Rakshasa Domain [Raspa Town]

They left through the portal back to the demi-monster boundary at exactly six o'clock in the evening. By the time they arrived, it was already night.

"Welcome back!" Mr. Carso said. "How was the festival? Was it fun? There were so many melons in the park." Shaji replied.

"Melon?" the three hunters asked, scratching their heads.

"Don't mind them; it was just a joke," Roxy interjected. "Aren't they here yet?"

"They'll be here in a few minutes," Ms. Jovy replied. "By the way, I'll close the portal; we don't want anyone accidentally coming through."

Ms. Jovy closed the portal, and a moment later, another one appeared beside them. Ten men stepped through, including the king's son: one healer, two sorcerers, and six combatants—each ranked S. They knelt before the king's son as he approached.

"Mr. Carso, why are there six of you, and who are these people?" the king's son asked.

"My dear Yorm, I wish I could explain everything to you. This situation is troubling, and it requires our full attention.

These are the hunters from the Gerping Guild, and it just so happens that our goals align. They are also searching for their kidnapped people and follow their leads here.

Sir, meet the Meat Tracker Party hunters. Mr. Shaji is their leader, along with Ms. Roxy and Ms. Joyce."

"Good evening, Sir Yorm," the three of them said in unison.

The king's son was taken aback; he hadn't expected this turn of events. However, he sincerely apologized and explained the circumstances to them. After discussing their situation, everyone agreed that their sole objective was to rescue all those who the kidnapper had taken.

Mr. Carso elaborated on the plans they had in mind. The king's son expressed his heartfelt gratitude. "You truly are brave and loyal hunters of Var Chupablo.

Your dedication impresses us greatly. Now we must put our plan into action."

"We will ride dragons to the other side," Mr. Carso announced. "We can't use the portal again; the enemy might detect us, and the monsters there are very sensitive."

A few moments later, three dragons arrived to pick them up. They were ready for the rescue mission, determined and resolute despite the challenges ahead.

They were about to enter the first Barrier Domain of the Demi-Monster, ruled by an exceptionally strong king with 50 percent pure demon blood.

They have successfully crossed the threshold, with Von leading the way thanks to his keen sense of smell.

He advises the group against confronting any monsters and urges them to stay on the designated path to avoid detection, which is marked by an undetectable scent.

Their situation is extremely challenging; losing their way would lead to complete chaos. They confirmed that their travel period was five days.

Raspa, the first town within the Rakshasa Domain, is comparable to Gerping in its urban layout and societal organization.

Two days have passed without incident. During the day, their movements are slow, and they sometimes need to rest.

On their final day of travel, they spot the town of Raspa not far ahead. Von detects a strong scent, indicating that this is their destination.

Nearby, there is a small hut. "Let's wait here," Von suggests. After a while, Alva arrives.

Despite feeling hungry and weary, Alva remains resolute in his determination to face the king's son.

Sir Yorm tells them to relax and have a drink of water before proceeding. Then Alva addresses the situation. "Stay inside; it's too dangerous," he warns. "No one should go outside, as the monsters are gathering near the hunting field and within the town.

Rez and I are fortunate that our presence is welcomed because we carry the blood of monsters—a mark that grants us passage into their town. I am closely monitoring the kidnappers' activities, suspecting they are influenced by a centralized command.

It's shocking to think that so many people from different races have been taken—perhaps a couple of hundred or more. They seem to be treated as commodities. I saw Princess Pamela for the first time recently, but I haven't seen her since."

As he was explaining, Alva noticed three newcomers. "Who are these people?" he asked. Carso stated that they were the hunters from Var Chupablo and that they were also pursuing the kidnappers.

"They are our allies. What are our next steps, Mr. Alva?" Sir Yorm asked.

"We've made the difficult decision to part ways. Rez and I will split up; I will stay here, and Rez will keep an eye on the caravan, tracking its progress to the next town.

Knowing you're here gives me options, sir. Now, this is my crucial option: I will enter the mansion where the kidnapped people are held. If the princess isn't there, follow Rez immediately.

I'll stay here just in case. If I am unable to escape, meaning the princess remains captive, that will signal you to make a swift move on the mansion.

It's a forced solution and very dangerous. It would be okay if I had someone with me." Alva looked at Shaji for a moment. "You smell different—are you human? You have a devilish odor. What is your name?" he asked.

"I am Shaji, from the Gerping Guild," Shaji replied. "Come with me; your scent is so powerful it's almost demonic."

"No problem, sir, I will accompany you. I also want to see the people who were taken. Ms. Roxy and Joyce, please remain here for now. We should comply with their plans," Shaji said boldly.

"That's right; you deserve it—your scent is akin to that of a royal demon. Not through strength, but through fear. I know you have demon blood.

I can smell it on you. Don't deny it. Anyway, we can use that to gain entry into the mansion. Sir Yorm, if we don't get out in an hour, you know what to do."

This was Alva's clarification to the king's son. Shaji also spoke to Roxy and Joyce, who seemed to have their plan.

The two of them stepped out and headed toward town. While walking, they discussed their strategy.

Mr. Alva detailed what the people in town looked like, noting that they appeared to be half human and half monster. "If you encounter someone who resembles us, he's a powerful monster with demon blood, just like you.

And remember, don't stare at him, as that would be considered a challenge. We'll pretend to be buyers of the kidnapped individuals.

Also, when you talk to the guards inside the mansion, you need to appear intimidating. And if anyone asks who I am, make sure to say, 'I'm your slave.' Do you understand? We have to complete this mission; otherwise, we'll all be in trouble.

And be careful not to be swayed by the beautiful women here; one glance at their beauty can lead us into danger, and we won't be able to escape."

As they entered the town, they sighed; the place felt intimidating. As they walked along the road, Shaji sensed the presence of powerful monsters and began to sweat.

However, he remained focused on the safety of the kidnapped individuals. Suddenly, Alva accidentally bumped into a drunken monster, causing him to fall. The monster, furious, stood up and punched Alva in the face.

Just before the blow landed, Shaji blocked it and stared down the monster. Terrified, the monster quickly bowed and apologized before running off.

"That's what I'm telling you," Alva said. "Your scent and aura are distinct. I'm not mistaken; you have demon blood. Rez and I also have monster blood, but yours is different. You have royal demon blood, which I can sense on you."