Chapter 461: Ghost Stories in the Ruins
Ah, adventurers, that’s how they roll.
When their goals align, it’s all drinks and giggles, but when they clash? Forget about the laughs!
Plain and simple, they band together to use each other, and in the end, it’s every person for themselves, with one question: whose punch is bigger?
But hey, Yuliya and Danny have different pursuits compared to those other adventurers, so the chances of a clash are slim.
The former is all about the ruins—their environment, structure, and symbolism.
While the latter is out there hunting for treasures.
So when Danny asked a question, Yuliya’s response was just a precaution.
Truth be told, the chances of finding anything valuable are pretty low.
If anything’s there, it’s either been nabbed ages ago or is hidden in some super secret, highly dangerous spot that demands a hefty price to claim.
If things look grim, both Danny and Yuliya would definitely opt to bail.
But if the adventurers decide to charge in and manage to pull it off? Well, they’ve risked their lives, so good for them!
Chances are, Yuliya wouldn’t even give it a second glance.
With a mutual agreement in place, Yuliya and Danny headed toward the figures they spotted.
As they got closer, Yuliya confirmed there were three of them: two Beastmen and one Human.
It was obvious they were a fresh new team.
While the relationship between Beastmen and Humans isn’t exactly best friends forever, there’s still some interaction.
Over on Inif’s side, a war had just recently ended between two major countries, but other nations had been slightly affected too.
So, Beastmen and Humans in other places could still chat it up.
In contrast, relationships among the different races at Saint Felis Academy are way more harmonious.
As Yuliya and Danny approached, the trio noticed them and turned to look.
“Hey there! Are you three headed toward that newly discovered ruin area?”
Yuliya waved and shouted enthusiastically.
After a moment of silence, the one who looked like a Tigerman replied, “Seems like everyone heading this way is. What about you two?”
He eyed Yuliya and Danny, clearly puzzled.
These two looked nothing like everyone else, dressed in a totally different style.
“We’re from Saint Felis Academy, and this is my mentor,” Yuliya said, unapologetically owning their identity.
Being from Saint Felis Academy earns you a bit of respect anywhere.
Danny stepped up for his self-introduction, “Hello! I’m a mentor from the History Academy at Saint Felis, leading my student here for some research.”
He was quite friendly. He hadn’t interacted earlier just to avoid stirring the pot, but now that they were close, it was time for a proper chat.
“Wow, a respected mentor and a brilliant student!” the Human adventurer complimented.
The other Beastman chimed in, “So, are you looking to travel with us?”
Yuliya nodded eagerly, “That’s right. We can stick together inside the ruins too. It’s a new area with lots of unknowns and dangers. With my mentor’s historical knowledge and your adventurer experience, we’ll be safer!”
The three exchanged whispers for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
“Alright, then we’ll travel together.”
After confirming their partnership, the Human adventurer spoke up, “I’m Jaine, and these are Sifann and Sinful.”
Sifann is the Tigerman—big and burly.
Sinful, on the other hand, looks like a Foxman—quick on his feet.
“I’m Danny, and this is Riya,” Danny introduced.
They had no need to hide their names—what’s the point in going out as a member of Saint Felis Academy if you don’t show your true self?
Although, Riya’s true name was a bit of a wink-wink, nudge-nudge situation.
During their journey, Yuliya burst with curiosity, chatting up the adventurers, especially Sifann and Sinful.
She chatted about everything, acting like an energetic little sister overflowing with curiosity.
In reality, she was genuinely interested in the situation among these two Beastmen races.
On this continent, the biggest Beastmen tribes are the Wolfmen, Foxmen, Snakepeople, Lionmen, Tigermen, and Leopardmen.
What a coincidence—those first three! Wolves, Foxes, and Snakes are all familiar creatures.
After being peppered with questions left and right by Yuliya, both Sifann and Sinful couldn’t help but answer a few.
“This ruin? My mentor said it was an ancient battlefield of the Wolfmen and Leopardmen. So, why aren’t they around?”
“Exactly because it’s their battlefield! You think they’d just stroll on over?”
“Eh? Why’s that?”
“For them, it’s cursed ground.”
Yuliya squinted her eyes, intrigued. “Cursed? Really?!”
“Hey!” Sifann interrupted, “Don’t go spreading baseless rumors!”
“Ahem! Yes, I just heard that nonsense,” Sinful shrugged.
They quickly switched topics like a pro.
Yuliya shrugged it off and blurted, “You guys seem to know a lot about the ruins!”
“Not really; we’re just rolling the dice on this one. But I should warn you—there’s something in this ruin you definitely don’t want to touch.”
Yuliya’s eyes widened in excitement. “What is it?”
“Chains.”
“Chains?”
Danny chimed in at just the right moment, “I’ve heard of those too. This ties into one of the religious elements I study.”
“When I visited last time, I heard rumors that someone touched a chain and went totally bonkers, screaming and running out. Then they mysteriously ended up dead in the wild.”
Sinful chuckled, “Professor seems quite knowledgeable about the ruins. Care to share something we don’t know?”
Danny glanced at Yuliya before saying, “I’m more focused on the implications of this new area. From my guess, it’s likely a site where bodies were buried to mourn the dead after the big battle.”
“There are strong feelings of resentment and decay here; it’s normal to experience mental breakdowns if you waltz in unprepared. The chains might just be the trigger. After all, chains symbolize binding souls in theology.”
“Hahaha! The professor is spot on!” Sifann laughed heartily. “With someone so professional among us, this trip should be much safer!”
The five continued to exchange info, and their rapport was noticeably better.
Before long, they arrived at a scene of ravaged land and thick clouds looming overhead.
They all took a deep breath.
The battlefield ruins had arrived.
