Monster Girl Ranching in Another World

Fireden's mark covered my right arm with flaming tribal lines that were red at first but then faded to black. While this was interesting, my mind was waiting to hear what Hero's response would be, but he wasn't talking.

I looked down at my burnt shorts and then shook my head. There was no point in putting those back on, and I needed to get going.

My talk with Fireden had lasted a lot longer than I had anticipated, and now the sun was starting to make its arch down. I kept both Water Totems active and then started to run.

I no longer felt the heat or cold as things that affect my body. Instead, I could feel the heat and cold around me. I could sense monsters in the area, and I could make out some of them, like the green eyeless lizard things that were staying clear of me, but there was something more significant than the smaller creatures.

Whatever it was, it was coming for me, and it was big. I decided that now would be an excellent time to pick up the pace, and I started to run as fast as I could, but that just seemed to egg the monster on.

I was about a mile from Windorf, but the creature was slowly gaining on me no matter how fast I ran. I slowed down and switched to Grogvel Primal Totem. I was preparing myself for what was trying to catch me, as my body became stiff and rigid, but this time I could think and move faster.

"So, Mex has a new play toy? I was wondering why I couldn't get in here, but now I have found you, Snack!" a massive hulking Green ugly giant said as he walked onto the path.

This thing was ugly enough to stress even a mother's love, and it also looked pretty tough. I would have to go all out if I wanted to beat this thing, but then suddenly Mex appeared out of nowhere.

"Run, Go to Windorf and complete your training, and then go to the village and stay the night there. You can not fight this one, or you will die. I will hold him off for now, and I have already locked the path to the village, now GO!" Mex commanded me, and every part of me wanted to stay, but something about the way that Mex was acting told me that this wasn't the time for dicking around.

"What? Mex, I only wanted to have some fun with him; you know, like the others that I ate? I want to hear him scream as I gnaw his limbs off! I am just a friendly ogre that wants to be fed. Is that so wrong?" The Ogre asked, and I started to run. "Yeah, don't worry. Mex can't protect you forever; I will catch you one day, Snack!"

That was the last thing that I heard before getting out of earshot of Mex and the Ogre. The creature didn't scare me, but knowing that the creature had eaten heroes before was enough to make me pull the pin out and get moving.

Whatever that creature was, an Ogre, Mex was worried about it, and if he was worried, I was more than worried. Sometimes it might not be that bad to feel a bit of fear every now and then.

<Yes, like when you are talking to the god of all gods!>

That surprised me, and I had almost forgotten about him. Still, you weren't there, and you aren't me. I was the one being asked the questions, not you, and I don't think that he is the god of all gods.

I think that Time is one of many, but I also think that I answered the question correctly because he smiled before sending me back. In my mind, that is a win.

<Perhaps, but one would think that after learning so much, you would be a bit more respectful to your elders.>

Maybe if my elder was a bit more respectful about the way he referred to people, I wouldn't have acted that way. That is neither here nor there, and speaking of elders, you caught the last part, didn't you?

<What are you trying to get at?>

Time knew me from before this. What that means, I have no idea, but I would think that would make me your elder, yes-no?

<When I need to start asking you questions about what to do, then I will consider you my elder. For now, even if you do know him so how you are still immature and stupid. I say that with the most respect I can muster because you seem to be able to learn things that are taught to you.>

Thanks, how kind of you, but yes, I have a lot to learn from you, even if I am someone else. So, you will get to be Grandpa Hero for now, and I will Kazz the Menace!

<You are an overgrown child, so I guess it fits. That was good of Mex to step in there; I don't know if you could have beaten that Ogre.>

Yes, but you also didn't say I couldn't beat it, but I am glad too. I would sooner be able to beat that thing on my own and not become a snack.

<You need more Totems for versatility, and you need more experience using them. Prove yourself to Windorf, and then you and I will go get the Princess that was kidnapped.>

Huh? We are going to get the Princess in the dark? And since when did I no longer need air to breathe?

<Since you became seventy percent Magic. Your body will absorb the air it needs, which is very little, from the water. You should also notice that you are only really breathing when you need to speak to active your vocal cords.>

That was impossible, I was running hard right now, and I was… what the fuck? My chest barely even moved, and I wasn't breathing; then, it felt bizarre and completely unnecessary when I tried to.

It was almost like my body was reminding me that I didn't do that anymore, and it was pointless to try. I was having a hard time wrapping my head around it all, but I was at Windorf's plateau now, and I had to bring my head back into the game.

Windorf wasn't going to be like the others. I would have to make him submit to me, but that was like asking the wind not to blow?