The beast tamer exiled from the hero’s party and the cat eared girl from the strongest race meet
Chapter 389: Approaching Catastrophe
(TL:By Rafael,valhallatls.blogspot.com)
"Ah... I'm feeling super gloomy."
Sighing to herself as she trudged across the empty plain, Lin clutched her new favorite piece of equipment, a rainbow crystal, tightly.
"I'm sorry..."
Next to her, Monica looked apologetic, keeping a respectful step behind as she followed along.
"It's just that, Lin, you helped out so recently, and now here we are, asking for your strength again."
"Honestly... and on top of that, our destination is the Northern Continent. No delicious food, no cozy bed. There’s *nothing* there."
Lin grumbled, her tone thick with frustration.
After returning from Kagune... waiting for Lin was news of yet another mission.
Apparently, an unknown but immensely powerful being had been discovered on the Northern Continent. The information came from someone keeping an eye on Shifon.
This being was incredibly dangerous, trapped in a cycle of bloodlust and destruction, making negotiation impossible. If left unchecked, it could jeopardize the fragile peace between humans and demons.
So they were asked to gather thorough intelligence. And, if possible, to eliminate this unknown entity.
After being briefed by Reez... Lin and Monica were dispatched to the Northern Continent before they even had time to rest.
"I thought I'd get a little break... Ugh, I could really go for a thick, juicy steak right now."
"I'm really sorry..."
"Well, it is what it is. It’s a bit of a pain, but... I guess I’m kind of excited too. I’ll finally get to really put this thing to use."
Lin glanced at the rainbow crystal. The look on her face was like that of a child who'd just received their favorite toy.
She thought back to the time she’d caught Iris off guard, taking down one of the most powerful of the Celestials in a single blow, even if it was a surprise attack. It was an incredible power.
With this rainbow crystal, there was nothing she couldn’t do. No matter who stood in her way, she could defeat them all.
"Heh... hehe..."
Unintentionally, Lin’s lips curled up in a smile as she reveled in the crystal’s power. She would unleash her strength to her heart's content against this so-called supreme being.
A human overpowering the most formidable of creatures—it would be thrilling. Just thinking about it made her chest throb with excitement.
But Lin was so caught up in her dark thoughts that she hadn’t noticed the faint shadow beginning to settle over the rainbow crystal. Reflecting her inner state, it was gradually darkening, turning black.
Watching her, Monica recalled a conversation she’d had with her master.
――――――――――
"An unknown supreme being... in the Northern Continent?"
In a room within a certain mansion, Monica was speaking with Reez, wearing an expression of puzzlement.
She’d never heard of such a powerful creature in the Northern Continent. However, if Reez was saying so, it was undoubtedly true. Setting aside her questions, she asked what she should do.
"What would you have me do?"
"Could you take Lin and go to the Northern Continent? There, I'd like you to gather information on this unknown supreme being."
"Is information gathering all that’s required?"
"Well... if I'm being honest, it would be ideal to collect some of its essence, as we did with Iris, or ideally, eliminate it entirely."
"Understood. I’ll do exactly as you ask."
Though she’d been tasked with something incredibly challenging, Monica agreed without hesitation.
It wasn’t that she held absolute confidence in her ability to succeed in what Reez wanted. In fact, the probability of success was low. But if it was Reez's wish, Monica would serve faithfully, moving forward as a loyal pawn.
Why would she go to such lengths? How could she carry out such a reckless task?
The answer was simple: without Reez, Monica wouldn’t be here. She would have already died.
To Monica, Reez was her savior. More than that, she held a kind of affection akin to that for a parent. Monica's belief was firm—she would do anything for Reez.
"Monica, there’s no need to overdo it."
As though sensing Monica’s thoughts, Reez spoke gently, reaching out to stroke her cheek and running a hand softly through her hair.
"Indeed, I want information on the supreme being. Ideally, I'd like to claim its power, and to ensure it won’t interfere in the future, I’d prefer to eradicate it."
"In that case, I—"
"No, it’s alright. If we lose you in the process, no amount of regret could ease the pain. So, I’d like you to keep your role to simply supporting Lin."
The expression on Reez's face was unexpectedly tender for a demon. She wasn’t speaking sweet words to manipulate Monica; her genuine concern for Monica's well-being was clear.
Reez's sincerity came through, and Monica’s face softened, a gentle expression in her eyes.
"Thank you, Lady Reez. It makes me happy to hear such words, especially as a human."
"It’s true that you're human, and I'm a demon. But, to me, Monica, you’re like a daughter."
It was Reez's undeniable truth.
"That’s why I don’t want to put you in grave danger."
"If it’s for me, then I—"
"I do care. It wouldn’t bother me if thousands, or even tens of thousands of other humans perished, but… Monica, your life means far more than that."
"Thank you."
"I appreciate that you'd give your life for my sake. If the time ever comes, I’ll accept it."
"Yes."
"But... that time is not now. There's no need to take unnecessary risks."
Monica tilted her head slightly, puzzled.
Given their mission, they couldn’t simply ignore an unknown supreme being. They had to take action before it turned into a serious threat. However, Reez was saying there was no need to push themselves.
"Is it really okay to leave it be?"
"Oh, we won’t leave it alone. We’ll either take its power or eliminate it. Although that’s the ideal, delivering a crippling blow is probably the most practical approach."
"But I’m not the one to do that...?"
"We’ll have Lin handle it."
"Lin? But, even if she holds the rainbow crystal, her abilities alone—"
"It’s fine. Monica, do you truly think that’s a rainbow crystal?"
"It’s not?"
"It looks identical, but it’s actually a completely different and troublesome item. If used correctly, Lin should be able to handle the task alone. Its true name is the Dark Crystal… a cursed weapon that absorbs malice and grows stronger."
TL Note- Here we have The Good, The Bad and The Evil......
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