Chapter 72: Unroyal Toad (1/2)

Travelling in an unglamorous fashion, Rino finally saw the edges of the swamp that the wind sylph reported. It wasn't too big to be a threat, but there was a strange atmosphere surrounding it. The air was thick with mana but not similar to the magic tree he found in the forest that he cut a branch to create the World Tree.

This magic tree and marshland had a rather sinister vibe. Rino did not understand this as he was also a creature born from darkness. Why did this darkness smell of festering flesh?

It was morbid, and Rino did not like it. Sending his slaves for a hunting game in this area might not be the best idea with such a threat lingering in this swamp. However, Rino was still curious to know the true potential of his undead army.

If they were mortals, Rino might reconsider sending them on a suicide mission. However, they were undead. The candidates that he wanted to test could regenerate infinitely on Rino's mana. Hence, they could make very good area scouts.

The swamp wasn't too far from Rino's village if they flew or teleported. However, it was several days on foot for mortals who also needed to take breaks and rest at regular intervals. This terrain would be difficult for mounts, and Rino did not know if marsh lizardmen lived here. They dominated the murky marshes in his previous world, and nobody could win against them in their territory.

It would be nice to know if lizardmen also existed in this world. Rino would love to befriend them for benefits. If he had lizardmen as allies, there would be a very strong defence on this side of his kingdom. Those swamp dwellers were masters at shaman arts that were a branch away from regular magic.

They were also expert healers with a knowledge greater than magicians about poisons and cures. They were translators of nature's will, and Rino had the opportunity to be taught a few divination spells by the lizardmen when he visited them as an emissary for the kingdom in his past life.

Thump!

Rino paused in the air and hovered above the dense forestation. He heard something even though the swamp was still rather far from his current position. Whatever that was, Rino knew it was huge. The shaking of several trees in the distance was a dead giveaway.

He waited to observe the situation a little more. For whatever reason, the creature was approaching him, and Rino prepared to flee if they attacked. With so many leaves in the way, Rino could not tell what was going on. He only knew that he was here to observe King Toads and bring one back to start the hunting game tonight.

RIBBIT!

Rino quickly wrapped himself in shadows and disappeared into the shadow realm. There was a good show to follow, and he did not want to get front row seats, risking collateral damage in the crossfire between monsters.