novelraw Chapter 379 Mist Empire’s Rise- 378: The Glutton Beast
Chapter 379 Mist Empire’s Rise- 378: The Glutton Beast
Midnight. Mountain wind dispersed warmth. Cool air surged from all directions.
Luo Wei closed her eyes, relaxing her breathing to rest her mind.
Wind grew stronger. She could even hear white clouds rapidly drifting across the sky.
Opening her eyes, the moon had been half-covered by clouds at some point. Distant mountain outlines disappeared. The earth became exceptionally vast.
Finally, strong wind blew past. Clouds obscured the moon. The last ray of moonlight vanished. The village plunged into boundless darkness.
"Swish swish swish—"
Luo Wei held her breath listening. Rustling sounds came from the distant forest—like leaves rubbing together, or some large animal stalking through the woods.
She maintained her curled position without moving. Her right hand slowly reached for the magic wand hidden in her boot.
The sounds grew clearer. Luo Wei could already determine a fierce beast was rushing toward the village.
Night wind blew from the mountain forest. She suddenly smelled a foul stench.
Rank and pungent, nauseating.
Somewhat familiar—like the stink spray from skunks. She'd smelled it at the magic competition arena. Hol had even collected their anal glands.
The stench grew thicker. Horses tied to stakes sensed something. The beast's intrusion caused commotion among the herd.
Luo Wei lay on her side, pressing her ear to the ground, feeling tremors from the distant earth. One after another, faint vibrations with quick rhythm.
She knew what the beast was doing. It was leaping.
Renee had misinterpreted. The beast couldn't fly—it just had extremely strong jumping ability.
It must have run down from distant mountains, jumped onto a tree with dense canopy, then jumped to the ground, bouncing between low slopes and fields, step by step approaching this sleeping village.
The stench grew stronger. The beast didn't detour. It just stopped leaping, lightening its footsteps to quietly approach the village entrance.
Luo Wei realized its target was their horses tied at the entrance.
She was about to pull out her magic wand to trap the beast. The binding spell surged to her lips, then she swallowed it back.
Just dealing with a wild beast, not a magical creature. No need for magic.
She released the wand, quickly drawing a dagger from the sheath at her waist. She sat up abruptly, looking toward where the sound came from.
Moonlight pierced through clouds. A black shadow pounced toward the outermost horse.
This beast's size was much smaller than she predicted. Including its fluffy tail, about a meter long. Size like a small bear. Lethality to humans wasn't strong.
Luo Wei didn't hesitate, throwing the dagger. "Pfft"—a sharp, hoarse roar sounded in the night.
Her aim was decent. The blade struck its back.
The injured beast was enraged, roaring as it charged toward Luo Wei.
"Get up quick, it's coming!"
Luo Wei loudly woke her deeply sleeping teammates, reaching for the prepared torch, scraping away ash covering embers, using red charcoal to ignite the torch.
Seven people lying on the ground woke from sleep. Upon opening their eyes, a hair-raising eerie sound drilled into their ears.
Like legendary man-eating old witches wandering at night, hoarsely whispering, muttering vicious curses, rotting bodies emitting suffocating foul gas.
The witch's throat was also stuck with thick phlegm. When she began cursing, gas from her lungs squeezed out strings of tiny bubbles through the phlegm, occasionally wheezing and hacking like a dying old person refusing to expire.
The seven jumped up from the ground in fright, fumbling to draw swords and look around.
Vina couldn't control her fear and screamed. The shrill sound immediately suppressed that eerie noise.
Luo Wei had just lit the torch. Bright firelight illuminated a small patch of heaven and earth.
That black shadow—whether afraid of fire or feeling outnumbered—suddenly turned its head, fleeing toward the wild mountain forest.
"Stop screaming! You scared away the little flying bear!"
Luo Wei scolded, holding sword in one hand and torch in the other, chasing out.
Others hadn't seen clearly what it was, but when firelight brightened just now, they vaguely saw a dog-like black shadow—not as terrifying as they'd imagined.
Indeed, once anything becomes visible, it loses its mystery and people's awe toward it.
Everyone quickly lit torches, gripping short swords to catch up with Luo Wei. Under her command, they flanked from three directions, successfully capturing this uninvited guest and tying it with rope.
"Looks like a little black bear!" Vina looked at the black ball curled into itself, exclaiming.
Everyone nodded. Really did look like a little black bear.
The animal they surrounded had pitch-black fur, thick limbs, and a broom-like fluffy thick tail.
Its fur was very long. When wind blew, it undulated like waves. Not looking at the face, the round plump body was somewhat cute.
"What kind of beast is this?" Vina was both afraid and wanted to move closer. "It looks so strange—like a bear, wolf, marten, and badger all at once."
June shook her head: "I haven't seen it either."
"It's a glutton beast," Caesar said. "I've seen them in Sita Kingdom's pine forests."
"Glutton beast?"
Others hadn't heard this name.
June asked puzzled: "A Sita Kingdom beast—how did it appear in Renkos Duchy?"
Sita Kingdom was in the Western Continent's north, right next to the ice plains. Even Sita Kingdom's southernmost point was nearly a thousand kilometers away!
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Luo Wei pulled the dagger from the beast's back, wiping blood with a handkerchief: "Glutton beasts like moving in water-rich areas. Probably recent rainfall decreased in the north. Streams and valleys dried up, so it transferred habitats and ran south."
The pained glutton beast roared, making another ugly sound.
Everyone shuddered.
This call was too eerie. When they couldn't see it just now, they thought an old witch was coming to eat children!
Who knew when torches lit, it was actually a round rolling little beast.
Vina covered her ears, stepping back two steps. Seeing Luo Wei's calm expression, she asked curiously: "Have you also seen this strange animal?"
Luo Wei: "Heard of it."
The glutton beast Caesar mentioned was what some called a wolverine—the largest existing terrestrial weasel family member. Fierce temperament, supposedly formidable even among predators.
She'd heard of this creature before.
Wolverines typically inhabited cold northern forests and grasslands.
Hulata Village was located at the subtropical northern edge, close to its habitat range.
Wolverines were good at swimming, climbing, and leaping. Excellent long-distance running ability. Just spending a few nights, it could run here from northern grasslands.
Don't look at this little guy's small size—its bite force wasn't weak. They could take down prey several times their size, also liked stealing food from larger predators, chewing and swallowing prey meat and bones together.
Wolverines were nocturnal carnivores. Sheep, deer, smaller mammals—all on their menu.
The village's sheep, chickens, and ducks were probably all ravaged by this guy. Not even bone fragments remained.
Good news—wolverines liked solitude. Not yet their breeding season. Within ten kilometers, probably only this one. Catching it meant their task was eighty percent complete.
"Carry it into the village. Be careful—glutton beasts like attacking prey's necks. If it bites you, your head will roll to the ground," Luo Wei reminded.
Everyone: ...
Necks felt cold. Terrifying.
"We're not killing it?" Vina nervously stared at the wolverine, afraid it would break free and bite off her neck.
"Kill it and how do we explain to villagers that the monster wandering the village every night stealing their livestock is this thing? At least let it call out twice in front of villagers."
"How do you know what villagers fear is this?" Vina still didn't believe villagers would mistake the glutton beast for a monster.
Luo Wei: "I guessed. Stop talking. Let's go."
Vina: "...Oh."
The group walked toward the village.
Wind blew. Leaves rustled. Clouds blocking the moon were completely blown away. Bright moonlight spilled down.
Luo Wei walked behind everyone. Suddenly felt a gaze fall on her back.
Her footsteps paused. She turned her head, eyes sweeping the distant forest. Nothing unusual.
Luo Wei withdrew her gaze, glancing at the wolverine her teammates carried on sticks, understanding something in her heart.
Twenty minutes later, the group returned to the village entrance.
Luo Wei didn't immediately knock door-to-door announcing the truth. Now was night. No matter what she said, villagers wouldn't come out.
She had everyone relight the fire, leaving Vina and Caesar to guard the wolverine while she and others lay on dry grass to continue sleeping.
5 AM. Sky dimly bright. Early birds successively hopped onto branches, chirping discussions about where to catch bugs today.
Luo Wei was woken by birdsong from the forest. She struggled to open heavy eyelids, seeing the pale sky, groggily turning over.
Last night's fire hadn't extinguished. Caesar was adding firewood. Vina sat beside him dozing.
Luo Wei pressed her temples. Blurry vision gradually cleared.
She saw Vina's head nodding bit by bit, upper body constantly leaning forward. Probably in a few seconds she'd dive into the fire.
Caesar kept adding firewood. Looking at his sleepwalking movements and expression, expecting him to wake Vina was impossible.
Luo Wei sighed, sitting up to tell them both: "Caesar, Vina—wake everyone. Time to do the task."
Give them something to do. Clear their heads.
Both bodies trembled. Dazed eyes instantly widened, looking at Luo Wei, nodding vigorously: "O-okay, do the task..."
Minutes later, everyone lying on the ground was called up.
Everyone yawned, rubbing bleary eyes, beginning to pack luggage on the ground.
"Everyone split up to call people. Get all villagers here," Luo Wei said. "While morning's cool, let's finish the task quickly and depart. When afternoon's hottest, we'll find shade to rest."
"Yes, Captain!"
Everyone showed enthusiasm about doing tasks.
"Natiavida, Joan—you stay to watch the glutton beast and horses. Also boil hot soup. We'll eat breakfast before departing."
"Okay."
After assigning duties, Luo Wei walked with five classmates toward scattered earthen houses in the village.
Midway, she had everyone take out swords.
"Can't be too trusting. Our team has mostly girls. Holding swords provides deterrence."
"Don't go knock on doors. Beware people inside suddenly opening doors to attack with sticks. Stand outside and shout twice. If no one comes out, I'll think of something."
Luo Wei instructed meticulously.
Vina swung her sword twice, making "whoosh whoosh" sounds: "Which peasant dares hit me—I'll stab them with one sword!"
Luo Wei flicked her forehead hard. The force was so great a swollen bump immediately rose on Vina's forehead.
"Ow!" Vina cried out in pain, tears spurting. Feeling her head buzzing, she covered her forehead and began wailing: "Wuu wuu, you hit me!"
"Behave yourself. Don't cause trouble for everyone," Luo Wei warned. "This isn't Golus City. Even if you're nobility, you can't escape after hurting people."
"Wuu wuu, I—I was just saying. I didn't hurt anyone, yet you hit me..." Vina sobbed.
Luo Wei's voice was stern: "Saying isn't allowed either. Don't you know words can hurt people too?"
Especially dismissive language—sounded harsh. She didn't like it.
"Waaah—" Vina cried harder.
"Shut up. Cry more and I'll sew your mouth! Hurry and call people." Luo Wei said coldly.
Vina covered her mouth tightly, hiccupping from crying, grabbing her sword and running off whimpering.
Luo Wei watched her run straight toward a household, silently stopping her footsteps.
She wanted to hear how Vina called people. She'd never done this either. Somewhat couldn't open her mouth.
Vina walked sadly to an earthen house door. Thinking Luo Wei hit her because of these villagers, all grievance transformed into anger. She vented on the wooden stump by the door.
"Come out!" She struck the stump with one sword, eyes fiercely looking at the wooden door. "Come out, hear me! Don't come out and I'll split your door in half!"
Faint chaotic sounds came from inside the earthen house, but the door still didn't open.
Vina raised her chin, snorting coldly: "Bunch of cowards!"
"People inside listen—we've already caught the village monster. Tied at the village entrance. All come out and see what you're actually afraid of."
"Don't come out and I'll release it to scare you to death!"
The earthen house quieted, then whispered voices sounded.
Vina waited impatiently. Just about to kick the door, the wooden door creaked open.
The door-opener was a forty-something man. Seeing the cold gleaming sword Vina held, he stumbled in fright, fearfully bowing to beg forgiveness.
"War-warrior, please calm down, calm down. We'll go out right away, right away..."
Vina didn't even glance at him. Sheathing her sword, she commanded: "You go call others out too. Move quickly! We still have to travel after finishing!"
Hearing she said they'd travel, the man's raised heart settled somewhat. He quickly nodded: "Yes yes yes, I'll go immediately, immediately!"
Vina glanced at him, carrying her sword, unhappily turning to walk back.
"What kind of people? Didn't even say thanks. I didn't sleep well all night..." she muttered.
The man behind broke into cold sweat. Just now she looked ready to attack. How could he think to give thanks?
Besides, whether the monster was really caught he didn't know. The village chief hired help from town who'd tried exorcising several times with no effect. Could these young people be better?
But these people held swords—clearly not to be trifled with. The man felt bitter. No choice but to call out able-bodied men from each household. Walking together gave courage.
As for elderly, weak, women, and children at home—all still hiding in cellars. The man didn't dare let them out.
Luo Wei didn't stop Vina's forceful approach. Mainly this method really worked.
Other classmates' nice words couldn't bring people out. She got results in two or three moves, also directed that man to call out over ten people.
Though each household only sent one person, those who came out either hid tools in sleeves or gripped sticks—but their purpose was achieved.
A group of villagers came to the village entrance, looking around for the monster Luo Wei's group mentioned. Result—only saw a small black beast tied to a wooden stake.
Vina now grew bolder. No longer afraid the wolverine would bite her neck. Hands on hips, she kicked the wolverine's butt.
The wolverine made weird sounds. Villagers hearing felt it familiar. Body hair stood on end.
"Hear that? Is this the sound you heard at night before?"
Villagers looked at each other.
"Sounds a bit similar..."
"No, it's so small. That monster could swallow my sheep in one bite!"
"Also ate all my chickens. Blood splattered everywhere!"
"Not this one. Definitely not. What I heard at night was clearly a person."
Villagers didn't believe. After discussing, they all shook their heads.
"Listen!" Vina walked back and forth before villagers, pointing at the wolverine, raising her chin: "This guy's name is glutton beast. Eats meat without spitting bones. It can even eat large deer—can't eat a few sheep and chickens?"
"Whoa!" Villagers made frightened sounds.
Large deer were much bigger than sheep. One adult could weigh hundreds of pounds!
This little guy called "glutton beast"—could really eat such large prey?
Vina wouldn't explain the details because she didn't know them herself. She genuinely believed what she said.
Luo Wei didn't correct her either. Let everyone believe it—quite good. Saved trouble.
Finally, several villagers went home to bring large bones, throwing them by the wolverine's mouth to test.
The wolverine tied up all night was already starving. One bite crushed the bone to fragments, scaring villagers back several steps.