After entrusting the volcano to Baek Lang and the Red Dragon, I prepared to set off on my journey.

I was slightly worried they might end up fighting while I was gone, but both of them had joined the Cult of the Great Lizard God, so direct conflict should be avoidable. Besides, Baek Lang is technically the senior here.

The Red Dragon might be a bit brash at times, but I trust she wouldn’t act recklessly. They may bicker occasionally, but an outright battle seems unlikely.

And we have the horned beasts too.

Though they’re not as powerful as the Red Dragon, they always manage to surpass my expectations.

Besides, the Red Dragon mentioned leaving briefly to search for some elixirs, so she and Baek Lang won’t be spending that much time together.

Really, it’s a luxury to even worry about this.

After giving Baek Lang’s belly a final pat—much to her tail-wagging delight—I set off.

…Though it hurt like hell.

Why did she start biting me as soon as I stopped petting her, even using ice in her bites?

I’m starting to think Baek Lang is more of a feline than a canine.

Given how she reacted to catnip the last time, I’m half convinced.

…Come to think of it, I haven’t encountered many feline creatures here.

I’ve seen saber-toothed tigers a few times, but that’s about it.

In a world like this, I’d expect to see a massive mountain cat or something.

…Not that I particularly want to see a mystical beast with cat ears; it’s just a passing thought.

"Grk-grk."

I shook my tail a bit, feeling the weight on it.

I had a bundle tied to my tail.

If you’re wondering what I brought, it’s the treasures the Red Dragon found.

Not of much use to us, really.

While they might be decent for decorating the nest, they’re more ornamental than anything else.

But for humans, these treasures would be worth far more than simple decor.

Master doesn’t seem to lack money, but he’d probably appreciate it.

And I should give a few to Seolhwa, who’s been sneaking my rice cakes.

This way, she’ll bring more for me to ‘borrow.’

Should I give some to Tang Soyoung as well?

No, knowing her, she’d probably bolt back to the Tang Clan the moment she gets them.

…I might seem like I’m dismissive of Tang Soyoung, but it’s a kind of affection.

She’s an irreplaceable asset.

A human doctor capable of communicating with mystical beasts and animals.

Even a lizard like me knows how rare that is.

But if I treat her too well, she’d likely get cocky, and I’d rather avoid that.

…Not that it’d harm me directly, but it’s just a bit annoying.

Maybe giving some to the Snake Queen wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

It’s likely just decoration for her, but judging by the statues at her temple, she seems to appreciate ornamental items.

Hopefully, Shikshik won’t try to swallow it whole.

As I was heading to the Snake Queen’s temple, I caught the scent of blood.

The smell of blood around here isn’t unusual.

After all, this is the wild, where everything preys on everything.

But this blood scent felt different.

Less like the scent of beasts or mystical creatures—more like human blood.

I flicked my tongue, drawing it out to amplify the smell.

There was no mistaking it.

This was the scent of human blood.

What’s a human doing in a place like this?

I thought about ignoring it and passing by, but then changed my mind.

There was no scent of predators, just human blood.

That likely meant the humans were losing, and the threat wasn’t particularly strong.

Just because something is weak doesn’t mean it’s harmless, but at least I wouldn’t be in danger.

Might as well take a look.

Who knows? They might be worth recruiting into the Cult of the Great Lizard God.

Following the scent, I walked toward the source.

“Ahhhh!”

I saw two men and a woman.

Clang!

A long-haired man swung his sword, only for it to be blocked effortlessly.

“Cawwwk!”

Their opponent was a massive bird.

A terror bird.

Why are they still around?

It looks a bit different from what I remember.

Thicker, darker—almost as if it’s coated in steel.

There’s a faintly familiar aura about it.

Keeping my presence hidden, I watched the fight’s progress.

It wouldn’t be wise to reveal myself just yet.

They might mistake me for an enemy and attack.

At first, it seemed like the humans had the advantage due to their numbers, but as time passed, they kept getting pushed back.

The reason was simple.

The terror bird’s attacks reached the humans, but the humans couldn’t penetrate the bird’s feathers.

And these humans…

They look familiar.

…They’re from the Heavenly Demon Sect, aren’t they?

I remember them well.

They’re the ones who tried to capture me in my shrunken form and even offered me food.

I especially remember the woman in the center.

She pretended not to care, but when no one was looking, she’d sneak a little pat.

I recall being quite satisfied with her ki pouch.

If they were from another group, I’d think twice, but since they’re from the Heavenly Demon Sect, it’s different.

Watch closely.

And make sure only Master hears about this!

---

A new wind was blowing within the Heavenly Demon Sect.

A part of the path to the Ten Thousand Great Mountains had been opened.

This was due to the recent treaty with the mystical creature known as the Snake Queen, which allowed for interaction.

The terms were simple.

The Snake Queen would receive assistance in eradicating the remnants of the Kaechalgotal faction.

In return, the Heavenly Demon Sect disciples were allowed to gather rare herbs and elixirs within the jungle.

Due to a prophecy, entry into the Ten Thousand Great Mountains had been forbidden for a while.

Even before the prophecy, the jungle was an off-limits area.

Thus, the opening of the jungle was indeed a breath of fresh air for the dormant Heavenly Demon Sect.

Disciples ventured into the jungle for various purposes.

Some sought rare herbs and elixirs.

Some aimed to gain practical experience.

Or for reasons unknown.

“…Aren’t we supposed to be hunting the remnants of the Kaechalgotal faction?”

Most members couldn’t go beyond certain boundaries.

To avoid unnecessary friction with the Snake Queen, they were allowed only to gather herbs within designated areas.

Even that was a tremendous benefit.

These “herbs” were rare treasures, ones that couldn’t be bought even with silver.

“Dream on. Just be happy gathering herbs.”

“…Honestly, isn’t gathering herbs beneath us?”

Three martial artists, barely over twenty, grumbled as they picked herbs.

They had approached the Ten Thousand Great Mountains full of excitement.

Since not everyone was permitted to go, they’d been thrilled just to be there.

But human nature is a fickle thing.

Once there, they yearned for more.

Understandably, as they were at a level where they could confidently call themselves first-class warriors.

To break past their limits, they needed real battle experience or rare elixirs.

“What if we come across one of our own mystical creatures?”

“Oh, please. If it has wings and a crazy look in its eyes, it’s an enemy, right?”

“It’s easy to say that. But we still don’t know. If Elder Three himself came along, it means there might be an enemy we can’t handle.”

“Still… we’re three first-class warriors. Ever heard of three-on-one?”

A girl with a cool demeanor, Seo Wol-Ah, finally spoke.

“…That’s a good idea.”

“Hm?”

“How long are we going to pick herbs? No matter how strong the enemy is, it’s still just a beast. If we all attack at once, it won’t stand a chance.”

The short-haired man nodded in agreement.

“Right. At the very least, we can escape if things go south.”

“Escape? Let’s discuss how we’ll split the core if we find one.”

Their hands had already stopped moving.

They laid down their trowels and gripped their swords.

As friends who had fought together many times, they knew that even a master of absolute peak might struggle against them.

Their confidence was not entirely unfounded as they set off to find a stronger opponent.

---

Seo Wol-Ah soon realized why Elder Three had come along.

“…Everyone, stay quiet.”

The three warriors held their breath.

In front of them was a massive bird, searching for them with its keen eyes.

That creature…

Or, more precisely, those unsettling red eyes swirling within its feathers.

Just staring at it induced fear.

An unspeakable terror that humans could hardly withstand.

It was a suffocating sensation too heavy for such young warriors.

But they couldn’t afford to lose their composure.

“Can we escape?”

“…At least two of us will die.”

The answer was clear.

“I’ll strike first. As usual, you two flank it.”

They all nodded.

As long as they avoided looking into those sinister eyes, they could suppress the rising terror.

They might just be able to do it.

With steeled resolve, Seo Wol-Ah swiftly drew her sword.

Swish.

Simultaneously, her comrades advanced from the sides.

They could do this.

They’d executed this formation many times before, and against an off-guard opponent, it would be deadly.

Screech!

However, contrary to their expectations, the terror bird suffered no damage.

“Everyone, be careful! Its feathers are like steel!”

“…We know!”

Her trembling hand ached as the blade vibrated

 from the impact.

Her sword had chipped on those iron-like feathers.

The swords of her flanking comrades met the same fate.

“Haaah!”

But they couldn’t give up.

Shouting, she continued to swing her sword.

Stopping now would mean the end for her and her comrades.

Clang!

Screech!

The terror bird let out an eerie laugh, seemingly amused by their efforts.

Whoosh!

The bird’s wing swept down.

Slash!

The short-haired man received a deep wound.

“Gahhh!”

“Jeoksan!”

Another man rushed to help, but his attack was once again useless.

Blood spurted once more.

Death was imminent.

They’d picked a fight with an enemy they couldn’t defeat.

But Seo Wol-Ah didn’t give up.

Thanks to her comrade’s distraction, she had a clear shot at the back of the enemy’s head.

Just one precise strike.

She had to make the most of this opportunity.

Drawing deeply from her core, Seo Wol-Ah swung her sword vertically.

Shing!

Clang!

But her sword shattered, unable to pierce even a single feather.

“…This can’t be happening.”

Seo Wol-Ah stared at the bird in despair.

This creature truly embodied the essence of terror.

Where had they gone wrong?

Should they have been content with gathering herbs?

Or should they have just fled?

In hindsight, that would’ve been the better choice.

With her broken sword, there was nothing she could do.

She couldn’t abandon her wounded comrades either.

Or… there was one thing left.

She could call upon the name of the god she believed in.

“…Heavenly Demon, save us.”

The terror bird froze.

The monster that had mocked them a moment ago now radiated a fierce rage.

“Cawww!”

At that moment, the red eyes in its feathers opened.

A dark aura swirled, showing clear intent to rip Seo Wol-Ah apart.

Seo Wol-Ah sensed her impending death.

The terror bird, incensed by her words, was about to unleash its fury.

“Caww!”

The bird lunged at her.

And then—

Thud!

From a distance, something rushed forward, and before the terror bird could react, a massive black lizard appeared.

Crash!

Moving with the grace of a flying creature, the black lizard pounced on the terror bird.

“Caww!”

The bird tried to resist, but it couldn’t.

Crunch.

Its neck snapped before it even realized what had happened.

Seo Wol-Ah couldn’t believe her eyes.

The terror bird, which hadn’t even flinched at the combined assault of three first-class warriors, was killed in a single blow.

But she couldn’t let her guard down.

Just because the terror bird was dead didn’t mean she’d be spared.

In front of her was a massive creature whose claws alone could crush her.

Its scales looked tougher than the bird’s feathers.

Two black horns reminiscent of a dragon’s.

And its back was covered in beautiful white fur.

It was majestic, awe-inspiring, and utterly terrifying.

In its presence, she was nothing more than an insect.

Thud.

The black lizard set down the dead bird.

Its blue eyes met Seo Wol-Ah’s.

Gulp.

Seo Wol-Ah swallowed nervously.

The dragon-like lizard opened its mouth slowly, as if deciding her fate.

“Grk-grk-grk!”

Seo Wol-Ah sighed in relief.

“…What a strange dream.”

There was no way a lizard with such a fierce face would make such a cute sound.

So, she dismissed this as a dream.

And with that, Seo Wol-Ah fainted.