Chapter 137: Returning to the Fae Region
Currently sitting atop a throne within a majestic structure steeped in a demonic air was a fearsome demon, his eyes fixed on the flickering hologram of another demon kneeling before him.
"Milord, I've received news that three individuals associated with the White Star Radiance have been causing a stir," reported the demon within the hologram.
"Oh? That ragtag group again?" The demon lord reclined slightly, his expression disinterested. "From the urgency in your voice, I assume there's something noteworthy about them?"
"Yes, Milord. It has been confirmed that one of them is a Fanged Elf capable of using true Royal Fanged Elf bloody nature magic."
"Hmm… so a royal bloodline descendant has resurfaced? Not entirely unexpected. That can't be the only notable detail, though."
"You're right, Milord. The identities of the other two are mostly concealed due to their enchanted robes and masks. However, based on circulating descriptions, one of them may be from the Aka Boshi no Tengan clan."
At this, the demon lord's eyes narrowed.
"And the third?"
"Nothing definitive yet, Milord."
The demon lord sat in silence for a long moment, fingers tapping his throne in thought.
"Our manpower is stretched thin in these times… but if there's even a chance that the 'Key' is among them, we cannot let it slip away." His voice turned sharp. "Awaken the Silent Harrow and send them after them. Capture them if possible."
"Y-Yes, Milord! As you command!"
The hologram shimmered and vanished, leaving the demon lord alone with his brooding thoughts.
A Day Later…
Elton, Christy, and Shayleaf finally arrived at the edge of the Fae Region, deep within the Pocket World. Though sections of the terrain still retained some natural beauty, vast swaths of the land were overwhelmed by towering bloody crimson trees, each pulsing faintly with an eerie life force. The ground was thick with bloody nature magic, and a drifting, foggy miasma rolled across the forest floor—subtly poisonous to most who entered unprepared.
This region was infamous, not just for the monstrous flora and feral beasts, but for the large faction of crimson-eyed humanoid cultivators who roamed the forest with brutal intent. They were considered one of the most widespread autonomous forces in the Pocket World.
Christy and Elton both stood watchful, scanning the land ahead. Christy's brows furrowed slightly as discomforting pressure weighed down on her senses.
"Gege… the pressure in this place is insane," she muttered, the crimson glow of her Aka Boshi no Tengan eyes flaring slightly.
Elton nodded, his expression calm but alert. "Yeah… but strangely, I don't feel like this place considers me an enemy."
"I feel completely fine," said Shayleaf, surprisingly cheerful as she walked ahead, her steps lighter than they had been in days. "Actually, I haven't felt this relaxed in a long while."
"You sure you're alright, Shay?" Elton asked, casting a concerned glance her way.
"Hehehe, don't worry, Brother Elly. I'm more than alright."
Christy glanced at both of them, still clearly affected by the oppressive aura of the land. "I guess it really is your Fanged Elf blood… Maybe that's why the two of you can adapt so naturally to this area."
"Could be," Elton replied. "If not for the blood essence Master Farraleaf gave me, I'd probably feel the same as you do right now."
Before more could be said, Christy's eyes flared. She turned toward the dense thicket to their right.
"…Enemies incoming. Five o'clock direction. Looks like they're trying to be stealthy. From this point on, we should probably avoid using the flying magical vehicle."
"Agreed." Elton nodded. "Let's go on foot."
They descended quickly and Elton placed the flying magical vehicle into his magical storage bag. The group began moving under the cover of the drifting miasma and thick forest canopy, attempting to avoid direct confrontations.
But in this land… avoiding conflict was nearly impossible.