The Snake God with SSS Rank Evolution System

They stepped out of Hilt’s ruined forge. Azrynn fell into step beside Adam, her yellow eyes thoughtful as she glanced back at the blacksmith’s shop.

”Adam... are you sure it’s wise to trust her? You seem to have some history with her.”

Adam rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his crimson eyes fixed on the path ahead. ”Hmm... I think it’s fine. If she tries anything, I can always just kill her.”

Azrynn’s brow furrowed, her voice carrying a note of gentle caution. ”You could be more careful, you know. You could eliminate potential threats before they have a chance to betray you.”

Adam shrugged, a faint, wry smile tugging at his lips. ”That’s true. But we also don’t know what kind of person she really is, right? So... that’s just how it is.”

He glanced at her, his voice lightening. ”Anyway, how about we take a walk? Stretch our legs a bit before heading back?”

Azrynn blinked, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. Then her lips curved into a small, almost shy smile.

”That sounds nice. But... where would we go?”

Adam’s gaze drifted down the street, catching a cluster of people gathered near a large building. He nodded toward it, his voice carrying a note of casual curiosity.

”I saw a crowd gathering near that building earlier. Let’s go check it out.”

Azrynn followed his gaze, her yellow eyes narrowing as she studied the distant structure.

”What do you think is happening there?”

Adam’s lips curved into a faint, amused smile.

”Maybe the locals are just drinking or looking for entertainment.”

They stepped inside, and the noise hit them like a wave—laughter, clinking mugs, the low rumble of conversation. The tavern was packed with workers and soldiers, their faces flushed with drink and camaraderie.

Then the wave of sound faltered.

Adam stood at the threshold, his crimson eyes sweeping the room with calm, unbothered ease. Azrynn hovered just behind him, her dark skin and pointed ears drawing as much attention as Adam’s presence.

A soldier at the nearest table, his face scarred and weathered, let out a low, deliberate grunt.

”What’s a demon doing in a place like this?”

Another voice, sharper, rose from the corner.

”And an elf with him. What a strange pair.”

A voice cut through the murmurs—low, appreciative, carrying a note of genuine intrigue.

”But isn’t that elf quite beautiful? She looks nothing like the elves we’ve seen before.”

Another voice chimed in, thoughtful and curious.

”Maybe she’s from an exotic race. I’ve never seen skin like that before.”

Adam’s expression remained calm as he walked toward an empty table near the back. He settled into a chair, Azrynn taking the seat across from him.

A young beastkin woman with deer-like ears and a short, fluffy tail approached their table. Her voice was warm, but her eyes carried a flicker of caution as she studied the unusual pair.

”Welcome. What can I get for you?”

Adam’s voice was easy, casual.

”I’ll take whatever you recommend. Something hearty. And a beer.”

He glanced at Azrynn, a faint, encouraging smile tugging at his lips.

”Have you ever tried beer before?”

Azrynn shook her head slowly, her voice carrying a note of uncertain curiosity.

”No... I’ve never had the chance to try it.”

Adam’s smile widened slightly, his voice light and encouraging.

”Then this is your chance. Go ahead—try it. You might like it.”

The beastkin waitress returned shortly, setting two tall mugs of dark, foaming ale before them. She placed a platter of roasted meat and bread between them, then stepped back with a polite nod.

Azrynn studied the mug with curiosity. Her fingers wrapped around the handle, and she lifted it slowly, bringing it to her lips. She took a small, hesitant sip.

Her eyes went wide. Her cheeks puffed out slightly, and she swallowed with a visible gulp. Her voice came out slightly breathless, carrying a note of startled surprise.

”It’s... bitter. And fizzy. And it makes my head feel a little fuzzy already.”

Adam let out a low, warm laugh, shaking his head as he took a long, satisfied gulp of his own beer.

”That’s the alcohol. It hits you faster if you’re not used to it. Take it slow.”

Azrynn took another, more confident sip of the beer, her yellow eyes softening as the taste settled on her tongue. A small, surprised smile tugged at her lips.

”It’s actually... not bad. I think I like it.”

Adam leaned back in his chair, a warm grin spreading across his face. ”See? Told you. So... do they have beer in your village too?”

Azrynn nodded, her expression growing thoughtful. ”We do. But it’s different from this. Ours is brewed from a special kind of cave fungus and fermented with moon-kissed berries. It’s sweeter, and it has a faint, silvery glow to it. Some say it even helps with dreaming.”

Adam’s eyebrows rose with genuine interest. ”That sounds incredible. I’d love to try it sometime.”

Azrynn’s smile turned wistful, her gaze dropping to her mug. ”But we warriors were never allowed to drink it. The elders said it dulled our senses and made us careless. So I’ve never actually tasted it myself.”

Adam let out a low, sympathetic chuckle. ”That’s a shame. A whole village of unique beer, and no one gets to enjoy it.”

Azrynn’s eyes lifted to meet his, a flicker of hope in their depths. ”Maybe... once the village is settled on the surface, and there’s no more need for constant vigilance... you could come and try it. I could make sure you get the best batch.”

Adam’s grin softened into something warmer, his voice carrying a note of genuine sincerity.

”I’d like that. I’ll hold you to it.”

Azrynn’s cheeks flushed faintly, and she looked down at her mug, a small, genuine smile tugging at her lips. The warmth of the moment settled between them like a quiet promise.

Adam’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of realization crossing his face. He set his mug down with a soft thunk.

”So the elders were hiding that beer from me, huh? Sly bastards.”

Azrynn let out a soft, amused laugh, her yellow eyes glinting with mirth. ”Maybe they were afraid you’d get drunk and destroy the village. You know, there was this one warrior—he got so drunk he mistook a house for a monster and tried to fight it. We had to rebuild three homes because of him.”

Adam’s lips curved into a wry, defensive smirk. ”I’m not that weak to alcohol. But... I guess that’s a fair reason.” He lifted his mug, taking a long, satisfied gulp.

Then his Apex Instinct flared.

A presence approaching with the weight of someone who knew exactly how to command attention. Adam’s crimson eyes shifted, tracking the figure as it moved through the crowd.

He was massive, his broad shoulders filling the space between tables. Wolf-like ears twitched atop his head, and a thick, bushy tail swayed behind him. His eyes, sharp and amber, gleamed with predatory curiosity as he approached their table.

He stopped beside them, his voice a low, rumbling growl that carried a note of amusement.

”Looks like you’re having fun. Mind if I join?”