I Can Devour Monsters' SSS Talents

Lian looked at her. This little girl had reached a point where she was worried about him. It seemed he had become more popular among the ladies than he had thought.

But anyway, he hoped this attachment wouldn’t cause problems later, because he wasn’t going to stay here for a long time.

”You saw my power, didn’t you?” He then said with a smile on his face.

Nemi pressed her lips together and said nothing.

She had seen Lian’s power. She could say without a doubt that he was one of the most powerful creatures she had ever seen, stronger than anyone else in their tribe.

But that didn’t make her fear completely disappear. The fear and worry she felt wasn’t her fault, it was an unconscious and emotional reaction.

”Do you know that woman?” Averian thought for a few moments.

”Maybe.”

”And you want to fight her?”

”First I want to see her.” Lian said. He had a guess about who that female awakened one could be.

But it was only a guess, and he first needed to confirm it. If it was exactly the person he was thinking of, there would be no need for any conflict or battle.

But if it was someone else... everything could go differently.

Averian looked at his face. The man who had saved his family twice.

But at the same time, someone who showed no fear of facing a creature like that woman. In the end, he nodded.

”Agreed.” This was also not a bad thing for them. They really needed that river. If they lost it, all the tribe’s people would die of thirst.

He knew that this Otherworldly had already helped them more than enough and had no claim on them... but he hoped that he would help them one more time and save their tribe from extinction.

”If possible, we’ll leave tomorrow.” Lian said, and then turned his gaze among the family members.

”I’ll leave you alone for now.” He left the medical center. He could see that this family wanted some time alone.

Behind him, Nemi hugged her father again. This time, Averian was able to wrap his arms around his child.

The next morning, a military caravan was prepared in front of the Lacerians’ gate.

The tribe leader, completely healthy and with new armor, was sitting on his riding beast. One of the experienced elders was with him.

About thirty soldiers, a few archers, two healers, and a number of armored beasts made up the group.

One was also waiting near the gate. Lian sat on its broad back.

”I’m coming too.” Ravian approached the group with light armor and a spear.

”No.” Averian didn’t even think for a moment.

”But—” his son frowned and wanted to object.

”Yesterday you said you wanted to become stronger.” His father said, his gaze calm but firm.

”The first step is to learn that not every battle belongs to you.” He was completely determined not to take his stubborn son with them.

”They will—” Ravian clenched his teeth.

”And I am healthy now.” Averian continued.

”You stay here.”

Ravian wanted to object again, but this time he stopped. Maybe the conversation yesterday with Lian had changed something inside him.

Finally, he nodded.

”Okay.”

Lian looked down at him from above One for a brief moment. Ravian returned his gaze.

The caravan moved.

The path to the Silvervein Basin took a few hours.

Averian kept his riding beast close to One. For a while, both were silent.

The tribe leader was looking at this giant ant with admiration before saying anything. The ability to tame such a thing... truly, this man was on a different level compared to them.

He thought to himself what if their tribe had such ants in their service... they could probably easily become the strongest tribe, right? They could go anywhere they wanted and never have a shortage of food...

”Do you really know that woman?” he finally asked.

”I said maybe before, it could be someone else too.” Lian answered.

”If it is the person you think, is she a friend?” Averian said.

”The definition of friend depends.” Lian thought for a moment.

Averian gave him a brief look. He didn’t seem satisfied with the answer and asked a more direct question.

”Which of you is stronger?”

”Me.” Lian laughed. The answer was without pause and with complete confidence.

Even if fighting that girl was not easy, Lian had no reason to show hesitation in front of Averian.

The tribe leader said nothing for a few moments. This confidence was hopeful on one hand, and on the other hand, a little worrying.

He had seen the power of that one with his own eyes, but he had only heard about the power of this one from his children... but if what he had heard was true... then this man was definitely stronger.

The Silvervein Basin was located among several giant roots. In the past, the basin must have been very large and shining.

The silver deposits on the walls showed that the water level had once been several meters higher, but now only a shallow layer remained in the central part.

A narrow river entered the basin from a height. Several artificial channels directed the water toward the territory of the two tribes.

The Varkesh had blocked most of the path with stones, wood, and temporary dams to divert the water flow toward themselves.

A few Varkesh soldiers were guarding around the basin. Upon seeing the Lacerian caravan, they raised their weapons.

But when they saw Averian, their expressions changed, and one of them stepped back a few steps.

”Impossible...”

They had imagined that Averian was either dead or permanently crippled.

But now, the Lacerian leader was standing in front of them, healthy, armored, and with both hands.

Averian moved his riding beast forward and said with a calm but contemptuous tone.

”Go bring your cowardly, greedy leader.”

A few Varkesh showed their teeth in anger, but fear and shock prevented an attack. The person who was supposed to be dead was alive in front of them.

Besides, they knew they had no chance against their enemies’ army, so the best decision was to retreat.

Three of them ran toward the tribe’s path.

”How long will it take?” Lian asked from atop One.

”Not long.” Averian said and pointed toward the eastern path.

”Their tribe is built near the basin.”

About half an hour later, the sound of war drums was heard, then the sound of many feet striking. The Varkesh force appeared from among the roots.

They were from the same race as the Lacerians, but their differences were clear.

Their scales were dark red, brown, or copper. They had shorter and thicker antennae, and their tails were more muscular.

Heavy armor made of monster shells and stone pieces was tied on their bodies.

Some had white or black markings on their face and chest. Their weapons were also larger.

Heavy axes, bone maces, thick spears, and their riding beasts were shorter than the Lacerians’ beasts, but had wide and very muscular bodies.

In the center of the force, their leader was moving.

Kharvek.

A very burly man with dark red scales. One of his antennae was broken from the middle. A robe made of blue monster skin was draped over his shoulder.

When he saw Averian, he pulled his beast’s reins, his eyes widened.

”How...?”

His gaze fixed on Averian’s hands.

Healthy, without wounds. And then he noticed One and Lian sitting on its back.

His shock multiplied several times.

”Another Otherworldly?” His face twisted in disbelief and anger.