Read Novel Full Chapter 317: Thrill of the Hunt
Chapter 317: Thrill of the Hunt
The question became…
‘Who do we target?’
There were several factors to consider in that aspect.
The first and foremost was location.
How close was a weaker dungeon relative to a potential leader? The closer one was, the less likely it’d be to rebel. Either due to fear or deeply rooted faith or fealty.
That idea crossed off two for sure, the Nascent dungeon, the chicken people, under Irrlicht’s dungeon and the Emergent dungeon next to it.
There were definitely more as well, like any close to the Chiropteras’ dungeon and Arachne’s dungeon.
Next was their distance to Lust.
But that aspect could mean wholly opposite things depending on the target.
Because they were going after weaker dungeons, an offer of protection would mean much more depending on how close they were. If they were far away, that offer meant little if Lust would never make it in time to defend them from their former allies.
On the other hand, if they were far, they would have much less to worry about in being backstabbed by Lust. They might be more receptive for that reason and that reason alone.
The next consideration was the leader they followed.
‘The proud dragonkin, the fearmongering bats, or the sly spiders.’
The easiest of the three to undermine would be the bats, as Lust could present itself as less of a threat, lulling a weaker dungeon into accepting Vale’s offer.
‘Not that I know what I’m going to offer them.’
The next would be the dragonkin.
Their leadership seemed reliant on a show of might, both strength and intelligence.
If Vale shattered that image, the foundation upon which they rose to prominence would shatter.
As for the spiders…
‘We know too little about them.’
But from before any fighting happened, when Mias was only observing, the spiders were the ones who’d sent the most delegates to others’ dungeons around the Scar.
“Alright…” Vale pushed off his knees, standing up. “Mias, split and monitor all fifteen remaining dungeons. Pick up all conversations you can without entering. We will select a target at your discretion. Until then, we will continue passively operating as we have.”
The Reaper of Knowledge looked up at the towering man.
“Understood, Master Vale.”
Salome smiled as well.
“What would you like me to do?”
“It’s back to watchdog duty for you.”
With a grumble, Salome rolled her eyes.
Vale looked over at Sivian.
“As for you…”
The snake tilted her head as her vertical slit pupils seemed to dilate.
Vale continued:
“I’d like to hear your recount of the battle.”
“As you wish.”
While hearing a fresh perspective was one reason he requested this chat…
‘Her Loyalty is still very low.’
And that wasn’t entirely without reason.
Ever since she’d half attacked him, Vale had been incredibly wary of the snake, staying away from her. A caution Vale felt was entirely warranted.
Now that he was stronger than her, he needn’t be as wary, but his instincts from when he was Nascent forbade his mind from letting her get too close when alone. But, for the future of Vale’s dungeon, that gap had to be bridged.
Both to open up the [Charm] slot and, more importantly, the vital connection between subject and leader.
The first step toward that end was conversing with her. Alone.
Walking out of the old core room, Vale motioned for the serpent to follow.
The two didn’t have to walk far as Vale led her into the lounge. Well, what was left of the lounge that Salome hadn’t stolen and taken to her “nest.”
Awkwardly, Vale sat down on the single chair left in there while Sivian coiled up.
Scratching his cheek, Vale began to ask:
“So, how—”
Sivian’s eyes flashed with tempered malice.
“I’ve been waiting for this.”
In a fraction of a moment, Sivian sprang from her position onto Vale.
‘Ah…’
The lower half of her body wrapped around Vale and the back of the chair, trapping him.
Her forked tongue slid from her mouth and flicked rapidly up and down as she began pulling off her armor.
Currently being half squeezed to death, Vale sighed, then said:
“Perhaps this is my fault.”
‘This is the Dungeon of Lust.’
Yet Vale hadn’t ever fulfilled her lust since he’d initially charmed her.
Thankfully, he’d been prepared for this, having been in a larger form than typical.
Shrinking his arm a little, he slid it out from the bondage and reached up just in time to grasp Sivian’s neck as she was about to sink her fangs into him.
Struggling while being constricted, Vale pushed her away and said:
“How about this? You can have me, and some blood, if you answer my questions.”
Tentatively, the woman cocked her head to the side. Then, she hissed:
“Hmm… There’s no thrill in that hunt…”
With his fingers still gripping her neck, not caring for her declining of civility, Vale asked:
“What is your opinion on the strike team?”
After a little laugh, the snake replied:
“Weak. Only that thing is strong.”
‘That thing?’
So, Sivian saw Mias as how Adephagia saw him.
Yet…
‘What’s that look?’
The serpent seemed somewhat… afraid of Mias? No, not fear. Like she was apprehensive about his existence.
Vale’s grip tightened on her neck.
“You had a weird tone when you said the dragonkin were proud… what did you mean?”
The snake flashed a sinister smile.
“That thing tortured one for information. Yet, even using my venom, it stayed silent.”
‘That happened?’
As expected of the Reaper of Knowledge.
But that also called into question…
‘Now that he knows their language…’
Those poor souls had so much untapped knowledge for the Reaper to rip from their skulls.
Vale almost felt bad.
Next, Vale questioned:
“You know, I’d be much more receptive and catering to you if you were docile. Which, to your credit, you mostly are. So, why act like this when alone?”
Sivian chuckled, placing a hand over her mouth.
“Where’s the fun in that? A good hunter lies in wait until its prey is cornered.”
Vale sighed.
“What would it take to defang you?”
“Why ask the impossible?”
Sivian gripped Vale’s arm with both her hands, then added:
“Instead… you should learn to seek the thrill of the hunt.”