Chapter 21: Flawless Crystal Land

"Nice scenery."

Rod remarked with admiration.

Especially the crystal trees here.

He had grown used to ordinary trees in the Wind Wall Forest, so trees like these—formed of translucent crystal, with subtle lines flowing within—were truly a novelty.

"Average," Tally said, arms crossed over her chest, giving a haughty assessment.

Still, in some out-of-the-way corners, one could still see places of decay and aberration.

For instance, at the crown of one crystal tree, the thick trunk twisted and warped, sprouting human limbs and facial features.

Completely out of place with the surroundings.

Rod looked around.

Besides the Winged Crystal folk, he found other races busy at work—Rock Spirits, Half-Deer Folk, and Nature Spirits, that sort.

In the distance, he thought he caught a glimpse of an elf.

"Yes, as you can see," Siti offered a standard wry smile. "The situation in Flawless Crystal Land isn't too good."

"About five hundred years ago, our Blue Ice Clan discovered this nascent labyrinth, and we've regarded it as our home ever since. Back then, Flawless Crystal Land was in a stable state for most of the time."

Rod nodded.

The formation of a labyrinth can't be understood by any standard rules.

Some labyrinths complete their transformation in ten seconds, suddenly aberrating out massive numbers of monsters; some are terrifyingly vast—on the Fella Plateau on the eastern edge of the continent, an entire village was once transformed into a labyrinth and remains sealed off to this day.

"But a disaster fifty years ago directly led to the sacrifice of all the Blue Ice Clan's Emerald Fairies, and from then on, Flawless Crystal Land has frequently shown signs of instability."

Siti was very sorrowful.

"We invited a Half-Deer Elder skilled in prophecy, and he told us that Flawless Crystal Land has officially entered a rapid transformation period and will completely become a labyrinth within ten years."

Tally said, "When that time comes, your Blue Ice Clan will be homeless."

"That's right. Please come with me, you two."

As he spoke, Siti flew toward the depths of the crystal forest.

"The elders realized that, having lost all our Emerald Fairies, we can no longer fully control this homeland, so we very much welcome kind folk of all races to enter and take what they need."

Off to the side.

Rod saw a Rock Spirit and several Winged Crystal folk standing before a twisted crystal tree, seemingly discussing a medical plan.

The little fairies were already a famously sociable race on the continent.

Add to that the Winged Crystal folk's innate sensitivity to metal and rock, making them excellent at finding mineral veins.

Thus, they could very easily absorb suitable talent.

Along the way.

Many Rock Spirits and Winged Crystal folk caught sight of Rod and Tally.

They all showed startled expressions.

Some even showed looks of disgust.

Well, can't be helped.

Humans don't have a great reputation on the continent.

Especially for these nature-aligned races.

Siti led them through half the crystal forest.

Arriving at an altar.

"Siti, you're here."

Beside the altar, a Winged Crystal folk leaned lazily against a crystal, a smoking pipe in hand.

Blowing out clouds of smoke.

"Mother! We have guests! Didn't I tell you not to smoke?!"

"Ah, sorry, sorry."

Saying so, Siti's mother took another drag, eyes squinted in great enjoyment.

She looked young, mature and full-figured; a simple cardigan with only one button fastened, revealing a broad expanse of snowy white.

The thick dark circles under her eyes and her languid expression made her look like a desireless one who cared about nothing.

"Mother!"

"Coming, coming. Last puff. Hoo~~~"

On the way, Siti had explained.

They needed to mark their aura at the Blue Ice Clan's altar; after that, they wouldn't need Siti to personally guide them in.

Rod smiled and waved his hand at Siti.

"No bother, let your mother finish her business first."

Siti stamped his foot in midair, puffed up with anger.

Finally unable to endure his mother's countless "last times," he stepped forward and snatched the pipe away.

"Fine, fine, fine, I'll tidy up right now, give it back the moment I'm done."

Siti's mother turned to the two of them.

"This old body's name is Fatima, chieftain of the Blue Ice Clan. I'm very grateful to you for saving my useless son."

Oh?

Siti was the chieftain's son.

Catching Rod's gaze, Siti scratched his head, quite embarrassed.

Fatima activated the altar's magic array.

Soon, two beams of blue light descended from the sky, landing on Rod and Tally.

"Wow, a succubus. Brother Rod, you've got quite an appetite."

Rod laughed, unsure how to respond.

【Acquired special status: 'Flawless Crystal Land Pass' from the Blue Ice Clan of the Wing Crystal Tribe.】

【Perception enhanced, mental-type resistance enhanced.】

Fatima suddenly flew to Rod's ear.

She gently blew a puff of fragrance.

"If you get tired of the succubus, come here alone and place a red crystal stone. This old lady will let you taste a little fairy's flavor~"

"Uh"

Rod looked at her petite frame, unable to muster much interest.

"What? Don't believe me? If you hadn't saved my son, I wouldn't bother with you. Or do you think this old lady is at ease? This old lady's body is far more resilient than you imagine~"

Tally suddenly walked over, her sharp gaze glaring at Fatima.

"Oh my~"

She immediately flew off, snatching the smoking pipe back from Citi's hand.

"All done, now scram."

"Mother! Mind your manners!"

"Fine, fine, fine, please scram now, everyone."

Citi, fuming, led the two away from the altar area.

"What did that old thing say to you?"

After a while, Tally asked in a low voice.

"Mind your manners, Tally. Fatima is the clan leader of the Blue Ice Clan."

"Fine, fine, fine, may I ask what that beautiful, venerable old thing said to you?"

"."

How did you pick that up so quickly?

"You think I actually want to know?!"

Seeing that he wouldn't answer, Tally angrily stomped on his foot.

The two—one little fairy—continued deeper in.

"Mr. Rod, I wonder what kind of treasure you're looking for? I can introduce you to some."

Rod had established a mutually beneficial and friendly relationship with the Wing Crystal Tribe.

"Something with fire or poison affinity, something that lets me accumulate spirituality quickly, or something that boosts resistance beyond poison and fire would also work."

Citi smiled: "In Flawless Crystal Land, the one thing we never lack is resistance treasures."

Not long after.

They stopped before a pitch-black mine.

"Ahead is a mutation point in Flawless Crystal Land. There are quite a few monsters inside; they feed on crystal stones, and their stomachs are natural resistance treasures."

Citi looked a bit nervous—clearly he was somewhat afraid.

"These monsters sometimes even leave the mine and come outside."

"How strong are they?"

"The shallowest layer is fourth-tier. The deeper you go, the stronger they get. Given Mr. Rod's strength, you should be able to handle them easily."

Rod nodded.

As long as he stayed in the shallow layer, this was a low-risk, high-reward opportunity.

"However, please note, Mr. Rod, there are already elves inside carrying out clearing missions."

Citi forced a wry smile: "It's been too long since any humans or... succubi entered Flawless Crystal Land. The elves are rather stubborn and rigid in temperament. Please, Mr. Rod, be sure to avoid any disputes with them."

(End of chapter)