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

Chapter 401: The True Plan

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

The Phoenix Clan’s village... Away from the dungeon, Lin and Monica stood.

Because the dungeon had countless entrances, they had entered and exited through a place not managed by the Phoenix Clan.

"Ahahaha! Monica, did you see it? The look on that useless guy's face!"

"Yes, he was very surprised."

"He was gaping, his mouth wide open… haha, it’s so hilarious!"

Lin laughed loudly, thoroughly enjoying herself.

Matching her mood, Monica also smiled, but...

Her expression seemed somewhat mechanical, as if she was only smiling because Lin was laughing.

Unaware of Monica's disingenuous smile, Lin continued speaking, brimming with excitement.

"So, the  Fang Wolf Clan and the Phoenix Clan... was it? You sure knew a lot about them. I'd never even heard of them until now."

"Lady Reez is very knowledgeable about such matters."

"Hmm... She does seem smart. Maybe being a demon for so long means you end up gathering all kinds of information?"

"I can't say I know all of Lady Reez's information sources, but she probably has many connections."

"Wow, impressive. It makes sense; she's not your average demon, wanting to coexist with humans and all."

"Of course. Lady Reez is truly a noble being."

Monica smiled warmly. This was a genuine smile.

Her joy at hearing her master praised was evident in her expression.

"So, the Fang Wolf Clan and the Phoenix Clan are after Reez's life, right? Something about an old conflict and lingering grudges?"

"Yes, exactly. That’s why we must eliminate both clans by any means necessary."

"That’s fine and all, but why now? If we’ve known about them for so long, wouldn’t it have been better to act earlier?"

"Our opponents are the strongest species. Taking on two clans simultaneously isn’t an easy task."

"Well, that’s true."

"But now... we have you, Lin."

"Oh?"

Monica turned her gaze, filled with admiration and reverence, toward Lin.

Receiving such a look, Lin was startled but didn’t seem to mind it.

"With Lin and the power of the Rainbow Crystal, no one can stand against us."

"R-really?"

"Until now, there wasn’t anyone as strong as you. That’s why we hesitated to act… But now, things are different. With you here, we decided to take the leap."

"I see."

Though it was nothing more than blatant flattery,

Lin's mood soared, and she couldn’t hide her grin.

"Well then, since I’m the genius, beautiful magical girl Lin, it’s a piece of cake! I’ll handle it no problem!"

"How reliable you are."

"With my power and this Rainbow Crystal, even the strongest species will be no match for me!"

Lin spun the Rainbow Crystal around in her hand before striking a pose with it.

However, Lin was unaware.

She knew nothing.

The real Rainbow Crystal had a completely different appearance.

What Lin held in her hand was a cursed object known as the Dark Crystal, which fed on its owner’s malice and soul to grow.

Monica knew this about the Dark Crystal but said nothing.

She deliberately continued referring to it as the Rainbow Crystal, for her own reasons.

"So, what’s next? I already sent those pesky weaklings far away."

"About that… Do you not know where exactly you sent Rain and the others?"

"Hmm, it’s tricky. I’m not fully used to forced long-distance teleportation yet. The destination is completely random."

"I see…"

"But I know I sent them pretty far. Unless they’re extraordinarily lucky, they shouldn’t be anywhere nearby."

"… I understand. In that case, we can proceed without interference."

"So, what’s next on the agenda?"

Lin’s eyes sparkled, eager to use the Rainbow Crystal’s power.

She looked like a child excited to play with a favorite toy.

However, this particular “toy” was capable of easily harming others—a grim reality.

"We will pit the  Fang Wolf Clan and the Phoenix Clan against each other."

"Hmm... sounds kind of tedious, doesn’t it?"

"It’s the most reliable plan. Even someone as strong as you can’t take on all members of both clans at once, right?"

"Uh… yeah, that’s true."

"Then let’s take the easy route where we can. We’ll sow discord between the two clans, let them weaken each other, and then we’ll strike the final blow. How does that sound?"

"… I thought it might be tedious, but on second thought, that sounds kind of fun."

Lin strongly reacted to the part about sowing discord.

Her eyes were practically sparkling.

They say other people’s misfortune is like sweet nectar, and…

Lin’s personality embodied that sentiment wholeheartedly, revealing a deeply flawed character.

"Then, with that approach… shall we flesh out the details a bit more?"

"Okay."

While discussing their plans, Monica stole a glance at the Rainbow Crystal—or rather, the Dark Crystal.

Lin didn’t seem to notice, but a sinister, jet-black aura occasionally seeped out of it.

It was as though the crystal was waiting for an opening to consume Lin completely.

"… That should be enough for now."

"Hm? Did you say something just now?"

"No, nothing at all."

Monica smiled sweetly.

Inside her mind, a true plan, known only to her, was steadily taking shape.

――――――――――

I had the wild wolves I’d temporarily contracted and Sakura explore the surroundings.

As a result, they discovered a sea a short distance away.

They also confirmed that there wasn’t a trace of human settlements in the area.

Using the information Sakura and the others brought back and cross-referencing it with the map we received from Rezona, we pinpointed our current location.

The conclusion… We’re somewhere on the northern continent.

After consulting Finia and verifying it multiple times, I’m confident that this is accurate.

However… the problem is, we don’t know where on the northern continent we are.

It seems that neither Sakura nor Finia recognizes this place. We have no idea how to get back to the Fang Wolf Clan’s village or the Phoenix Clan’s village.

"This is bad… We need to get back as soon as possible."

What would Elfin do after we disappeared?

It’s only natural to assume that she might think we conspired with Lin to hatch some kind of plan.

If that’s the case, I’m deeply worried about Kanade and Shifon, who are being held hostage.

I’m also, of course, concerned about Nina and Rifa, who we left behind at the Fang Wolf Clan’s village.

"Stay calm… don’t panic."

Panicking would only narrow my perspective.

I reminded myself of that.

"…Alright."

I was able to organize a plan of action.

I called over Sakura and Finia.

Sakura came bounding over energetically, while Finia approached timidly.

"As I said earlier, we’re currently lost somewhere on the northern continent. I believe it’s crucial to find a way back to the Phoenix Clan’s village as soon as possible."

"Y-yes… That’s true."

"But… I think we should put that aside for now."

"What?"

Finia looked surprised at my sudden declaration.

However, I wasn’t saying this without reason.

"Before we return to the Phoenix Clan’s village, there’s something we absolutely must do."

"Something we… must do?"

"Yes… That is to capture Lin and Monica, the culprits behind this entire incident."

TL Note- I was having my exams so I could not post any chapters.....

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