Chapter 2: New Century (Epilogue)
“What the hell is that? Those vines are the Parasitic Tree?”
Reno pointed ahead from a distance, disbelief etched on his face. He had imagined the Parasitic Tree as a towering specimen with a massive canopy and leaves as large as human faces. He never expected it to be such a grotesque entity.
“That’s right, this is the Parasitic Tree. It sustains itself on a woman’s bodily fluids, and it also grows using them,” Narid explained. “Everything you see now is the Parasitic Tree taking root within the bodies of these female slaves.”
“I can’t help but feel this is a plant that belongs in the Abyss,” Reno murmured, watching the female slaves, distorted beyond recognition by the vines, with a sense of awe.
“Reno, you know about our national treasure in Karari, the Parasitic Tree Fruit. It allows one to see the most beautiful moments of their life and can also control the minds of others. These fruits come from the vines that are rooting themselves inside these women’s bodies.”
As Narid spoke, the vines snaked their way throughout the bodies of the Elf and Demi female slaves. Reno could clearly see the distended skin and the ruptured crimson blood vessels.
“These seeds are usually hidden underground. They only emerge when they detect the scent of a woman, and they also secrete a scent that has a hypnotic effect. This is why you and I had to stay so far back.”
“The reason these female slaves appear dazed, and why they don’t struggle more despite their immense pain, is also due to the hypnotic scent of the Parasitic Tree.”
Narid watched the Elf and Demi female slaves being tormented with keen interest, completely unfazed. To him, these slaves were merely nourishment. While Elf female slaves might be valuable elsewhere, in Karari, near the Emerald Frontier, it was quite possible to capture some Elf soldiers.
“Can’t we just dig out these seeds and bring them back to the Royal Capital to cultivate them? Why go all the way out here, wasting manpower and resources?” Reno asked.
“No,” Narid shook his head. “These seeds die once they are dug out. That’s why our country comes to this great forest to restock periodically.”
“Furthermore, the seeds of the Parasitic Tree are very particular. Not just any female slave will cause them to reveal themselves. They must be virgins, either Elves or Demis.”
Reno inwardly clicked his tongue upon hearing this. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of exasperation. What kind of perverse condition was this? Was the Parasitic Tree truly a plant, or was it some twisted middle-aged man transformed?
“Do you find it strange?” Narid chuckled awkwardly. “I’ve tried bringing ordinary women before, but these seeds showed no reaction. They require a ‘virgin’ soil to grow.”
“So, there was no other way. For a long time after, I could only find Demi-Elves or young girls captured during raids on Elf villages.”
“Back then, many people thought our Slave Catcher Team leader had a peculiar taste, so please, whatever you do, don’t mention this to the leader.” Narid lowered his voice, as if fearing the mysterious leader was nearby and might suddenly appear to twist his neck.
Reno instinctively flinched. The leader of the Karari Slave Catcher Team was a legitimate half-step Champion Level expert, far stronger than the uncle in front of him.
During their conversation, several Demi and Elf female slaves had already been enveloped by the vines, forming slowly wriggling cocoons. Faint cries of agony occasionally emanated from within, proving that the female slaves inside were suffering but not yet dead.
“Roughly how long until the Parasitic Tree Fruit grows?” Reno turned away, unable to bear looking at the grotesque scene any longer.
“About three days. It depends on the Parasitic Tree’s growth rate, but I doubt there will be any issues.” Narid patted Reno’s shoulder, pulled him up from the tree stump, and said, “Alright, there’s nothing more to see here. You were wondering what kind of fun we were looking for earlier, right? I’ll take you there now.”
Filled with anticipation, Reno was led to the vicinity of a warehouse. A dozen or so Imperial soldiers guarded the area. Upon seeing Narid, their faces immediately broke into fawning, expectant smiles. It seemed something good was about to happen. Reno guessed this based on their expressions.
“Those Elf and Demi female slaves have become the ‘seedbeds.’ Open the warehouse,” Narid instructed with a smile. The surrounding soldiers, as if hearing the greatest news, shouted loudly and hastily opened the warehouse.
A clamor of women’s screams erupted. Reno saw that inside the warehouse were imprisoned over a dozen young Elf or Demi female slaves.
“Dealing with these useless ‘nutrients’ is also part of our job,” Narid shrugged at the bewildered Reno, his tone flippant.
“Useless? Why? They should all meet the requirements as ‘original stock,’ right?”
“Yes, but not all female slaves react to the Parasitic Tree’s hypnotic scent. This point is very important. When the Parasitic Tree first begins to grow, it is extremely fragile. A woman could break free with just a slight effort.” Narid explained.
Reno’s gaze swept over the Elf and Demi female slaves. These Demi and Elf female slaves were clearly not treated well; they were bruised and battered, and their spirits were visibly worn out.
“So…” Reno swallowed, realizing he might have figured out what Narid referred to as ‘fun.’
“Exactly as you’re thinking.”
“We have to dispose of these ‘goods’ in the forest; we can’t take them back. The King of Winter’s army is coming, and we can’t let him discover this. Moreover, the corpses can also serve as nourishment for the Parasitic Tree’s growth. However, we can dispose of these female slaves as we please before the Parasitic Tree begins to sprout.”
“Do you understand what I mean now?” Narid smiled warmly, but Reno saw only the darkest evil and a naked disregard for life within that seemingly friendly smile.
“As a newcomer, it’s normal for you to feel uncomfortable. I understand,” Narid said, unfazed by Reno’s gaze. He had seen too many such questioning looks before, and he knew they would all turn as cold as his own within a week, without exception.
“Alright, go call the brothers guarding outside. The party can begin. Choose your preferred ‘goods,’ don’t be shy, everyone~”
“After the barbecue, the chefs will prepare it for everyone. There’s no wine, but you can have it once when we go back. My treat!”
Ecstatic cheers erupted throughout the Slave Catcher Team’s camp. All the human soldiers were brimming with excitement; they had been waiting for this party for a long time.
Inside the warehouse, the Elf and Demi girls clung to each other, their small bodies trembling. Tears streamed down their pretty faces. Reflected in their eyes, which should have held innocence and brightness, were the savage, arrogant smiles of humans, a dance of demons, a darkness more wicked than the Abyss.
Outside the camp, six plant-made giant cocoons, entwined with vines, wriggled slightly. Occasionally, through the gaps in the vines, terrified faces could be glimpsed within the cocoons, their facial orifices stuffed with grotesque vines.
They were still alive.
They were living a fate worse than death.
