. One that quickly flew down to where Asterius had just sank.
(Impact) (Wrap)
Asterius: (?!)
The sinking Xenos suddenly felt something wrap around his arm. It felt like a tail. One that quickly pulled him up out of the quicksand.
(Breath) (Shine)
He quickly took in a deep breath as his eyes met with an ever bright light. And his vision started to clear, he saw who it was just saved him.
Asterius: "Gros?"
That's right. It was the Gargoyle he didn't quite see eye to eye with.
(Spew)
At the same time Ranye shot out a web to help him, since the all the moist was gone now.
Part 4
Pasiphae: "You see?! This is why I worry so much! You're magnet for trouble and can't be left alone!"
Pasiphae and the others showed up not long after Gros and wouldn't stop hugging Asterius. And he couldn't get loose from her, whether it was her Strength or his inability to deny her.
Gros: "Anyways, sorry we didn't show up sooner. We were waiting at the entrance from all the Hunters to come out. When it was just the one who came out, we waited for the rest and let him pass."
Ray: "He was clearly a Level 4 at best. So we thought you could handle him without us while we waited for the others we were sure he came with. Both these plans ended up failing."
Yuno: "When we heard you guys were in trouble over occulus, we rushed to help you."
Lido: "I see. In the end, us underestimating our foe because he was a lower Level almost cost us a life. Or more possibly."
One can never be too sure on the battle field. This was a lesson all the Xenos learned early on in their lives. But at the same time, it was one they overlooked at times like this.
Asterius: "Hold on a moment. Would someone please tell me what's going on? First Lido said the Hidden Village was half a mile away, and now you were all watching the entrance?"
Pasiphae: "Sorry for not telling you, Asterius. We expect a lot of them, so we were trying to lour them out. That's why Lido said we were so far away. He was trying to make them feel safe before telling them to come out."
Asterius: "Oh...So then Ranye was telling me to be quite was because-
Ranye: "I didn't want you to give away that it was a trap."
Once again, Asterius learned that he was odd one amongst the Xenos when it came to understanding strategy. On top of that, he made the mistake of Howling when movement meant sinking back there. But his greatest mistake was rushing his opponent head on thinking he was no threat on his own.
Asterius: (I more than anyone should know that pure power alone doesn't mean you'll win. The White One's not the only one I should assume is capable of this. If I can't realize that, I'll never beat him.)
But in the end, he simply took it as another lesson on his path to become stronger.
Gros: "All that aside, I think we have a certain someone we need to question."
Saying this, they all looked at a certain someone. And that someone in question was tied up using Ranye's webbing.
Belen: "What are you ugly fuckers looking at?"
Laura: "You're not exactly pretty yourself."
Belen: "Why's that? Is it because I'm not covered in my old blood? Or perhaps my head would be more attractive if it wasn't attached to my body. Sorry for not appealing to the desires of you Monster."
(Tail whip) (Sand)
Belen: "AH!"
Pasiphae: "Gros-kun!"
Gros: "I'm not planning to be gentle with this scum!"
(Grab)
Gros: "Now tell us where the rest of you are! And what you've done with our kind!"
Asterius: "The rest of our kind?"
While most of them seemed to know the people this Hunter came from, Asterius was once against the odd one out. But what really raised a question for him was hearing something about their kind.
Belen: "What we do with our property is none of your business."
When he said that with a big smile, the already great expression of rage on Gros's face only grew stronger.
Gros: "Ranye!"
Ranye: "Gladly!"
(Spew) (Burn)
Belen: "AHHH!"
Pasiphae: "No! Stop!"
Pasiphae quickly pulled the 2 of them away from the Hunter as he rolled around in pain. That pain being to poison Ranye spewed on the left half of his face.
Lido: "What do you 2 think you're doing?!"
Gros: "This bastard and his friends have done nothing but hunt us down! If we don't find out where they're hiding out, we're all going to die!"
Ray: "That doesn't mean you have to resort to that!"
Gros: "Scum like him aren't going to listen by being nice! If we want answers, we need to beat it out of him!"
(Tail whip)
Belen: "AH!"
Gros: "Now spit it out! Where have you taken our friends?!"
(Spit)
Belen immediately spat blood at Gros's chest.
Belen: "I already told you. What we do with our property is none of your business! HAHAHAH!"
(Grab)
Gros grabbed Belen by his head and held him up high.
Gros: "Do have a death wish?! You can either show us where they are, or I'm showing you the way to Hell!"
Asterius: (...)
As the black Bull watched this, he found himself both confused and concerned.
In his mind, he thought Gros and the others hated Adventures because they treated us like any common Monster. Reasons like that are also why they told him they needed to destroy the Eumenides because of the things they do.
But as he watched this, he thought "Isn't this what common Monsters and Eumenides do?"
Asterius: (Gros was not only attacking him, but he desired his pain. How was that any different from what the Sigbin Eumenide wanted to do? He wanted to make those around him suffer for what happened to him.)
These thoughts raced through his mind as he watched.
(Grab)
In that moment, Pasiphae snatched Belen from Gros.
Gros: "What are you doing, Pasiphae-san?!"
Pasiphae: "Enough! We are not filling a newborns head with your hate!"
Asterius realized she was talking about him. All while the Gros and Pasiphae gave each other dirty looks. But she ignored him and focused on Belen.
Pasiphae: "Listen. We're not blood thirsty beast like our simple minded brotheren. We can talk things out. Simply tell us where you've been taking our friends and no harm will come to you."
Belen: "Heh. Like believe for a second that you'll actually let me live. Even if you did, are leader would make me suffer like none of you could for daring to betray him."
Pasiphae: "All the more reason for for you to tell us. While most don't know about us, we do have friends on the surface. We'll be turning you in after this one way or the other."
Belen: "Then what the hell do I get out of telling shit?"
Pasiphae: "Because if your leader ever finds out you've been captured, he'll come for you and you'll have no means to run. If you allow us attack before that, you'll have a chance."
As Asterius watches this, he finds Pasiphae as amazing as ever. Whether it's a Xenos new or old or even an enemy, she find away to be reasonable. And she gives a valid reason for why they should listen.
Belen: "...Heh...Heh...HAHAHAHA!"
Asterius: (?!)
The Hunter was now laughing uncontrollably out of the blue. And the young Xenos couldn't understand why.
Belen: "HAHAHAHA! ...Heh. You're good actress. Acting all sweet to me before, only to try to use that sweetness to mask your threat."
Asterius: "What are you talking about? Pasiphae-san didn't threaten you. She never does."
Belen: "I'm guessing you're the newborn she was talking about? Oh to be young and naive."
Asterius: "What do you mean?"
Belen: "She just told me they're going to lock me up so I can wait for an even worst later. This kindness thing of hers is all an act to make you fail to notice her twisted intent."
Asterius: "..N...No! That's not true. You have no idea how kind she is."
Belen: "Then what other reason is there for what she just did."
Asterius looks to Pasiphae for answers. But she just holds her out to tell him to be calm.
Pasiphae: "I can see why you think that. But while I'm against unnecessary bloodshed, I can't let you walk around freely after the things you've done. I only wish for you to cooperate so we can all avoid any pleasantries."
Belen: "Likely story. Your friends tried to plea kindness, too. Didn't do them any good either when we did what we did."
Asterius: (?!)
Belen: "Here's a true story for you. As you already know, we sold those of your we captured. But not before having some...fun with them!"
All Xenos: (?!)
Belen: "Heh, I'll leave it to your imagination what we did to them! But I tell you this much! Our leader gets pleasure out the most horrifying things being done to you Monsters! Especially when you show emotion like you're doing now! HAHAHAHA!"
(Stab) (Gush) (Tear)
Most of the Xenos: (?!)
In that instance, Gros grabbed the man by his head and shoved his claws right through his stomach. He then gripped his insides with both hands and tore him open.
Belen was now on the ground to both Gros's left and right. Half of him one place and the other half the other.
Belen: "Cough! ..Cough..Breathing!"
But despite this, he was still alive. A Level 3's body alone has the ability to survive being torn in half for a time, much less a Level 4.
Belen: "Heh..Cough...Heh! See. This is the way you lot are meant to be. Tearing us actual people apart and-
(Stomp) (Gush)
Before he could even finish, Gros stomped on his chest full force. Breaking his ribs and causing another load blood burst out his tear, along with some organs.
At that moment, Belen didn't even make a peep. His arms and head just fell to the ground while he kept the same sadistic smile on his face.
Lido: "Gros...What have you done?"
Gros: "I did us and quite frankly the world a favor. It's not like he was going to talk."
Ray: "You idiot! As Pasiphae-san already mentioned, his Familia would've been looking for him. We could've used him as bait to lour them out."
Gros: (?!)
Lido: "Once again you let your anger get the best of you. And now you've cost us something because of it."
Gros could do nothing but look down in shame to those words. In doing so he looked down at the smiling corps. Despite what happened, he couldn't help but feel his actions were undoubtedly the right thing to do.
Ranye: "Leave him alone! We don't know for sure if they were going to come for him. Maybe they knew he'd be to afraid to speak up."
Lido: "That's your excuse? Then all the same, maybe they would've come. And likewise, he may have eventually told us the truth. If neither of those things happened, then this situation would've been the same."
Ray: "The difference between the 2 is that we don't have a chance at finding anything out now."
All the Xenos started arguing as one agrees this was wrong and the other right. Well, not all of them.
Asterius: (...)
Asterius looks back and forth between everyone and the corps. He sees the same hatred that once plagued him when Creticus was killed by the Eumenide.
All this made him remember the White One's words. "If you're sad about one thing, you find another thing to be happy about!" He was planning to tell them that in hopes it would calm them down.
Pasiphae: "THAT'S ENOUGH!"
But he was beaten to the punch by another Minotaur. And as she shouted, everyone stopped arguing and looked to her.
Pasiphae: "I know some of you have hatred for the Gods children that you just can't help but express. But no matter how you look at it, this was the wrong thing to do. If you try to justify it, you're essentially saying what's become of our kin is alright."
All those who agreed with Gros's decision started looking down like he did when she said that.
Pasiphae: "That being said, what's done is done. Considering he said he did have backup before sending them back, that means more of them will be coming soon enough. Meaning we'll get another chance if we prepare. Which all the more reason we need to stay unified. So the rest of you don't try to make this worst."
Most of the Xenos: "Yes, Pasiphae-san!"
Pasiphae's words quickly ended the hatred and gave them all hope.
Asterius: (The more I get to know her, the more amazing she is. I wasn't even sure if the White One's words would work on them the same way I did on me. But we didn't need them with her words.)
With that said, they all started to head back to the Hidden Village. All but one.
Gros: (...)
Gros hasn't stopped looking down in depression at the corps of Belen since he started. But only Pasiphae and Asterius stopped when noticing this. Lido, Ray, Ranye also noticed this, but they just kept moving with the others.
Asterius: "Are you alright, Gros?"
Gros: "...What? ...Yeah, I'm fine. This whole situation was just bringing back bad memories. This piece of shit reminded me so much of HIM!"
Asterius: "Who's him?'
Gros: "I'm talking about...Never mind! It's not important."
(Flap) (Gust) (Sand)
The Gargoyle immediately flew off the moment he said that.
Asterius: "Who was he talking about?"
Pasiphae: "If I had to guess, he was talking about the man who killed the first Xenos he knew."
Asterius: (?!)
The young Xenos couldn't find the words needed to respond to that.
Pasiphae: "Let's go. But don't talk to him about that. It's a very touchy subject. And it's not a story I think you should know anyways."
Asterius nodded to her as they started following everyone back to the Hidden Village.
Part 5
(Whistling)
It was in a small room lit by a dim magic lamp. In it sat a man with his feet crossed the table as he read a book.
Unknown man: "HA! How many times did you tell yourself this garbage, old man? I bet you were repeating it to yourself during your last hour of living at least. ...No! You repeat it even now, don't you?! All of us know that!"
(Impact)
The man threw the book at the wall which then landed on the table. Truth be told, burning that book was something he dreamt of doing for years. But there was something stopping him from doing that. The very same something that got him to read it every now and then despite his hatred for it.
(Door opening slightly)
Unknown Man: "Who's there?"
Unknown Man 2: "It's me!"
Unknown Man: "Come on in."
(Door opening fully)
The man just tilted his head upwards as he looked at who came in. The one who came in was a tall bald man. He had tanned skin, a good build, and an open vest.
Unknown Man: "What is it this time, Gran?"
Gran: "We just got word from Belen's group! They were on the 28th Floor when they suddenly heard a Howl come from the lake! And a powerful one at that!"
(Quickly sitting up)
He quickly realized that could only be one thing. The White Minotaur he's been after for some time is or was on that Floor.
Unknown Man: "How many others were with her?!"
Gran: "The count was 12, the Howl being a 13th. 2 of them were Swimmers! A Stomatopod and a Mermaid, both of which could talk!"
After hearing that, the man started grin. Those 2 types of Monsters were extremely rare under ordinary conditions. He could only imagine the extra zeros they'd sell for after uttering a few words. Not to mention the extra pleasure he'll get out of them before hand.
Gran: "But I have bad news as well. Belen over heard them saying they were heading for the desert region. He thought he could handle them on his own with his Magic Swords. He sent everyone back and went on ahead alone."
Unknown Man: "Tsk. That idiot. No doubt they've probably caught him by now. But at least I know he won't talk. Luckily I didn't give him a key."
But despite this, the man thought he needed to discipline his Familia when it came to handle the Smart Monsters on their own. Because not all of them would hold their tongue in said situation.
But he was more focused on catching his prey. But at the same time he also knew the Swimmers would be quite the task to catch.
Gran: "So what's our course of action?"
Unknown Man: "Gather our top 22 in the holding room. I'll be there in a moment, just need to deal with something."
Gran: "Got it!"
(Door closed)
Unknown Man: (If we're dealing with talking Swimmers, then I know just the guy.)
He grabbed his spear and started heading in the opposite direction. The place they were in was quite peculiar to say the least. The design of the rooms and hallways were definitely abnormal. Same goes for the architecture.
(Door opening)
Although what stood out most of all was the doors. Large or small, they were all made of a rare and sturdy metal. But that wasn't what made them stand out.
(Glow) (Door opening)
His eyes glowed with D marked on their iris. This was the means for opening and closing them. His very eyes were the key to this whole facility.
He continued to use them as he moved through said facility to a certain room. It was a large room with a big pool in the center. It looked a lot like an indoor swimming pool.
(Splash) (Roar)
Only the ones using it weren't people, but Monsters. A number of different ones seen through out the Water City and other places.
(Stab) (Screaming) (Poof)
And one by one they all turned to ash as harpoons pierced right through them. In mere seconds there was nothing but ash floating about on the surface of the pool.
(Splash) (Drip) (Shake)
After that, someone jumped out of the pool and started shaking off all the water. His back was facing the man as he held a harpoon just like the ones that had struck all the Monsters. He also wore a blue wetsuit.
As for his appearance. He was about 4 feet tall. Had long brown hair with big floppy ears pointing out of it. And had a fluffy tail of the same color.
Unknown Man: "Heh, heh, heh! Having fun as usual, Pierre?!"
This was his underwater specialist. Pierre. He was a Dog Person. But given his height, a lot people wonder if he has Pallum in him. And the wetsuit he was wearing was pure Undine cloth. Perfect for underwater movement.
(Step)
He turned around to face the man, revealing his face. He had black eye which added to his menacing look. But what really looked terrifying was the fact his face was covered in scars. Claw marks, bite marks, even sting marks. Although he wasn't exactly young, he looked like he'd be handsome with out them. But that didn't make it any less horrible to look at.
Pierre: "What is it, four eyes? I have more Fish to kill, so make it quick."
Although the man in question was the leader of their Familia, Pierre didn't respect him that much. Or anyone for that matter. He was just here to kill Monsters. Specifically Swimmers. This was why he joined him in the first place, since the goal of this Familia worked for that desire. And he only helped them in getting money and materials off his hobby.
Unknown Man: "Instead of wasting your time on these small fries, why not try catching some big Fish?
Pierre: "I'm listening."
Unknown Man: "We just got word from Belen's group. They located at least 13 of the smart Monsters at the lake of the 28th. 2 of which were talking Swimmers."
(Ears twitching)
The man smirked when he noticed Pierre's reaction. He knew this would get him to do as he said without a doubt. Every time they've caught sight of a talking Swimmer, he was their man for the job. He's been doing it for them for the last 8 years.
Pierre: "What were the 2 in question?"
Unknown Man: "A Mermaid and a Stomatopod."
Pierre: (?!)
At that moment, the little Dog Man's eyes burned with an intensity like nothing he had shown the man before. After that, he put on a creepy smile as his eyes kept that intensity.
Unknown Man: "Glad to see you're on board. But make sure you don't rough them up too much. Remember, you can only have them as your playthings until we find buyers. Given how rare they are, it shouldn't take-
Pierre: "HE'S MINE!"
Unknown Man: (?!)
Pierre: "Do whatever you want with the Mermaid, but the Stomatopod is all mine! Do you hear me?! I'll flood this this whole God forsaken labyrinthine if you dare try to take him from me!"
He didn't know how to react to Pierre's outburst at first.
Unknown Man: "I didn't even say if it was a he or not. None of us really understand Monster genders like you do. So Belen and the others wouldn't-
Pierre: "He's male! I can assure you of that! And when I get my hands on him, I'll make sure the hands of death keep to themselves for as long as I possibly can!"
As he looked into Pierre's eyes, he quickly saw a familiar look in them. It was the same look he saw in his own just about every time he looked in the mirror. It was the look of someone who sought the suffering of others as his means of payback for his own misfortunes.
The fact he was sure it was a male suggested he's met him before. And he clearly had a bone to pick with him. That's all he needed to see to know he should let him do as he pleased.
Unknown Man: "If that's what you want, be my guest. I can take pleasure in that. Just make sure you get the Mermaid back here in one piece and continue to do your part here. Understood?"
Pierre: "Yeah, yeah! That being said, what other talking Monsters were there in the group?!"
This was another thing Pierre did when he hears a group of the smart Monsters had been spotted. Even though he never helps out with the Non-Swimmers, he always asks what all the others are. And than after hearing what they were, he holds no interest in them.
Unknown Man: "I was only told the number and that a powerful Howl was heard from the same location. So minus the white Minotaur and the 2 Swimmers, there are 10 10 other Non-Swimmers."
Pierre: "Tsk! Just tell what types you bring in! And make sure you don't kill any of them either!"
Unknown Man: "Like I need you to tell me that."
And with all that said, they prepared to attack a certain heard of Monsters.
(To Be Continued)