Chapter 195: The Leader
“…The reaction is more intense than I thought?”
“Gegekek!”
Of course.
It’s understandable if another Guardian of the Dragon Gate fell.
But the Ice Bird of the Snowy Mountain is an exception.
Its power is weaker compared to Yongsaengguja, making it my next target.
Besides, it’s got a setup that makes one curious to see its face.
A bird that controls cold.
Missing the chance to see that would be disappointing.
No, let’s think positively.
The fall of Yongsaengguja could be a more dangerous situation.
Because it means a stronger enemy appeared capable of defeating them.
On the other hand, taking down the Ice Bird?
They’d be strong, but not stronger than Yongsaengguja.
Of course, since they defeated the Ice Bird that was empowered by the Dragon Gate, if they claimed the Dragon Gate, they could grow stronger.
But that much, I could handle on my own.
If needed, I could even team up with the Red Dragon, who’s incompatible with cold.
“They call it a generational shift. Like how the Fire Rat took over after the Red Dragon voluntarily stepped down.”
The Red Dragon is the first generation.
The Fire Rat is the second generation.
That’s probably how it feels.
A mysterious powerhouse who defeated the first-generation Ice Bird.
Who could it be?
“Maybe it’s a bit different? You could say it’s similar to how you defeated the Fire Rat. The Fire Rat was weaker than the Red Dragon, but the new Guardian of the Snowy Mountain will be stronger than the Ice Bird.”
A new Guardian stronger than the Ice Bird has appeared.
That was the information I had.
But thinking it over, it wasn’t such a big deal.
Unless you consider my personal curiosity, there’s no particular reason to attack the Snowy Mountain.
It’d be good to continue acquiring the power of the Dragon Gate.
It would accelerate my growth.
But there’s no need to target the Snowy Mountain first.
Instead, it’d be better to target those like Yongsaengguja, who possess knowledge I need and rare elixirs like Feng Yuhuan.
One advantage of the Snowy Mountain’s Ice Bird was that it was weaker than Yongsaengguja, but with the change in ownership, that too became uncertain.
“Gek.”
As long as I don’t make contact, there won’t be a problem.
The only time it’d become an issue is if the new Guardian of the Snowy Mountain shares my mindset.
They would have grown stronger after accepting the power of the Dragon Gate.
The power of the Dragon Gate is truly overwhelming.
Even though I didn’t evolve immediately after defeating the Fire Rat, I was able to use the power of the Dragon Gate after a grueling battle with the Red Dragon.
It was an unprecedented leap, skipping two evolutionary stages at once.
Even with my status window’s cheat-like abilities, the growth was astonishing to me, so how would it feel to ordinary spiritual beasts?
They’d aim to attack another Dragon Gate to evolve again.
Gongbok and Chodo won’t be easy opponents.
It’s true they’re bound to the Dragon Gate, but they’re in a different league.
They’re said to be descendants of true dragons.
So, what choice will the Snowy Mountain’s Guardian make?
It’s obvious they’ll invade the Dragon Gate guarded by another Guardian.
And unfortunately, that place only has one fragile lizard.
“I also handle the power of cold. So, I can tell that this cold wind blowing isn’t natural.”
No wonder the wind felt strange.
If the new Guardian of the Snowy Mountain invades this place, it’ll be troublesome in many ways.
The nest I painstakingly built could be destroyed.
But it wouldn’t be great for them either.
Even ten charging Igaksu are formidable.
The cold of the White Wolf.
The heat of the Red Dragon.
And even the Paryong waiting in reserve. If they invade, the outcome will be obvious.
“Gegek.”
But the Red Dragon isn’t here?
“The red lizard is probably at the volcano. You know, the original place, not here.”
“Gekgek.”
“She’s been coming and going often while you were away, but this time she’s a bit late?”
Could she be late because she’s trying to steal something valuable?
“She’s probably carrying a lot back.”
It’s unfortunate that the Red Dragon isn’t here, but our forces are more than sufficient without her.
She might return if we wait a bit longer.
Even if she’s late, there’s no need to worry.
I can’t even imagine something happening to the Red Dragon.
Who in their right mind would mess with a Red Dragon?
Let’s organize the situation.
While I was bringing back the Four Tang Sisters, the Guardian of the Snowy Mountain changed.
And that Guardian is highly likely to invade my territory.
“Since I also handle cold, attacking first wouldn’t be a bad idea. Although I don’t like it, waiting for the Red Dragon to arrive might also be fine.”
Launching a preemptive strike with the White Wolf.
Waiting for the Red Dragon and launching an attack together.
And simply waiting for them to arrive.
These were the actions I could take.
“Gekek.”
I’ve decided.
The first thing I’ll do.
Slurp.
“Hmm… smooth… smooth….”
Is to wake up Tang So-yeong, who was asleep.
“Smooth… hyaaah!”
After licking her face a few times with my tongue, she freaked out but seemed to enjoy it.
“Y-you’re finally going to eat me…!”
No, that’s not what I meant.
“Gekgek.”
Get up for now.
There’s something you need to do.
“I thought you were just a healer, but you’re more useful than I expected.”
Baeklang admired her.
Though I sometimes underestimate So-yeong, she is, after all, a martial artist of the Tang Clan.
In other words, she’s unparalleled when it comes to handling poisons.
After squeezing out a bit of my poison, she quickly created a few convincing traps.
“Young lady. Move the spiderweb slightly to the side….”
There’s no immediate reason to invade the Snowy Mountain right now.
If I have to leave this place for some reason, it’d be better to eliminate the potential threat by dealing with the enemy.
However, I plan to stay here for the time being, so there’s no rush.
Even if I decide to attack, I should go with the Red Dragon.
I can already imagine her enjoying herself while breathing fire a few times.
Even if not, it would be better to gather some information about the enemy before heading out.
If I confidently charge in and face an opponent I can’t counter, the outcome won’t be good.
Thus, I chose to wait here.
While setting up traps to deal with outsiders just in case.
I cut down trees I created with my abilities, fashioned spears, and coated them with poison.
The Igaksu dug pits, and we installed the traps inside them appropriately.
I added several additional traps using spiderwebs stronger than steel, turning this nest into a natural fortress.
After setting up the traps, there was something else I did immediately.
“…Could I be more capable than I thought?”
Tang So-yeong rolled up her sleeves and said.
She was preparing a meal.
“Gekgek.”
Yeah, So-yeong, you’re capable.
Baeklang seemed to try to understand as much as possible, but he couldn’t fully hide his doubts about So-yeong’s capabilities.
It might also be because Tang So-yeong is a pure human.
And So-yeong, in turn, seemed a bit out of place, as if she didn’t quite fit in with Baeklang.
That’s why I deliberately assigned her tasks she could do well.
Creating traps with her human dexterity, removing thorns stuck in the Igaksu’s feet.
And, of course, cooking—something only humans could do.
Sizzle.
The sound of meat cooking appetizingly filled the air.
Tang So-yeong’s cooking skills were nothing to scoff at.
When I tasted her grilled meat back in the swamp, it was so delicious.
Of course, having only eaten raw meat before, everything civilized tasted good.
“Yeah, you’re capable. Way more than that fire-breathing red lizard.”
“R-really? Hehe…. But a red lizard…?”
Baeklang, now in human form, seemed to have grown closer to Tang So-yeong.
Although So-yeong still seemed cautious, it no longer appeared to be out of fear.
How should I put it? It looked more like she was eyeing an opportunity to touch Baeklang’s white fur.
Sorry, but Baeklang is mine.
“There’s this obnoxious red lizard. Stupidly strong and incredibly crude….”
Now that I think about it, it seems like she’s already trying to create factions.
Well, it’s the fault of the dragon—not here right now anyway.
“Kyieeeng…!”
“Growl!”
The spiders and wolves drooled as they waited for the meat to finish cooking.
While spiders were one thing, it was probably the wolves’ first time eating cooked food.
Given that Baeklang controlled cold, they’d probably eaten slightly charred meat cooled off by frost.
It seemed some food had also been prepared for the Igaksu.
So-yeong was diligently grilling some unknown plants, though I couldn’t say what they’d taste like.
Still, judging by the Igaksu drooling, they’d probably find it delicious.
“It looks like it’s almost done!”
So, it’s finally ready.
“Gekgek.”
Let’s eat now.
“…Sniff sniff.”
“Chomp….”
Huh?
They were all ready to pounce on the food moments ago, so why were they quietly waiting now?
“What’s wrong?”
Baeklang looked at me and spoke.
“…You’re the leader of this group, aren’t you?”
The leader.
Yeah.
That’s right.
I’m the leader of this group.
“Gekgek!”
Chanting the slogan of the Gecko Religion, I buried my face into the mountain of meat piled before me.
“How did I end up with a lizard like this… No, never mind.”
“Woof woof!”
“Kyeng!”
“Ilbu… Dachuhh!”
Thus, we had a joyful mealtime together.
The meat, seasoned with salt and spices, was incomparable to raw meat in flavor.
“…Eating like this isn’t so bad after all.”
Even Baeklang, who controlled cold, acknowledged the taste.
“Kyeng!”
Tus and Pus each grabbed a large piece of meat, climbed on top of my head, and started munching away.
…Still, I’m the leader. Could you at least not treat me like a table?
“Ilbu… Hehe….”
The Igaksu made peculiar sounds as they stuffed cooked vegetables into their mouths.
Given their massive size, the amount they consumed was enormous.
If I hadn’t gained the ability to manipulate plants, I wouldn’t have been able to provide enough food for them.
Looking at it this way, it feels like we complement each other well.
“Hehe… Seeing everyone enjoy themselves makes me happy too.”
Tang So-yeong seemed to have fully integrated into the group now.
“Grrrr….”
Of course, she failed to touch the wolves.
“Ugh….”
Sigh.
I gently moved my tail closer.
“G-go Dae-hyeop?”
You like my tail, don’t you?
Here, touch this.
“…Hehe. As expected, there’s no one like you, Go Dae-hyeop.”
And with that, she enthusiastically petted my tail.
Tick.
Wait, the way she persistently fiddles with my scales… Is she trying to pry one off?
Whoosh!
“Hmph.”
Nephila stepped in to stop her just in time.
“Eek! I-it was just a joke!”
I stood still and looked at everyone.
Someday, I’ll see all the beings connected to me gathered here.
Chatting noisily, eating delicious food like this.
Sleeping under the moonlight.
Pouring a drink, with the Snake Queen binding me.
My master scolding me.
Waiting for the right moment, only for Nephila to bind me in webs again.
And slowly wasting away….
…Okay, that took a weird turn, but it still sounds fun.
Even if I can’t return to being human, if I could live a life like that.
It would be more than enough to make me happy.
“…Go Dae-hyeop, what’s with that look on your face?”
“Stop pretending to be handsome, will you? Why does a lizard look so melancholic?”
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Stop calling it "pretending to be handsome."
Call it a thoughtful expression.
“…It’s honestly annoying how good-looking you are.”
Baeklang muttered in a very small voice.
But Paryong’s ears were sharp enough to catch her words.
“Gekgek!”
Oh, come on. Even if you praise me like that, it won’t get you anything.
“T-this time, it’s a really sly expression!”
“How does a lizard even make that kind of face?”
Yeah, keep going.
Who knows? If you keep complimenting me, maybe an elixir will fall from the sky.
“Gekgekgek….”
I was still wearing the handsome expression Baeklang acknowledged when—
“P-please help me!”
A voice rang out.
Everyone immediately fell silent.
Instinctively, I could tell.
That voice didn’t belong to a spiritual beast—it was human.
Why is a human here?
Splash.
Splash.
The sound of footsteps grew louder.
“H-huaaaah!”
A man screamed as he spotted me.
His head was completely bald.
Judging by his reaction… He must’ve assumed this area was inhabited by humans, not spiritual beasts.
The nest’s appearance, the smell of cooked meat, and the smoke could all easily lead to that misunderstanding.
Then he locked eyes with a massive lizard, and it scared him out of his wits.
“N-no way. K-Komodo…?”
Who are you?
Why are you acting like you know me?
“P-please help me! That thing….”
Wait a minute.
The position he’s in—
“I have to stop it… Craaah!”
Boom!
…That’s where the trap is.
“Gek….”
I glanced at Tang So-yeong.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
You set that trap, didn’t you?
“A-are you saying that person fell because of me?”
No, that’s not exactly what I’m saying.
“Geeeeng.”
I’m just pointing it out.
Tang So-yeong of the Tang Clan ruthlessly killed a passing human with a merciless trap.
“Hey, you’re the one who told me to set it up! And that’s just a pit! Sure, it’s hard to get out because of the spiderwebs inside, but still….”
…Is that so?
I believed in you, So-yeong.
“…You’re not doing this because of some lingering grudges, are you?”
Baeklang threw out a ridiculous accusation.
“Gekgekek!”
Who has time for that?
We need to check on the person who fell first.
“Calling you a leader… Jeez. Well, both of you have a hard road ahead.”