Chapter 52: Monster Diplomacy
While only a couple of steps separated Jason and Camelia from the two in front of them and the two behind them, Kon was around a dozen steps ahead of the group.
Keee-
She stopped and brought a hand to her ear, listening intently.
Kee- Keeee-
While Camelia found it almost comical, Jason was genuinely impressed.
’They sound just like birds.’ He thought as Kon brought her hands to her mouth and responded. ’Fia must be at least a hundred meters ahead of us. The two have good ears, and they can understand each other while mimicking birds.’ Seeing it play out almost made his skin shiver. ’Hunters usually have a member of the Party with a Detection-type Skill. These guys are different. They hunt in the wild, for food and sustenance, not for loot and Experience Points.’
It was completely different from what Jason was used to.
’Their fighting styles are so much wilder as well. This is so freaking cool!’
Living in the wilderness wasn’t as bad as it first seemed.
’Plus, I’m surrounded by beautiful women in underwear all day! Not only that, but I can stare without fearing being called a creep... Because women do the staring in this world!’
"Are you okay?" Camelia asked, grabbing his arm gently. "You’re shivering."
"Yeah." Jason answered with a nod, and the shivering stopped at once. "I’m in heaven, that’s all."
"..." The Catgirl raised an eyebrow. "Okay...?"
The Chief shook his head, but Kon approached before he could say anything.
"Spotted Bulls around the pond," She raised three fingers. "Four Electric Toads, and a couple of those weird fish with spikes inside the water."
Thanks to the System, Jason knew the exact name of those Species. In fact, he had devoured Cores belonging to each of them the night before, taken directly from Vel’s secret emergency stash.
"Fia says that the Bulls seem to be on edge. Something or someone might have been hunting them." Kon added. "What do we do?"
Her gaze momentarily went to Vel before going back to Jason.
Before the Chief could say a word,
"You can tell all that from those sounds the two of you make?" Camelia asked with shiny eyes, genuinely impressed.
’You were suppressing chuckles just seconds ago.’ Jason sighed.
"Yes." Kon nodded simply.
"That’s so cool!" The Catgirl clapped her hands. "You must understand each other really well."
"Hm, well... I guess..." Kon scratched her head awkwardly.
"We’ll observe for a bit." The Chief said. "If Orcs are going after those Bulls, let’s keep an eye on them and wait."
"Hm." Kon nodded. "Fia thought so as well. She found a good spot to lie in wait."
’Huh... That’s almost telepathy or something.’ Jason thought.
"Are you sure this isn’t telepathy or something?" Camelia muttered while scratching her cheek. "What?" She asked as Jason turned towards her.
"Nothing." He chuckled.
The group followed Kon as she led the way. It didn’t take long for them to join Fia.
The eight were just far enough not to be noticed by the Spotted Bulls while still having the entirety of the pond within view.
"Good job finding this place, Fia." The Chief complimented.
The female Ogre simply nodded.
"If Orcs do show up," Vel whispered. "What’s the plan?"
Ayn, Fia, Kon, Ama, and Wyn all turned towards her at once.
It was strange...
"The old Chief asking the new Chief for orders..." Ayn whispered. "That’s strange-"
"Shut up, Ayn." Vel sighed and turned back towards Jason. "Well?"
He remained silent for a moment, crouched behind a thick bush and gazing at the pond.
"We’ll see how it goes."
’So no plan, huh?’ Vel sighed again. "In that case..."
Her words trailed off as Ayn lightly pulled on her arm.
"What?"
"That," Ayn pointed at Vel’s neck. "What’s that around your neck? I didn’t think you were the type to wear jewelry-"
"Shut up, Ayn." Vel shook her head. "Shut up."
"Why are you being so mean?" Camelia whispered with a sadistic smile. "It’s a normal question. Just tell her what it is." The Catgirl turned towards Ayn and explained. "It’s a gift. From me to her."
"Oh." Ayn nodded. "That’s kind of you-"
"Will you two please shut up?" Vel rubbed her forehead in annoyance. "I really-"
Her sentence was promptly interrupted.
"They’re here." Fia and the Chief said at once.
They turned towards one another for an instant before bringing their gaze back to the approaching group.
’She has sharp eyes.’ Jason noted. ’Even with my Eagle’s Eye Skill, I noticed them at the same time as she did.’
As branches and leaves were moved on the other side of the pond, the Chief felt a shiver.
By getting to know those around him better, their strengths and their weaknesses, he could figure out how to fight by their side in a more efficient manner.
’We might have the beginnings of a pretty good Party on our hands,’ He thought with a smile.
"If we’re going to attack," Vel whispered as the Orcs became visible. "It would be better to do so while they’re hunting the Bulls. While they’re not aware of our presence."
"Like I said, we’re not here to kill." The Chief said before standing up and dusting himself off.
The female Ogres exchanged knowing glances. ’Males,’ They thought in unison.
"Don’t tell me you’re going to talk to them?" Vel questioned as she watched him stand.
"I’ll wait for them to deal with the Bulls first."
The Chief did just as he said.
Two Spotted Bulls hit the ground, their bodies having sustained too many injuries.
"There are only four of them anyway." The Chief shrugged, and started walking towards them.
"I’ll come with you," Camelia said as she took hold of his elbow.
"It’s fine." Jason nodded. "Fia, Kon. The two of you will circle around while remaining hidden. Make sure none of them runs away and escapes."
The two female Ogres nodded.
"The rest of you can join in the fighting if they’re uncooperative."
With that final order, Jason walked past the trees and into the open.
"It’s your funeral." Vel shrugged.
The Chief took a deep breath and approached the pond.
’Monster diplomacy,’ Jason thought with a chuckle. ’Let’s give it a try.’
Unfortunately, it went as well as any of the participants thought it would.
