CHAPTER 11: A Human Settlement in Chaos

'Can you believe it? That snoot spokesperson or something sent me in this very dull place. I couldn't be more unlucky than this!"

'Is that so? Then I hope I can see some humans soon.'

While taking numerous steps as I traversed through the thick forest, I noticed major changes in my biological feature. My once short black hair was now long and pure violet, and I also became younger and less muscular. In my roughest estimate, I was certain that I looked like a 17-year old boy.

After wandering around the place, I realized that I was indeed in a very vast forest. In my wildest imagination, I felt like I was in the Amazon terrains. I continued crossing through the thick wilderness until I heard my stomach growling over and over again. Actually, it had been a week since I left my initial position. In order to sate my recurring and weakening hunger, I fetched some fruits in the nearby trees. In my close estimate, I had almost walked about 50 or so kilometers, but I still hadn't seen any signs that a human settlement is somehow closer. On the other note, even the animals seemed terrified of my presence. Whenever I tried approaching them, all flocks dispersed like they had just seen some predator coming at them.

'Hey, Virt, do you know what type of creatures are those?'

'Wait, aren't they dangerous? You said before that chimeric creatures, though common in type, also have skills developed in them. Why are you talking as if they are not a threat at all?''

'Is that so? Then, at least, I am satisfied. By the way, you have all the general information about this world, right? That includes maps. So how much have I travelled thus far?'

'Oh, I almost forgot. I have another question. Using your vast information clout, do you know where can I find the dragon who arrived here a four hundred years ago? I don't know his new name but...'

'Really? Then that's a pain in the ass. That Bastard Hirata, what in the world happened ro him, really?'

'Knowing the attitude of that idiot, I guess it is the latter. At least, I am hoping that it is the second. But wait a second! Is there really a skill that allows one to locate others? Then, how about me? Am I being detected by other potential enemies, as well?'

After a thorough lecture from my talkative assistant, it appeared that this skill was capable of hiding, feigning, stealing, copying, and sharing data, information, and even details of skills themselves. In short, my information, including my presence, were already hidden from those who wanted to trace me. I was safe thanks to her. With this level of assurance, I confidently continued my travel. Crossing more than 50 rivers and several mountains, I started laying out my plans in advance. These were my plans in mind: (1) first, to meet humans for the purpose of gathering information. This was necessary in order to do the (2) second plan which was to look for Hirata's whereabouts. For me, the second is more of a sole priority for now. That bastard promised to wait for me, so I know he would not die that easily.'

'How honest can you be? Jeez! Fine, I accept your advice. I will approach everything as stealthily as possible hereon. Being targeted by more powerful enemies is the worst-case scenario in my part right now, so I'll be very careful.'

'Hm? There's a third one? What is it? Tell me…'

'Yeah, right. I know. That's a possibility, as well. However, as far as I'm concerned, I don't want that to be the case. That guy is the only family I have left. So even I have to find him in all the deepest corners of the world, I would do it.'

'I appreciate it!" I heaved a deep sigh as my mind flashed an image of Hirata. " I know that guy is both confident and pompous, but I don't think he is dumb enough to put himself in peril. I'd never believe that…"

'Yes. Please do so, although his name might have changed as well. Take that into consideration.'

Virt and I continued talking about my brother and my plans for a few more days until one noon came; and, finally, a settlement which looked like one made by humans gradually became visible from afar. Along with such a scenery was a notification by Virt.

However, there seems to be...>

As I solely focused my attention on the visible walled settlement from afar, I heard a series of loud explosions that brought rhythmic shock waves reaching even my position. Along with explosions were ravaging flames that turned the clouds slightly dark due to the smoke and ashes...

'Virt, what is that sound? Is there something happening in there?! And those flames are gigantic! I think we should hurry and see for ourselves!'