YM778.TV Chapter 103: Beastfolk
The beastfolk are one such race.
Generally speaking, when supernatural beings reach a certain level, their physical structure undergoes tremendous changes, and their intelligence greatly enhances.
These supernatural beings are known as beastfolk.
They not only inherit powerful abilities from their beastly lineage but can also transform into human form, blending into human tribes to endure the beastfolk\'s long lifespan.
However, some beastfolk prefer to dwell in uninhabited places.
One such place is the Archipelago region, a quiet island.
The island was bare, entirely made of reddish stones that seem scorched by intense heat.
At this moment, the red stones begin to crack open.
Dozens of seven to eight meters long red foxes leap out from the fissures, their massive bodies accompanied by hundreds of smaller foxes. The leader, a gigantic red fox with white fur above its eyes like eyebrows, speaks human language in excitement, "I sense the presence of the Snow Fox Royal Clan!"
Other large red foxes echo, "Indeed, it\'s the aura of the Snow Fox Royal Clan!"
Several of the red foxes burst into joyous laughter and exclaim, "We\'ve been waiting here for hundreds of years, and finally, the Snow Fox Royal Clan has returned! This is our chance to return to the Snow Fox Territory. We mustn\'t miss it!"
Among the beastfolk, the dichotomy between strong and weak is particularly pronounced.
The Snow Fox Royal Clan is a formidable presence among the beastfolk. They have learned from humans and have carved out their own territory deep in the snowy mountains, known as the Snow Fox Territory.
Yet, the snowy mountains are forbidden to humans.
Once, a powerful tribe attempted to enter the mountains and claim territory, but everyone in the tribe perished. This incident has left many tribes wary, causing the region of the snowy mountains to be forgotten by people over time. Many are aware of regions like "the barren mountain" or "Blue Sea" but remain ignorant of the existence of the snowy mountains.
These red foxes were once members of the Snow Fox Territory but were expelled.
Despite their considerable strength, they pale in comparison to the entire Snow Fox Royal Clan.
One of the red foxes spoke up, saying, "Although we\'re unsure why there\'s a presence of the Snow Fox Royal Clan outside, the aura is very weak, obviously still in its infancy. Just bringing this news back will be a great achievement. We can return to the Snow Fox Territory, harness the power there, and accelerate our strength."
Another red fox added, "Not only that, but the High Tower has reappeared."
Upon hearing about the High Tower, the other red foxes\' expressions darkened, cursing, "Damn humans, they\'ve actually built such a High Tower to imprison beastfolk! However, the strange disaster that befell them caused severe losses to human strength, and it seems the owner of that tower also perished. This is another opportunity for us."
"Yes, indeed!"
"I sense the aura of the Snow Fox Royal Clan, and the location of that tower isn\'t far. Once we retrieve the Snow Fox Royal Clan, we can occupy that High Tower!"
Several red foxes discussed joyously.
The appearance of the Snow Fox Royal Clan\'s aura had truly surprised them.
After some discussion, the two lead red foxes swiftly flew towards the dreaded Snow Fox Territory to report this matter. Meanwhile, the foremost red fox transformed into an elderly human, casually opening a spatial gateway, heading towards the location where the Snow Fox Royal Clan\'s aura had appeared—the jungle.
...
The Crimson Star Tribe\'s camp.
After several attempts, Amy gradually accepted the fact that she had the ability to transform into a fox, but this realization left her feeling even more frustrated. Unable to hold back, she asked, "Lord Enzo, didn\'t you say this would enhance my combat abilities? But I feel like turning into such a small fox actually makes me less capable in battle."
Enzo looked somewhat embarrassed, unsure how to explain.
Perhaps it was related to Amy\'s own strength. After all, the snow-white fox itself was exceptionally powerful, hence its transformed fox form was also immense.
Unable to elaborate, Enzo could only offer, "Maybe with more effort, it will work out."
Amy nodded.
She wasn\'t one to dwell on things.
However, there was something Amy hadn\'t told Enzo. When she transformed into a fox, she felt a distant calling from a place far away.
It seemed like her true home.
Though curious, Amy was reluctant to leave Enzo or the Crimson Star Tribe, where she had been personally involved in building everything.
This matter remained just a passing incident.
Over the next few days, Amy threw herself back into the construction of the tribe\'s camp.
Enzo was also busy.
The discovery of coal provided the tribe with more efficient energy. Under his guidance, Brian learned the art of blacksmithing, significantly improving the quality of ironware, although it took more time. Currently, the Crimson Star Tribe had no shortage of people. Whenever the Adventurer\'s Association issued a notice, many people would take on tasks.
In addition to the development of ironware, some new goods also appeared in the Crimson Star Tribe.
Among them, the most representative were the hemp shoes jointly made by Jessica and the members of the Venom Tribe.
For all the tribal people, wearing shoes was an entirely novel experience.
Moreover, there were changes in the Battle squad.
In order to guard against possible attacks from the Plata Plain Tribe, Clara and Tia devised different training plans and integrated two newly formed Riders—the Giant Bone Wolf Riders and the Boars Riders—into their training sessions.
The results of the training were evident.
Three or four cavalry soldiers could directly break through an entire Battle squad and also coordinate to deal with totem warriors.
This significantly boosted the defensive strength of the Crimson Star Tribe.
Such changes also strengthened the tribal unity, but they did not lead to a substantial increase in Enzo\'s power. He had already reached the Level 4 as a priest. Unless the Crimson Star Tribe absorbed a large number of other tribes, advancing the tribal fire to further empower him would not happen quickly.
...
The Bamboo Tower.
Surrounding houses had all been converted into brick structures, but Enzo\'s current residence in the bamboo tower was truly unique, reflecting his formidable strength and immunity to the cold.
For ordinary tribe members, warmth was crucial during such harsh winters.
Especially now, with goose feather snowflakes drifting down from the sky once more, Enzo couldn\'t help but feel a slight worry—would this turn into a snow disaster like the rainy season?
Yet, amidst the heavy snowfall, everyone finally had the chance to gather together again.
A wooden shelter had been erected in the courtyard in front of the bamboo tower, with iron pots simmering over a fire, filling the air with a rich aroma of cooking meat.
Jessica\'s eyes widened as she looked longingly at the scene, unable to stop her mouth from watering.
She pleaded with Enzo, "Enzo, can you tell me how to make this? When the market opens again, I\'m going to make everyone willingly empty their pockets!"
Enzo rolled his eyes and replied, "Amy knows the recipe."
Due to the cold, the market had been closed for a long time.
With the introduction of currency, Jessica had become completely obsessed with making more money, constantly thinking of ways to earn more.
Upon hearing this, Priest Lucy smiled and concealed her inner disappointment.
Initially, she had hoped that Enzo and Jessica would produce outstanding offspring to lead the Venom Tribe and fulfill her wishes.
However, Enzo\'s talents were too extraordinary, and now his strength was something she could not fully fathom.
The stronger one\'s power, the more difficult it was to conceive children.
Thus, Priest Lucy\'s mindset had changed. She now found contentment in watching Jessica and others live harmoniously, and in witnessing the flourishing development of the Crimson Star Tribe.
Her past wishes had long since scattered like the wind.
At that moment, the meat soup in the pot bubbled and simmered.
Amy quickly fetched ceramic bowls and served everyone a portion.
After taking a sip, Clara spoke up solemnly.
"Enzo, Tia and I want to lead the Battle squad to Plata Plain. Firstly, to assess the gathering of supernatural beings and secondly, because the Crimson Star Tribe has come this far."
Enzo\'s expression remained calm.
He looked at Clara and then at Tia. Both of their gazes were resolute.
The tribe\'s expansion had brought about growth. Upon first meeting Tia, the wild and innocent aura she once carried had vanished. Now, she stood as a qualified leader.
Moreover, what Clara mentioned was indeed crucial for the tribe.
With the construction of the tribal camp nearing completion and the departure of the supernatural beings, the tribe\'s exploration of the jungle had become bolder. Nearly the entire jungle had been explored, yielding little except for a few newly discovered ore veins.
Due to these circumstances, expansion was deemed necessary.
Enzo did not refuse Clara and Tia\'s request but cautioned, "Be careful in all things."
Tia laughed and replied, "I\'m quite capable now!"
Enzo chuckled, acknowledging Tia\'s words.
Shortly after, everyone began to enjoy the meat soup, gazing at the heavy snowflakes falling outside.
At that moment, cries and shouts were heard, and Douglas came running over with exaggerated steps. He yelled to Enzo, "Mr. Enzo, I\'m back! I\'ve completed the mission you gave me!"
Enzo, feeling helpless and puzzled, asked, "Douglas, why did you only come back now?"
According to Enzo\'s estimation, Douglas should have returned several days ago from his trade mission to the exile organization\'s camp.
Before Douglas could respond, a young girl appeared beside him, smiling mischievously at Enzo. She said, "If it weren\'t for my intelligence, I might have really been deceived by your subordinate, this traveling merchant."