Bab 18: Village
Huff...
With a deep breath, I forced the surge of energy to recede, willing my body to return to its original form. The transformation was not as smooth as I had hoped, my muscles twitching and bones shifting back into place. It took a few moments, but eventually, I stood there, once again a mere demon.
The forest seemed eerily silent after the intense rush of power and primal instincts. The moonlight cast long shadows across the clearing, and a gentle breeze whispered through the trees. I took a moment to steady myself, the echoes of my previous form still lingering within me.
"..."
Sighing in relief, I looked around, searching for the tallest tree in the vicinity. Once I found it, I began to climb, my fingers finding purchase on the rough bark.
Now that I knew that I was within my favorite Novel, I needed to get my bearings and figure out my next move.
My first priority was to find a civilization and find out where I was.
It was very important since if I ended up in a place that was hostile toward demons like me, I could be in grave danger.
Well, to be honest, the entire world was hostile toward the demons and only the Demon realm was safe for our kind.
Well, at least for now...
However, I wasn't planning to go there. There was a higher chance I'd die in the Demon realm rather than surviving there.
The hierarchy was strict, and I wouldn't be able to survive there since I'm weak.
Although my strength might seem superior to humans, it was barely minimal for the demons. Even a newborn Demon should be stronger than a normal human male and yet I was struggling to defeat a few Goblins.
Huff...
As I ascended the tree, my agile limbs allowed me to navigate the branches with ease. The rough bark scraped against my fingertips, a reminder of the world I now inhabited. With each upward movement, the forest unfolded before me, revealing a vast expanse of dense foliage and shadows.
"..."
Perched on a sturdy branch, I surveyed the surroundings, my eyes scanning for any signs of civilization. In the distance, a thin plume of smoke caught my attention, rising above the treetops like a wispy finger beckoning me forth. It was a promising sign, a potential beacon of human habitation.
Gathering my resolve, I leaped from one branch to another, repeating the process until I was low enough to jump down.
Thud...
The ground embraced me with a soft thud as I landed gracefully, my silhouette melding seamlessly with the shadows of the forest.
Following my instinct and the direction of the distant smoke, I moved with purpose, blending into the natural rhythm of the woods. I allowed the subtle sounds of the forest to guide me, listening for the crackle of footsteps or the murmur of voices that might indicate human presence.
Tap... Tap...
As I traversed the undergrowth, my keen senses heightened, picking up on the faintest sounds and scents. The rustling of leaves, the calls of nocturnal creatures, and the rich aroma of damp earth filled my perception. It was a symphony of nature, a tapestry of life that pulsed through the forest.
After what seemed like an eternity, but was likely just a short trek, I arrived at the outskirts of a small village. The scent of wood smoke grew stronger, intermingling with the fragrances of human existence. The village appeared quaint and peaceful, nestled amidst the verdant embrace of the forest.
"..."
Although I felt a sense of relief seeing civilization after everything that had happened to me during the past day, I knew I couldn't just reveal myself.
I'd be killed...
Taking shelter within the shadows, I observed the village from the cover of darkness. The soft glow of flickering lanterns bathed the cobblestone streets, casting an ethereal ambiance over the quaint buildings. The villagers moved about, their silhouettes dancing against the backdrop of illuminated windows.
I needed information, but I couldn't risk showing myself. Demons were not welcome in this world, and I had to find a way to navigate its intricacies without drawing attention to myself.
Silently, I slipped through the outskirts of the village, sticking to the alleys and avoiding the main thoroughfare. My footsteps were like whispers against the cobblestones, hardly a sound to betray my presence.
My keen senses caught snippets of conversation drifting through the night air. The villagers spoke of everyday matters, their voices carrying a mix of warmth and weariness. It was a delicate balance between curiosity and caution that governed my actions.
As I wandered deeper into the village, I caught sight of a small inn tucked away in a corner. The soft glow of candlelight spilled from its windows, accompanied by the faint hum of conversation and the clink of glasses.
Pressing myself against the rough stone wall, I strained to catch snippets of conversation emanating from the inn. The villagers' voices carried on the gentle night breeze, their words blending with the distant chirping of crickets.
"...heard strange noises coming from the old forest..."
One villager remarked, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and trepidation.
"Some say it's the work of the Demons"
"Demons? Nonsense!"
Another voice chimed in, sounding dismissive.
"I've also heard that sound, it's a Wendigo!"
Listening to their conversations, I could sense that they spoke with a mix of fear and intrigue.
Well, I'm not sure if we are talking about the same creature, but it was probably the Wendigo I'd killed.
However, there was no need to reveal myself or confirm their suspicions.
I think that they much prefer to live with a Wendigo in their backyard rather than a Demon.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone