Chapter 86 - Preparations Part 1 (1/2)
Versailles sat on the Scorpion King's back as the arachnid crawled and leaped over insidious molten lava and exploding mounds. The ear exploding sounds of erupting volcanos' accompanied their cautious actions and heightened senses.
All around them, volcanos' of various sizes went off intermittently, their bright glare lightening the flaming region in a resplendent red-orange glow. Large flame crocodiles, lava lizards, and fire centipedes moved about busily, either dragging preys or engaged in battle for territories.
This region was known as the Erupting Volcanos' Region of the Nar realm. It was the designated location of the Battle of Wit, set to start in less then three ice nights.
As a land of danger, both from the creatures dwelling in it and the unpredictable erupting volcanos', few immortal or mortal beasts were able to survive in it.
As such, the six supreme clans chose it as the next arena for the Battle of Wars, the Battle of Wit.
As the name implied, it took shrewdness, keen intelligence, and cleverness to overcome the natural obstacles of the environment, native beasts, and competitive immortal participants. Surviving and coming out victorious from the clash was an ordeal that tested the sharp mental fortitude of the competitors.
”Scorpion King, jump!” Versailles yelled at the distressed scorpion dragging his feet.
The Scorpion King jumped accordingly, narrowly dodging the razor sharp teeth of the flame crocodile. Without pause, he anxiously continued forward, cold sweat sliding down his hideous face.
'The Nar! Why have the heavens placed this venomous serpentine on my back!'
The teary expression on his face was one filled with grievance, fear, and worry for his dear life. His movements were panicky and jerky, but every leg he moved was swift and accurate, placing it just slightly out of the crocodiles reach.
Although the Scorpion King complained and cried nonstop both internally and outwardly, he did not hold back any skill and ability to safeguard his life, and hence, Versailles' as well.
This was the reason why Versailles had taken him along for the ride.
Not only did the beast fear the strong. He also feared death and treasured his immortal life. Combined with his craftiness, it would be a breeze for her to traverse through the Erupting Volcanos' with him around, and make preparations for the upcoming Battle of Wit.
'I am glad I brought him along. His survival instincts are quiet sharp.'
There was a slight smile on her lips as she enjoyed his mournful expression.
”What, you don't enjoy accompanying this Mistress?” She darkly asked.
”Of...Of course I enjoy it! Of all the beasts gathered in the fortress, Mistress picked only me!” The scorpion shrieked.
”Hmph! Good that you know!” She arrogantly raised her head, her arms crossed over her chest.
'Good that I know? Good that I know? I know what? That you want to kill me? Of all the beasts gathered in the fortress, you only had to pick me!'
He raged internally, not daring to breath a word externally.
Moving from side to side, he nimbly navigated his way through yet another throng of lava lizards and arrived before a molten crack. The crack led to the inside of the volcano, emitting extreme heat and brilliant flare as it greeted their sight.
”Master, the temperature here is very high! We will be burnt to a crisp before we can even do anything. Why don't we go back, huh? In the end, it is still a lot smarter for us to stay alive, then walk right into death's embrace.” Even though the words sounded reasonable and impartial, Versailles felt the silent plea in his eyes as he hopefully gazed at her.
'This wretched scorpion! All he ever thinks about is preserving his life. If he wasn't fearful of evoking my wrath, he would've already dumped me and ran away.'
Furrowing her brows, she resolutely rejected him.
”You can forget about it. We are not going back! Now, enter the volcano!”
Dejected, he despondently bowed his head and warily stepped into the red-orange crack.
The Scorpion King attentively swept his eyes around, checking every direction before vigilantly moving forward. He knew the serpentine wouldn't ask him to enter the volcano, if she was not confident of ensuring her life.
He also knew she probably had a method to deal with the boiling, molten lava and that his cautious behavior was uncalled for.
However, he still preferred to remain alert.
'What a joke! This serpentine clearly knows how dangerous the Erupting Volcanos are, and yet, she still dragged me along. It needs no saying to know that she will dump me the moment the situation turns deadly. She won't care about the life of a lesser race like me. Hmph! I cannot entrust my life to this malicious and venomous serpentine!'
He continued his grumbles inwardly, not trusting the serpentine at all. After all, his life was precious to him and only he knew how to truly value it.
As for others?
He would be glad enough if they didn't try to snatch it while he was in an impasse.
Versailles knew the thoughts running through the Scorpion King's mind from the gleaming light in his eyes and vigilant behavior. However, she did not mind.
Because if a situation truly did arose where she had to choose between helping him and helping herself, she would choose to help herself.
As such, she was pleased with his behavior, approving of his actions.