Kapitel 313: [311] Conquest
On their way back, Stunk, Zel, and Kanchal witnessed firsthand what true power looked like.
Every magical beast they encountered along the way was no match for August. Even when a pack of over twenty Flame Wolves attacked together, they were all swiftly annihilated by August in the blink of an eye. His shadow blades were simply terrifying.
It was as if he were strolling casually, and wherever he walked, no magical beasts could approach him.
Strong! Unstoppable! Unfathomable!
A string of accolades floated through the minds of Stunk, Zel, and Kanchal, all directed at August. It was this sheer display of strength that made them abandon the idea of inviting August on any future missions. With someone this powerful, they realized they'd only be dead weight, mere ornaments in comparison.
August, unaware of their thoughts, had been busy along the way collecting the corpses of magical beasts. Without exception, he took them all and stored them in his small world to feed the World Tree sapling.
In fact, in places unnoticed by the trio, August had summoned several shadow claws to roam the wild, hunting even more magical beasts. After all, the World Tree sapling was a voracious entity, constantly devouring resources.
"Hey, August... how many of your Demon God tribe are left?" Kanchal asked curiously.
"I'm the last one. It's incredibly difficult for our tribe to bear offspring, and by the time it reached me, I was the only one left."
"Sorry, I didn't know," Kanchal said, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"It's fine. This is just how the world works. Powerful beings have a harder time bearing children," August replied calmly.
Zel nodded in agreement. As an elf, he understood the difficulty. Compared to humans, elves also faced significant challenges when trying to have offspring. It wasn't uncommon for a married elven couple to go centuries without a child. For long-lived species like elves, easy fertility would throw the world into chaos.
Humans, on the other hand, were quite the opposite. As long as nothing went wrong, most human couples could conceive within a few months and have a child by the following year. The difference between them and elves was simply staggering.
However, the most extreme case wasn't humans, but beastfolk. Not only did they conceive easily, but they often gave birth to multiple offspring at once.
The conversation inevitably led to a somewhat heavy atmosphere, and no one spoke further. Yet, this revelation made the trio view August in a new light. As the last of his kind, continuing his lineage must have been of paramount importance.
By mid-afternoon, around three or four o'clock, the group finally returned to town.
As soon as they arrived, they naturally went their separate ways. Today had been exhausting, and they needed to rest—especially Stunk, who had to start taking on quests to make money the next day.
After two days of partying and resting today, tomorrow he had to get back to work.
This was the reality for most adventurers: live it up today, and if you're broke tomorrow, it's time to hustle again.
With no pressing matters, August decided to head to the tavern alone.
"Meidri, bring me a glass of wine and two plates of appetizers," he called out as he sat down.
As usual, the tavern was busy, packed with customers scattered around every table.
"Hm? August? Where did you and Stunk disappear to yesterday? I didn't see you all day today either," Meidri asked, walking over with his order.
"Kanchal dragged us off to the neighboring town."
"Huh? What for?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"We went to check out a succubus shop."
"What? You're hopeless! You incorrigible lecher!"
Thud!
The tray in Meidri's hand became a makeshift weapon as she whacked August squarely on the head.
"I had no choice! It was all Kanchal and Stunk's idea," August protested.
"Yeah, right. Yesterday, you tried to fool me too. All you men are the same—perverts," she shot back, glaring at him.
"You're one to talk," August muttered under his breath. "Aren't you from the winged tribe? Didn't you just lay three eggs? Clearly, you weren't satisfied…"
He hadn't realized that Meidri, being from the winged tribe, had excellent hearing. She had heard every word.
"What did you just say?"
"Huh? Meidri, you heard that?"
"Who told you about this?"
Dark energy! Killing intent! Both rose up around her in an instant.
Oh no. I've crossed the line. I'm dead. I'm so dead.
"Don't get upset! I—I heard it from Stunk! Yeah, it was him! He told me!" August stammered, trying to defuse the situation.
"Stunk is dead meat, but you're no better. Prepare to die!" Meidri snapped.
Bam!
August was sent sprawling to the floor, but none of the other patrons, eating and drinking around them, seemed surprised in the least.
In this tavern, it was common to see some fool end up on the receiving end of Meidri's wrath. Though she was the star attraction of the tavern, Meidri was as much a thorny rose as she was beautiful.
"Seriously, that temper of hers is explosive. Maybe I should set my sights on someone else. She's not the only winged girl around," August thought to himself.
But the thought quickly died. Giving up now would mean admitting defeat, and that just wouldn't do.
As a Demon King, it would be humiliating if he couldn't even win over a winged girl.
Still, the difficulty of winning Meidri's heart was clear.
August had no idea where to begin. Worse yet, after visiting the succubus shop twice, the impression he'd left on her wasn't exactly ideal. Combined with how they first met, it was clear the road ahead would be tough.
Bam!
"Here. Your food and drink!" Meidri said curtly as she slammed the plates onto the table.
Though her words were sharp, she still did her job. Meidri had a tough exterior, but deep down, she wasn't as cold as she seemed.
"By the way, Meidri, are you free tonight?" August asked suddenly.
"What for?" she responded, her eyes narrowing.
"I'd like to invite you to dinner."
"Thanks, but no thanks."
"I've got something special—food you won't find anywhere around here," August said, pulling out a small slice of tiramisu.
"What is this?" she asked, eyeing the delicacy.
"Tiramisu. Care to try?"
August knew he was playing his trump card. This world didn't have desserts like tiramisu, and he was certain that once Meidri tasted it, she'd be hooked.
Most women loved sweets, and Meidri was bound to be no exception.
Meidri glanced at the cake, then back at August. She thought about all the times he'd tried to take advantage of her, and with a small sigh, decided to accept this cake as his way of making amends.
With that thought, she picked up the slice and took a bite. Immediately, an overwhelming sweetness spread across her tongue, a flavor unlike anything she had ever tasted.
It was simply too delicious.
The small slice was gone in just a few bites, but it was obvious from the look on her face—she wanted more.
Seeing her reaction, August couldn't help but smile. He'd done it—Meidri had taken the bait.
Using unique foods and desserts from his world, August was confident he'd be able to win her over completely.
___
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Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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