TLBP 35

CHAPTER 35…………………………………………

When a common enemy appears, even previously divided factions sometimes choose the path of strong unity.

It seemed that the beasts in this demon forest, the ancient nest, were gathering strength to stop the humans who would soon arrive.

At least, that’s what I understood from the witch’s explanation.

“If I eat this magpie, it will only trigger Raohu and a war of attrition in the south, right?”

I licked my lips as I looked at the magpie in the cage.

“Hey, Witch. Th-this thing is smiling at me? It’s clearly too stupid to understand why I shouldn’t eat it.”

“No, I understand perfectly. But still…”

Whatever happened in the south or west—the wars they fought—was none of my concern. I had no intention of protecting this forest, and I didn’t belong anywhere.

“The Fruit of the World Tree…”

I pictured that name, something that could only appear in myths.

What might the fruit look like?
What would it taste like, and what powers would it have?

It was a fruit strong enough to make Wildlings into such powerful witches.

If I were to get my hands on it, something tremendous would surely happen.

After all, I am the mighty beast Behemoth, enough to astonish even the witch in front of me.

“This is destiny.”

I opened the cage and picked up the magpie.

“Roast the skin until crispy. Crispy outside, tender inside.”

“Interesting. Aren’t you afraid of King Raohu? He’s a beast three times your size. I haven’t seen him myself, but I heard his claws are as thick as tree roots, and his legs are like wooden pillars. His fur is said to be so hard it’s like wearing iron armor.”

The witch seemed to try to stop me from eating the magpie, but her sly smile suggested she was genuinely entertained by my boldness.

“If this magpie is eaten, the culprit will surely come looking for revenge. Eventually, they will come after you.”

“That’s something to think about later.”

My stomach rumbled loudly.

[You’ve gained experience.]

“You’re the first beast I’ve seen with such fearlessness. Even the fiercest creatures tremble in front of the forest’s masters.”

Witch Eve said this as she cleared the dishes, a mix of amusement and exasperation in her voice.

I purred contentedly, feeling full and satisfied after devouring the small bird. The charcoal-grilled meat was delicious.

“I won’t lie, it’s scary… but somehow, I feel ready to fight.”

I stood up and ruffled the fur covering my body, feeling the quills rise. I was genuinely confident.

I had been terrified facing massive wolves and dinosaurs before, but after evolving, I felt capable of defeating almost any opponent.

Eve approached me after finishing her chores. She ran her fingers along the quills on my back.

“You’re brimming with confidence after gaining power. Young beasts sometimes act recklessly when their strength increases. They attack stronger foes and often end up being eaten. The lucky few survive to become masters of the forest—or sometimes, masters of the fruit.”

She plucked one quill from my back and held it over the fire. The tip sizzled, sending up a thin wisp of smoke.

“A fine quill. Eating a porcupine clearly had an effect. Beasts can sometimes manifest parts of the creatures they consume as their own abilities.”

“Really?”

I nodded, intrigued by this new information. It seemed plausible that consuming stronger beasts could lead to stronger evolution. I thought about what could happen if I encountered even more powerful Wildlings—or maybe even humans infused with magical power.

“A Wildling who has eaten the Fruit of the World Tree… how powerful would that be?”

While she washed the dishes, I silently observed, analyzing her abilities, her movements, and her aura.

Using my skill “Stealth Maneuver,” I moved silently across the old wooden floor, approaching her with calculated precision. Even the creaky planks didn’t betray my presence.

Eve looked over her shoulder, sensing my presence, but said nothing. I knew she could probably read the intent of any being nearby.

“You’re curious about strength, aren’t you?” she said with a slight smile.

I growled softly in response.

“You should remember,” she continued, “the stronger you become, the more dangerous your path. The Forest tests those who hunger for power, and not all who rise are meant to survive.”

Her words resonated with me. I had already faced terrifying beasts and barely survived; now, with evolution on my side, I felt a new sense of possibility.

“If I keep evolving, I could surpass even the Forest Masters… even Raohu himself.”

I circled her cautiously, testing her reactions. She didn’t flinch, though I could sense the slightest twitch of curiosity in her eyes.

“You’re learning quickly,” she said. “Beasts like you… they are rare. You combine courage and strength, but raw power alone doesn’t win battles. Strategy, observation, and timing are equally important.”

I crouched, tail twitching in anticipation.

“Remember this: consuming others isn’t just about power. It’s about understanding them, learning from them, becoming something greater than before.”

The words hit me like a thunderclap. I understood now why Eve didn’t interfere directly—she was teaching me without stepping in.

I left the cabin with the magpie and a renewed sense of purpose. I knew that soon I would face Raohu, and possibly other powerful beings. But I also knew one thing: every step, every fight, and every evolution would make me stronger.

“The path of the Frenzied Beast… has only just begun.”