Chapter 283

The daily cultivation had just finished in the garden, and there was a large group heading for the waystation. Valan was leading an expedition to study the remnants of the array that brought Wesley here. Zack wanted to join but already promised to spend the day with Helena, and the rest of the family.

To ensure there were no issues the defense force was mobilized and with them the new orcs. Being outside the Long territory they set up a perimeter for Valan, and Wesley to work in peace. When hearing of the journey to the jungle a few others desired to visit.

"Are you sure it was this way?" Denam asked.

"We may have left in a panic, but I remember the route there," Kenny replied.

"We would've been okay," Zess told Amara.

"I just wanted to go for a stroll." Amara smiled.

"Don't forget our original purpose out here," Karin told Amara.

"We can still recruit while enjoying ourselves. You just wanna do better than the others to get praised by his majesty." Amara smirked.

Karin was never good at taking Amara's teasing, and all she could do was look away with a flushed face.

"You know he doesn't like that," Karin replied.

"Hearing we were still looking for recruits from home was an offer too good to pass up, but most people are loners out here," Lin stated.

"Loners don't take kindly to outsiders moving through the territory," Karin said as she scanned the jungle carefully.

"That's why they're wearing armor," Amara smiled at Zess.

'It was also a requirement for us to go solo. Can't wait till they get our training gear done.' Flavo adjusted the cuirass.

"We are getting close, and she might get spooked if all of us approach," Kenny warned.

"That could be a little overwhelming given the last encounter, but one of us should stay," Amara suggested.

"Enjoy your walk," Karin told Amara while approaching the others.

"I should get started too." Lin walked off into the brush.

"Y-you shouldn't go alone," Flavo told Lin while trying to catch up.

With everyone going their separate ways Kenny pushed through the brush, and standing before them was Venus. Denam and Kenny rapidly took a flask from their bag chugging it.

They acted just in time as Venus started calling them in with a warm smile. Denam was captivated by her, and even without the effects of the pheromones, he was tempted to approach.

"I remember you." Venus pointed at Kenny as her smile disappeared.

The ground began to rumble as vines emerged to seize them, but the appearance of Karin with flames in her hands halted the attack. Sweat began pouring down Venus as more vines surrounded them. That level of fire could easily incinerate her, but the orb stayed put.

"We aren't here to fight, but that doesn't mean we can't." Karin cautioned Venus as the flames disappeared.

"One of his friends attacked me." Venus declared pointing at Kenny.

"You devoured one of their friends, but they are still here to talk," Karin replied.

Venus lowered her hand as the vines retreated into the earth.

"He came to me and seemed quite happy with our arrangement," Venus said as she turned around.

"Did you have to eat him?" Kenny asked.

"The prey in the area started wising up to my trail, and it was necessary to nurture the seed. Unfortunately, it was a failure, but at the time I thought it was the only way. Would one of you care to try?" Venus asked while glancing over her shoulder.

"I ha-have a g-girlfriend," Kenny said while turning around.

'Last time she waited till sex till spring the trap...'Denam was conflicted over the situation.

"You came here for a reason right?" Karin asked.

"I can handle the rest from here, "Denam replied.

"I'll be scouting the perimeter." Karin cautioned while strolling away.

Finding it difficult to stop staring Kenny went with Karin, and once left alone Denam reached for his ring. He started a fire and retrieved some fish from his ring. Venus watched him work quietly, and turn his back on her several times.

"You aren't worried I'll snatch you up." Venus teased.

"Maybe a little, but dying in a beautiful woman's embrace isn't a bad way to go," Denam replied while sparking a fire.

Hearing this put a smile on her face, and a chair of vines appeared beneath Venus.

"If that's the case then what's the hesitation?" Venus investigated.

"I have a friend waiting for me at home, and leaving her alone isn't something I wanna risk." Denam smiled thinking of Mary's smile.

"Why aren't they here then?" Venus asked.

"Like you, she can't wander far from her roots. Every day seems to be an improvement though." Denam replied.

Hearing this fed her curiosity, and it was the start of their talks about Eden. Knowing it was a place filled with mana, and perfect weather for her year-round it resembled a fairytale. While cooking their food Denam was trying to convince her about moving.

"Your friend may be able to move around, but there's still a limit. Moving our roots isn't possible." Venus told Denam.

"I got help this morning doing that very thing," Denam stated.

With Zack's return, there were several tasks brought to his attention. One of them was brought up by Eve, and it was offering more space to the plant species moving forward. Under his supervision, it was possible to uproot them without risking their life, and all of the girls got to pick their spots.

"All this sounds too good to be true. Moving something like that surely comes with a risk," Venus stated.

Self-preservation was a powerful thing, and risking one's life at the words of a stranger wasn't easy. Not wanting to push the matter he approached with food as the two talked about the jungle. Denam knew it would take some convincing, and was prepared to make as many trips as needed to bring Venus home.