Chapter 498: The Hound's Territory I

The Incubus System Chapter 498. The Hound's Territory I

Ethan's PoV

Hour after hour passed, and our feet continued to walk without stopping. But our eyes could only see trees and bushes. Luckily, even though we didn't bring any food, there were plenty of devil fruits there and Foxy knew which were the ripe ones. So we enjoyed our lunch straight from nature.

As Foxy said, the fruit shape was similar to an apple but slightly different and didn't have any smell. And for the taste, I had to say the fruit was kinda weird. It was slightly sweet and a bit sour in some parts. But it didn't taste like an apple at all. Instead, it tasted like sweet bread. Likewise with the texture.

Oddly enough, I had given Foxy bread before, but she didn't like it. She said the human world's bread tasted like soil to her. So I guessed what distinguishes it was the demonic energy within the fruit itself. In other words, demons could only eat food that contained similar energy to their bodies. But that only applied to food. The human was an exception. While in my case, all of them tasted fine for me since my body could accept food from the three worlds.

After that short break, we continued our journey. We didn't face many obstacles other than some wild demons who were trying their luck, but of course, they ended up miserable. Even if we didn't kill them. Since their level was insignificant to us, we didn't even need to use our skills to beat them. We simply used our bare hands.

I could say it was a bit weird since based on Foxy's memory what I saw was how Foxy ran away and hid in fear. But now, it felt similar to a playground for us. On second thought, Foxy was a low-level demon before. So this forest was hell for her.

Once our sight caught a damaged statue that looked like a tombstone, Foxy halted her steps.

"Be careful, we're about to enter the Hounds' territory," she warned. I could catch the trace of fear in her stammering voice.

"We understand, My Lady," said the others.

While me, instead of answering, I took her hand gently and held it tightly. It made her turn to me.

"It's okay, Foxy. You have us," I whisper. A reassuring smile on my lips.

The Hounds were her biggest enemy and they had been hunting her since her childhood. Even with her current level, her trauma was still evident on her face. This was also why I allowed her to lead this mission and show how much she has grown.

Apart from covering up my identity, I wanted her to deal with her trauma. I wanted to improve her confidence and show her that she could deal with the Hounds.

The Hounds were the type of demons that live in forests and small territories like unnamed villages or something. Since they had no fixed territory to live in, they usually took over what other demons had. Also, since they were wild-type demons, they'd rather live in a place like this than in a city. So if Foxy didn't face her fears now, one day she would still have to face them.

After she answered me with a nod, I released my hand and we walked again. This time, we were more careful. Our eyes were fixed on the surroundings. The Hounds always attacked in groups and were very protective of their territory. So this 'Unclaimed Forest' was the perfect place for them, especially since the queen didn't give a fuck about what was going on in here.

They usually divided their big group into teams before they trapped and attacked their opponent. If they couldn't win the battle with strength then they would win the fight with numbers. They were like to kidnap female demons so they could breed faster to expand their group or clan if there were more than 100.

We had just walked for a few minutes and our guess was right. The rustling sound began to come from among the bushes and trees. The wind accompanied by rapid movement came from various directions. Some silhouettes started to appear but they quickly disappeared.

My feet keep moving. My eyes looked around me, counting on them and checking their level.

'12. 17. 24. 31...' In just an instant at least more than 30 of them. Their eyes were on us or rather on my servants. I bet they want to make them their brides, or sex slaves to be exact.

Although it looked bad, we stayed calm. They were level 22 Grim Hound with 400 HP. Even Foxy could kill them with one critical hit with her skill.

'Shall we attack them now?' Foxy suddenly telephated me.

'Not yet. We'll wait for them to come out,' I replied. Mass killing them was an easy thing and their leader hadn't come yet so why the rush?

Then Luna joined the conversation.

'Your Highness, another batch coming from 3 o'clock,' she declared.

'Also from 11 o'clock,' Maria added.

'And behind us,' added Yuffy.

'Looks like they give us a nice welcome,' said Ivy.

There was no fear on our faces and we walked as if there was nothing there.

'Master, what should we do?' said Foxy. I could see her clenched trembling hands, ready to kill those Hounds with her skills.

But instead of answering, I asked another.

'Have you seen their leader?' I asked.

'Not yet,' they answered.

Realizing their leader had chosen to leave all the jobs to his subordinates, I decided to finish this quickly.

'Foxy, I need your help. Once I command you to stretch out your hand, you must do it,' I ordered.

'Okay.'

After that answer, we were silent. My eyes looked around, waiting for the right opportunity. With the numbers increasing, it was just a matter of time before they attacked us.

A few seconds later, the opportunity came. A Long howl echoed throughout the forest. As if on cue, all those Hounds came out of their hiding places and pounced on us.