Surrounded by several cliffs was a large settlement that was larger in size than any city I had ever laid eyes on.
It was at least three times the size of the Royal Capital, and the land was flourishing with goodness.
Trees were in abundance, like well-watered gardens, and steams flowed across the rich land.
I spotted two lakes as well, each glistening with the beauty of nature.
This Nation, located at the epicenter of nature, was bustling with activities... as well as denizens.
The Beastfolk—also known as Therianthropes—were beings who appeared to be a mix of humans and animals.
I'm simple terms, they were akin to hybrids.
Unlike Humans, though, they possessed immense capabilities—even from birth.
Since there were many variations among them as well, Beastfolk had a very rich and diverse set of cultures.
Even from my heights, I observed the mix of several subraces. The way they interacted with each other—going about their businesses—was intriguing.
Unlike Humans, Elves, and Fairies, that lived in set habitats, Beastfolk had peculiar areas in their Nation attributed to various members of their community.
Beastfolk belonging to the cat family had their preferred habitat compared to those who had attributes of milder animals.
In the same vein, fish species like Mermaids dwelled by the lakes and had their little community there.
Bird-like Beastfolk also lived in more elevated areas, so their Nation was a mix of various peculiar kinds of sights.
Of course, those who could interact with one another did so, so it wasn't a disorderly society.
My comrades and I spent a moment of silence, simply staring at the expanse beneath us.
I watched how the little ones played games among one another, and how an especially pretty one was being courted by several men.
The men fought one another to assert their dominance, and the fox girl simply smiled in Glee as she watched the suitors prove themselves.
'Some things never change.' I grinned to myself, focusing my gaze on a particular structure located on a precipice—some sort of hill that was elevated and conspicuous for everyone to notice.
The hill was higher than any other, and a large compound was constructed on it. A few houses were in the compound, all serving various purposes.
However, there was one main building that gathered the respect and awe of any who would lay eyes on it.
While the houses of the other Beastfolk were simple—though not shabby—the massive house atop the hill was of a different breed entirely.
This was the habitat of the one who served as the glue that held all the many races together.
It was none other than the residence of the Beast King.
"I wonder who it'll be this time..." I whispered, looking at how my comrades were captivated by the sight before us.
"What now, Jared?" Serah was the first to speak.
She was smiling widely, already noticing that I was already aware of from the start.
"Now? We storm the Palace." I returned her excited smile.
"Really?" Her eyes widened even further.
"I told you before we went on this journey, didn't I? You're going to have fun."
The 'fun' I was referring to wasn't simply the exotic view of various new places, as well as quality time with comrades.
No, there was one thing Serah considered to be more fun than anything else.
—Combat!
"They're all... so strong!" Her eyes returned to the denizens of the nation.
That's right, every single Beastfolk was strong beyond reason.
Even the kids would be able to win against experienced Mages. The power balance was unfair and absolutely ridiculous.
Their degree of strength was what allowed them to live in such peace and stability—considering the fact that they were at the very top of the food chain.
Of course, the culture of Beastfolk also exploited their absurd level of power.
Tournaments, Challenges, Fight Festivals, etc. were organized to test the capabilities of their members—also nurturing the young ones.
The female members of this society generally picked the strongest male as her mate, and strength was valued above all else.
Despite how crazy it all seemed, the way of the Therianthropes was the simplest to live by.
The Strong protect the Weak.
The Weak serve the Strong.
As such, the ironclad rule of the Beastfolk was enacted.
It was not written on any stone tablet, neither was it documented on a piece of parchment. No, this law was engraved into the hearts of every resident of this community.
The principle—
Might makes Right!
—was supreme.
"We have Jane's letter of introduction, and it'll be troublesome to walk down the streets of their very active neighborhood, so..."
Serah's face showed me how much she was anticipating my words.
"... We're heading for the strongest man around here!"
That was none other than the Beast King.
"And when we get there..." I stared in the Grand Mage's direction.
"... You're going to beat the shit out of him."
****************************
Gerard was lying down on a mat, staring at the bright blue sky layered above him.
He stretched out his hands to reach it, but it seemed so far out of reach. Somehow, that seemed to describe what sort of existence he was.
"Shit..."
As a Rareborn Beastfolk—one who had access to more than two Beast Traits—he was always at the top.
He was even better than Mixed Breeds, and far more powerful than their advantage of possessing abilities from both sides of their parents.
It was as though he was born to thrive at the pinnacle of everything.
Gerard, even as a child, bested adults who were meant to be superior to him.
It was no wonder that he had managed to become Beast King when he was still in his youth.
'I'm currently 39 Years Old... sigh...' He had no words to express his emptiness and constipation regret.
Even though he had enough power and allure to obtain as many mates as possible, Gerard only accepted the best of females to bear his children.
He needed a superior breed, after all.
Unfortunately, none of those who were his seed had nearly as much power as he did. They were all strong in their own right, but compared to him when he was their age, all fifty-one children were weak.
'One is an exception, but...' He sighed at the hopeless situation.
That was why Gerard decided not to bother any longer.
He had gotten past the point of caring at this point.
"Huu... when will 'it' happen, I wonder? Any time from now..." He mumbled more words to himself.
Would he just stagnate this way until his death? Gerard thought about this as he closed his eyes and waited for the day to come and go—same as every other.
However...
>BOOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!<
