— Kuhahaha! What do you think? Isn’t she just your type?
Shimma, my inner freeloader, was laughing his head off.
What part of that dinosaur screams "my type"?
— Hmm? Don’t you always go around saying, "the bigger, the better"?
When have I ever said that?
Granted, that saying has its rits, but not like this.
Not when it’s about that kind of “big.”
The “Southern Lizard King” kind of big? That’s pushing it.
— Besides, judging by the humiliation you put through, your filthy tastes are crystal clear—even with my eyes closed.
Try opening your eyes for once.
That is not my taste.
I thought he’d cald down for a while, but nope. Back at it.
— Anyway, the mission was a success. You could even say you defeated her—in your own way. Maybe even better than that.
“Groooooon...”
Oh god.
— As I said earlier, the Spinosaur’s... hmm? Why the long face? It’s a joke. A joke! Fine, let’s move on. How about I give you a small favor instead?
How about you do a favor and shut up forever?
— Kuhaha... It's been a while since I’ve had such a good laugh.
Shimma casually tossed a strange pink slip—so sort of ticket to redeem a favor.
No idea what it does, and honestly, I hope I never find out.
If I’d received it in the real world, I’d have thrown it in the dirt already. But since he left it floating around in my ntal space, I can’t exactly toss it away.
The more I stress over it, the more entertained he’ll be—so best to ignore it completely.
Long story short: the Beast Palace Lord interrupted and called off the duel.
Baekrang summoned another icy wall to block visibility, and I used the mont to revert to human form—just in ti to avoid Gigano’s clingy gaze.
Gigano blinked. The Beast Palace Lord blinked, too—knowingly.
Sure, it was just a smokescreen, but neither of them called out on it.
They formally invited us inside—no more outdoor showdowns, but into the luxurious interior of the Beast Palace.
“Grooorooon...”
Ugh. Soone deal with her already.
She’s standing outside, winking at now.
Still, just in case...
“...Why is Lady Gigano outside? Shouldn’t she be welcod in?”
“Unfortunately, this space is too small for my comrade.”
“Most spirit beasts can take on human form, can’t they?”
“My comrade isn’t like most. If you saw that fight against the mysterious black-scaled dragon, you'd know—her combat style isn’t so mimicry of human movent.”
Looks like the ability to shapeshift is limited to spirit beasts with so affinity for humans.
In other words, Gigano is a pure-blooded dinosaur who never learned.
“Groooon...”
And she’s clearly showing interest in !
Sure, I’m surrounded by all kinds of creatures, but at least they all have humanoid forms.
I happen to like humanoid appearances, thank you very much.
“Kyong?”
...Okay, sotis there are exceptions. But Gigano is not one of them.
We waited comfortably in a lavish room adorned with colorful pelts.
So-Yeong started drooling at the taxidermy on display, and Baekrang’s tail swayed happily as she explored.
“Master Go, look! They’ve even got shed lizard skin on display.”
“These humans decorate with bones too? Hm... Not saying I want them, but...”
I should grab a few souvenirs before we leave.
Or maybe the Phantom Lizard can “liberate” a few unnoticed.
While we waited and looked around, the Beast Palace Lord reappeared—this ti in formal attire.
He’d changed out of his bandit-like outfit into sothing much more fitting for a ruler: elegant and stately.
“Let reintroduce myself. I am Maeng Gak, Lord of the Great Moon Beast Palace.”
“I am Ko Hui, envoy of the Heavenly Demon Cult.”
Since he greeted with proper formality, I returned the gesture.
The Beast Palace Lord’s gaze slowly shifted across our group.
“An envoy from the Heavenly Demon Cult... and a daughter of the Tang Clan.”
His eyes landed on Tang So-Yeong.
“And even the leader of the Five Venom Sect herself. I never doubted the Heavenly Demon Cult’s power, but this exceeds all expectations.”
It’s well known that the Tang Clan and the Five Venom Sect don’t get along.
To see both their representatives under my command must’ve been quite a shock.
And it wasn’t just anyone—it was the Five Venom Sect Master herself.
“Had I known this in advance, I might’ve sent reinforcents as you requested. I hope you don’t resent too much. Who would’ve guessed the Cult would strike the Five Venom Sect first?”
The Sect Master didn’t reply.
Her frosty silence impressed the Palace Lord, but I knew the truth.
She didn’t answer because she was actually glad he didn’t interfere.
She was hiding her satisfaction behind feigned indignation.
“Well, let’s save the backstory for later. I see a wolf who wields ice... and a familiar striped tiger.”
Hoya looked visibly uncomfortable.
Snort.
She used to rule this territory before Gigano, after all—this must be awkward.
Still, seeing go toe-to-toe with Gigano might’ve lifted her spirits.
“And two spirit creatures with curious energy... Your envoy may be small in number, but each one is ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) a force to be reckoned with.”
So-Yeong may not count, but let’s not say that out loud.
“The Heavenly Demon Cult has proven its worth. If its disciple is this capable, the Master must be even more formidable.”
“The one fighting earlier wasn’t . Just a lizard passing through.”
The Palace Lord smiled knowingly.
“Of course, of course. Whatever the reason, I trust there’s purpose behind it.”
I just didn’t want them catching on.
Even if the Beast Palace doesn’t care, rumors that the Cult Leader’s disciple is actually a spirit beast might cause trouble.
Technically, it’s that fact that could hurt us.
“So, what did you think?”
“Of what?”
“Your duel with my comrade—how was it?”
He wanted to know how fighting Gigano felt.
One small problem: I didn’t fight her.
It was the mysterious Phantom Lizard.
“You an the black-scaled lizard she fought earlier?”
“Mm, yes. That’s what I ant.”
“She’s strong. That’s about all there is to say.”
We exchanged a few polite remarks.
Maeng-Po caused a ruckus earlier, but I saw no reason to be overly formal.
The Palace Lord, anwhile, couldn’t exactly bow and scrape to an envoy either.
“Heh. Yes. My comrade is strong indeed.”
He lifted his cup.
At first, I thought it was tea—but it turned out to be strong local liquor.
“I don’t like dancing around subjects. I’m no good with matchmaking either. So let get straight to the point.”
Straightforward—typical of southern types.
Still, that bit about matchmaking... a little worrying.
Wait, don’t tell he was actually asking earlier about Gigano as a mate, not a sparring partner?
Why do you keep trying to pitch Gigano to ?
I’m not interested!
I like dinosaurs, not female dinosaurs.
As much as I wanted to scream that, now wasn’t the ti.
“Our palace seeks an alliance with the Heavenly Demon Cult.”
There it was.
That’s why I ca here.
Well—technically, to make sure they didn’t backstab us during the war. But if I could recruit them to our side instead? Even better.
The Five Venom Sect and the Beast Palace.
If both join our cause, that’s a serious boost to our forces.
Venoms and beasts—plenty of creative potential there.
“An alliance, is it. I’ll report back to my Master. I believe you can expect a favorable answer.”
Of course I wanted to shout, “Deal!” on the spot, but we had to keep appearances.
My Master needs to formally approve it, or this whole thing loses legitimacy.
“Understood. I wouldn’t expect a decision on the spot.”
The Palace Lord offered a drink.
He’d made the first move—now I had to return the gesture.
Without hesitation, I drank it to signal our willingness.
It wasn’t as harsh as I’d expected.
In fact, the Serpent Queen’s drinks were worse.
“What a man! Not a cough even after that harsh brew. You impress more and more.”
If he called it strong, then yeah, it must’ve been strong...
...Which raises the question: what the hell did the Serpent Queen give ?
No wonder I kept passing out after a few sips.
Was there poison in it?!
“What a worthy young heir of the Cult. If only he had a proper female mate by his side, it would be perfect...”
I nearly spit it out. Again?
Why are we back on this?
I was starting to figure him out.
Classic barbarian-warrior type... but also a pushy matchmaker.
Just as the Tang Clan is obsessed with poison, this guy seed obsessed with marrying off his buddy Gigano.
He clearly liked powerful spirit beasts.
He liked .
He was close to Gigano.
This guy had a plan.
“Hrm... I do hope to see their offspring soon...”
And apparently, I’m the lucky sperm donor.
Absolutely not, you lunatic.
Also—I’m not the "heir" of the Cult.
I’m just the Master’s disciple. As a divine beast of another faction, I can’t exactly take a post within a human cult.
“It’s just a joke. I’d never force sothing like that on soone unwilling.”
Yeah, I figured.
“Unless... your heart changes before you leave.”
Never going to happen. Let it go, man.
“But anyway, let’s talk about more serious matters. I should repay your goodwill for accepting my drink.”
Please. Enough matchmaking.
We’re heading into war. An alliance ans you’re joining the fight.
“How much do you know about the upcoming invasion?”
“You an the Martial Alliance’s attack?”
“That’s part of it... but there’s sothing else too, isn’t there?”
He knew.
He knew soone else was behind this.
Which, frankly, made sense.
Jinryong had tried to win the Beast Palace to his side before.
“What do you know of the dragon in the sky—Jinryong?”
At that na, Gigano roared loudly from outside.
This might be more important than I thought.
Gigano likely lived during the sa era as Jinryong and Gomodo.
She might know quite a bit about him.
Maybe even... his weakness.
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