478 On the Other Side of the Fog, The Enemies Goals and Plans (1/2)

Day 119 - 10:15 AM - Central Area, Mountain Base, Mount Malabito, General Nakar, Quezon

A vortex of magical energy, it was not wrong to call it that. The fog was too thick, but instead of the usual scientific water vapor, Magical Energy caused this phenomenon instead. Fortunately, there was some visibility inside the base because of the lights that they installed before they left. There was also the red glow from Chiyo, the Night Everred Spirit Tree, that seemed to lessen the fog inside the base.

Looking towards outside the walls, however, the visibility was a total zero. The mountain tops in the northern areas outside the base were not visible at all. Not to mention the forest outside, there was only about a dozen meters area outside where the fog was thinner.

Because of the fog, no one was unnecessarily outside their dwellings. That was why it made the place look more like a ghost town.

”Some bandaged nurses and a man with a pyramid on his head won't appear, right?”

Alana asked. No one could tell if she was joking or not. After their experiences, no one could tell which was a joke and not after all. Even fictional creatures could be real. All they could do was glare at Alana. She should not try to be a devil's tongue.

While they banter around due to the appearance of the surroundings, Chiyo celebrated the return of its master. It tried to release a glow from its body.

However, before it was able to do so, Mark spoke.

”Chiyo, don't. I know you're happy, but you might alert unnecessary people.”

Hearing that, Chiyo settled down. But it still released some of the red wisps from its leaves. This thing, however, was its daily routine. Even though it currently did it for the return of its Master, Mark, it would not raise any suspicion from anyone.

Mark then closed his eyes for a second. Using his abilities as an Empath, he tried to detect everyone in the base. And fortunately, everyone was alright. Although, their mental state was at the negative right now and was rather heavy. Luckily, the number of people here at the base was not that high. If the population was at the scale of a military settlement, and they all had these collective negative emotions, Mark would surely feel weakened.

While they were observing the surroundings as they had just arrived, someone passed by.

She was quite surprised, but the surprise in her expression immediately turned to glee.

”B-Boss! Everyone! Thank God, you're all back!”

Trisha, who was returning to the kitchen area with empty cups on her tray, exclaimed.

Alana became worried that Trisha would end up throwing the stuff she was carrying all over the floor. Fortunately, it was not the case, and instead, she received an ”Are you serious?” stare from Mark.

Turning back to Trisha, Mark asked.

”What is going on here?”

”Please, just ask Huey,” Trisha replied. ”He's savvier about the situation than me.”

”Okay, I'll meet him first,” Mark said as he turned to the others. ”Mei'er, lead everyone back to the house first. Aephlia, lead Logan, and Gifre to the shed.”

”Un!”

”Yes, Master.”

Mei and Aephlia replied, respectively.

On the other side, Trisha, who was watching them, was confused, totally.

Currently, the only members of Mark's group that were present were Mark's family of four, Alana, Karlene, Amihan, Mara, and Janette. Furthermore, there was a little girl with violet hair, several horse-headed people, a dwarf with a white beard, a man with red skin, and a beautiful but snob lady with greed hair. As for the Dragon, Chaflar, Pefile, Edzel, Pearl, and Teremillio's harem, they were not present.

What made Trisha even more confused was when a cute but stern-looking lady in maid uniform replied to Mark when he called for Aephelia. The other Sylph that followed Mark everywhere was not even present.

Fortunately, even though his appearance had changed, Logan was still recognizable. Her shock towards the all-eater was lessened.

Even with her confusion, and a bit of curiosity, however, Trisha still managed to speak.

”Wait, we relocated the shed. It's better if I lead you there.”

”Why?” Mark asked.

”Annica managed to add more animals. It became easier to deal with the waste if they are near the walls. Many of the new animals are not trained yet. Also, we combined the shed for Gifre, Chaflar, and especially Logan there too. We thought that we can let Logan Deal with the waste after you all returned.”

Mark nodded. It looked like Huey, and the others put more thought into this.

”Lead the way,” Aephelia said to Trisha. The latter immediately nodded as she led Aephlia and the two Giants in a different direction.

Mei also led everyone else to follow her. The slaves were really curious about their current surroundings. Furthermore, when they saw how Mark and the Pure Spirit Tree communicated, their reluctance to serve their new master immediately vanished. It was also the case to the Dryad. Although she was quite a snob and picked on Mark's appearance, if her master was a ruler and even had a Pure Spirit Tree of his own, then, there was no need to resist. Well, it was not like any of them could resist the crests tattooed on their chests.

Mark watched everyone leave first while he observed the fog even more. As for the others that were not here, Mark tasked some of them of something else while Pefile and Termillio decided to stay and gather information about their homelands. The most important task was that of Felenia, who he told to translate the transcripts written on the leather scrolls in their library.

After all, Mark could not read the Spirit Language, and the scrolls were too small that looked like some bandaid strips rolled together. It was definitely an item made for their race and not for others.

While playing with the fog, Mark smiled.

”So, this is food for me, isn't it? I wish I didn't leave Crimson back to protect the others, or he will also benefit from this.”

Mark murmured.

Crimson, he the strongest among the [Blood Children], including even Miracle. The very first [Blood Child] Mark found had turned into a monster capable of dispersing itself into the surroundings like mist, and absorbing energy to grow stronger. That critter was getting even more powerful while they were in the Spirit Dimension, similar to Ignis.

”Ignis.”