My (Monster?) Hero Life

Chapter 210: A Question Of Loyalty

A few days had passed since they had emerged from the other world. They had spent that time recuperating and relaxing. Kace felt entirely relaxed right now as he chewed on a piece of cold meat. 'It's been some time since I last gained anything from eating.' Kace's eyebrows knitted together as he thought about it. 

'Either it's chances to activate diminish with each successful usage, or it's somehow indirectly connected to my level.' He studied its description again as he mulled it over. Unfortunately, the skill did not have anything in its description that would shed some light on it. Then his eyes ran across the information held in his Digestion skill. 

He focused on the part that said 'slight chance'. The only thing he could think of right now was that his luck stat had been enough compared to the level of what he had been eating to trigger the effect more often. However, as he gained more levels, his luck stat was quickly being left behind. Making it far inferior compared to the others.

'There's nothing I can do about it, not without finding a way to increase it.' Kace sighed heavily, feeling vexed about the situation. He was sure that it would still trigger, just nowhere near as often as it had. It had been a valuable skill in his early days to quickly increase his power. However, right now, he could not rely on for a quick power boost.

'My level is also falling behind, Phillip and Sarah had both reached level fifteen. I could only bridge the gap with my skills and the permanent power boost from Half-Life.' His mind wandered to his fight with Sonja in the arena. If he had not used Half-Life then, he would have been completely overwhelmed by now.

'Mind you, my evolution also helped.' His mind went silent as he tried to no longer dwell on what might have happened. During their time here, the others were helping in different ways to set up a defensive area. A fortress was quickly taking shape with thanks to Grugda's aid during its construction. It would have gone even faster if Yul had felt inclined to help.

However, Yul spent his time like an unmoving mountain. Staring motionlessly at the container he had created for Phillip's remains. The hero had yet to revive, and everyone could feel that Yul's frustration was growing by the day. Personally, Kace hoped that they could leave before Yul's temper exploded.

'We should be thankful to the heroes. Without them subduing Yul we would never have gained his support as an ally.' Kace smiled as he thought about any poor heroes that may open the gate on this island to invade this world. They would be faced with a stationed, diverse army in a fortress. Two airships and Yul. It was needless to say, but their odds of success looked bleak.

Their only chance would be if someone on Zornok's level were to accompany them. Kace quickly shrugged off this possibility. If they could afford to do that, then they would have used them already. It was highly likely he was only dispatched to quickly wipe out the vampires. Yet for some reason, they waited until he was present to do it.

He doubted they knew about his presence in that world. The army the heroes unleashed was overkill just for him. 'So, something else must have changed while I was there to trigger it.' He did not know whether he should be glad that he did not warrant the attention of someone on that powerful level yet. 

Since that would mean that he was just an ant in the eyes of the higher levelled heroes. This put him in a sour mood. If he was just an ant, that just confirmed that he still had a long way to go. There was nothing that he could do just now. After he returned to Stonefall, he would just join the ongoing war. He could wrack up a lot of experience in that way and increase his level.

Until they found some information on another gate or pillar, there really would not be anything worth his time. 'At least in the morning, we can finally set off.' Kace smiled at the thought of his homecoming. Who knew, maybe he could find something valuable to himself in Stonefall now. He had heard about the changes that had been happening, and he was eager to see them with his own eyes.

Although the world had seemed to still be in a medieval era, apparently the capital that had been seized was full of marvels. It was as if the country had been in the early stages of starting an industrial era. Using magic to fuel new inventions. However, Kace thought that it was highly likely that other countries were most likely even more advanced.

Stepping foot into those places would be suicidal for their forces until they had a larger stock of war weapons. Kace thought about the airships that had been created by drawings left behind by Gyn. 'I can't believe that mad bastard thought about something like that.' He chuckled as he thought about the goblin. His mind was filled with warm memories.

"Hm? You're still awake?" Vaskra did not hide the disappointed look on her face as she peeked into the small room that had been created for Kace.

"You think I'll go to sleep before you?" Kace retorted as he raised an eyebrow at the small figure in her chair.

Kace had been cautious about when he went to sleep since his return. He did not want to have to go through the events of kicking her naked body from his bed again. However, he probably did not have to worry as much as he was. Most times, she tried to sneak in his direction Sophia would turn up to intercept Vaskra before she could even check in on him.

'She must have waited until Sophia was busy. Otherwise, she would never have made it within twenty feet of this place.' He stared at her carefully since she had not bothered to leave. Kace had a feeling that she had something to say to him.

"Well? What is it?" Kace asked, growing annoyed at her prolonged silence.

"I just want to know something," Vaskra began, as she moved her eyes downwards to stare at her blanket. "Now that you're a goblin lord with your own followers. Will you pledge yourself to our King?"

Kace immediately became speechless. His jaw dropped as he stared at her figure