Chapter 34

In the midst of the Sea of Trees, humans and sub-humans walked together.

The tiger sub-human in front, upon witnessing this impossible scene, turned his gaze to Kam, his eyes filled with the look of a betrayer. The tiger sub-human held a double-edged sword, ready for battle, and dozens of sub-humans around him exuded a murderous aura, forming a包围圈.

"That, that... we are..."

Kam, trying to bluff, attempted to explain, his forehead drenched in cold sweat. However, before he could finish, the tiger sub-human's gaze fell upon Shia, her large eyes wide open.

"A white-haired rabbit sub-human?... You... the Helia clan mentioned in the reports... the shame of the sub-human race! You have long and continuously deceived your fellow sub-humans, not only hiding the forbidden child but now bringing humans here! Treason! There is no need to hear any more explanations! Execute them all on the spot! Everyone—!"

Do Bang!!

The moment the tiger sub-human issued the attack order, Aiichi's arm raised, and a gunshot rang out. A flash of light grazed his cheek, cutting down the tree behind him and disappearing into the depths of the Sea of Trees.

The tiger sub-human froze, a scratch appearing on his face. If he were human, his ears would have been cut off. The unprecedented explosion and the super-speed attack that left no time to react would have stunned anyone.

There, Aiichi's voice, though lacking in force, carried an unreasonable pressure. The innate magic [Intimidation] directly emitted magical power to physically pressure the opponent.

"That attack can be fired in rapid succession, dozens of times in an instant. I have already pinpointed the positions of all the sub-humans surrounding us. You are all within my kill zone."

"No... no... no incantation..."

The intense attack, without an incantation, and the ability to fire in rapid succession while knowing the positions of the enemy left the tiger sub-human stammering. To prove this, Aiichi naturally drew another Shuraku and pointed the gun at a direction. In front of it was the location of the tiger sub-human's heart and abdomen. The air on the other side of the fog was filled with agitation.

"If you kill them, it will be unforgivable. Until the promise is fulfilled, I must ensure the lives of these sub-humans... not even one can die."

In addition to the intimidation, Aiichi began to emit a killing aura. The tiger sub-human, struck by the overwhelming killing aura, broke out in a cold sweat. He also understood the implications of panicking and struggled to suppress his urge to scream.

(No way! Is this... a human? It's a complete monster!)

The tiger sub-human's inner scream matched his fear. Aiichi, as if aware, raised the Dona Shuraku and continued.

"However, if you withdraw here, I won't pursue you. If you're not my enemies, there's no reason to kill you. So, choose. Will you oppose me here and be annihilated pointlessly, or will you return home honestly?"

The tiger sub-human was certain that the moment he issued the attack order, the flash would crush him. In this situation, his chances of survival were less than one in ten thousand.

The tiger sub-human was the captain of the second security team of Fiarbergen, responsible for the security between Fiarbergen and its surrounding settlements. Protecting his fellow sub-humans from monsters and intruders was a proud duty that required considerable resolve. Therefore, even if he was certain that he and his subordinates would be annihilated, he could not make a decision lightly.

"...Before that, I have a question."

The tiger sub-human, struggling to speak, asked Aiichi. Aiichi's gaze urged him to continue.

"...What is your purpose?"

A simple question. However, depending on the answer, he was prepared to die here. This question, filled with resolve, carried the implication that if Aiichi intended to harm the sub-humans of Fiarbergen or the settlements, they would not retreat even if it meant death. The tiger sub-human's eyes were filled with this firm resolve as he glared at Aiichi.

"I want to go to the depths of the Sea of Trees, under the Great Tree."

"Under the Great Tree...? Why?"

It must be to enslave sub-humans or harm us! The tiger sub-human had always thought this. The Great Tree, though revered by sub-humans, was no longer considered particularly important. Aiichi's goal of the Great Tree left the tiger sub-human slightly confused. To sub-humans, the Great Tree was merely a scenic spot in the Sea of Trees.

"There, because there might be the true entrance to the Great Labyrinth. Our journey's purpose is to conquer the Seven Labyrinths. Helia was hired as a guide for this."

"True labyrinth? What are you talking about? This Sea of Trees itself is one of the Seven Labyrinths. Once you step in, no one except sub-humans can advance or return home; it's a natural labyrinth."

"No, that's ridiculous."

"What do you mean?"

The tiger sub-human, surprised by Aiichi's inexplicable confidence, asked in return.

"If it were a true labyrinth, the monsters here would be too weak."

"Weak?"

"Yes. The monsters in the Great Labyrinths are genuine monsters. At least, the Abyss of the Orkus Great Labyrinth is like that. And..."

"What?"

"The Great Labyrinths are actually trials left behind by the [Liberators]. Could sub-humans so easily penetrate them? That wouldn't count as a trial. So, saying the Sea of Trees itself is a Great Labyrinth is quite ridiculous."

"..."

After hearing Aiichi's words, the tiger sub-human found it hard to hide his confusion. He couldn't understand a single word of Aiichi's claims. The assertion that the monsters in the Sea of Trees were weak, the Abyss of the Orkus Great Labyrinth, the Liberators, and the trials of the labyrinths... all were terms he had never heard before. Normally, they would be dismissed as [nonsense] and ignored.

However, in this situation, there was no point for Aiichi to spout such [nonsense]. With the overwhelming advantage on Aiichi's side, there was no need for such excuses. Moreover, Aiichi's confident words were filled with a strange certainty. If he truly had no interest in sub-humans or Fiarbergen and only wanted to reach the Great Tree, it would be better to let him achieve his goal and leave quickly rather than let his subordinates die pointlessly.

The tiger sub-human instantly made this judgment. However, he couldn't let someone as astonishing as Aiichi act freely on his own. He realized that this matter had completely surpassed his handling ability. Therefore, the tiger sub-human proposed to Aiichi.

"...If you do not harm the nation or your fellow sub-humans, going to the base of the Great Tree is not a problem, in my judgment. I won't let my subordinates die pointlessly."

These words caused the surrounding sub-humans to become even more agitated. It was probably unprecedented to let human intruders go in the Sea of Trees.

"But, as the captain of the first security team, I don't have the authority to decide this on my own. We must follow the instructions of our nation. Your words might be known by some of the elders. Everyone, including you, must wait here until the order to proceed is given."

The tiger sub-human, drenched in cold sweat, spoke with a strong will in his eyes. Aiichi pondered for a moment.

From the tiger sub-human's perspective, this was the limit of his concession. Aiichi had heard that other races intruding into the Sea of Trees were executed without question. They probably wanted to execute Aiichi and his group immediately, but they had no choice. Doing so would undoubtedly result in the deaths of all his subordinates. To avoid this outcome and to prevent Aiichi, a dangerous individual, from acting freely, he proposed this reluctant solution.

Aiichi thought the tiger sub-human had made a fairly rational judgment in this situation and was slightly impressed. Weighing the pros and cons of annihilating them and advancing or risking being completely surrounded by Fiarbergen while waiting for permission to proceed, Aiichi chose the latter. The Great Tree might not be the entrance to the Great Labyrinth, and more exploration was needed. In this case, obtaining permission from Fiarbergen would be more convenient. Of course, the possibility of a hostile outcome was high, but if they didn't choose this path, it would be for the best. It wasn't a humanitarian decision; Aiichi simply found it troublesome to explore while annihilating.

"...Alright. Make sure to convey those words accurately and without distortion."

"Of course. Sam! Did you hear that! Convey every word to the elders!"

"Understood!"

After the tiger sub-human spoke, a presence faded away. Aiichi confirmed this and returned the raised Dona Shuraku to the holster on his thigh, simultaneously releasing the [Intimidation]. The air relaxed. On the other hand, the tiger sub-human, relieved, looked at Aiichi with surprise for so easily lowering his guard. The other sub-humans, thinking "Now!" entered a combat-ready state. Noticing the meaning of those gazes, Aiichi smiled fearlessly.

"Which is faster, your attack or my shot... want to test it?"

"...No. But if you make a move, we will have no choice but to act."

"I understand."

Although still surrounded, the matter was settled. Kam and the others breathed a sigh of relief. However, the gazes directed at them were even more severe and filled with considerable malice.

The heavy atmosphere lingered for a while. Tired of it, Tsuki tried to get Aiichi's attention, but someone else started to meddle. Seeing this, Shia, perhaps to ease the tension or simply unable to resist, said, "Me too~" and joined in.

Aiichi, smiling wryly, faced her, and the atmosphere lightened slightly. In the center of enemy territory, Aiichi's sudden display of affection (as the sub-humans saw it) drew surprised gazes.

About an hour passed. The increasingly bold Shia, locked in a joint lock by Tsuki, pounded the ground, shouting, "Surrender! Surrender!" The surrounding sub-humans watched with a mix of astonishment and warmth. At this moment, Aiichi sensed a rapidly approaching presence.

Tension filled the air again, and Shia's joints ached.

From the depths of the fog, several new sub-humans appeared. One elderly male, in particular, stood out. His flowing golden hair, deep blue eyes, and slender, almost ethereal figure exuded a dignified presence. Though marked with a few wrinkles, his beauty was only enhanced. His most prominent feature was his pointed, long ears. He was a Forest Person (elf).

Aiichi instantly deduced that he was the one called "elder." This deduction was correct.

"Hmm, you are the problematic human? What is your name?"

"Aiichi. Nangumo Aiichi. And you?"

Aiichi's casual tone drew angry glares from the surrounding sub-humans. However, the Forest Person raised a hand to stop them and introduced himself.

"I am Elfrik Heibest, one of the elders of Fiarbergen. I have heard your request... but before that, I would like to know where you learned about the [Liberators]."

"Hmm? At the bottom of the Abyss of the Orkus Great Labyrinth, the hermitage of one of the Liberators, Oscar Orkus."

Elfrik, interested in the term "Liberators" rather than Aiichi's goal, was surprised but hid it with a poker face. The term "Liberators" and the name "Oscar Orkus" were known only to the elders and a few close aides.

"Hmm, the bottom of the Abyss... I've never heard of such a place... Can you prove it?"

Perhaps there was a leak in the upper echelons of the sub-human race. Considering this possibility, Elfrik asked Aiichi. Aiichi looked troubled. Words alone couldn't prove it, and the only immediate proof was his strength. Just as Aiichi scratched his head, Tsuki suggested something.

"...Aiichi, what about the magic stones and Orkus' relics?"

"Ah! Right, in that case..."

Clapping his hands, Aiichi retrieved some magic stones from his [Treasure Vault] and handed them to Elfrik. They were of a quality far superior to any magic stones from surface monsters.

"These... such high-purity magic stones, I've never seen before..."

While Elfrik maintained a poker face, the tiger sub-human couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

"Also, this. At least, it's a ring that Orkus wore close to his body..."

As he spoke, he showed the ring. Elfrik's eyes widened as he saw the emblem on the ring. He slowly exhaled, as if trying to calm himself.

"I see... Indeed, you have reached the hermitage of Oscar Orkus. Although there are other concerns... Alright. For now, come to Fiarbergen. I allow you to stay there in my name. Ah, of course, Helia and the others as well."

Hearing Elfrik's words, not only the surrounding sub-humans but also Kam and the others, including Helia, were shocked. The tiger sub-human and the others loudly protested. It was natural; in the past, Fiarbergen had never invited humans.

"They must be treated as guests. They have earned this right. This is one of the rules that only those in the position of elder can enforce."

Elfrik, with a serious expression, tried to calm the surrounding sub-humans. However, this time, it was Aiichi's side that protested.

"Wait. Why are you deciding my schedule? I just have business at the Great Tree and have no interest in Fiarbergen. If there's no problem, we'll proceed to the Great Tree."

"No, sir, that is not possible."

"What?"

Is he going to obstruct us to the end? Thinking this, Aiichi prepared to fight, but Elfrik was even more confused.

"The fog around the Great Tree is abnormally thick, even sub-humans can get lost. But at certain intervals, the fog weakens, and that is when you must go to the base of the Great Tree. The next opportunity is in ten days. ...This is common knowledge among sub-humans, but..."

Elfrik looked at Aiichi with a puzzled expression, then at Kam, the guide. Hearing this, Aiichi was stunned and looked at Kam along with Elfrik. In response, Kam said...

"Ah"

Indeed, he looked like he had just remembered. A vein appeared on Aiichi's forehead.

"Kam?"

"Ah, well, you see... With all the events, I forgot... I only went there as a child and didn't have a sense of the cycle..."

Stammering, Kam began to explain, perhaps unable to bear Aiichi and Tsuki's disapproving gazes. He then turned to the other Helia clan members.

"Hey, Shia, and you too! Why didn't you tell me on the way! You know about the cycle, right!"

"Wait, Father, are you shifting the blame? I always believed in the confident Father, thinking we would arrive just in time... So, it's Father's fault!"

"That's right, we are. Though we thought, 'Hmm? That's strange?' the confident Clan Leader misled us..."

"Seems the Clan Leader was a bit reckless..."

Kam, retaliating, was met with even stronger retaliation from Shia, while the other rabbit sub-humans averted their gazes, shifting the blame.

"You, you! As a family! This, that, yes! Shared responsibility! Shared responsibility! Lord Aiichi, if you punish, please include the whole clan!"

"Ah, despicable! Father is despicable! Afraid of being punished alone, he's dragging others down!"

"Clan Leader! Don't involve us!"

"Idiot! You saw Lord Aiichi's ruthlessness on the way! I won't accept punishment alone!"

"Are you even a Clan Leader?"

Even among sub-humans, the rabbit sub-humans were known as the most [emotional] race. Now, they were loudly bickering and shifting blame. Where was the emotion? Truly, they were Shia's family. In summary, the surrounding rabbits were disappointing.

With a vein on his forehead, Aiichi only muttered one word.

"...Tsuki"

"Um"

Hearing Aiichi's words, Tsuki stepped forward, raising her right hand. The Helia clan members tensed up.

"Please, Miss Tsuki! If you must, only Father!"

"Ha ha ha! We're always together!"

"What do you mean together!"

"Lord Tsuki, please only deal with the Clan Leader!"

"It's not me, it's not me, it's the Clan Leader!"

Facing the noisy Helia clan, Tsuki smiled thinly and quietly muttered.

"[Storm Emperor]"

────Ah────!!

Rabbit ears flying high in the sky. Their screams echoed through the Sea of Trees. Despite their fellow sub-humans being attacked, the surrounding sub-humans, including Elfrik, did not show hostility but rather a stunned expression, gazing at the sky. Their expressions clearly revealed the disappointment in the Helia clan.