A month passed since Ashton came to Transylvania. During the entirety of the month, Ashton only had to do two things, train his weapons skills and help Avalina with her research. While his training was going on successfully, the research on the other hand was still stuck at the same point.
Well, technically it wasn't. Avalina did realise what was the reason behind the harmony of genes within Ashton. The Xyran organs that were transplanted into him were suppressing their side effects while enhancing their positive attributes at the same time.
However, she couldn't reveal Ashton's secret like that. After all, everyone had barely managed to digest the fact that he was a tribrid, dropping another nuke on they might make everyone lose their crap altogether.
"Looks like there's not much we can do now," Avalina finally gave up, "We have been trying to look for auxiliary solutions but nothing comes to the mind."
Ashton sighed and got up from the surgical bed. As much as he wanted her to succeed, there wasn't much he could have done. He wasn't a medical genius like his mother. All he knew was to fight, level up and keep repeating it.
"Don't worry, I'm sure we'll figure something out," Ashton reassured her before covering his bare body, "Also I have to go back so there's that."
"Hm... I understand."
Although Ashton could sense the disappointment in her voice, he had to leave. After all, he had been neglecting his duties towards Livan, and after a month, he could not ignore it any longer. The time to say farewell had already arrived at the doorstep.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"My Lord!" A servant came rushing in, "We have a message from your territory."
"What is it?"
The servant immediately passed over a holographic tablet to him.
"Sorry to disturb you again, Ashton." Virgil spoke through the device, "But we kinda need your help here. Remember the Monklin dungeon we took part in?"
"Yeah, what about it?"
"Well, every creature in it has reappeared."
Ashton got a bit confused. Not because the monklins resurfaced a year earlier than it was expected, but because he was trying to think, why was it any of his concerns? It wasn't like Livan was close to the monklin forest or anything.
"Why are you telling me this? Shouldn't the guild handle it as it always had?"
"That's the problem. They sent a team bigger and stronger than before but all of them were... killed." Virgil informed him with a troubled look, "They believe it's the work of another gorillan. One that's far stronger than the one before."
The Monklin forest Ashton had 'cleared' before was once again raising trouble. But this time, the forest was more hostile than ever.
Even though the guild expected it to happen since one gorillan remained in the area and on top of that an entire squad of elites was killed there so they weren't taking any chances and only sent the best people. But the end result remained the same... total annihilation.
"Let me guess, since I killed the gorillan the last time, they want my help to sort this mess out as well?"
"Well, yes and no." Virgil sighed and Ashton knew he was about to say something that he knew would upset Ashton, "They are blaming us for this situation."
"Wait, what? That's absurd."
"Yeah but they don't think so. The statement the guild issued clearly blamed you for the situation of the forest. In their words, you killed the gorillan that angered his mate and as a result the female gorillan and the monklins are killing everyone who dares to step foot in the forest."
Ashton had heard enough. First these bastards give half-assed information regarding the dungeon, and when he saves his life they start blaming him for the problem? These fuckers have a death wish or what?
Ashton really wanted to visit a guild branch and beat some sense into the managers there. But first he wanted to know what were they planning to do if he didn't agree to their demands.
"You're not going to like this." Virgil replied as soon as Ashton asked the question, "They said they would gather every warrior under them and launch an attack on Livan and every place that you rule. The king has said he won't be defend you."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"These bastards sure have some balls." Ashton smiled, but it wasn't one of those calm smiles, "As for the king, I just might have to give him a visit as well."
"N-Now... now... let's not hurry-" Virgil was well acquainted with the look on Ashton's face and tried to diffuse the situation but Ashton had already made up his mind.
"No. We should hurry. In fact I'm coming back right now. Also, tell Baiter to prepare the weapons I told him to."
This was the reason why Ashton didn't want to rest up. Because he disappeared after massacring the Morgan's army, these fools were thinking he was hiding somewhere till the chaos calmed down a bit. Little did they know Ashton wasn't afraid of Jonathan, let alone the guild.
[Oi, listen to me first. This could be a great opportunity to gain a subclass not to mention the treasures those premitive beasts might have gathered in their breeding grounds.]
'What do you want me to do? Let them know I'm scared of them?'
[I never said that. You go about doing what you want to. Kill them, destroy their bloodline, I couldn't care less. But think about it. They are so scared that none of them would dare to look for the treasure but you could. You get what I'm saying?]
Ashton took a deep breath to calm down. Astaroth was correct, moreover, a Gorillan would make a fine opponent to test his strength on and measure his growth. After all, the last time he fought one, he almost ended up dying.
Not to mention the rare rewards he might get for killing them and clearing the dungeon once and for all. In the end, he had nothing to lose but a lot to gain.
"Virgil, tell them I accept their 'request'. I'll take care of the Gorillan and then I'll teach them a thing or two about mutual respect."
"Got it."