Chapter 7: Challenge Superiority

Master...he must be talking about the leader! As long as I shut up and do as he says, then we'll be one step closer to succeeding in the mission. I holstered my weapon put my hands above my shoulders.

"At least some of you can make wise decisions. I like you child. What is your name?"

"Noah Bazzarack"

"...A strange name indeed. It matters not anyways. I am Daimo. I will escort you to the summit of Miyo."

As we walked upon the beaten path, the animals of the forest seemed to make way for the illustrious Daimo. They bowed before him as though he were a god, reducing the sound of the typically loud forest to a screeching halt.

Bright lights shone through a thick veil of vines. Daimo waved his hands and parted the vines as though they were his servants, prostating themselves before his might. I don't know who exactly this Daimo guy is...but we're extremely lucky to have gotten off with a slap on the wrist. If we are to even slightly irritate this man...the mission will end in utter tragedy.

Large structures akin to houses were attached to the sides of trees, with bridges composed of vines and tree branches firmly attached to two or more trees. The base of the trees were surrounded by shops and local eateries with bussling families, lovers, laborers, and various other people eager for local goods.

"Yellow Grog meat on sale! 2 legs for 5 Chen! It's a steal of a deal!" A street cook yells in an attempt to draw in more customers.

"Mommy! I want that toy right there!" The child begs his mother for his favorite toy at a local wooden toy shop.

"Do you happen to have any Bicron wood?" A gruff looking ape asks a vendor.

Suddenly, a group of young apes approached the squad with a passion and surprise. They seemed to be around 9 or 10 in human years.

"Wow! What are these animals Daimo? Why is their body black?"

…These kid really has no manners. Didn't his parent teach him some tolerance for other people?

"They are our fine guests! Unfortunately, they are quite tired from their exhibition, so they cant quite talk today."

They bowed their heads in disappointment. "Aw…but you said you'd give us anything we wanted if we ever spotted you again."

"D-did I say that…?" For a second, Daimo almost looked human…

He waved away the troublesome kids under "direct order of the Master" and hunched over slight, as though exhausted.

Mason gazed at the city in awe, his lips slightly perked open. "Woah...there really is an entirely seperate world beyond Baroque City!"

"Of course. Did you expect anything less of Master Mosung?"

"This Master Mosong you've been speaking of...who is he?"

"He is the sole ruler of the Miyo Mountains of course. However, he hates the position himself. He has been waiting for...that man for quite a while now."

Mason squinted his eyes inquisitively. "Wait...I recognize that name! The Miyo Moutains of Zhou! It's a central landmark of the empire and served as a cultural touch stone for generations! I was wondering why you all have such eastern names..."

"Hoho! It seems some humans like yourself have recognized our greatness as the Great Apes of Miyo. I'm not exactly sure what this "Zhou" you refer to is but the flatter will be appreciated."

"But...there is only one problem. This territory isn't in Zhou."

"...What? Are we not in the Eastern Continent of Earth?"

"No sir...this is actually the West. The place you've manifested is the Canbrian Mountain range, that lies within the Allied Powers territory. I believe you when you say this is the Miyo Mountain range, yet you've manifested in a completely different territory with a similar biome."

Daimo looked at Mason with astonishment. For but a moment, a single drop of sweat ran down his temple as he placed his palm over his face. "..."

Shit! If he loses his mental fortitude, we'll all be in danger! "Sir? Are you alright?"

"That...is quite interesting news huh?" Underneath his palm was a twist expression of glee. His mouth stretched outward unnaturally, forming something similar to a smile, except the pleasure of a smile was replaced with sheer malice. It's eyes were squinted, forming crescent-like shapes.

Just being around him was enough to make me nauseous.

"Well, thank you for the information. This makes things a lot more fun. Let us meet the Master." His typical composure was restored instantaneously. This operation has taken a turn for the worst...

_________

[Miyo-Enko Temple]

Atop the marbled steps lied a summit covered in crimson blood. The black suits were a tell tale sign…the other squads were killed at the hands of this monster.

Their masks were broken, so I'd easily recognize their bodies. Isaac, Madayna, Lili, Quill, Carter…they were all dead. While they weren't exactly friends of mine, I was still acquainted with them as a fellow member of the Black Dogs.

Their shredded visera was a remind of life just as it was of death. If I made a single misstep, everything would end just as abruptly as it had for them.

The large, ornate ape sat up his throne, playing with the corpses like puppets.

"Say, Daimo. How are those batch of humans? Did they manage to impress you?"

"Some of them are around average in terms of skill, but 2 very particular ladies caught my interest, as well as 1 man."

"Gahaha! Do tell!"

The short girl and the black haired girl are both exceptional fighters. The boy with blue hair, Mason, is very well taught in history."

"Hm…so the rest are inadequate?"

"Quite."

The great ape Mosong stroked his hairy chin with his index finger and thumb. "They are trash then, kill them."

Shit! We're done for!

Daimo lunged at me with the speed of a cheetah, his outreached hand nearly piercing my flesh. However, Pam Fuller noticed the attack coming far sooner than I did and blocked the attack with her manifested staff.

"So you aren't trash after all girl."

"Bite me!"

Pam activated her contract and underwent beastification, her body grew tougher skin with thick layers of fur on her forearm. However, something was noticeably wrong.

Her body heat began to sky rocket and her mind became weak and hazy.

"Shit…whats going on…it hurts!"

"That staff…just who are you contracted with?"

"None of your business!" She screamed as she swatted away the nimble Daimo.

The massive Mosung cheered on the fight with joy. "Bahahaha! I love her fighting spirit! Something appears to be wrong with her though…so lets try out the game!"

"The game…but weren't you the impatient one who ate all the appetizers that came here before this pack of humans?"

"Yeah yeah, but this time, I'll make it interesting."

I stood there frozen with not only a sense of fear, but an astute readiness and perception. The next words utter by the two magic beasts were our only threads of hope.

"Listen up humans. This is your only way to survive in the Miyo Mountain range."