Mutagen

<strong>Day 250 - 3:21 PM - Unnamed Mountain, Catanduanes</strong>

"What happened to you?"

For Aliya to immediately notice the changes that happened to Mark clearly showed how she valued Mark as her descendant and family.

However, it was not only Mark who had some drastic changes. Mark and Mei could not help but notice the leader of this place, Diwata Iraya. While Mark was weakened due to his [Miasma] being minuscule at this moment, Diwata Iraya currently barely had an ounce of magical energy in her body.

Thus, the question that Aliya just asked Mark could also apply to Diwata Iraya.

"Can I answer that question later?"

Mark gently replied with a bitter smile.

Aliya stared shortly at Mark's left eye, which had a tinge of a purplish color, and nodded.

It should be a long story and something that was not suitable to be shared here in the open.

The [Mini Cube] then landed with Mark's signal. Everyone from the village sure was both curious and wary of the giant floating thing.

Then, the members of Mark's group alighted, with the lively [Sylph] in the lead, followed the three little girls some residents of this place were familiar with. But aside from those four, the remaining five members who came out were unfamiliar to them.

Not to mention three things.

Everyone was surprised as they felt Amihan's strong aura. It was the same for the gorgeous woman and the handsome muscular man that Mark brought.

Still, Diwata Iraya and those strongest among her entourage could not help but feel wary towards Ilia and Chimetrice. After all, Ilia was a Demon, and Chimetrice was something they could not fathom what he was.

In the least, Mark's family already proved that they were not enemies. It was not the same for these two.

As for Amihan, the nearby [Sylphs] could not help but become awed by the strong aura she was leaking. They were a weak race, and it was something that everyone knew. It was very rare among their race to grow strong, physically and magically. Yet, there was Amihan, who could possibly top everyone else in their race in terms of magical power.

Unfortunately, the attention she was gathering caused Amihan to be uncomfortable. Before any of her race could approach her, she flew towards Mark and sat on his shoulder. Now, no one would approach her due to the natural aura around Mark, which caused people to stay away from him.

Mark could only shrug a little, knowing that Amihan was using him as a shield. However, it was inevitable as Amihan could barely control her current strength, and there was no way to hide her aura. At least, for now.

Even Mark was finding ways to hide his own aura as it could be inconvenient if just any magical creature they encountered could tell that they were Demons.

With everyone finally gathered, they were invited into the village.

Unlike the usual primitive villages, the village on this mountain was special. Since they had a few [Dryads] and Diwata Iraya's primary power was of nature, they used their control over plants and trees to create houses, walls, and other things necessary for the village. Where could one see a tall watchtower that was built with giant vines? So far, Mark's group only saw these kinds of structures here.

In one way or another, the maintenance of this place was extremely efficient. Any damage could be restored with just a flick of the hands of the [Dryads].

Unfortunately, fire would be the bane of this place. However, it was not much of a worry. Most of the races here only eat fruits, vegetables, and herbs, while the meat-eaters were not keen on putting their food over the fire, preferring their high protein diet raw. There were also those who did not need to eat as their bodies only had to absorb energy from their surroundings to live.

And also, because of the presence of the [Dryads], food was less of an issue in this place. They could accelerate the growth of fruit-bearing plants, although the speed might vary depending on the type of flora. Having more than one [Dryad] sure helped a lot in this. As for those who eat meat, they could hunt for themselves since they had the ability to do so.

Of course, things would go smoothly if not for the fact that there were threats everywhere in the current situation on Earth.

Despite the unique appearance of the village, it still followed the usual defensive formation where the leaders and most important people lived at its center. And it was where the members of Mark's group were brought.

Along the way, Bella and Donna were curiously looking around. This kind of fantasy-like scenery was the least of the things they expected to see, especially when the apocalypse started. Who would have thought that joining Mark's group would lead them to such strange but magnificent places?

Unfortunately, the house-shaped tree at the center of the village was off-limits to most people. Here, only those trusted by Diwata Iraya and those who were invited would be allowed to enter unless it was an emergency.

Aside from Mark's family of five and Amihan, other members of Mark's group were people unfamiliar to the residents of this place. As such, they were not allowed to the [Diwata's] dwelling. It was reasonable, and they did not complain, although Spera showed an annoyed expression while being brought to another hut nearby.

Mark watched the annoyed Spera as they went in a separate direction. She was not saying anything, but she would definitely start rambling her complaints sooner or later. After all, Spera had no breaks when it came to expressing her emotions ever since Mark took away her inherited [Psycast] in the past.

Led by Diwata Iraya, Mark and the rest followed inside the house-shaped tree.

It was a simple house with barely any furniture. But upon entry, the smell of herbs and the crystals that littered the house showed why this place was prohibited. It was not just the house of Diwata Iraya but also a place for her to recuperate.

Diwata Iraya sat on the central seat made of vines and giant leaves. Then, with a wave of her hand, the vines inside the house began moving, forming chairs and a table for everyone to sit around.

There were only a few people around as Diwata Iraya only called for a select few to join the conversation. There was Aliya, currently doting on the little girls. Mark's aunt, Gennie. The [Tamawo], Ordulk. The [Cursed Armor], Morlkill, stood at the side. And lastly, the ball of light, Bituin, flying over Diwata Iraya's shoulder.

The leader of the [Yasaws] was not present. It was not that surprising since they were creatures that were more of a servant than leading figures.

"Now, answer my question."

Aliya demanded, wanting to know what her descendant was up to, causing these changes on his body.

While the changes were not actually noticeable unless one paid close attention to Mark, the one thing that changed a lot was the eerie aura around him. The aura that lingered around Mark due to being a high-level [Empath] was still there. However, the strange feeling he gave out due to the [Miasma] in his body greatly diminished.

Those with a high level of magical perception, such as the people in this room, would not fail to notice that. Not to mention that the amount of [Miasma] Mark had before was a whole lot after absorbing the energy that Lord Seis conjured. Now, there was barely any trace of [Miasma] on Mark's aura.

Mark let out another shrug. He wanted to know why a messenger was sent to him by Diwata Iraya, but it would not hurt to address what Aliya wanted first.

Thus, Mark recalled the important bits of information in his journey, starting from when he left this island before the second wave began.

However, the story Mark began to tell felt too unbelievable that they could not help but turn to Bituin to confirm some things. Unfortunately for them, Bituin confirmed that none of what Mark said were lies.

Aliya could not help but feel her heart beating louder as she learned of the dangerous things that happened to Mark in their short time of separation. However, Aliya could not reprimand Mark either for his actions or decisions. The existence of an [Infected Deity] was not something anyone could ignore. If left alone for too long, it would become a disaster none of them would be able to handle.

Mark's actions were backed by legitimate reasons. Still, Aliya and Gennie could not help but frown, having someone from their family brave such dangers.

On the other hand, Diwata Iraya felt relieved.

"More than a week ago, I felt a powerful fluctuation coming from the southwest. I was afraid that a strange anomaly was happening. Fortunately, my worries were answered on a positive note."

From what Diwata Iraya said, it seemed that the magical fluctuations

of that battle reached far and wide and were felt by powerful beings such as Diwata Iraya.

It made Mark wonder if there were other beings that felt it. Unfortunately, there was no way for Mark to know.

"Seriously, why do you have to brave such a thing?"

Aliya said to Mark, looking at his darkened right arm.

"It's not like we have any other options, right?" Mark replied. "It's either us or someone else. And even though we needed a bit of luck to win, that someone might not be so lucky as us. Besides, if we let that guy swallow up Mount Canlaon, he might be rampaging here already at this time."

Silence permeated the room. Although what Mark said was mere speculation, it was not unlikely to happen.

Still, Aliya's was heavy knowing that Mark and Mei faced such danger.

It was also a surprise to hear what Chimetrice was. Of course, the surprise was accompanied by a bit of fear since Chimetrice was a being created to oppose gods.

Normally, information like what Chimetrice was should remain a secret. However, if it would ease Aliya's worry even a little, it should be fine. Besides, it was not like it would matter much whether they knew or not.

Still, Mark made sure not to divulge the story about Amihan. The anti-god weapon Chimetrice was one thing, but someone related to a god, even just an incarnation, was a huge thing to [Diwatas]. Thus, he decided not to say anything much about Amihan and avoid taking the attention unto her.

And with this, they knew Mark's current state. Unfortunately, there was nothing much they could do to help. They were also struggling to fight dangers around their home. With Diwata Iraya also in a weakened state, every ounce of [Magical Energy] would be important to them.

"That's enough about us," Mark spoke to change the topic. "What happened to you all here?"

Although Mark asked them all, his attention was focused on Diwata Iraya.

Like Mark, Diwata Iraya was not in the best state either. In fact, she was way far more weakened compared to Mark. Even though Mark's [Miasma] right now was minuscule, he had other abilities he could use. As for Diwata Iraya, she was probably limited to only controlling plants at this moment.

Just what happened for a lower Diety like Diwata Iraya to be reduced in this state?

Furthermore, why was the sanctuary not hidden anymore?

The secret realms of Mount Madia-as and Mount Canlaon were still intact even though breaches through the barrier happen every now and then. Then why was the sanctuary like this? Did the barrier and subspace of the sanctuary break for some reason?

And Mark's question made the leaders of this place feel troubled and uneasy.

Diwata Iraya stared at Mark and spoke.

"You honestly shared your story. I have no choice but to respond to it."

And there, Diwata Iraya began recalling the problems they faced the moment the second wave started.