The cave-like structures on the Moon Shadow clan’s side are actually quite interesting.
Although fundamentally they are caves carved directly into the mountain walls, they have all the features of regular buildings, including doors, windows, and even multi-level structures connected by stairs inside.
From the outside, it looks as though doors and windows have been carved directly into the mountainside.
Of course, with such a design, there would inevitably be significant issues with structural integrity, considering the risk of collapse. It seems that the Moon Shadow clan has solved this issue through magical means.
Although monsters are more adept at using their inherent abilities, it doesn’t mean they can’t master magic. With their intelligence comparable to that of humans and their universal reserves of magic, as descendants of the gods, they have their own unique style in utilizing this magical power.
For example, the magical inscriptions carved into the walls and corners of the stone houses seem to reinforce the walls and share the load, making it possible to directly carve hollow houses into the mountainside.
Sitting by the fireplace in the room, watching the flames flicker before her eyes, Violet couldn’t help but marvel at how the creatures in the Ten Thousand Demons Mountains seemed to favor primitive lighting and heating methods like campfires. Meanwhile, she gently sipped from the ancient copper goblet filled with an unknown, semi-transparent liquid that Vanessa had just poured for her.
It had a slight bitterness, a hint of sweetness, and a spicy sensation, but that was about it.
“So, what is this?” she asked.
She wasn’t worried that the drink might contain anything strange or dangerous. On one hand, they were in a cooperative relationship, and the Moon Shadow clan wasn’t the type to stab others in the back. On the other hand, poisons and similar substances were basically ineffective against divine beings. Of course, the same applied to medicinal supplements.
Or, unless it’s a magical potion blended with precious materials, like the high-quality mana recovery potion Violet once got from a certain queen, which, aside from giving her a slight sensation when consumed, most ordinary food for Miss Priestess would only produce simple taste sensations.
Even so, the effectiveness of the former would diminish greatly, not even matching the natural rate at which Violet recovers MP, let alone mentioning healing potions.
“Well... in human terms, you could call it a tavern. You can refer to it as the ‘Moonlit Tavern.’ It’s brewed by our Moon Shadow clan using moonlight dew and some rare herbs. It has a nourishing effect on magic and can refresh the mind. Although it’s very beneficial for the body, I’m not sure about Miss Violet’s alcohol tolerance. If there are any discomforts, please let me know promptly so I can change the drink for you.”
Holding a copper goblet of the same size and specifications in her hand, Vanessa readily drained its contents and then refilled it with half a cup for herself before calmly raising her head to look at the tree spirit girl and the man sitting on either side of them.
“Let me introduce. This is the wandering Great Demon General, Miss Berta Linwood of the Tree Spirit Tribe. She is as renowned as Mr. Walter, the ‘South Blade,’ and carries the reputation of being a ‘Blade Dancer.’ She’s a formidable figure in the Ten Thousand Demons Mountains and is not inferior to me in strength.”
“Oh, no, Lady Vanessa is too kind. I’m far from being your match.”
The girl named Berta also seemed to have the taciturn nature common among swordsmen. She remained sitting upright and silent, her expression plain as she slightly shook her head in response to the praise from the clan leader. The drink in front of her remained untouched, reminding Violet of Lan before she took up the position of successor as city lord.
Their personalities were somewhat similar, and they both enjoyed wielding blades.
Vanessa smiled without commenting, only continuing to turn her gaze towards the other side, at the man who the Miss Priestess seemed quite interested in.
“This is an old friend of mine. I’m not sure how to introduce him properly, so I’ll let him do it himself.”
The casually dressed young man chuckled confidently.
“Haha, little Vanessa, you still love passing trouble onto others just like before. Alright, alright, I’ll have to introduce myself then.”
Introduce himself? Wait, that idiom...
Violet’s heart skipped a beat as she looked at him, her gaze suddenly becoming somewhat strange. But the young man, with his elegant and otherworldly demeanor, or perhaps his subtle aura of pretentiousness, seemed not to notice this detail. He just set down his goblet, sighing somewhat wistfully as he spoke to himself.
“Come to think of it, it’s been a long time since I’ve done any self-introduction. Let me see... I’ve had many names to go by, but the one I’ve been most accustomed to is probably ‘Minchen.’ It’s a name I used frequently in my early years and can be considered my real name.”
He chuckled and added, “Of course, you can also just call me ‘The Gatekeeper,’ like the others do now.”
“?”
Upon hearing this, Violet couldn’t help but pause for a moment.
Wait, is this guy pretending?
To be honest, Violet was familiar with the title “The Gatekeeper.” As Walter’s mentor, she had heard from Esther several times during their journey about the legends surrounding the core area and sanctuaries of the Ten Thousand Demons Mountains, particularly emphasizing the power of “The Gatekeeper.”
It was said to be a terrifying entity even beyond mythical dragons, guarding the gates of the sanctuary for three hundred years without any enemy ever crossing even an inch, serving as the final line of defense protecting the wealth left behind by the Demon God.
But... isn’t this kind of introducing yourself with an unknown name, saying “Call me xxx,” and then halfway through your self-introduction suddenly saying, “Or, you can call me xxxx” classic format a bit too deliberate?
If he really wanted to reveal his identity, wouldn’t it be simpler to just say “I am The Gatekeeper” right from the start?
Sensing the sudden tension in the room, the Priestess had a fleeting thought.
Hmm... So logically, should she act extremely surprised now to give him some applause... or something similar?
Of course, it would be fake to say Violet wasn’t surprised at all, but since she had already sensed the hidden strength of the other party through his aura, the range of speculation for such a pseudo-god-level powerhouse, with a level of 80, was actually quite limited if one had some relevant information.
Seeing the other party hesitate to continue speaking, the Priestess hesitated for a moment, and could only muster a “Oh...” sound, as if finally reacting, which made Mr. Gatekeeper’s smile stiffen for a moment.
Of course, he obviously had rich experience and sophistication, and quickly adjusted his expression, raising the goblet with one hand, taking another sip, and slightly nodding, as if waiting for Violet to ask a question.
Because there were indeed many doubts that needed to be answered, the Priestess didn’t want to embarrass the other party too much, although she initially couldn’t keep up with the invisible showmanship of Mr. Gatekeeper, she quickly caught on, showing a slightly embarrassed smile and continuing the previous topic.
“So, you’re the one Tiyelu said would come to negotiate with me? Why didn’t she come herself and sent someone else? If you’re here now, who’s guarding the gate?”
“Um, Miss Violet...”
This time, it was Vanessa who looked embarrassed, while Miss Berta frowned slightly, seeming somewhat displeased.
Perhaps they hadn’t expected that the girl named Violet in front of them would dare to speak so freely, even with a somewhat offensive tone, knowing that the Gatekeeper was personally present.
After all, demons revered strength, and powerful strength naturally represented a lofty status, not to mention the Gatekeeper, who rarely appeared in person for almost a hundred years, existing only in distant legends.
This chapt𝒆r is updated by frёewebηovel.cѳm.