"We'll go with you in a moment. First, we'll try talking to her and see whether food, gifts, and an apology will work."
"If none of that works, we'll ask the deity whether one person will do. If she agrees, you go over. While you're with her, say as many nice things as you can to make her lower her guard. Some of us will be lying in ambush nearby."
"If one person isn't enough, keep her occupied there. We'll pretend to head back to find a second child, while the others stay hidden nearby. The moment there's an opening, we'll make our move."
"Remember, we won't give up on anyone, and you mustn't give up on yourself either. We have to come back safe and sound and give your mother a surprise!"
After hearing the Village Chief's words, the little boy nodded firmly.
Four young, strong men would go with him, their hands full of fine food, fruit, and vegetables.
Another dozen or so young, strong men carried weapons, planning to sneak over.
As for Xiu Yuan and Morax, they too took the weapons the villagers had given them and joined those preparing to assassinate the Demon God.
In this short time alone, Morax's attitude toward humans had changed dramatically.
Back when they were observing humans, Xiu Yuan had asked Morax, "What do you think matters most to humans?"
"Their lives, perhaps? That goes for every living creature, not just humans. Without life, everything is gone," Morax had replied.
"No. Some things matter more than life," Xiu Yuan had said decisively.
"Impossible. What could matter more than life? Once you're dead, what use is anything else?"
"You'll understand."
Xiu Yuan hadn't given him an answer then, but what happened today had given him one.
He had never imagined that