Chapter 54: Stalkers In The Dark
After hunting for a few more hours, Nox was able to increase his experience points significantly.
Of course, this was all due to the shared experience feature between him and his pets. Besides, Nox wasn't the only one who made progress; even Fluffington, Thirteen, and the Ant Queen increased their progression a little, so it was a win-win situation for everyone.
Currently, they were taking a break to refill their depleted mana and stamina beneath a withered tree, its long branches casting a shadow over them.
The only ones basking under the tree were Nox, Fluffington, and the Ant Queen. As for Thirteen, the panda was off chasing giant bunnies hiding in the bushes.
"Pandas don't eat meat, so why is he chasing that bunny?" Nox couldn't help but mutter to himself. "Is it a form of training?"
Nox didn't dispel this thought since it was within the realm of possibilities. Since Thirteen discovered that he could increase his attributes by exerting himself, the panda could often be seen doing different training drills.
Nox was a bit worried, thinking the panda was overworking himself, and had tried talking to him several times, but it seemed to have no effect. The panda was as hardworking as ever, a trait he had subconsciously inherited because of his ancestry with the great Rufus Bamboozeus.
As he thought about Thirteen, Nox's gaze landed on Fluffington, who was sleeping under the shade, and his face twitched. If only Fluffington could be as hardworking as Thirteen, his stats would have increased significantly, and he would have been more helpful.
Sometime later, Thirteen returned while holding two bunnies in each of his hands and handed them to Nox.
"Why are you giving me these?" Nox asked as he took the bunnies, unsure of what he would do with them.
[Pa, hungry?] Thirteen said and rubbed Nox's stomach. Nox was at first confused before he realized what the panda was doing.
"Thank you. I also have something for you." Nox felt it was only appropriate to give Thirteen something for being so considerate, so he pulled out a couple of bamboo shoots and handed them to the panda.
Before activating the dimensional key, Nox had made sure to stock his inventory with bamboo shoots and lots of milk because he didn't want his pets to fight on empty stomachs.
The panda excitedly took the bamboo shoots, and a loud crunch echoed through the forest as he started munching on them as if they were the most delicious thing in the world.
'If I were to eat that, it would certainly be bland. I wonder how Thirteen can eat it with such a pleasant expression…'
Nox then stared at the Ant Queen, who was standing a bit further away from him. This was because he had ordered her to keep guard and inform him in case she spotted anyone.
The Ant Queen, who was mostly mute, merely nodded her head and did as commanded. Nox had delegated this assignment to her because of her relatively high perception, which he had learned about during the fight.
Thinking about this, Nox contemplated, 'I wonder what foods ants like to eat… I should take notes on all their likes and preferences.'
Minutes merged into hours, and darkness covered the dimensional sky. Nox set up a bonfire and started to roast the bunnies Thirteen had caught.
The blue flames reflected in his dark eyes as he stirred the bunnies on the fire. Their oily flesh turned golden brown with some bits exposed. Because he had added some expensive spices he had gotten from the Barony, the scent was mouthwatering, practically filling the air.
*Rumble~*
Thirteen looked at the meat with a smitten gaze. Although he was vegetarian, he was really tempted to change preferences now.
Fluffington also had a similar expression on his face as he eagerly watched the oily meat. After eating this meat with a bowl of milk, the fat cat was certain it would not go hungry for days.
'After hunting a little more, I better return to the Barony before everyone notices my absence. However, I first need to resolve issues with the ant colony.'
What were the chances of Nox returning to this dimension if he left? It was 1/9, as he would be sent to a random location every time he activated the Dimensional Key. Therefore, Nox wanted to meet up with the rest of the ant colony and see if the Ant Queen could still rule them from far away.
'I'm very sure she could aid them from time to time whenever they use that "call allies" skill… Hmm, finally it's done.' Nox smiled when he saw that the bunnies were well-cooked and ready to be devoured.
However, just before he could dig in and start eating, he felt several demonic presences all around him. Instinctively, the dagger appeared in his hand, and even the Ant Queen noticed and summoned her red spear.
Thirteen and Fluffington were also alerted, jumping to their feet.
"Come outside! I already sensed your weak aura from miles away." Nox spoke in an intimidating tone, hoping to scare off the demons with his status as a higher demon. People around here were very scared of higher demons; Nox hoped whoever it was would be intimidated, just like the rest, if not, he had no choice but to resort to fighting.
Just then, he watched as three figures came out from all directions. Because it was dark, Nox wasn't able to see them clearly, which made him heighten his guard, as he was very close to the fire while the enemies were in the dark.
While he was contemplating using invisibility skills, he finally got a clearer look at his stalkers when they came closer to the fireplace.
"What are you people doing here?" Nox said in a chilling voice as he looked at the three demons he had first encountered in this dimension.
"Have you been following me all this time?"
"We mean no harm!" Snakey hurriedly raised her hand when she felt Nox's hostile glare. "We need your help!"
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Thanks to all those who supports this novel, I actually take note of all of you