CHAPTER 175: VYAVAN DUKEDOM’S POTENTIAL [1]

[Five days Later.]

"Urgh!"

Akamir stretched his body as soon as he stepped outside of the carriage.

’I really hate the transport in this era.’

He grumbled inwardly as he felt his body aching all over.

’I really need to make a better transportation vehicle.’

With a tired sigh, he looked at the beautiful mansion that stretched in front of him.

After all that happened in the elven kingdom, Akamir was in dire need of rest.

Originally, he had planned to return to the Capital City.

But at the last moment, he changed course.

’I need to see if there’s something helpful for my company here.’

He stretched his neck with a soft crack as he turned around.

Viros was already hopping off the carriage, brushing off the dust from his cloak.

Right behind him, Luca stepped down, yawning.

"Never again," Luca muttered. "Am I going on a trip with you."

Akamir chuckled. "Noted."

Viros adjusted his glasses and looked up at the mansion. "This place looks untouched. Are you sure they’re expecting us?"

"Yeah," Akamir said. "And... there they are."

Just as Akamir spoke, six of the servants rushed towards them.

Akamir looked back at the carriage once again.

"Are you coming out or not?"

There was a silence for a while before a teddy bear walked out.

"I am not keen on traveling long distances," Reagan grumbled, jumping down. "I hate it."

Akamir just smiled as he looked back at the servants.

’It’s good that he decided to follow me back.’

When they were in the inn back in the Sylvan Kingdom, Reagan expressed his desire to travel with him.

At first, Akamir wasn’t going to, but Reagan offered him knowledge he couldn’t refuse.

The servants reached him as they immediately bowed. "Master."

"Prepare rooms for all of them," Akamir said, glancing back at his group. "Make sure they are well fed."

Reagan grumbled. "I don’t need that."

"Ahh, a talking teddy bear." The servants gasped and fearfully stepped back.

"He isn’t dangerous or possessed," Akamir said, looking at them. "Behave like he is your elder, understand?"

They immediately bowed. "Yes, my Lord."

Akamir nodded as two of them began to lead Reagan into the mansion.

But...

As he looked back, both Viros and Luca were standing at his side.

Akamir blinked in confusion. "What?"

"Can we talk?" Luca said, his voice serious. "Alone."

Akamir looked back at the remaining servants. "Go back."

They bowed and moved away.

"Want to go on a walk?" Akamir asked, as he began moving.

The other two nodded and began walking at his side.

The three of them walked side by side along the garden path.

The sun was soft, hidden behind pale clouds, and the air carried the scent of trimmed grass and flowers.

Akamir placed his hands in his pockets, glancing sideways. "So? What’s this about?"

Viros was the first to speak. "You already know our identity, don’t you?"

"Yeah..." Akamir nodded, looking at them. "One is fox and one is wolf."

’It will always bug me how the fox’s body is more robust.’

Aren’t fox-kin supposed to be the more attractive type?

"...Well," Viros said, scratching his face. "The thing is... our family isn’t in any good condition."

Akamir raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Luca glanced around the quiet garden, then exhaled. "Our clan’s influence has been shrinking. We lost two trade routes, and one of our main vaults was raided."

"Raided?" Akamir frowned. "By who?"

"We’re not entirely sure," Viros said. "But we suspect they are a new race or one that came back from extinction."

Akamir looked at both of them with a weird look. "Is this some kind of prank?"

"I wish it was." Luca grumbled. "But it’s true... They have been attacking us for decades now."

"Not just us but all the other council houses." Viros added. "...They are going on a rampage on civilians as well."

Akamir rubbed his chin. "Any idea how they look?"

Viros and Luca exchanged glances.

"They wear masks," Viros said at last. "Bone-white, with no holes for eyes or mouth. Sometimes, they hum when they walk. No weapons, but they fight like beasts—fast and brutal."

Luca nodded.

"Their strength is... unnatural." he said, his voice low. "It’s like they don’t feel pain, and even when they’re burned or pierced, they keep coming."

Akamir frowned, a crease forming between his brows. "How long has this been happening?"

"Nearly twenty years now," Viros replied. "At first, it was easy to brush them off."

Akamir nodded as he finally came to a stop.

"So..." He looked at them. "Why are you telling me this?"

Luca and Viros looked at each other before they bowed slightly.

"I would formally like for the Imoyan company to start trading with us." Luca said, his voice soft. "We know you are close with them."

"And I would like to invite you to my house." Viros added as well. "That’s why we told you about the danger beforehand."

Akamir raised an eyebrow. "So, this was a business pitch?"

Viros chuckled awkwardly. "Kind of."

Luca slapped his back as he stepped forward.

"We’re not just looking for profit, Akamir. We’re trying to survive." He said, his voice deep. "If this enemy keeps growing, there might not be much left of our clans to save."

Akamir looked at them both for a long moment, then slowly leaned against the trunk of a nearby tree.

"I see," he muttered, closing his eyes briefly. "Well, I guess you guys are lucky to be my friends."

Luca and Viros smiled as the tension from their shoulders eased up.

"Thanks, my guy!" Viros said, coming closer for a hug.

"Urgh, stay away." Akamir said, pushing him back.

"Yeah, Luca." Viros slapped his back. "You hug him, he would definitely like it."

"Fuck off." Akamir glared at him. "Anyway, go back and have some rest."

They nodded and began to walk away. "Alright, thanks."

Akamir stood under the shade of the tree, as he looked up.

Nayomi floated closer to him with her eyes closed.

’She can’t sleep, then what’s the point of closing her eyes?’

"Did you hear them?" Akamir said, looking down. "You know what they are talking about?"

Nayomi opened her eyes as she looked at him.

"Hmm, I do know what they are talking about." She nodded in response.

Akamir waited for her to speak, but she didn’t.

Finally, he asked. "What do you want?"

Nayomi smiled. "Find me a body to possess."