CHAPTER 274: MIND STALK APES IV

Nobody said anything as they began to reap the reward of their actions. And even though Vacuse told them to forget and not think about it, how could they not?

It wasn’t only about the fact that it was dangerous; it was also the fact that their pride was stung. All of them were veterans and had looked down on Vacuse—and why wouldn’t they?

They were third circle, and he was two. Even with the spar he had with Magus Arch, he still wasn’t fully accepted. But now, they were saved by the same person.

It was embarrassing.

But they all still didn’t fail to show their appreciation. They approached him one after the other and thanked him while they packed the monsters into spatial sacks.

Only Captain Amros and Magus Arch weren’t involved with the packing as they stayed beside Vacuse. After all, they were still in a Dark Wilderness.

"My lord, you did well again," Captain Amros said. To be honest, he was one of the people who knew and expected the things Vacuse did. Who else could do it? As such, he wasn’t that moved that he had been controlled by the monster. His only issue was... "But why? Why was the process so fast? It’s almost as if we were in their control the moment we entered here. We didn’t even know when it started!"

That was one of the issues they all had. At least there should have been a warning, right? They shouldn’t have simply turned into puppets.

Vacuse frowned. "I think we were really unlucky this time. That ape with the black gem in its head was out in the tunnel looking for food and instantly caught you.

"And since we did not know we were in its energy range, there was no guard against the mind."

Magus Arch smiled gently. "Even if we knew, what would we have done? Those monsters, the fully grown ones with those black gems, are surprisingly strong. I don’t think there would be much to be done if you were not here, Lord Vacuse."

Vacuse grunted to himself. It was the truth, but there was no use in saying it. "Let’s be done here so we can return. I do not feel comfortable at all with the boss not showing itself. I don’t know if it’s even around."

Maybe it was dead. And that wouldn’t be surprising; it was the Dark Wilderness, after all. The mind stalk apes might be tough, but there were much tougher ones around.

They packed all the monsters into the bags and began to haul them back toward the building where the portal was. Vacuse ordered the team to be more cautious because now that the mind stalk apes were wiped out, who knew what other monsters would come near?

Before, when they went toward the lair, the surrounding forest was silent and still, disturbed only by the sound of insects. But now, it had come alive with the different sounds of monsters.

Just as Vacuse predicted, there would be a bloodbath from monsters trying to swallow the territory of the mind stalk apes.

"Their influence must really be strong here for all the monsters to stay back. The mind stalk apes were the true rulers of the area," Captain Amros said. He was covered in shining silver armor that warped around him with small spikes that shone coldly.

"Yes. But how do you think the monsters knew so quickly that the mind stalk apes were dead? It’s quite surprising, right?" Magus Arch said.

Suddenly, Vacuse felt a wave of alarm rise up in him, and he stiffened slightly. His eyes widened. "Why does it seem as if the sound of the monsters is getting closer?"

Huh?

It was true. The sound of the yapping monsters was coming close to the dragon hunters at an incredibly fast rate, as if the monsters were rushing toward them.

"...Rith, cast out your mind. Is this some kind of mind-controlled monster?"

Even as he said this, Vacuse was already giving orders to the dragon hunters. Since he had already split them into three teams, he asked the first team, which Linthicu was part of, to immediately start running forward, clearing the path toward the portal building.

At the same time, the others were to go on full alert and brace for the incoming battle.

Before Rith could even reply, Vacuse had already guessed what was happening.

"My lord, what are you doing?!" Captain Amros shouted.

Vacuse ignored him as he threw himself up into the air, his powerful jump sending him high among the tall trees. From there, he used the dragon construct and soared up into the sky, calling his void creature to his side with the same breath.

With a loud woosh, the dragon construct burst into black flame, and the surrounding tree branches popped as they caught fire. Vacuse swept around to get a better view of things.

"...Yes. I think they’re mind-controlled monsters..." Rith finally replied.

Vacuse didn’t answer as he looked down at the Dark Wilderness that spread for thousands of miles in all directions like a dark sea.

He saw the dragon hunters running as they followed his orders, and he saw the portal building in the distance.

And then, coming from the direction of the lair in a sweeping curve, was a tide of monsters. Hundreds of them. Up to a thousand, no... even more than that.

They ran and leaped, their aura and viciousness making the air around them gain a red taint.

"This... is this the work of the mind stalk boss? Then where is the bastard himself?" Vacuse frowned. He didn’t seem particularly bothered.

Even though the monsters were fast, the dragon hunters had a head start, and they were just as fast. They were third circle Magus, and it would be a real shame if they weren’t.

Vacuse observed them but didn’t find any of the apes. "It must be hiding somewhere, right?"

With nothing else, Vacuse turned the dragon construct around and rejoined the others from the air. He kept watch on things until they reached the portal building, then joined them.