The beast tamer exiled from the hero’s party and the cat eared girl from the strongest race meet

Chapter 393: Each Person's Intentions

(TL:By Rafael,valhallatls.blogspot.com)

"♪ Humming a happy tune ♪"

Lin and Monica were walking cheerfully across a plain on the Northern Continent.

Lin’s steps were light as she hummed, while Monica remained quiet.

"When I was told to go all the way to the Northern Continent, I thought, 'Ugh, really?' But... hehe, it's not so bad, I guess."

Lin’s purpose was to observe the activities of Rain and Chiffon, who were believed to have moved to the Northern Continent. They had received information that a hero candidate and the current hero had headed there. Although they hadn’t uncovered the exact reason… it was unthinkable that those two would go to an uncharted land for an ordinary reason.

Perhaps they were plotting something that would work against their own interests. That was why Reese decided to send Lin.

And, there was another reason.

To investigate a supposedly unmatched, powerful species rumored to live on the Northern Continent. If possible, they were also to seize its power… or even destroy its home.

Lin openly disliked troublesome things. For her, this mission was the epitome of hassle. If she could, she’d rather refuse and spend her time lounging in bed. Or she’d go into town to enjoy some shopping.

But, this time was different.

"I wonder if the plants and animals are really all that different? They look basically the same as what you'd see in the Central region, right?"

Lin kept walking, glancing at the plants and occasionally at the animals they passed. Her mood was clearly upbeat.

Her gaze was often directed at her right hand. To be precise, it was focused on the rainbow crystal in her grasp.

"At first, I thought going to the Northern Continent would be a pain... but now that I think about it, this is the perfect chance to test out this little one! Hehe, what kind of power will it show me?"

Lin smiled like a child given a favorite new toy. She was enchanted, almost consumed, by the power that had even defeated a Celestial.

"Just don’t push yourself too hard, okay?"

Monica, who was accompanying her, cautioned, as if trying to keep Lin grounded.

"No worries! I’ve got the rainbow crystal, after all. Oh, look—a monster!"

A massive bird-like creature, easily three times Lin’s size, appeared. It hovered in the air, flapping its wings and glaring sharply at Lin.

Lin grinned, as if a perfect experimental subject had shown up.

"Think a mere monster can look down on me, Lin? Wind Cutter!"

Lin conjured a blade of wind with her magic and sent it flying toward the creature. Though the compressed air should have been invisible… sensing the attack’s presence, the creature swerved right and dodged it.

But that was just a feint. The real attack was still to come.

"Rainbow crystal!"

As Lin raised her staff, a light glowed at its tip. At the same time, her other hand began to waver.

"Wind Cutter!"

She cast the spell again, but this time, she didn’t aim it head-on. Using the power of the rainbow crystal, she made the wind blade leap through space and explode inside the monster’s body.

Its insides shredded to pieces, the creature let out a final, agonized scream before crashing to the ground. Watching this, Lin laughed joyfully.

"Hahaha! This is amazing, absolutely incredible! Just what you’d expect from legendary gear; the power is ridiculous."

A faint darkness seeped from the rainbow crystal, wrapping itself momentarily around Lin’s arm… but it vanished before she noticed it.

"...Is it time yet?"

"Hmm? Did you say something?"

"No, nothing."

"Oh, okay… now then, time to take down more of these things, one by one!"

Unaware, and without a hint of suspicion, Lin continued on her journey across the Northern Continent.

――――――――――

"Listen closely, Finia."

"Y-Yes, ma'am!"

Once mother and daughter were alone, Elfin addressed her daughter with a serious expression. The intensity in her mother’s demeanor seemed to make Finia tense up, her back straightening stiffly.

Seeing her daughter’s reaction, Elfin looked at her curiously.

"Why are you so nervous?"

"W-Well… um…"

"Goodness. You are a very clever and strong girl, but your heart still has some maturing to do. Even if we’re discussing something important, there’s no need to be nervous when talking with me, your mother."

"Oh… I-I’m sorry…"

"It’s all right. I’m not scolding you. Even if you have areas that need improvement, we can work on them together moving forward."

"I-I’ll try my best!"

Finia, it seemed, couldn’t help but get completely nervous when talking to her mother. That was just how she was—a girl who was timid, shy, and prone to negative thinking. A bit of a handful, in other words.

"Now, about the race… you and I will be representing the Phoenix Tribe."

"E-Eh?!"

"Why are you so surprised? I told you in advance that this year, we’d be doing it this way."

"Y-Yes, b-but… with humans participating, I thought… m-maybe it would be better if I didn’t join…"

As Finia fidgeted anxiously, Elfin gently took her hand, leaned in, and spoke softly.

"This is an opportunity."

"A-An opportunity…?"

"Because of your personality, there are some in the village who question your abilities and potential."

"I-I’m sorry…"

"But what if you succeed in this event? People will start to see you in a new light."

"Really…? But… do you think I can actually do it…?"

"You can. You are my beloved daughter, and I am very proud of you."

"…Mom…"

With her mother’s kind words, Finia gave a small smile.

"And remember, the opponent is human. They’re no big deal."

"Are… are you sure? I’ve heard humans are violent, wicked, and always plotting terrible things…"

"Yes, that’s true. Humans are foolish beings, truly beyond redemption."

"Oh… now I’m even more scared…"

"Oh, I apologize; I didn’t mean to frighten you. I simply wanted to say that humans are foolish… which makes them an inferior species, one with little power."

"So… they’re not strong?"

"No, they’re no threat at all. They’re just humans, after all—an inherently weak, foolish existence. There’s not even a one percent chance that we, the strongest species, could lose to them."

There was one thing that Shigure didn’t know about the Phoenix Tribe: they had an immense pride, and they looked down on humans as an inferior species.

They were convinced, without a doubt, that they were the strongest. They believed without question that humans were lowly. This was the mindset held by the entire Phoenix Tribe.

They not only regarded humans as enemies but viewed them as beings far beneath them. This was the side of the Phoenix Tribe that Shigure didn’t know.

It was no surprise that Shigure was unaware of this. The Phoenix Tribe, while disdainful of humans, was generally friendly toward other species. They were especially close with the Fang Wolf Tribe, who shared the same continent and were considered one of the strongest species as well.

Since the Phoenix Tribe hadn’t dealt with humans in over a hundred years, Shigure’s lack of knowledge about their disdain was, in a way, only natural.

"Do you think… I can do it?"

"Yes, absolutely. You are my precious, proud daughter."

"I-I’ll give it my all!"

Finia clenched her small fists tightly in determination.

TL Note- Less like Phoenix and more like Elves......

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