Yarra’s Adventure Notes
Chapter 1044 - 159 Little Fox

Chapter 1044: Chapter 159 Little Fox

Mount Oakain is not just a single mountain, but a large range composed of fifty-seven peaks, stretching over one thousand three hundred kilometers from the Winged People Mountain Range in the east to the Butte Plateau in the west. The highest peak of the entire range reaches over four thousand meters, towering within the Forest of Death. Only such a gigantic mountain range could forcibly divide the world’s largest forest into two separate worlds. Of course, not every one of the fifty-seven peaks is over four thousand meters tall, most are only one to two thousand meters in height. Together, they form a green giant python, extending into the distance through the forest.

"In our legends, Lord Yuktiraxil had a difficult time creating us Elves," Flare leaned against a tall fern, her gaze affectionate as she looked at the green sea below the mountains on either side, and said softly, "fatigued by the process, he lay down to sleep in the forest. When he awoke, in his hasty departure, he accidentally left behind one of his branches, which later became Mount Oakain. The goddess took this opportunity to use the mountain range as a barrier, creating a safe haven for the newborn Elves, protecting everyone from the threat of the ferocious magical beasts in the Forest of Death." Standing atop a peak, she continued, "Of course, that is just a story for children, but it does emphasize the significance of the mountain range. To us, it serves as a wall that protects our home. In fact, there are many outposts set up along these mountains, and even two Demigods living in seclusion among them. Their purpose is to monitor the movements of the Demigod magical beasts in the Forest of Death, because occasionally some powerful Demigods cross into the Lost Forest to hunt. The outposts are there to watch these powerful beings, and should they intend to attack our villages, we must report to the King’s Court and eliminate any hidden threats in advance."

"I see that even powerful Elves must struggle to live in such an environment," Freya said, standing beside Flare and gazing at the distant mountains, "But such a beautiful forest, I fear nowhere else could match its variety. Living here, it is no wonder your people, men and women alike, each possess a beauty as exquisite as a work of art."

"You too, child of Odin," Flare said with a smile, looking at Freya’s round face, "although you now use your size to hide your beauty. But we Elves are not deceived by appearances. Actually, with a professional’s control over their body, returning to your original form wouldn’t be difficult, would it? In a few months at most, you could achieve that."

"I know, but I’m quite happy with how things are now," a mature and profound smile appeared on Freya’s round face as she shook her head slightly, "Being by his side in this form and being accepted makes me feel very happy inside."

"What are you two talking about?" Catherine’s voice came from down the slope. The knight girl, pulling on the vines along the steep incline, climbed up the hillside with a face full of sweat, stretching out in the refreshing breeze that met her at the summit, "Why don’t you need to wrap yourselves up in thick cloaks and scarves here?"

"Poisonous insects can’t come up to such a high peak," said Flare as she handed over a cloth, smiling, "Those bugs are actually very particular about their environment. Even a slight change can lead to their death. That’s why our people can establish outposts on the ridges, as we only need to be vigilant for large creatures, the small ones can’t overcome natural factors."

"Thanks," the knight girl scrubbed the sweat off her face vigorously; with every wipe, new perspiration condensed on her skin, and from the crevices of her scale armor rose faint wisps of steam. The girl draped the cloth over her face, murmuring in discomfort, "It’s really unbearable here, even worse than being in the underground of Dragonscar in the Mountain Country. I never thought I could sweat this much. I feel like I’ve sweated more these past few days than in my whole life before."

"There’s no helping it, the environment here has its peculiarities, mainly the humidity," Flare gazed down at the endless Sea of Trees below the mountain peaks where occasionally, massive clouds could be seen converging over the canopy, rain pouring down, watering the dense forest. Her Majesty pointed down and said, "Actually, this is still rather normal. You’d better be mentally prepared. See those slightly lower ridges up ahead? Once we cross those three ridges, we will officially enter the outskirts of the Forest of Death. Then you’ll realize that compared to there, it is practically paradise here."

"We’re not even at the outskirts of the Forest of Death yet?" Catherine asked in surprise, "What’s more, why is the environment down there even more exaggerated and difficult to endure? I thought it was already extreme here."

"Of course not, compared to the Forest of Death, this place is as relaxing as a picnic. See that Dillie over there? Back in the day, he was only one of the dominant forces in the outer forest and didn’t dare to venture deep inside. Just from that, you can imagine how perilous it is in there. However, he didn’t know what an Inherent Psychic Domain was back then. Let him return to the forest now, and the situation would definitely change," Flare explained. "As for why the environment below feels as hot and oppressive as the burning pits of hell, it’s mainly due to the terrain. You probably aren’t aware, but the entire Forest of Death is a massive pit that has sunk into the surrounding landscape, trapping all the steam and hot air that can’t escape and just keeps accumulating. So, even we Elves would find the climate inside quite uncomfortable."

"Haha, little scarf, I knew you’d show up again, and this time you won’t get away. Come here, I’m going to make you into a scarf, and I won’t feel cold this winter," Pannis’s boisterous laughter echoed from the slope below, and the ladies didn’t even need to look to imagine his hands on his hips and chest puffed out in pride. But as expected, his smugness soon cost him dearly as a few seconds later, a pained howl resounded, "Ow, you damned scarf, you bit me again, bastard! This time I’m not just going to make your fur into a scarf, I’ll stew your meat in a pot as well, ow, that really hurt, it even left teeth marks."

Catherine sighed, moaned helplessly, and offered Flare an apologetic smile before stepping away toward the edge of the slope. Sure enough, a golden figure was sprinting up the steep incline. Its long golden fur danced in the wind with the movement of its body, mesmerizingly beautiful. Not far behind the golden figure, Pannis was holding his wrist and shouting in pain, receiving nothing but laughter from a few friends nearby.

"Here you are again, little Fox," Catherine said, ignoring Pannis’s deliberate cries of pain. She crouched down at the edge of the slope and patted her hands toward the Illusion Fox running toward her. The golden Fox only stopped when it reached the girl, placing the plump wind rabbit it had in its mouth in front of her as if seeking praise with its squeaking sounds. The girl instinctively reached out a finger and scratched gently under the chin of the little Fox, which looked up at her. Clearly, the little creature enjoyed the caress, squinting its eyes in contentment and even shamelessly lying on the ground to expose its belly, its pitch-black round eyes looking at the knightly girl expectantly.

"I’ll do it, I’ll do it," Lina emerged from somewhere and raced to take Catherine’s place before her. She crouched next to the Illusion Fox and gently scratched the white fur on its belly. The Fox responded with comfortable howls, rubbing its delicate head strongly against Lina’s legs, acting very affectionate.

Two days earlier, after the battle had ended and they discovered the Illusion Fox, although its beautiful fur had a high market value, the humanized pleading look in the little Fox’s eyes made it hard for Catherine to bear harming it further, so she couldn’t help but suggest sparing it. No one else really wanted to kill it either, especially the few young ladies; after all, they were still young girls who couldn’t resist such cuteness, so the little creature was fortunate to survive. Not only did it survive, but the five girls gathered together and patiently treated the wounds they had caused earlier. With Lina’s support of the Healing Divine Spell, the little one quickly recovered its vitality.

Even though the Illusion Fox was a magical beast, it seemed very human-like and was full of gratitude toward the girls. Even after its wounds healed, it didn’t immediately leave but affectionately circled around them. It followed the group for over an hour before reluctantly turning to leave, and the girls thought that was the end of it. However, just before setting up camp that evening, the little Fox appeared again at the camp’s edge, bringing back two prey as a thanksgiving gift. The happiest were the two little Undead, who clutched the fluffy large tail of the little Fox and laughed heartily. The little Fox was very gentle, showing no hostility as it affectionately cuddled with the little Undead as if they were family.

Concerned about this, the girls were somewhat worried. If the one cuddling with the little Fox was themselves, they wouldn’t fear it suddenly turning wild and attacking them with their own strength, but the two little Undead actually only had Gold Rank abilities. Although it’s difficult for Undead to really get hurt, the girls’ motherly instincts couldn’t bear the thought of them being startled. However, both Pannis and Flare shook their heads at their worries, and the response from the two professionals reassured the girls completely, so they simply joined in the petting as well.

Therefore, for two consecutive days, the little creature would leave for a while each day, but soon after, it would return to the group with prey, enjoying the girls’ affection and caresses. In two days, it became more and more familiar with everyone, and as it spent more time with the group, it also became friendlier toward everyone. Unlike before, it didn’t show a guarded stance when others approached, as long as the girls were not around.

But, as for someone like Pannis, there were always exceptions.