31]Devils

Now that Daren was aware of the division of power between various entities present in this world. His plans can be more clear and perfect from now on.

'Now before we move to the next phase, it's time to cause chaos. It's time to visit my family.'

Daren organised his thoughts, as a sinister smile formed on his face. Boaz who was still in the room, shuddered seeing that smile on Daren's face.

Daren came back from his thoughts, his face regaining the previous calmness.

"You did well Boaz." Daren said after he was done analysing the map.

Daren signalled Boaz and with that both Boaz and Daren existed the room.

Before entering his room, Daren instructed everyone and delegated various responsibilities. He decided to leave for the capital 3 days from now.

He informed Arius to prepare to leave with him. He also asked Morgan and Kage to look after the base.

He informed Boaz to continue with his work and not bother with the base, unless it's too urgent.

On the morning of the fourth day, Daren and Arius set out towards the capital.

The route they had decided on, will pass through a small town, which was approximately 200 kilometer from their base.

They would reach there in about 4 hours, if they travel at a slow pace. Since Daren was still an S rank expert, even if they traveled at the maximum speed Daren could muster, they would still take one and a half to two hours.

Arius and Daren were halfway through the wasteland when they suddenly stopped. Arius has sensed a strong presence heading their way and thus warned Daren.

"Awoooo". A loud howl reverberated through the wastelands. They could see something moving at a fast pace in the distance.

As if sensing their presence, the silhouette changed its direction and was rushing towards them at an astonishing pace.

Arius has drawn both his swords and got ready for battle. But Daren approached him and asked him to relax. Daren could feel the connection with the approaching silhouette. He knew it was Bleiz.

Soon after, a large wolf appeared in front of Daren and Arius. It lowered its head and licked Daren's face fondly.

Daren chuckled at his actions and patted his head.

"How have you been Bleiz? What brings you back here in such a rush?" Daren asked as he moved his hands through the soft fur of Bleiz.

"Awooo Awoo" Bleiz replied to his question with more howls.

Though Bleiz could understand what Daren has asked. The same can't be said for Daren.

Daren could not understand what Bleiz has said. Though he can feel his emotions through the link which he have in his mental sphere, It doesn't help translate the beast language into the one he understands.

The series of questions and howl continued for a while. And Arius watched the weird duo from the side.

Seeing the discussion going nowhere, being the smarter of the two, Bleiz gained some distance between him and Daren. He then stood on his rear legs and stomped hard with his front legs. Ice started to spread from the place of impact. A large area in front of them turned into an ice field.

On the ice field various statues of ice started taking shape. After Bleiz was done forming the ice sculptures he walked towards them. Daren also moved forward.

There were 6 ice sculptures. Two group of 3 sculpture each. Bleiz stood in front of one of the group. He then pridefully pointed at one of sculpture in that group and then pointed at himself.

Daren analysed those ice sculptures. The 3 ice sculptures Bleiz was standing with looked liked beasts. The one, Bleiz was pointing at was quite similar to how he himself looked. Daren came to a realisation that Bleiz had sculpted himself.

Though the sculptures doesn't provide detailed description, Daren can somewhat guess the two creatures beside Bleiz.

One was looking like a leopard. It was small in comparison to Bleiz. The other one was an Ape who was thumping his chest. It was about 3 meter in height.

The other 3 figures were quite different. One looked like a skeleton of a dead human. Though people may call him a weirdo, he had to admit that the skeleton made of ice, looked beautiful.

The second figure was a normal human, but if one looked closely they will see that the sculpture has pointed teeth with looked like sharp fangs.

The third figure was also similar to a human. But what made him unique was, the wings on his back. The wings were similar to that of bat's. It also had a tail.

Daren had never seen such creatures before so he was confused.

"What are those things?" Daren asked, as if expecting anyone would explain it to him.

To save the damsel in distress, Cahya appeared riding a horse in Daren's mind. She had worn a silver shining armor and had a sword hanging on her waist. She looked at Daren with an elegant smile as if saying 'Fear not lady, I'll protect you.'

"..."

Daren has black lines all over his face. Ignoring her appearance and shameless performance, he asked her to explain.

'The Galactic empire shelters various races. These ice sculptures look similar to one of such race. They are termed as Devils.'

'The empire doesn't discriminate between creatures. As long as you have power you can make a place for yourself. And thus you can find many of their kind throughout the Empire.'

'What you call Undead, demons, Vampires are all a part of the "Devil" race.'

"How different are they from us?" asked Daren curiously.

'Well they are not exactly different. They are bound by the same rules of this world. They follow the same cultivation methods. It's just that their bloodline is different and thus grant them different power and form.'

'Each race has its own unique characteristics which make them different from the other. You many have seen some other races when you were in the Empire.'

Cahya explained ito him. Daren nodded after her explanation.

"Ah!, I get it now.... Arius, looks like we need to make a stop before we head to the town. The cave where we formed our group is nearby, let's head over there. Bleiz follow us."

Daren notified Arius about the change in plans. Then two people and a huge wolf rushed towards the woods at quick pace.

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" We are here." Daren said as they reached the small hut in the middle of the woods. They walked towards the hut slowly.

Before they could enter the place, a group of people came out of the hut and confronted them.

"Hey!, who are you? And what are you doing here? " A man asked them.

"Don't you know who is place belongs to?" Before they could reply to him, he started shouting again.

"This area is under the jurisdiction of one of the Big-5, and you are trespassing in our territory." About 20 men came out of the hut and surrounded them as the man continued spouting nonsense.