Chapter 527: 527
As the group got closer to the enormous bridge, several figures came running at them, they were surprisingly fast and wore strange unfamiliar armors . In a way, their attires were a bit similar to the Earth’s past samurais . Very quickly, they surrounded the group of eight, their katanas raised and ready to strike .
The only reason they didn’t attack was because Arthur and the rest looked like humans and their ruler, the shogun, instructed them to not act rashly when met with humans . While it’s true that parasites can look like humans, most of them usually have some deformities such as horns, tails, or elongated claws .
Apart from the male parasite, who wore a hood to cover his horns, the rest’s appearances were clear and it was impossible to mistake them for a Cthulhu .
"Who are you?"
A broad man took two steps forward and asked Vyncent, who stood at the front of the group .
"Greetings, we’re humans, just like you . We came here to seek shelter . "
His voice was toneless, containing neither arrogance nor politeness . He scanned the people surrounding him, his eyes momentarily resting on a slender figure at the back, silently watching them . He only felt threatened by that person, who most likely was a female .
After a short bout of silence that flowed between the two of them, the man slightly lowered his katana and said:
"It is too early to say you’re humans . We have a device that can test how much truth your words contained . "
Just as he finished saying that, he retrieved a circular object from under his thick armor . He pressed a few times on some specific locations, causing the object to emit a small white light which soon projected itself above it in the form of a single word .
’Human’ .
This simple looking device could determine the race of its holder . It isn’t flawless, however, most of the time it the results are genuine . Once he finished preparing the device, he handed it to the nearest person, Vyncent .
The bearded young man was about to take the device only for the opposite man to retract his hand for a moment while warning him:
"Any sudden movement and you’re all dead . "
In response, he just nodded his head and took the device . The process took around ten seconds before the word ’Human’ appeared in front of Vyncent, showcasing his true Race .
The next on the line was Lissandra, who successfully passed the test too . The broad man along with his companions became a bit relaxed when they saw the good results . Their weapons were no longer raised but they were still behaving with cautiousness .
Arthur didn’t know how exactly they did it but the parasites were able to trick the humans, somehow using the device to their advantage . In fact, as per the patrols’ request, the horned parasite removed his hood, showing his facial features, which totally lacked any kind of oddity, including the previous horns .
No one but Arthur knew that Lucy was a half-demon and half-white specter so they assumed that she’ll easily pass the test . To their surprise, the words ’Half-Specter/Demon’ actually showed above the device, causing everything to become a bit chaotic .
The broad man raised his katana and was about to point it Lucy only for the weapon to disintegrate into nothingness . With the exception of Lucy, the only man who hasn’t used the device yet walked forward, shielding the woman and saying .
"As far as I know, your enemies are the parasites and the Cthulhu . "
The man paid Arthur no attention as he treated back and signaled for his companions to ready themselves .
"Demon or Cthulhu, what difference does it make?"
Everyone raised their weapons and took a battling stance, patiently waiting for their leader’s order .
"You see now, my dear invitee . Humans are just as foolish as any other race, blinded by their stupid and hypocritical beliefs . If I were to choose, I would definitely side with the demons, Xyktia’s children . They are extraordinary magic users and a truly noble race who doesn’t rely on something as idiotic as religion to survive . They respect their Goddess but do not blindly worship her . "
Arthur paid no heed to the talking Timos, instead, his scarlet eyes shifted from the broad man to the slender figure standing at the back . Unlike Vyncent’s hunch, Arthur was able to feel that woman’s powers, which were carefully hidden but not impossible to detect .
"We came in peace and only want to cooperate . No need for pointless fighting . "
His words were directed to the female, who maintained her silence . As for the broad man, he refused to listen to reason as several thoughts rampaged inside of his mind . He started suspecting the others who came with Arthur, however, Vyncent couldn’t let that happen so he hurriedly explained:
"We traveled together but we were unaware of her race . Plus, they helped us kill a few parasites along the way . "
He stole a glance at Arthur before focusing on the humans’ leader . Even though he heard Vyncent’s words, the man remained skeptical and didn’t want to risk it .
"As you said, we don’t need to fight so why don’t you go away . "
"That is not a possible . Why don’t you call someone with authority, I’m sure I can be of great assistance . "
"I’m sorry but we don’t welcome you in our ranks . " Just as Arthur said his bit, a clarion voice resounded in the area . The woman standing at the back lifted her head and uttered those words .
"On what basis?" Arthur retorted, his single eye staring back at the woman, who, unlike the others, didn’t wear a thick armor but simple yellow cotton clothes that barely protected her from the coldness .
"Those are not my words but the shogun’s . " She didn’t seem to mind Arthur’s cold stare as she shrugged her shoulders .
"And where is this shogun? Too busy to say those words with his own mouth?" Arthur mockingly said, his head turning toward the sky-piercing fortress .
"We’re done here . Welcome the new humans and explain to them our situation . " She said her last piece before turning around and leaving, no longer bothering with Arthur, who didn’t bicker with her or try a more aggressive approach .
"I can say, with certainty, that this is the best result for you two . It is not a place that suits you both, your abilities will be heavily restricted and you’ll be treated with contempt . Despite its beauty, it is a rotten place full of arrogant people . "-Timos
As Lissandra and co were guided to the Frozen Keep, Vyncent turned one last time, exchanging gazes with Arthur .
’I’m sorry, Arthur, but just like you, I’ll do anything to survive and sticking with you and roaming this treacherous place isn’t exactly safe . ’
Due to the people around, he kept this thought to himself, nevertheless, Arthur was able to understand everything through the young man’s eyes . It’s not like he blamed him, after all, their deal was for Vyncent to guide them here, that’s it .
The young female parasite also turned several times, looking at Lucy and Arthur, hesitating . Were it not for the other older female parasite, who dragged her, she would have spoken for the couple .
"You could be considered homeless now so why don’t we play a game? I’m sure it’ll relieve your stress and freshen both of you up . "
Timos’ voice echoed inside their heads, causing Lucy to frown and Arthur to click his tongue .
Seeing their not-so-friendly reactions, Timos corrected himself
"Oh don’t misunderstand! This isn’t the game I was talking about when you two entered my humble abode . This one is different, harmless and without any consequences . This, I promise . If you win, I can give you a hint that will help you leave Riarravar . "
"And what if we lose?" Lucy asked, her tone showcasing her irritation . She wasn’t angry at Timos but at the humans, whose behavior is absurd .
"You win, you get a hint . You lose, nothing happens . "
"And you expect us to believe you?"
After a short silence, Timos said: "Then I’ll make you believe me . North-West of here, there’s an intact ravine that can benefit you . I’m sure it’ll make you change your opinion of me . "
The couple gave no response to the bored entity . They telepathically conversed and after an inordinate amount of time, they started heading North-West . After all, it’s not like they got anywhere to be .
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