[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-reincarnated-as-a-princess-s-pet-with-trash-stat":3,"chapter-reincarnated-as-a-princess-s-pet-with-trash-stat-reincarnated-as-a-princess-s-pet-with-trash-stat-chapter-85":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Reincarnated as a Princess's Pet: With Trash Stats, but SSS-Rank Skill",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},896848,1177,"Chapter 85: The Key Lies With Her","reincarnated-as-a-princess-s-pet-with-trash-stat-chapter-85",85,"\u003Cp>The wind roared in their ears as the group fell. The world opened beneath their feet. And the red lake awaited them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They fell. One after another. Bodies cutting through the air, dragged toward that dark, viscous mass surrounding the castle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max clenched his teeth. He reached into his bag.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I’m going to try something I thought of when I saw this item. Trust me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pulled out a seal. One of the ones Sophie had given him. He held it between his fingers as he activated the magic in his feather fall boots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt a slight pressure. A pulse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he touched the seal. The magic responded instantly. It wasn’t a simple activation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A magical field expanded around the group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The feather fall effect spread from him like an invisible wave, linking with every member of his party... and with every one of their summons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air changed. Speed shattered. The descent softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if the air itself had suddenly begun holding them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moonlight opened her eyes, surprised. She slowly moved her wings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I’m flying.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice came out almost as a whisper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sophie looked at her, then at Max. Her eyes gleamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I would’ve never thought to use that seal like this. It’s usually used for healing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neros let out a short laugh. Even as he descended, he was already thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can imagine several combat styles using this trick.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dorian, on the other hand, wasn’t thinking about any of that. He clung tightly to the skeleton carrying him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That was my moment...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice cracked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My big moment with Lamia...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wiped his tears with his arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you ruined it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The skeleton didn’t react. It kept descending, unfazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Varis glanced at him from the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look, I go crazy over women too...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But this guy beats me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group continued descending, slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Abby didn’t speak. Her eyes were fixed upward. On the castle. On the opening they had escaped through. Where her brother was still fighting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max looked at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Abby, don’t worry. Your brother will be fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was firm. Certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s strong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A confident smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And he wanted this. He already planned to face him alone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Abby pressed her lips together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I figured.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her hands trembled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s why it’s worse.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She closed her eyes for a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have... mixed feelings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lake was getting closer. Its surface didn’t move like normal water. It was dense and heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like blood gathered over centuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then their feet touched the lake. No impact. No violence. But the contact was unpleasant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The liquid parted around them. Thick and cold. It clung to their clothes and skin, staining them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if the lake wanted to pull them in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...ugh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Abby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where can we hide? Somewhere safe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked around. The castle behind them. The lake stretching out. And beyond it, the darkness of the forest at this hour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s nothing outside the castle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She pointed ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just the forest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max nodded without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then we head for the forest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned and began walking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heavy liquid made every step harder, but he didn’t stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The skeletons followed him, carrying the women. The rest of the group moved as well, leaving the lake behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving the castle behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And stepping into the darkness of the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tree branches intertwined above them, blocking almost all the moonlight. The air was cold, and every step crunched over dead leaves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They walked for several minutes. Without speaking much. Just the sound of tired breathing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until they saw it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its trunk was so wide it looked like a natural wall. And at its base, a huge hollow opened, as if the forest itself had shaped it to shelter something inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...let’s stop here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neros nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sounds good. This tree works.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Varis was already stepping inside the hollow, inspecting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s nothing inside. We can use it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The skeletons moved forward carefully. One by one, they placed the women inside the tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max, Neros, and Varis didn’t waste time. They started gathering leaves, arranging them on the ground into makeshift beds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, each of the women—including Lamia—was lying down, protected beneath that massive tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moonlight, meanwhile, was a few meters away. Kneeling. Gathering branches, stones, and small dry debris.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...this should work.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She snapped her fingers, releasing a spark, and the campfire came to life. Warmth slowly spread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dorian dropped into a sitting position against another tree. His back hit the bark. Exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes had deep dark circles. His skin was pale. He breathed slowly, as if each breath cost him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max walked over. Studied him for a few seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...you might be a creep.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He placed a hand on his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But you saved all of them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dorian smiled. Weak, but proud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...obviously.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He closed his eyes and said nothing more. He fell asleep instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Varis sighed and dropped down near the fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What a shame...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ran a hand through his hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I left my roast pig in my bag.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He held his hands toward the fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the guest room.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neros turned his head and stared at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...a roast pig would really hit the spot right now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or any kind of meat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop looking at me like I’m food.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neros tilted his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...do roast pigs talk?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sophie let out a laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t mind him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She crossed her arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My brother loves making those kinds of jokes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Varis clicked his tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Knightly humor, I see...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moonlight raised her hand from the fire, looking a bit sad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I want an owl-bone sandwich.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max looked at her. And smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll promise you something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moonlight looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When we get back to the castle...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll take you—and Elanor—to get a proper sandwich. From your favorite stand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moonlight nodded, a little more cheerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max lowered his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I miss her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wonder how she’s doing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Abby looked at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Sophie too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both silent. With a faint, gentle expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Varis broke the moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stretched a bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The important thing is, we already saved Abby.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed toward the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now we just need to cross this, get back to town, grab the carriage...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A confident smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And we head home.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Varis frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max looked at him. Serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We can’t do that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He crossed his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We need to stop Dante.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And make sure Azael is okay.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Varis sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...and how do you plan to do that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max didn’t hesitate. He turned his gaze, straight toward her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s why we saved Lamia.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled with confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The key lies with her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1126,"2026-06-03T06:02:49.172Z",1,"novelbin.me","0addefb05b66982b7fb61088fd2d51168bc249258032915be5bc87168e2ed2e3","reincarnated-as-a-princess-s-pet-with-trash-stat-chapter-86","reincarnated-as-a-princess-s-pet-with-trash-stat-chapter-84",189,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Freincarnated-as-a-princess-s-pet-with-trash-stat-cover.jpg"]