Hellhounds were troublesome creatures.
Especially in the Wasteland of Ruin and Despair, where they were fiercer than those on other planes. They roamed the wilderness in packs, attacking anything they could eat. When food became desperately scarce, fights would even break out among them, leaving the weaker Hellhounds dead and the stronger ones with a hearty meal.
Ugly Monkey showed no panic as the Hellhound lunged at him. He shifted his feet slightly, then thrust his blade upward with a reverse grip. The sharp blade pierced straight through the Hellhound's throat, and it let out a single howl before going still.
Afterward, Ugly Monkey checked his bearings, slipped into the shadows, and continued scouting ahead.
Meanwhile.
Back in Port Nyanzaru, Soren was watching Ugly Monkey's every move. He was an outstanding believer, seasoned and ruthless, with a wealth of experience. The way he had just dealt with the Hellhound showed how thoroughly he understood handling enemies. Had a less experienced rogue been sent instead, the Hellhound would probably have already summoned its pack. Exploring the Demon Lord of Fear's God's Realm was an extremely difficult task. If Soren had any other choice, he would not have sent one of his finest believers. For now, he needed to keep watching Ugly Monkey until he entered the Demon Lord of Fear's God's Realm.
Once Ugly Monkey entered the Demon Lord of Fear's God's Realm, Soren would probably have to expend some divine power to continue observing everything through his eyes.
Port Nyanzaru. The Laboratory.
For Alice, today had been perfectly ordinary—until a visitor arrived at her door.
It was a woman wrapped in a loose cloak, with a dagger strapped to either side of her long, firm thighs. Upon reaching Alice's residence, she unfastened her cloak, revealing a strikingly beautiful face. Unlike