### Chapter 9: Discovery of a Strange Young Boy
==============================
“Clang clang clang!”
“Boom boom boom!”
……
Amidst the raucous sound of drums, Old Drill Wind blinked his little green bean-like eyes, watching the Little Demons from various caves howl and surge into the Evil Merman’s lair like a tide. Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind:
Could it be too easy?
No, no, no, how can I think like that?
In the end, isn’t it because I’m Old Drill Wind here?
These guys have fully realized, under my charismatic influence, that only by following the Cold Moon Great King is there hope for a bright future, so they all bowed down in worship without hesitation.
Ha! If it were Little Drill Wind, he wouldn’t even know how many times his head would get chopped off by now.
Old Drill Wind led the pack into the Evil Merman’s lair.
What was once a lavish hallway now looked like a giant junkyard. Little Demons were darting about, clutching all sorts of stolen jewels and Spirit Coins, and they smashed the massive vases standing on either side of the corridor into smithereens.
Those guards foolish enough to resist were instantly reduced to mush by the onslaught of charging Little Demons.
I have to admit, the allure of treasure is truly extraordinary.
Right now, the various caves were practically seeing red, their greed getting the better of them as they cleared out anything valuable from the Evil Merman’s lair under the principle of first come, first served.
As soon as their greedy desires for plunder couldn’t be sated anymore, some Little Demons rushed into the backyard. They heard tales that the Evil Merman’s female companions were kept there, and since females were in short supply among the Monster Race, usually taken by the Great Demons, they couldn’t let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity pass by without a thrill.
In an instant, the screams of dozens of Demonesses melded into one cacophony.
Fortunately, Red Armored Spider swiftly led a charge to squash the naughty Little Demons’ plans on the spot, painting the ground red with their bl**d.
Now, with chaos erupting, the scheming monsters dared not cast any lecherous thoughts towards the Demonesses.
Hehe, these fools who only know how to snatch gold and silver treasures!
Red Armored Spider didn’t need such trifles. All he needed to do was offer these lovely Demonesses to the Cold Moon Great King, and he’d surely earn a satisfied position.
At that moment, Old Drill Wind lounged on the Evil Merman’s throne, commanding that the steward be tied up and brought before him.
“How long has the Evil Merman been gone?”
“Over six days.”
“What’s he been up to?”
“I… I really don’t know! Spare me, Great King!”
Old Drill Wind sighed, “He must’ve heard that Cold Wind City is sending a delegation headed by your truly, Old Drill Wind, and got so scared he didn’t even dare to return to his lair.”
The steward, “…”
“Oh, come on! I’m not as unfeeling as legend claims. As long as he sincerely surrenders to Cold Wind City, how could I make things hard for him?
Tsk tsk tsk, sometimes being too famous is its own burden.”
Old Drill Wind gazed off into the distance with an air of wisdom, his indifference to fame radiating.
The steward, “…”
“Enough of your whining! I know you’re feeling gloomy and resentful after being ditched by the Evil Merman. Following a cowardly master like him really drains the fun out of life. Just work hard in Cold Wind City, and who knows? You might stand out someday.
Oh, don’t thank me!
I’m just pointing you to the right path; the rest is up to you.
Off you go! And don’t bother bringing gifts on future holidays to see me, really, I’m not that picky.”
The steward, “…”
Geez, could I get a word in here? Agh!
“Clang clang clang!”
“Boom boom boom!”
Old Drill Wind shook his head to the beat of his personal BGM while surveying the chaotic scene in the Evil Merman’s lair, suddenly feeling nostalgic for a time long gone.
Sigh, when I get back, I should suggest to the Great King that a treasure like him should be used sparingly; being too sharp can also hurt.
Look at this Evil Merman’s lair, it’s gone from mansion to ruin in the blink of an eye.
Tsk tsk tsk, truly a regretful oversight.
“Sir Angel, the Evil Merman’s lair has basically been pillaged. How shall we handle this place?”
Red Armored Spider asked respectfully.
Old Drill Wind lazily glanced at the other cave masters.
These guys look like a bunch of thrift store hunters, not even sparing the colorful carpets from the Evil Merman’s bedroom; everyone took a piece to drape over themselves like it was some sort of glamorous fashion show. A monstrous island vibe hit the air.
A bunch of naive bumpkins!
Old Drill Wind was feeling quite exhausted; being with this group sure drags down his status.
It’s a pity he couldn’t just swap their brains out but had to make do for now.
“Let’s get out of here. This angel is taking you all back to Cold Wind City to meet the Cold Moon Great King.”
“Thank you, Sir Angel!”
The Little Demons, laden with jars and bottles, exited the Evil Merman’s lair, leaving behind a scene of utter destruction.
“Boom…”
The Evil Merman’s lair was swallowed by flames.
The black smoke spread out, visible for miles around.
The fire cast a glow on Old Drill Wind’s resolute back,
At that moment, he looked like a hero from an epic movie, striding through a sea of flames toward the dawning sun.
“Clang clang clang!”
“Boom boom boom!”
“Cough cough cough!”
Old Drill Wind was stepping steadily when suddenly, a fit of violent coughing erupted from behind him.
Who the heck dares to mess up my groove?
Everyone turned around to see a shadow, completely blackened by fire, stumbling out of the blazing Evil Merman’s lair. Perhaps due to inhaling a hefty dose of smoke, they were bent over with their hands on their knees, coughing furiously.
The crowd was dumbfounded.
It wasn’t like they didn’t know the Evil Merman’s lair was practically turning into hellfire; how did this person even make it out? Aside from being soot-covered, they didn’t seem to be hurt.
Old Drill Wind frowned, “Who is this person? You just searched the Evil Merman’s lair and missed one?”
The Great Demons glanced at each other. They’d been too busy grabbing valuables to notice who or what might be hiding in the corners of the cave.
And judging by the person’s appearance, they were definitely a young human boy, not some Little Demon in the middle of transformation.
Red Armored Spider said, “The Evil Merman was naturally vicious; perhaps this person was kept in the cellar as food. If it weren’t for Sir Angel and our attack, this boy would likely have never seen the light of day again.
You’re a life-saver to him, great one.”
Red Armored Spider’s words scratched Old Drill Wind’s itch, prompting him to laugh, “Oh, it’s nothing, really, just a small act.”
“Let’s bring him back to Cold Wind City, that could be a feather in your cap, Sir Angel!”
“Give him a wash!” Old Drill Wind thought for a moment.
A water-type Great Demon immediately used magic to rinse the boy from head to toe.
As the grime washed away, Old Drill Wind studied him closely.
Not bad, not bad; he had rosy lips and pearly teeth, looking quite handsome.
Such a charming young lad, I wonder if the Cold Moon Great King will like him.
Maybe I’ll hit his sweet spot!
The more Old Drill Wind thought about it, the more pleased he became, and he immediately decided, “Alright, let’s take him back.”
“Wise choice, my lord!”
“Clang clang clang!”
“Boom boom boom!”
……
With the jubilant sound of drums, Old Drill Wind and the crew officially set off for home.
