Chapter 218

Chapter 218

The trio walked purposefully to the edge of the forest, not choosing a random direction but following the upstream of the river.

"The source of a river usually harbors life," the black cat said, then paused, "Uh, unless the creatures in the Dream World don't need water, in which case, ignore my statement."

"It's alright, let's go take a look first," Matcha Latte suggested.

Fortunately, their assumption was correct this time.

As they approached the forest's edge, the river widened, and the tall trees grew sparser. The moonlight from outside began to seep through the gaps.

Based on the information they had gathered earlier, direct exposure to the blood-red moonlight would reduce one's sanity and even cause gradual mutations.

In other words, sooner or later, they would be enveloped by the moonlight once they left the forest's boundaries.

Addressing this issue, the black cat had an idea. He gave the druid a subtle signal, who promptly understood and started weaving the leaves they had collected into hats and cloaks.

Since this forest could shield them from the moonlight's effects, would the leaves they plucked also provide the same protection? Otherwise, Lane's talk about exploring the Dream World would be nothing but a pipe dream.

All three donned their leaf-crafted hats, and the Druid took a deep breath before stepping forward, exposing his arm beneath the cloak to the moonlight.

Three seconds passed without any response.

The Druid ventured even further, standing fully within the moon's embrace.

Still no transformation occurred.

Excited, he waved to the Black Cat, signaling their success. However, instead of responding immediately, the Black Cat turned to look across the river. "Look, there's a boat!"

A small wooden boat was floating downriver.

Lane retracted his power, observing them from a place unseen by the players.

For an ordinary person, reaching the River Cave would take several days. Time was better saved whenever possible.

The trio of players boarded the boat. Strangely, although they had prepared to row, as they were heading upstream, the unremarkable little boat suddenly surged forward, propelling itself against the current.

Caught off guard, the Black Cat and company could only cling tightly to their cloaks and hats, preventing them from being blown away by the wind.

Within less than an hour, when the ship finally slowed down, Black Cat and the others dared to lift their heads from the hull, looking at the cavern that had appeared in their sight.

The Druid, still trembling with fear, said, "That was terrifying, holy cow."

Matcha Latte's expression was grave, prompting the Druid to ask, "Was it too intense?"

"No, I'd do it again," replied the adventurer.

The Druid sighed. "Well, missy, we still have exploring to do. Never mind, never mind."

Matcha Latte got off the boat with evident regret. The trio entered the cave and chose to go right. Upon seeing this, Lane looked away. Since their exploration was now on track, there was no need for him to keep watching.

Lane knew players well; they would surely boast about any discoveries they made on forums.

And he had a date to attend.

This time, he didn't need Black Cat to guide him. Lane found his way to Bastet's palace with ease. The cat goddess had been waiting for some time, lounging in a chair adorned with Egyptian weaving patterns, her gaze on him, a smile playing on her lips. "I didn't expect you to actually send your followers into this world. They'll die here."

Lane sat across from the goddess, unperturbed. "I had no choice. If the goddess were to favor me, things would be much simpler."

Bestia shook her head. "The situation isn't as straightforward as you think. The Dream World is in too much turmoil right now. Even if Bader might be in a weakened state, simply finding and confronting His lair won't solve everything."

"That's why I sent my kin here," Lane said softly. "They are my eyes and limbs. Only through them can I accurately understand the current state of the Dream World."

"Of course, if the Goddess is willing to aid me, that would be ideal."

"A cunning little one, aren't you?" Bestia laughed, her voice sweet and crisp. She didn't mind revealing their predicament but also didn't want to give away information so easily. "It won't be simple to gain help from me."

"I'm prepared," Lane said.

"Well then…" Bestia drew out her words, smiling at Lane's slightly tense expression. "Let's play a game."

"A game?" Lane was taken aback.

"Senet, though I doubt you've heard of it," Bestia said. "I haven't played a game with anyone in a long time. Here's the deal: if you lose, you'll share a piece of information with me. If I lose, I'll grant you a request. In case of a draw, we'll each ask the other a single question."

Lane pondered the rules for a moment. "How many games can we play?"

"I wouldn't mind playing until the end of time," Bestia smiled.

"Very well, but I need to acquaint myself with the rules first."

"Sure, the rules are right there. You can read them for yourself." Best gestured towards the text inscribed on the nearby stone pillar.

Lane stepped forward to examine it. Generally speaking, the rules were not complicated; they resembled a sort of aerial chess game on Earth.

After thoroughly reading the rules, Lane confidently began the game.

Yet, within less than five minutes, he was defeated.

With delight, Best removed Lane's last piece from the board, confidently declaring amidst the latter's regretful expression, "I'm an expert at Senet. If you want to beat me, you'd better work on it for a century."

"I don't have that much time," Lane sighed, resetting the pieces on the board. "Alright, go ahead and ask your question."

"How far have you progressed with Oger?"

"Cough, cough, COUGH!" Lane choked, looking at Best in disbelief. "Why...aren't you? Why are you asking this?!"

A gleam of gossip sparkled in Best's eyes. "Why can't I ask? I've been bored for ages! Unlike before the war when we could feast on scandals, everyone is now more cautious, and there's little amusement to be had. Don't you know that?"

Lane: ...

"No, why would you think there's a romantic connection between me and Ogul?" Lane was still puzzled. "Didn't you entrust me to Ogul's care? Why do you think we could be a match?"

Best looked at Lane as if he were an idiot. "Silly child, have you been among humans for too long and forgotten what we are?"

Oh, the Old Gods... what else could they be?

Wait a moment.

Recalling the tangled web of relationships in various mythologies, especially Greek mythology, Lane fell silent for a long while. "So, that part of Greek mythology wasn't invented later on?"

Best blinked. "Oh, of course it was invented."

Lane let out a sudden sigh of relief.

"After all, gods don't reproduce," Best said matter-of-factly. "All deities are born directly from the Dream World. We have no ability to bear offspring, so the concept of parents doesn't exist for us. And as for each other... can we even be called siblings? That concept seems to be absent too, but it's true that Old Gods would indeed be with other Old Gods."

Alright, it was indeed inappropriate to apply human values to the Old Gods.

Lahn turned his head aside, attempting to avoid Bestia's inquisitive gaze. "There's nothing between us. Just because the Old Gods don't have such a concept doesn't mean other races don't."

The mere thought of Oger seeing him as a son made Lahn feel suffocated. Was he destined to be called 'son' even in this world, just like how his roommate addressed him in his previous life?

"Giants don't have that either," Bestia mentioned casually. "After all, they're also immortal beings. Oh, well, they're extinct now, with only Oger left as the last survivor. Oh, right, there's some information you might find interesting..."

The Cat Goddess wore a mischievous expression. "Giants aren't particularly likable due to their selfish and savage nature. However, there is one exception. When a Giant takes it upon themselves to care for newborns in the Dream World, they exhibit an unusual display of love and tolerance. Can you guess why?"

"...Because of the instinct to protect their young."

"Wrong! It's to find a wife!" Bestia announced happily. "Immortality can be very lonely, and the only ones who can tolerate Giants are other Giants!"

Lahn: ...

Utterly stunned.jpg

It was hard to describe Lahn's mental state at that moment. Nonetheless, he expressionlessly placed the chess pieces back on the board, ignoring Bestia's gossiping look. "Let's continue playing."

"This time, I'm offering you another piece of information. If I win next time, I'll be asking two questions, mind you." Bestia held up two fingers, and from the determination in her eyes, it seemed she wouldn't let go of the gossip surrounding Oger and Lahn anytime soon.

Lahn suddenly found himself fueled with an unwavering determination to triumph; otherwise, he would have no privacy left.

"Come on then!"