Emperor of Soul Pets

Chapter 32: Making Plans

"Great soul trainers do not fear a challenge." Rao Wu inwardly cursed as he remembered the teachings that made him descend the cliffside. But then, Rao Wu realized he wrongfully blamed his Uncle when he recalled the follow-up teaching. "An intelligent soul trainer knows when to fight and when to retreat, both without fear."

Even though Rao Wu knew better, his youthful, competitive nature compelled him to go down the cliffside to shock Akeme. Unfortunately, rock climbing was nowhere as easy as tree climbing.

Initially, the descent went smoothly. The jagged rocks provided many footholds and crevices to grab onto. But, as Rao Wu descended, the footholds got slimmer, thinner, and rarer slimmer until they all but disappeared. Fortunately, Rao Wu could still grab onto crevices in the wall, but it did not take long before blisters formed on his sore fingers.

If Rao Wu were by himself, he would have long since climbed up, but something inside him sparked whenever he looked down at Akeme and the others. It was like an innate pride that refused to be ridiculed in front of others.

As a result, Rao Wu gritted his teeth and held back tears as he painfully made his way down the mountain.

On the ground, Denuchi's eyes narrowed as he monitored the youth's progress. "The kid ain't ordinary."

"Boss?" Akeme looked at Denuchi with a confused gaze. Surprisingly, Denuchi, the stickler for time, did not appear enraged by Rao Wu's antics. What's more, Denuchi seemed to be complimenting Rao Wu? Did the sun rise in the west today?

Denuchi, in reply, shook his head. "Don't worry, Akeme. I didn't forget your punishment." Akeme's head shrinking into his shoulders, brought a small smile to Denuchi's lips as he then said, "Listen, time cannot be bought. But sometimes, you can trade it for the chance to unearth something great."

"What? You mean the kid? What's so special about him? At his age, I could climb mountains twice this size with ease."

"Yes, but would you have attempted a cliff-face thrice this size?"

Akeme's mouth widened. "Boss, you're joking, right? Who would do that? That's suicide."

Denuchi pointed at the red-faced child blowing on his fingers. "I'd bet my life that kid would. Skills and abilities can be taught. Willpower, bravery, and tenacity can't."

"You've got a point." Akeme chuckled. "Well, if I wasn't sure before, now I am. He couldn't have come from those cowardly humans. They don't have the gumption."

"Don't, Akeme." Denuchi's expression turned grave. "Do not underestimate humans. There's a reason they're the strongest force on the continent. Don't think the spoiled brats who contract us represent their best. The humans simply don't need to unleash their best any longer since they can make us do all the work."

Akeme swallowed hard. "They're that strong?"

Denuchi shook his head. "Strength has nothing to do with it. Humans are mad, crazy, and unscrupulous. They'll do anything and sacrifice anyone, including themselves, to achieve their goals. I once watched a human launch a suicide attack into a pack of wolf-beastkin. They didn't even get a chance to fight back before getting blown to pieces."

Akeme shivered as he imagined the gory scene. "Humans should just blow themselves to pieces. We'll finally have some peace."

Denuchi looked at Akeme with a strange gaze. "Didn't you say you liked my mom? You want to blow her up too?"

"I—" Akeme opened his mouth, but words failed to come out.

Nearby, the rest of the party chuckled when they saw Akeme's stunned expression. "Pfft! As expected of Boss! Only you can shut Akeme up."