Chapter 297: The Encounter Between Wood and Rudeus’ Party

In the end, all of Rudeus' initial trust in the "Human God" had crumbled back into doubt.

What he didn't know, however, was that the "Human God," hiding within Rudeus' subconscious, was just as shocked at the sight of Wood standing before him.

Did the "Human God" deceive Rudeus? Not at all! To win Rudeus' trust quickly, bait had to be dangled first. As confident as the "Human God" was, he wasn't foolish enough to trap himself in his own lies.

The "Human God" had immense faith in his "future sight" ability, but even he hadn't anticipated such a swift and humiliating defeat.

He had just confidently declared that Wood Greyrat was dead, only for the man to appear before them the very next moment!

Shocked and curious, the "Human God" used one of his precious future sight slots on Wood, determined to see what made him so mysterious.

But much to his dismay, the "Human God" was left utterly dumbfounded. Even though he could see Rudeus' future—a unique existence—he could not see anything related to Wood!

Was Wood the Dragon God? Certainly not! And the "Human God" detected no traces of any special treasure on him either.

For the first time ever, the "Human God's" future sight had failed, leaving him utterly at a loss.

While Wood continued catching up with Rudeus and sharing news of their family, a strange chill suddenly ran down Wood's spine.

A spear tore through the darkness, its point gleaming as it targeted the throat of the Magic Wolf King.

Relying on its primal instincts, the Magic Wolf King sensed the imminent danger. It launched itself backward just in time, dodging the spear, but the figure wielding it was relentless, transforming the spear into a streak of light as it pursued its target.

Clang!

Just when the Magic Wolf King found itself cornered with no way out, Wood vanished from where he stood, reappearing in front of the wolf, his sword raised to block the oncoming spear.

"Step aside, child. This is not your fight!"

Feeling the force behind the spear's thrust, Wood quickly recognized the strength of the green-haired warrior standing before him.

His left hand reached for the hilt at his waist, and in an instant, a flash of light slashed through the air, slicing through strands of green hair and forcing his opponent back.

"A demon... and it seems you belong to the infamous Superd Tribe. I don't know why you're here, but it's clear you're as dangerous as the rumors say. I'll deal with you here and now."

Wood had read plenty of books during his childhood, and he was well aware of the Superd Tribe's fearsome reputation.

While he didn't believe everything written in books, the fact that this warrior had just tried to kill the Magic Wolf King on sight meant that Wood now saw him as a dangerous adversary.

"Wait, wait! This is all just a big misunderstanding! Wood, stop! This Superd warrior is named Ruijerd, and he's our ally.

Ruijerd helped Rudeus and me cross the Demon Continent. We owe him a lot!"

Just as Wood and Ruijerd were about to clash again, Eris rushed onto the scene, and while she hadn't even had a chance to greet Wood properly, she and Rudeus each grabbed hold of one of them, pulling them apart.

On the other side, Rudeus quickly began explaining, "Ruijerd, remember how you were always curious about who Wood Greyrat was? Well, this is him, my twin brother.

Eris even picked up dual-wielding because of Wood's influence.

As for that giant beast, it's not an enemy either—it's Wood's contract beast or something like that."

After spending so much time with Ruijerd, Rudeus had a pretty good idea of what had triggered the attack.

As a Superd, Ruijerd had a gem on his forehead that allowed him to sense the presence of all living creatures within a wide radius, acting like a radar.

He must have detected the Magic Wolf King near Rudeus and Eris and assumed it was about to attack them, which had prompted his sudden assault.

As for why Ruijerd had targeted the Magic Wolf King and not Wood himself, the reason was simple:

In Ruijerd's mind, children were to be protected, and Wood, despite his strength, still fell into that category.

After the misunderstanding was cleared up, Wood didn't hold any prejudice against Ruijerd for being a Superd.

Instead, he calmly sheathed his swords and walked up to Ruijerd with a noble bow, showing his respect.

"I thank you for protecting my brother and my friends during these past months. Please excuse my earlier actions."

Ruijerd, momentarily stunned, could only stare at Wood in disbelief.

As a member of the cursed Superd Tribe, Ruijerd was well aware of his race's terrifying reputation. They were known as the "Green-Haired Demons," despised and feared across both the human and demon continents.

Even Eris had been terrified when she first met him.

Yet this young boy, meeting him for the first time, showed no fear. Instead, he approached him with gratitude.

Rudeus and Eris, however, weren't surprised by Wood's actions at all. This was exactly the kind of person Wood Greyrat was.

"Aren't you afraid of me, knowing that I'm a Superd?" Ruijerd asked, puzzled by Wood's calm demeanor.

"Fear is born from ignorance. While the Superd Tribe may be feared by many, you, Ruijerd, are my brother and my friends' benefactor.

Would I really trust rumors over the word of my own brother and companions?

What we see with our own eyes is truth. Sometimes, what's written in books isn't always correct. Don't you agree, Ruijerd?"

Looking at the young boy before him, Ruijerd couldn't help but feel that, despite his age, Wood carried the wisdom of someone far older.

Rudeus had once told him that in terms of both knowledge and strength, he was no match for his twin brother.

At the time, Ruijerd hadn't believed it, as Rudeus was already the most talented young man he had ever met.

But after meeting Wood today, Ruijerd began to understand that Rudeus had been telling the truth.

It wasn't that Rudeus lacked talent—it was just that...

Wood didn't seem like an ordinary boy at all.

Whether it was his knowledge, his demeanor, or his strength, everything about him felt far more mature.

While Rudeus still had moments of childishness, Wood radiated a maturity far beyond his years.

__________ANNOUNCEMENT______________

For the entire week, I will release an additional 5–10 chapters for every 500 power stones reached. The exact number of extra chapters will depend on how quickly you contribute power stones. Starting from Chapter 301, each chapter will be twice as long as the regular chapters you've been enjoying so far. So, work hard, show your support, and keep those power stones coming! Good luck, and happy reading!

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P/S: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 400+ at p@treon.com/Betek (@->a)