Chapter 155

Chapter 156: Double the Fun (Four Updates Begging for Subscriptions!)

Drip… drip… the drenched body trailed water.

In sync with the dripping water, every step cracked the crystal floor. The thing showed no restraint in its irritation as it moved forward in a corner of the labyrinth.

She escaped!

How could she have escaped?!

After waiting so long for the perfect opportunity when they were all gone!

The thing advanced through the crystal maze corridors for a while, then destroyed another crystal pillar, slipping into a hidden nest within the labyrinth—a small cave.

As a being unlike other monsters, it had an exceptionally clear understanding of its own role.

It started as a weakling but refused to be driven by instinct.

It always prioritized the wisdom that had saved it, and doing so proved correct.

As a “hunter,” it devoured its kin without uttering a word, rampaging through the labyrinth like a silent mother figure.

When it realized, it had already become a taker and learned how to hunt at the right moments.

At some point, it began to take pride in its “hunter” skills.

One day, it noticed something strange about some of its kin.

They were heretics who betrayed their own kind.

Overwhelmed by intense disgust and burning anger, it almost acted on impulse several times, but the whispers of wisdom overpowered its emotions.

Those heretics banded together; it couldn’t defeat them alone. It needed the power to win single-handedly.

To bite those “heretic” kin with its fangs, especially that tender songbird, it grew hungrier for strength and devised plans.

First step: target the “female” settled here.

Patience upon patience, waiting again and again.

Finally, it waited until everyone was gone, seizing the perfect moment.

Eagerly, the thing attempted to catch her underwater.

However, its overconfidence in its hunting skills led to misjudgment of itself and its prey’s abilities.

In water, fish reign supreme.

This female was faster than any ordinary kin.

A slight moment of carelessness, and she slipped away, turning days of waiting into wasted effort.

Next time… absolutely not like this! Not giving her a single chance!

It must employ foolproof methods; next time, it can’t let her escape.

The thing reflected on this repeatedly in its mind.

After a long while, looking at its empty nest containing only two weapons (giant crystal spear-hammers) gifted by its mother.

Should it stockpile some food here?

The thought struck it suddenly.

Whether kin or humans, anything edible—going out to hunt kin every time felt troublesome…

With the idea formed, the thing slowly picked up the two crystal spear-hammers nearby—thoughts into action!

Silently standing still, it began to move, leaving the nest, casting eerie shadows as it wandered through the crystal caverns.

Until—it heard singing.

……

The melody flowed smoothly, beautiful, and polished.

There were no lyrics, just a collection of notes, yet it was incredibly moving.

Like rising and falling tides, or the ocean caressed by a breeze under the moonlit night, it was calm and gentle.

Listening closely to the tune hummed by the mermaid, Ize couldn’t help but relax.

—The voice of a mermaid is heavenly music.

That phrase might not suitably describe “mermaids” in general, but for Mary, it was spot-on.

The mermaid girl now looked slightly different compared to before.

Shells and threads made into… well, clothing. A style reminiscent of Amazonian attire adorned her, with a covering of narcissus spirit cloth draped over for modesty.

Izay had been given the narcissus spirit cloth by Riviria just before setting out, along with a layer of fire spirit cloth.

Mother Riviria had sternly told Izay not to be careless exploring the dungeon alone and to prepare well.

Since folded, they took up little space, so Izay complied, not expecting it to come in handy here.

Why did it come in handy?

That’s a very deep topic, probably requiring tens of thousands of words to explain clearly, so we’ll skip it.

“Izay, how do you find my singing? Is it pleasant?”

After a long while, having finished humming, Mary approached Izay, seeking compliments.

“Hmm, it’s very pleasant. You’re really good, Mary.”

“Hehehe~ I’m glad you like it.”

Izay smiled and gently rubbed her head, delighting the mermaid girl.

Perhaps influenced by her mood, Izay felt happy too.

But…

“Fels, lurking there for so long, aren’t you going to come out?”

Suddenly, Izay spoke towards the quiet entrance of the cavern.

It was probably around when Mary started singing.

On the mini-map Izay kept open, someone rapidly approached and stopped motionless at the cavern entrance.

Then a voyeuristic presence lingered there till now.

Carefully sensing, Izay saw a silhouette cloaked in black robes…

“Perception magic, huh? Silver Star, seems nothing escapes your notice.”

An indistinguishable gendered low voice resonated as a dark shadow gradually materialized at the cavern entrance.

It was a mysterious figure clad entirely in a black robe, the hood filled with darkness revealing nothing, hands gloved with intricate patterns showing no skin.

This person exuded an inexplicable presence, making one question: Is this even human?

Facing the enigmatic figure whose gender couldn’t be determined, Mary beside Izay lit up her eyes.

“Fels!”

“It’s been a while, Mary. Looks like you’ve been doing well recently.”

It seemed to carry a double meaning, Izay noticed the elder sage hinting at something deeper.

“I mean no other intention, merely a simple greeting…”

Whether aware of Izay’s meaningful gaze or not, Fels offered a brief explanation.

Izay awkwardly twitched the corner of his mouth.

“The more you explain, the more suspicious it gets.”

“…”

Instantly, Fels was left speechless.

You’re basically refusing to chat with us!

The first meeting between the three wasn’t exactly confrontational, nor particularly friendly—excluding Mary, of course.

Both parties accepted each other’s existence; the young lady seemed to feel double the joy, thoroughly delighted.

Primarily, the atmosphere between Izay and Fels was somewhat bizarre.

The former felt uneasy due to previously impersonating the latter to deceive an innocent girl.

While the latter, meeting for the first time, didn’t know how to initiate conversation with Izay, especially after Izay immediately revealed Fels’ identity.

Both felt a bit uncertain.

After a pause, Fels spoke first.

“Ize Alward… though I personally have much to say to you, currently, let’s deal with that thing outside first. With it around, we can’t have a proper conversation.”

“Kaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!”

As if responding to Fels’ words, an ugly, ear-piercing screech came from outside the cavern.