Demonic Kitsune

Both the massive, mottled-green, battle-weathered ogre and the slightly shorter, scarred, muscular orc turned to Clare as the succubus spoke. Her nine fluffy tails twisted around each other, shivering slightly from the breeze blowing through the cracked cathedral-like window.

"Oh! Someone came before us," the ogre grunted. His tusks, though not as prominent as those of younger orcs, still jutted from his lower jaw, giving him a perpetual snarl. His deep voice resonated through the rain-hammered atmosphere.

"Indeed, the Clan Ancestor has blessed our journey," the orc agreed, his tone rough but reverent. His broad, flat face was framed by thick, gray hair hanging in matted strands around his shoulders.

"You’re so beautiful, Miss. Meeting such an elegant Nin in a wasteland like this is truly lucky," the succubus purred. Her bluish-dark skin contrasted sharply with her long, thin tail, which flicked behind her as she moved. The spade-shaped tip and small, leathery wings on her back twitched slightly as they dried. Her voice was silky smooth, each word laced with subtle charm as she gazed at Clare.

"This is all my luck since I got lost. You should thank me," the ogre rumbled, crossing his massive arms with a smug expression. The eerie flash of purplish lightning highlighted his deep-set, muddy brown eyes glowering from beneath a heavy brow.

"Shut up," Dolrence snapped, glaring sharply.

"Glory to the Clan Ancestor! When will this ordeal end?" the orc muttered, rubbing his temples as if to ward off a headache. The thunder rumbled beneath his feet, but he remained unfazed. His dark, coarse hair was pulled back into a loose knot, revealing his sharp, angular features. Despite his rugged appearance, his eyes showed the weariness of years spent dealing with his companions.

As their noisy banter continued, the woman approached Clare. She turned her face away, closing her eyes in an attempt to meditate.

"Hello, beautiful! We’re staying in the same place, but we don’t even know your name. I’m Dolrence, Dolrence Winterler! What about you, Miss?" she said. Her two sleek, black horns curved elegantly from her forehead, reflecting the lightning flashes. Her cobalt, mischievous eyes stared at the Nin, who seemed indifferent with her empty green eyes.

"Clare," she responded, calm and composed.

"Oh! Such a cool name," Dolrence cooed, her eyes twinkling with admiration.

Seeing Dolrence’s expression, Yu Ziao shook his head in disbelief. "That bitch is at it again. Why can’t she stop fawning over jade-like women?" he grumbled under his breath.

"Even so, she’s stunning for a Nin," Joan, the orc warrior, remarked with a faint smile, eyeing Clare. "Even I could fall for her if she was a little taller and bulkier," he added, amused.

"Tch," Yu Ziao tsked in annoyance. He wasn’t fond of the rare Nin race—they were deadlier and more cunning than succubus. "Isn’t her existence itself a nuisance? I agree she’s pretty, but she’s not to my taste," he muttered. Despite his annoyance, there was a grudging respect.

Even Joan, an orc who rarely found female orcs attractive, couldn’t hide his admiration. Yu Ziao hated to admit it, but the Nin before them, with her faint demon-like aura, was indeed beautiful. Cunningly beautiful. It was a strange atmosphere he never expected to find himself in. Dolrence’s excitement was understandable. She trembled as she leaned closer to Clare.

"But where is this beautiful Miss going?" she asked curiously.

"Lumencis," Clare replied calmly.

"It’s such a coincidence that we’re going to Lumencis too! We should go together. You’ll save on expenses, won’t be bored, and you can be with me," Dolrence suggested, winking playfully.

Yu Ziao looked like he was going to be sick at any moment. Dolrence, noticing this, got pissed and beckoned to him. "Don’t be silly. Say hello to this beautiful older sister of mine," she ordered sharply.

"You look older than her. How can she be your older sister?" Yu Ziao retorted, raising an eyebrow.

"If someone’s beautiful and jade-like, they’re all my older sisters. It’s all the same," Dolrence replied with a huff, her eyes still fixed on Clare.

Yu Ziao and Joan approached Clare, looking helpless. Then Dolrence introduced everyone.

"Listen closely. This beautiful older sister of mine is Clare. This is Yu Ziao, an ogre fighter. And this one here is Joan Schwargte, an orc warrior. He’s memorized his Clan Ancestor's Sun Scripture better than the Clan priest."

"Nice to meet you, Yu Ziao and Joan Schwargte," Clare said, polite but distant.

"May the Clan Ancestor bless our meeting! It’s nice to meet you," Joan greeted, lightly beating his chest in a respectful gesture.

Clare looked at their faces and nodded, confirming she understood their names amidst the heavy downpour.

"What happened to our beautiful Clare’s group?" Dolrence asked curiously.

"…Not much," Clare responded, her tone clipped. It was a vague answer that could confuse anyone.

"You mean you have no companions?" Dolrence asked with concern.

"Not really. Is there a problem?" Clare’s eyes, which had been slightly open, closed as she felt the chill that brought pinpricks of raindrops through the window.

"It’s not like that," Joan said quickly, raising his hands in a placating gesture.

Yu Ziao carefully studied Clare. She had a perfectly curved body, standing at 165.10 cm—somewhat short in her early 20s compared to others like her. Her muscles were balanced and sturdy. Her nine fluffy tails and upright, triangular ears showed she was indeed a Nin, a descendant of a fox race. Her overall temperament and the faint aura that trailed around her, along with the wrapped weapons hung on her back, suggested she was a fighter, possibly an experienced combatant.

However, Yu Ziao wasn’t deceived by appearances. As someone who had survived a life of relentless struggle and the last Holy Grail War—a nine-year conflict between the Heavens, the Holy Church, Great Families, Continental Clans, and Ten Guilds, using the Monster Races—he knew better. Many monster clans perished alongside demons on the battlefield. He gritted his teeth in rage at how many honorable monsters had died at the hands of fighters. It was inevitable after the Heavenly Saintess died.

Yu Ziao was sure Clare had a tense aura, one close to a demon, an Arrancar, or another type of demon. Could he be mistaken? No, his battle instincts told him otherwise. Though he was certain Clare was an experienced fighter, he wasn’t sure of her level.

That was what Yu Ziao contemplated briefly. He had a lot of battle experience, and Dolrence was practically raised the same way. Even though she had a bad temper and a cunning, seductive nature, she was an excellent fighter. But no matter how he looked at it, he couldn’t gauge ‘the’ Nin's level at all. His eyes narrowed as he continued to study Clare.

Without being an experienced fighter, a Nin like Clare wouldn’t display such leisure, calmness, and indifference in the presence of strangers. Any ordinary Nin would be trembling in fear at their intimidating presence. Their sheer size and strength still commanded respect and a sense of superiority. Clare’s unshaken demeanor suggested she had confidence in her own prowess, as she didn’t shrink or shiver even when facing these monster-like strangers.

The problem was that they couldn’t gauge Clare's level. Yu Ziao glanced at Joan, attempting to communicate without words. Joan understood Yu Ziao’s look. He shrugged, indicating that Clare’s skill remained a mystery.

‘This Nin! She’s more intriguing than I thought,’ Yu Ziao mused, his eyes sparkling with interest.

“Did you say you were going to Lumencis? Why are you going there?” Dolrence asked, leaning in closer, her voice dripping with curiosity.

“You don’t need to know,” Clare replied firmly.

“Uh-huh! Don’t be like that; let’s be friends. A long journey won’t be boring if we get to know each other,” Yu Ziao suggested, sitting down next to Clare.

Clare looked at Yu Ziao, Dolrence, and Joan without a change in expression. Despite her cold demeanor, neither Dolrence nor Yu Ziao seemed deterred. There was no sign of shame or anger. This meant they either had great courage or were incredibly strong.

They’re all skilled, Clare thought, her green eyes narrowing as she observed the trio. The eerie flashes of lightning tearing through the dark, twisting clouds reflected in her gaze.

Dolrence appeared unarmed, but Clare recognized the black object around her waist as a whip. It suited a seductive succubus well, and not many fighters in Salamander could wield such a weapon. On the weapon selection day, almost no one chose it. No, that wasn’t quite right. Those who did choose it couldn’t wield it effectively, unlike Dolrence. The whip’s shiny appearance and tight texture indicated it was made from an unusual material, with sharp metal sparkles hinting at its deadly nature.

Yu Ziao carried a greatsword and a large steel alloy shield on his back, while Joan had a war hammer wrapped in cloth, reminding Clare of SOATH, whom she had acknowledged before killing.

Each of them wielded a different weapon, indicating that their techniques and “monsterization” were also unique. These weren’t typical fighters; they had mastered the art of group battle. The position they naturally assumed was ideal for a pincer attack, with the ogre serving as a tanker, making good use of its regeneration skill. This positioning wasn’t something they consciously set up. It had been ingrained in them over time.

‘Dolrence is their Rear.’ 

Clare deduced as she continued to observe the dynamic between the three. Although they seemed equal, it was clear that Dolrence was their “Ace”—the backer disguised as a dealer. Yu Ziao and Joan were murmuring, but they followed her lead faithfully, even if she wasn’t technically their leader. The trio was well-disciplined, acknowledging each other’s positions, flaws, and strengths. They were thoroughly united around Dolrence.

Yet, when their strict formation broke, Dolrence didn’t seem to fit the role of a backer. The true leader of the trio wasn’t among them either. Clare concluded that there must be another, stronger monster above them—someone Yu Ziao and Joan truly followed. This thought amused her.

Dolrence, however, seemed unsatisfied with the free tendencies of Yu Ziao and Joan. If they were willing to follow rules, their leader either possessed strong leadership or immense power.

Or perhaps both, Clare thought, intrigued.

Their destination was also Lumencis. Traveling with them would likely reveal their leader’s identity. Plus, it could save her a silver coin, the only currency her Senior Instructor, the First among the elites—Arrancar Viking—had given her. Other young Arrancars were given only two bronze coins, which were technically half a silver.

Simply put, it was quite a profitable coincidence for Clare.

Dolrence’s face crumpled in frustration. “What about you, beautiful older sister of mine? Join us. I’ll be very nice to you,” she said, her voice sweet but with an underlying tone of determination.

“Fine, let’s go together,” Clare agreed, her voice calm but firm.

“Uh, really?” Dolrence’s eyes widened at Clare’s unexpected answer. Clare nodded, confirming her decision. Dolrence’s face filled with bewilderment but also a faint smile.

After the heavy downpour subsided, leaving behind only a few rumbles of thunder and the occasional flash of purplish lightning amidst the twisting gloomy clouds, the group left the run-down shrine. Clare moved with them, her expression calm and indifferent.

— — — — — 

“It’s advantageous to take a boat here to save time,” Yu Ziao pointed out, gesturing to the dock ahead. Being knowledgeable about geography, Yu Ziao seemed to know the best route. Clare didn’t question it; she just went with the flow.

“Why is our beautiful sister going to Lumencis?” Dolrence asked, walking close to Clare. With each step, her large chest brushed gently against Clare’s elbow. Inwardly, Clare found it quite annoying and felt an urge to slap Dolrence. However, her bushy tails swerved subtly, whispering for her to calm down and endure it for a while.

Dolrence sighed, whether Clare liked this or not, and looked at her with innocent eyes.

“I want to meet someone I know,” Clare replied, her voice steady.

“Someone, you know? Who?” Dolrence asked, narrowing her sharp eyes in suspicion. It was as if she could detect Clare’s scent and distinguish it as belonging to two entities. Though she knew Clare was a Nin, she couldn’t fully understand what the other entity was. Could it be an Arrancar-like demon? Or just a regular demon? Perhaps, but rather than dwell on it, she decided to ask directly.

“They’re a lot,” Clare replied, her tone distant and indifferent.

“Who the hell are they?” Dolrence pressed on, her voice dripping with impatience. A vague answer like that only created more questions in her mind. Could it be a group? Friends? She had no choice but to ask again.

“Associates,” Clare said simply.

“Associates? Are they your colleagues?” Dolrence’s voice softened slightly, concern creeping in.

“Not really, but they have no choice but to work with me,” Clare corrected with a sigh.

“Are you going to allow them?” Dolrence asked.

“Yes.”

“Those bastards and bitches better not try anything with our beautiful sister. Just tell me. I’ll beat them if they do anything stupid!” Dolrence hissed, her usual sultry demeanor replaced with fierce protectiveness.

The Orc warrior, Joan, and the Ogre exchanged glances, both of them overwhelmed with disbelief. No matter how often this occurred, it never got old. It always surprised them, making Joan hope that Dolrence would rein in her temper. Even the Ogre noted silently, shaking his head at how Dolrence was practically dripping with honey for Clare.

The succubus naturally wrapped her arms around Clare, her enticing chest grazing Clare’s skin. Clare was aware of it but chose to stay silent. She knew better than to be swayed by seductive charms. Still, the succubus leaned in closer, her breath warm against Clare’s ear.

“We met by chance at the Shaman Shrine, and our destination is the same. This is more than just fate. What do you think? Perhaps the heavens brought us together,” Dolrence purred, her voice low and enticing.

“Why are you going to Lumencis?” Clare asked, unfazed.

“We?”

“Yes.”

“We’re going to conduct some… business,” Dolrence replied, her lips curving into a mischievous smile.

“Without any goods?” Clare’s voice tinged with skepticism.

“Not all items are visible. Can you guess what we’re selling?” Dolrence arched a brow, her eyes gleaming with hidden secrets.

“No, thanks,” Clare said bluntly.

“Why?” Dolrence feigned hurt, her pout almost too perfect.

“I feel like my mouth will be stitched up if I hear the answer,” Clare shot back, her voice deadpan.

“Hmph!” Dolrence pouted further, her lips forming an exaggerated curve. She was surprisingly expressive for someone of her age, but it was appropriate for her race. Her face betrayed emotions that made her look far younger.

Any other man or woman, blind or not, even crippled, would’ve been captivated by her playful antics. But Clare’s foxy and saintly side remained unimpressed, while her demonic side was seething, wanting to end this weak act. Clare, as the Heavenly Saintess, had seen countless women like her—though succubus were a rare race—and had never been a simp, despite being a virgin in both her past lives and this one.

With her desire for revenge still deep in her dark, cold heart, Clare wasn’t foolish enough to lose her mind over the coy behavior of a succubus she hardly knew, let alone any woman she came across.

Dolrence clung to Clare even tighter, her well-manicured nails lightly digging into her arm. “Whoa, sister, you really know how to push and pull. My heart can’t take it. I’m trembling,” she teased, her voice a mix of sincerity and playfulness.

“Hey! If you two want to continue this charade, why don’t you just get a room?” the Ogre, Yu Ziao, grumbled, clearly irritated by their back-and-forth.

Joan placed a hand on Yu Ziao’s shoulder, his voice low and calm. “When has she ever listened to anyone? Don’t let it get to you.”

“Get to me? It already got to me. I fell for her once and her tricks. Though the night was wonderful, I lost almost all my essence and gold coins to her. After that, do you have any idea how many years I've had to put up with her antics?” Yu Ziao retorted with a hint of betrayal and frustration, his voice hushed so Clare wouldn’t overhear.

“Sorry, bro. I feel your pain. Life is so complicated,” Joan consoled him before redirecting the conversation. “Aren’t we going to be late for our appointment?”

“If we get on a boat now, we’ll arrive at roughly the same time,” Yu Ziao assured him.

“Thank the Clan Ancestor,” Joan muttered with relief.

“I’m the one leading you, so what are you worried about? Just stick with me,” Yu Ziao said confidently.

“Should we really leave those two like that?” Joan glanced at Clare and Dolrence, his brow furrowed.

Yu Ziao smirked. “Why not? She’s doing her thing as usual. When she starts laying on the charm, it means she’s up to something. It always makes me nervous when she’s like that—it’s never innocent.”

“Do you really think it’s all an act?” Joan asked skeptically. “Oh right, you said you fell victim once…”

Yu Ziao chimed in, “Don’t ever tell that to anyone,” he said icily and lowly. No one must know, or it would not only tarnish his honor but also his reputation. Joan nodded firmly, implying he would keep it at the back of his heart—bros before hoes. Yu Ziao sighed and spoke again, “If it’s not acting, what else could it be?”

“If not for what you said, I would’ve thought she genuinely liked her.”

“As if that would ever happen. Don’t worry. A succubus will never fall for any man or woman. That’s common sense. You should know that by now,” Yu Ziao said, dismissing the idea before sidling up to Joan and whispering about how he should never fall for any female Orcs but instead indulge like a musclehead, learning the Sun Scripture of the Clan Priest.

Joan let out a chuckle, which got louder and louder. “According to Common Sense, Chapter 1, Verse 2: Seeking everything except bitches, in the end, they’ll flock to you like birds.”

At this point, Clare couldn’t help but eavesdrop, having the same thought as Yu Ziao: ‘Who the fuck makes such rules?’

But Dolrence happened to ask out loud as if knowing Joan quite well, “Were you the one that wrote it?”

“You know me! Hahahahahaha!”

Everyone was speechless and dumbfounded, while Clare sighed. It seemed this Orc had his priorities straight, just like hers.

Anyway, the conversation between the two went on and on.

“...Yeah, you’re right. Succubus never fall for just one essence; they make you fall for them.”

“Of course. That Nin, Clare, she’s an enigma. She’s too quiet, and that’s dangerous. She’ll have to work hard to squeeze any information out of her.” Yu Ziao’s eyes turned cold as they locked onto Clare. This was a critical moment, and they couldn’t afford any disruptions. Anything or anyone—especially a Nin or Demon, whether an Arrancar or not—that posed a threat had to be identified and dealt with swiftly.

Yu Ziao quickly shifted his expression to a more neutral one as she approached a nearby black-haired, blue-eyed, handsome fishman sailor, asking about the boat’s departure schedule with a friendly smile.

After a brief conversation, he returned to the group. “We’re in luck. The boat leaves in half an hour since the weather is decent. We can board right away.”

“Are you sure we can get on that boat? It looks like it’s already loaded with cargo,” Joan noted, eyeing the boat skeptically.

“It’s a ‘rice carrier’ from the South Rice Swamp of the Great Edge, so there’s nothing we can do about it. If we wait for another, we’ll lose a day. This is our best option.”

“Sheesh! A rice carrier? I was hoping for a comfortable bed. I miss having a soft place to sleep,” Dolrence complained, her voice filled with frustration.

“Damn it! You whine too much. Hey, if you miss a soft bed that much, why are you following me?” Yu Ziao snapped, his patience wearing thin.

“How can I not follow? If I didn’t, “Lance” wouldn’t let it go,” she replied mockingly.

“Then stop complaining and just follow. You wouldn’t know what to do without me,” Yu Ziao grumbled, rubbing his temples as if he had a headache.

“May the Clan Ancestor bless this endeavor! Let’s get on the boat,” Joan said wearily, stepping onto the fairly large boat first.

Clare quietly bought her ticket with the silver coin, which was understandable due to the discount given to the group, her mind preoccupied. It was the first time she had handled money in this manner in this life, and she found the experience oddly fascinating. She stared at the bill for a long moment, lost in thought.

Dolrence approached her, noticing her distraction. “That ticket will do. Let’s get on the boat,” she said, her voice sweet like sugar as she took her hand and pulled her along.

Clare let out a deep breath, following without resistance. The deck of the boat was piled to the brim with grain, a mountain of rice that dwarfed everything else. It was a sight Clare hadn’t seen in a while, and she found herself staring at it, mesmerized, recalling her previous life, traveling and exploring as the Heavenly Saintess, and her “first life” going on vacation in a very large boat with her parents in her younger days. 

At least that was her internal thought, but her external expression was one of indifference and calm.

Yet, Yu Ziao, noticing her gaze, spoke up. “It’s a lot, isn’t it? That’s rice harvested last year and pre-boiled recently. It’s now headed for Lumencis.”

“To Lumencis?” Clare echoed, curiosity piqued. Though she knew Lumencis was the northernmost part of the Demon Clan’s territory, adjacent to the Middle States and the Great Families.

According to the Senior Instructor, although the area was smaller and had independent forces, and most had signed non-aggression pacts, who would have known it could be a lively place for the export of manpower and import of goods… and this was evident as she witnessed it with her own eyes.

“All the goods from all over Salamander go to Lumencis, rice from South Rice Swamp of the Great Edge included. With this much, hundreds of Arrancars in the Demonic Arrancar Clan’s territory could live for two years,” Yu Ziao explained.

Despite being a cargo boat, there were quite a few passengers on board. The fish man-sailors, looking to make extra money, sold the surplus seats. The male and female demon and monster passengers in decent garb gathered in small groups, talking amongst themselves. Some wore expressions of worry, deep in serious conversation, while others laughed and smiled, clearly enjoying themselves. It was a microcosm of the world, filled with as many emotions as there were passengers.

Clare observed them silently.

Most of the demons and monsters on the boat were ordinary folks, far removed from the dangerous world of combat and power. Clare thought they were lucky. She, more than anyone, knew how hard it was to lead an ordinary life in a world as ruthless as this.

“What are you looking at?” Dolrence’s voice cut through her thoughts, bringing her back to the present.

“Oh, nothing much,” Clare replied indifferently.

“Huh! So you do have a sentimental side,” Dolrence teased, a playful smile on her lips.

“That’s not the first time I’ve heard that,” Clare said dryly. Noir, SETH did say that once though, and even they weren’t the first either. If she thought back correctly, it would be Isolde who once said that.

“Really? You look sentimental to me,” she persisted, her smile widening.

“If you’re going to keep talking nonsense, just keep quiet. You’re giving me a headache,” Clare snapped, her patience wearing thin as her demon side took over.

“Too much!” Dolrence feigned hurt, her eyes wide in mock disbelief. But her sulking didn’t last long. In the next moment, she was back to her usual self, clinging to Clare’s arm.

“That’s what makes you so attractive. I can’t stand it. Should we find somewhere more private?” Dolrence suggested.

“Where?”

“A place where no one can see us,” she whispered, pressing her chest against Clare’s arm.

Clare looked at her for a long moment, her expression unreadable—No way in Hell, she inwardly clicked her tongue. Her tails curled up even more in annoyance. Dolrence smiled even more seductively, confident that she had her under her spell.

She was stunning, the kind of beauty that could make any man’s heart race, but Clare wasn’t just any Nin. Plus, her beauty wasn’t compared to Noir, SETH though. She hated to admire it, but perhaps Noir’s beauty did sway her a bit, enough for her to endure her weirdness. But Clare wasn't swayed by the succubus’ charms.

Not even slightly.

Clare noticed that Dolrence Winterler had a smile on her lips that seemed to attract people, but her eyes were as cold as ice, coquettish, and calculating.

If it had been another young Arrancar or monster, they might have been mesmerized by Dolrence’s smile. Even as her keen hearing caught the words of Yu Ziao, whom she had previously deceived, she remained unfazed. That’s how skilled she was at hiding her true feelings. But she couldn’t fool Clare. Clare’s sharp eyes, senses, and instincts were too keen. Clare was used to reading others’ psychology and emotions. No matter how well Dolrence masked her inner self with a bright facade, Clare could easily detect the emotions that lay beneath.

Dolrence Winterler was like “a rose with poisonous thorns.” It was obvious that anyone who fell for her stunning appearance would be seriously hurt. Yu Ziao could testify to that as one of her victims.

Clare gently shook her head. “It’s a bit difficult here. I’ll think about it after we get off the boat.” It was an indirect way of saying “No” while postponing the answer.

Dolrence laughed lightly, but there was an edge to it. “Sheesh! You’re a tough one to crack, aren’t you? Well, that’s attractive too, so it doesn’t matter, hehe!”

Her laughter rang out, drawing the attention of everyone around. Dolrence was beautiful enough to attract the gaze of others, including demons and monsters alike. Many had been eyeing her since she boarded the boat.

Yu Ziao, a large, burly figure beside her, grunted. “Stop joking around. Come and have a drink.”

“Who said it was a joke?” Dolrence retorted sarcastically.

“Everything you do is a joke,” Yu Ziao muttered, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Dolrence shot him a mock glare. “You damn scoundrel…” 

“So, you’re not drinking?”

“No, I’ll drink,” she replied, a touch of exasperation in her voice as she sat down beside him. Yu Ziao pulled out a bottle of booze, his massive hands easily uncorking it. He turned to Clare with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Would you like to have a drink too? Nothing’s as good as a drink on a long trip,” Yu Ziao offered, raising the bottle.

Clare shook her head, rejecting the offer.

“Is that so? Strange for a young one like you to refuse a drink,” Yu Ziao shrugged and didn’t press the matter further. Little did he know, he was actually speaking to an ancient soul. He poured drinks for himself and Dolrence, and the two of them, along with the orc warrior Joan, began to drink and chat.

As the Fishman sailors began to row with their blue-scaled, morphed arms, the fairly large boat left the pier. Clare sat on the railing, watching the scenery pass by. Her quiet demeanor, taking in her surroundings, gave her a serene and almost otherworldly presence. Meanwhile, Dolrence, Yu Ziao, and Joan were drinking and laughing. Though they couldn’t stand each other on normal days, the booze seemed to bring out a strange camaraderie between them.

Clare noticed Dolrence glance over her shoulder at her, giving a bewitching smile when their eyes met.

“You wicked one! Always messing around,” Yu Ziao grumbled playfully.

Dolrence smirked and returned her attention to her drink.

“Huh?” Clare muttered as her ears perked up, alert to a strange, inaudible noise. Her tails tensed slightly, curling at the ends in response to the distortion in the air. She also noticed ripples on the water, distinct from those caused by the boat and natural currents. Only someone with keen observation skills would detect it, but Clare did.

She turned her gaze to where the sound was coming from, her eyes narrowing as she focused, activating her “Seventh Mind.” Everything around her slowed down, and within her range, something became visible. The sound was growing louder, indicating that something was approaching. The ripples on the river grew more intense.

At this point, the mysterious sound finally caught Dolrence and the others’ attention, but no one else seemed to hear it. Clare's brow furrowed as she stared into the distance.

After a few moments, the source of the noise revealed itself—a considerably large boat, rapidly approaching. The rhythmic thudding was the sound of many oars cutting through the water.

"Uh, what is that?" someone muttered.

"Another boat is coming!" a fish man-sailor shouted, his voice trembling with fear.

At the sailor's cry, the passengers and the captain turned to look at the approaching vessel. The captain's blue face paled as he took in the sight.

"Damn it! We’re outnumbered," he cursed under his breath.

"Outnumbered?" one of the monster-like passengers echoed, panic starting to spread among the crowd.

The approaching boat was filled with armed lizardmen, their eyes gleaming with greed as they closed in on the rice-laden carrier. Clare sighed as her eyes narrowed. Whether it was the powerhouses of Salamander or smaller groups at the “Edge of Salamander,” greed was a constant.

It was tiring, cliché, and annoying. But that was how the world worked.

"If we take the rice from that boat, we can feast for days," one of the lizardmen sneered, his voice carrying across the water, jolting the Fishman captain. He gritted his teeth, recognizing the danger, and quickly made a snap decision.

"Everyone, arm yourselves! We must protect the rice at all costs!”

It was an unexpected situation, but they had to make it through.