Eternal Freedom's Ascension-Chapter 119: Vulpina Westhale

"Your territory?"

Kaiser closed his eyes, unperturbed. He looked insanely relaxed for someone in the presence of an Evolved Beast.

The girl’s eyes shifted to the corpse not far away. Raising a brow, she questioned him.

"You killed this thing by yourself?"

There was a hint of incredulity in her voice. After all, it was hard to believe a Rank 1 Awakened had killed something of the Horror rank. In fact, it was utterly impossible.

Her gaze towards him grew increasingly suspicious.

"You’ve been asking too many questions. Get lost."

Seeing him totally disregard her with his eyes closed, the girl grew infuriated.

Her yellow eyes turned cold, and she suddenly stomped on the ground.

Boom!

The ground caved beneath her feet, a violent vibration spreading. It was a demonstration of the tremendous physical strength she possessed.

Unfazed, Kaiser merely opened an eye. Gazing at her with it, he said in a flat tone.

"Intimidating me? Boring."

He slowly rose to his feet, his injuries almost fully healed. Stretching his arms, he turned to her.

When she gazed into his eyes, she took a step back instinctively. Even though those eyes were vibrant blue in color, there was an unsettling darkness nestling within them.

’This human... what the hell is he?’

She bared her fangs slightly. Her tamed beast also hunched over, growling softly.

Kaiser regarded them both with indifference, then tilted his head.

"You seem... defiant." He stepped closer, hands behind his back. "This... you have color...?"

Beneath her physical exterior, Kaiser saw a weak orange light pulsing. His expression changed drastically, and he looked at her with shining eyes.

The girl was used to receiving this kind of look from humans. After all, beastkins were rare and highly valued. However, this guy’s fascination was bizarre. Even though he was looking at her, she had a feeling he was gazing at something beyond her.

’That creepy look...’

She clenched her fists and frowned. "Step back or I’ll kill you."

The moment she spoke, a heavy killing intent permeated the air.

Kaiser’s previously indifferent expression shifted. His lips curled in amusement.

"Eh? You want to kill me? That’s actually not bad. It is interesting dying at the hands of a genuine article."

The girl’s expression turned weird, sensing the sincerity in his voice. Who was this demented guy? He wasn’t actually bothered by death?

Kaiser stepped back, turning to the corpse on the ground beside them. He summoned Nameless Fang and began digging into its head. The hide was tough, but he eventually reached the soul crystal.

Tearing it out, he spoke calmly.

"It might be a little weird, but I genuinely want to know more about you. Firstly, what is your name?"

The girl blinked, caught off guard by his sudden change in tone. He seemed so... pure. Before she realized it, she had replied to him.

"I’m Vulpina Westhale. And you are?"

Kaiser ungloved his right hand, then stretched out his hand courteously.

"Kaiser Solace. It is my pleasure meeting you."

...

Unexpectedly, the two hit off pretty quickly. Perhaps it was because of Kaiser’s adaptive nature. He always spoke in ways that matched her vibe and synced with her.

’Is this a talent?’ Vulpina thought quietly, glancing at him from the side. After some light talk, she realized he was heading towards the Stormveil Clan, which was coincidentally her destination too.

At the moment, they were traveling side by side. Her tamed beast—Mamba followed behind them, its footsteps unexpectedly silent for its size.

"You’re a member of the Stormveil Clan?" Kaiser asked, his gaze fixed into the distance.

Vulpina nodded, "Somewhat. Let’s just say I was adopted."

"Adopted, huh..."

Kaiser suddenly stopped. At the same time, Mamba perked its ears—alert.

"We’re surrounded." Vulpina said, her eyes turning cold.

Kaiser softly cracked his knuckles. "You have sharp senses. However, I don’t think these people come with ill intentions."

After all, he sensed no ill intent from the group surrounding them.

"Hold! It’s the War Priestess!"

Someone shouted, and the group finally revealed themselves. They were clad in similar black armor with blue lightning stripes on it.

’War Priestess?’

Kaiser glanced at Vulpina, a little surprised. It seemed these people were a group from her clan. Folding his arms, he allowed her to take up the conversation.

"What group are you?" She asked, her voice laced with authority.

The group of five looked older than her, but their eyes carried subtle respect for her.

A man who seemed to be the leader of the team stepped forward. "We’re the 12th Arc under Sir Gilead, young miss."

Judging from the aura he exuded, Kaiser deduced he was already an evolved. Still, he didn’t really care. The only thing present that was worthy of his attention was Vulpina.

"I see." She nodded, then turned to Kaiser. "Since they’re also heading back to the clan, let’s follow them. It’d be safer."

Although Kaiser preferred solitary movement, he decided to indulge her a bit.

’After all, she possesses her own color. Although weak, it is still better than nothing.’

Nodding, he joined the group heading towards the Stormveil Clan. The journey took a full day, in which they rested for a few hours. Although the group had a few skirmishes with some Nirad Creatures, they were able to fend them off without any casualties.

When they arrived at the base of the Clan’s territory, night had come. The Stormveil Clan was built atop a mountain, lording over the entire Southern Region like a sovereign.

Standing beside Kaiser, Vulpina whispered quietly. "I know you are quite fearless, but don’t be rude to anyone stronger than you."

Kaiser shrugged. "No problem. I’d just ignore them."

He didn’t come here to meet anyone. Instead, his goal was to pass their backyard to the Northern Region, and build a subtle connection with this catkin.

With that in mind, they arrived at the entrance of the Stormveil Clan.

’What an advanced infrastructure for a reclusive clan.’

Kaiser rolled his eyes.

Towering black walls made of hardened marble rose to the sky, scarred by lightning bolts and innumerable charges it had stopped in the past.

Surprisingly, the little city behind those walls was brightly lit—like they didn’t care what creature attacked them in the night.

As soon as the guards recognized Vulpina and the other warriors, the gates were opened, allowing them to step in.