Chapter 131: Rich Mountain (1) (2/2)

Acht noticed his master's quickened pace as Rino walked further into the cave without caution. Apprehension filled the shapeshifting spectre, and while he knew Rino was strong without a doubt, he could not help but worry. His master was the ignorant type despite his monstrous abilities. He knew little about this part of the world and was probably the first person to willingly walk into the Woods of No Return and emerge unscathed.

”M-master?” Acht hesitated. However, as a loyal subject, he should still play advisor to caution the magician about the dangers lurking in such places.

Acht might not explore caves or ravines in these rocky mountains, but he was a bandit and lived here for a good number of years to know the dangers. There were monsters living within the mountains, and not all of them were easy to spot.

”What is it?”

Acht mustered his courage and met the lich's eyes, illuminated by the fireball. He did not doubt Rino's strength. However, there were famous mana draining monsters residing in caves like this. Any living cave had guardians. That much was common knowledge. The vault that they found was a living cave with a weak guardian that he and his sworn brothers defeated after many tries and sneaky planning.

”Please proceed more carefully. I have a bad feeling that the guardian is watching us.”

Guardian? If Acht was referring to the prickly stares he was receiving ever since they broke off from the stream's path, he was aware of it. However, he wasn't sure if the guardian of this cave was also a womanticore. That might be troublesome. He was able to escape the womanticore because she was careless, but this time, he came prepared. He would kill before he was killed.

”How do you know there's a cave guardian?” the magician tested the shapeshifter.

Acht blinked owlishly. ”Every living cave has a cave guardian?”

Living cave? Instead of receiving answers, Rino had more questions now. What did that mean? He would have to take some time to have a short chat with Acht, who looked more willing to work under his command.

Although it was a bummer Rino did not find someone like Fronzo at the strange seaside village, he was glad to have someone similar to the helpful production manager from the nine bandits he killed. Acht was mature and also cautious. He spoke politely and understood his place. It must have taken the shapeshifter a lot of courage to speak up, and Rino's respect for this spectre grew.

Yes, he would make a good tannery manager. If everything went well, he might make Acht in charge of certain important production in his town if the spectre continued to prove himself worthy of such responsibilities.

Rino liked intelligent people, and Acht was a refreshing company ever since he left Noir Province. Without Kragami or Noir to keep him company, Rino was starting to grow bored without a good conversation partner. Mutt's responses were overly predictable, and Rino took no joy in talking to the shadow wolf.