432 Gravely Mistaken, The Result of Overthinking Things Because of Culture (1/2)

Day 76 - 10:27 AM - Cliff House Balcony, Mountain Base, Mount Malabito, General Nakar, Quezon

Despite not being planned, Mark was back at this balcony once more. Even though he frequented this place every day, it was only at times that they were having meals, relaxing, or doing some designs. The reason being this place was the most relaxing part of the base.

Not only that it could let them oversee the base, and a wide area towards the east, the wind blowing from here felt nice. It was a perfect setting for many things.

Now, he was here with some unusual guests. Usually, he would bring guests toward the living room near the entrance. However, as these guests, right now, were tense, it was not suitable to bring them in an enclosed area.

Mark and Mei sat together while Amihan sat on her Master's shoulder. Pefile leaned on the wall while looking at the scenery below. As for the guests, aside from the largest among them, the rest were on the table. Most of them sat on the table. Even if it could be disrespectful to the owner of the place.

It could not be helped, though. After the method, they were brought here, only a few could withstand it. The rest had their feet shaking after they landed.

As for the unconcious one, she was laid on the table comfortably. She was not heavily injured and just hit her head in the battle. There were a few bruises and a torn part of her wings, but she would be fine.

Well, it was not like Mark was mindful of formalities. As such, he wanted to start the conversation while observing each creature that was now in front of him. That should be the plan. But... Mark could not ignore the largest one sitting on the chair on the opposite side of the table.

She was bitten by one of the Earthworms. Now, she was heavily sweating and panting. The rows of teeth that left marks on her arm started to turn violet colored. There was no doubt that she was poisoned. She was trying hard to cover the wound and contain the poison in her body without telling anyone. It was because she did not want them to worry.

Unfortunately, it seemed that the poison from the Earthworm was something she could not handle.

And thus, a [Blood Child] came bouncing out into the balcony after receiving Mark's call. When they had nothing to do, the [Blood Children stayed in one of the rooms Mark had just made for them. From the perspective of most of the people, the [Blood Children] were just unusual creatures. To Mark and a few people who knew, they were children.

Because of that, Mark made a room for the [Blood Children], complete with toys and stuff they could enjoy.

Seeing the strange slime-like creature bouncing out into the balcony, the guests were certainly surprised. They had not seen or heard of such a creature. The creature then bounced onto the lap of the Master of the Spirit Tree like a spoiled child.

Then, Mark spoke.

”You there, what is your name?”

Normally, an introduction would start a meeting like this. But that could be done later.

Surprised by the sudden question, the Kibaan gulped.

”A-Angis.”

”Come here for a bit.”

Mark said as he pointed at the seat beside him.

As that was unexpected, the guests were surprised. It was quite worrying that Angis was called out. However, these were not their place, and there was an obvious disparity in their status right now. They could only obey if they did not want a fight.

Well, a fight could really happen, if not of the quick-witted Felenia covering the mouth of panicking Teremillio. He might be a womanizer. However, he was very protective of his wives. Angis, being called out, did not suit him very well.

”Husband, just calm down!” Felenia whispered. ”Just try to feel it. Amihan's master meant no harm.”

That was right, these creatures, like animals, were very sensitive to the ill will of those around them. If not, they would not be wary of humans until all of them were eradicated. Hearing that, Teremillio calmed down while looking at Angis that moved to sit beside Mark.

”Just sit tight. It will be a bit painful. Also, remove your hand from your wound.”

Mark said to Angis as he urged Ruby to do her thing.

Confused as to why Mark said that, Angis looked at him with confused eyes.

The Kibaan was depicted most of the time as scary old looking creatures similar to goblins. Nevertheless, like humans, they had different faces. Compared to those depictions, Angis looked more like a child than a goblin. She had fair skin and long hair that almost as long as her body. The most noticeable things on her were her golden teeth, reversed feet, and mellow voice that was the most known indications of her race.

Angis followed what Mark said reluctantly. Seeing her wound, the rest of her group exclaimed in shock.

Then...

”Ah!”

Angis cried out. Rather than pain, it was because of surprise. Not only here, but the others were also surprised.

Ruby covered the wound with her tentacle and entered the bloodstream of Angis to absorb the poison.

Then, Ruby jiggled around as if asking Mark something.

And Mark replied.

”No.”

It seemed to have made Ruby a bit dejected.

”I'll feed you later, all right? Just not hers.”

Mark sighed.

It seemed that Ruby found the white-colored blood of Angis rather delicious and asked Mark if she could eat some. However, that was not appropriate and he denied him that.

Still, hearing that Mark would feed her instead, Ruby jiggled in an even livelier manner.

Since the poison had not spread too much due to the effort of Angis to counter it, Ruby did not take too long to absorb everything. As Ruby retracted her tentacle, the wound on the arm of Angis looked surely better than before.

”Thank you.”

Angis said with her mellow voice. The others were also relieved as they saw that the wound looked better. They started to see Mark better than before.

”Well, that's settled,” Mark then said as he turned towards the group on the table. ”Introduce your selves and why did you want to meet me?”

They were still nervous, however, they managed to introduce themselves properly. Furthermore, after Angis was treated with the poison, Teremillio finally calmed down.

”Master of the Spirit Tree. I don't know if you heard of me before. I'll introduce my humble self. This one's name is Teremillio. A leader of a small tribe living some way southeast of this place. Near the place, human's called Daraitan.”

Teremillio bowed like a proper person. Well, if not his usual shenanigans towards women, he could look better. Furthermore, compared to common appearances of Duendes, there as no doubt that he was handsome within their race. Aside from that, there was a subtle aura around him that could tell that he was not just some common person either. Something that told others that his background was not simple at all.