Free Web NovelChapter 30: Rieka’s Predicament
Liya remained silent after hearing his decision, as if quietly observing what he would say next.
Nova took a deep breath and began explaining everything from the very beginning, carefully altering a few details to make the story more believable while still revealing the core truth.
He told them how, during the awakening ceremony, he had miraculously awakened his unique innate skill " Infinite Adaptation core ". At the time, he didn’t know how to properly use it.
Later, when he accepted a simple C-rank quest and entered the dungeon, his high-potential skill suddenly reacted. Even though he was only level 1, the skill transformed the ordinary quest into something far more dangerous and difficult.
He described how he was forced to fight wave after wave of demonic Wolfangs for several days straight inside the dungeon. As his story unfolded, his parents’ expressions shifted from curiosity to pure shock.
Jenna’s eyes widened, her hands flying up to cover her mouth as tears began streaming down her cheeks. The thought of her baby enduring such a horrifying and lonely ordeal broke her heart.
Nova deliberately avoided mentioning the moments when he had nearly died. Instead, he simply told them that his skills had continuously supported him, helping him grow stronger with every battle until he finally reached his First Evolution.
This revelation left both his parents utterly stunned. The physical changes they saw before them his taller stature, muscular build, and refined presence suddenly made sense. However, they were still amazed. Even a normal First Evolution shouldn’t have caused such a dramatic transformation.
The combination of his mutation skill and his innate skill togather had pushed his body far beyond ordinary limits after consuming demonic beasts flesh and blood he didn’t add this fact.
Edward and Jenna were especially shocked because Edward himself was only around Level 90, and Jenna was Level 40. Both of them possessed only D-rank potential.
While Edward had managed to rise to the position of Knight Captain through relentless hard work and superior technique, it was still a far cry from what their son had achieved in such a short time.
While Nova explained his story to his parents, something entirely different was unfolding with Rieka.
On the southern border of Frostholme City, far from the main western exit, lay a small, secluded district designated for beast-folks. It was home to only a handful of beastfolk Minotaurs, catfolk, wolfkin, and others who had survived the brutal slaughter of their kind many years ago.
Most of the remaining beastfolk had been captured and sold into slavery in the capital, until Duke Theodore Frost issued a strict decree banning slavery entirely.
Anyone who defied his order would face execution. Two stern guards now stood watch at the district’s entrance gate.
Inside the chief’s residence, in a modestly furnished room, a middle-aged wolfkin sat with an aura of quiet authority and experience. Though he appeared to be in his fortys, he was actually in his eighties.
Standing beside him were two others: a catfolk man in his late thirties and a young-looking minotaur, also in his late thirties.
Beastfolk tended to live longer than humans, although once any individual grew powerful enough , their aging slowed dramatically wether it be a human or beastfolk or other races.
All three retained mostly human features, with only distinct beast-like traits setting them apart. In front of them sat Rieka, her head lowered respectfully, silver hair partially covering her face.
"Where were you last night, brat?!" the middle-aged wolfkin demanded, his voice stern with a deep frown.
Rieka kept her gaze down as she answered softly, "I was at an inn, Grandpa. The quest took longer than expected and it was already very late at night, so I stayed there."
The man Rieka called "Grandpa" was none other than Tharuk Vargrith, the current chief of the dwindling beastfolk tribe. After his daughter and her husband mysteriously disappeared years ago, he had taken full responsibility for raising Rieka his only remaining family.
He was extremely protective of her, treating her like the greatest treasure he had left in this harsh world. Tharuk’s sharp nose twitched as he leaned forward, his golden wolf-like eyes narrowing dangerously.
"Why do I smell the strong scent of a human male on you?" he growled, his voice low and filled with barely contained fury. "Explain yourself, Rieka."
"What? She was with a human male?" Ogrun, the catfolk man, exclaimed in surprise.
"You heard right, Ogrun! Chief said she was with a human male!!" Urgath, the bulky minotaur, repeated loudly like an excited idiot.
"Stop repeating everything the chief says, you muscle-brained fool!" Ogrun snapped in an annoyed tone.
"Both of you, shut your mouths," Tharuk commanded, his authoritative voice instantly silencing the room. His piercing gaze returned to Rieka. "Speak, young lady. Explain yourself. Now."
With no other choice left, Rieka slowly raised her head. She had no intention of hiding the truth. She had not only found her partner but had also given herself to him completely an act that, in their tribe, was equivalent to marriage. They would hold a small ceremony later, but she refused to conceal her husband’s identity any longer.
The only thing she feared was the deep-rooted hatred most beastfolk held toward humans. Would her grandfather accept this? Taking a deep breath and gathering every ounce of courage she possessed, Rieka spoke.
"Yes, Grandpa... I was with a human male. Not only that... I have made him my husband," she said, her voice trembling as her body flinched anxiously.
"WHAT?!"
Tharuk nearly exploded in rage. His golden eyes widened with fury and disbelief. "What did you just say?! Did I hear that correctly?!"
Not only had his precious granddaughter associated herself with a human — she had actually married one. This was far worse than anything he could have imagined.
Ogrun and Urgath stood frozen in complete shock. Their eyes bulged out of their sockets as they stared at Rieka. The two men exchanged stunned glances, then looked back at her, as if silently asking whether she was joking.
"Calm down, Grandpa! Please let me explain!!" Rieka pleaded desperately, trying to soothe his rising anger. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
"Explain?! What is there to explain?!" Tharuk roared, gripping his head in frustration. "You got married to a filthy human... Oh, Beast Lord....this girl will be the death of me!"
"Grandpa, of all people, you should understand my bloodline the best," Rieka said, her voice gaining strength. "I’m not an idiot who would associate myself with just any filthy human.
My bloodline trait the one that lets me see into people’s true personalities didn’t sense anything disgusting or malicious about my husband."
She continued with more confidence, "Not only that, he even saved my life inside the dungeon. He sacrificed himself to protect me and nearly died because of it. How could someone like that not be worthy of me?"
Before she could say anything more, Tharuk shouted again. "You nearly died in the dungeon?!" His face twisted with worry and anger. "I told you not to take missions beyond your capability!"
Rieka bit her lip. "It was supposed to be a normal C-rank dungeon... but it turned out to be something strange. We encountered many powerful demonic Wolfangs inside."
She deliberately avoided revealing too many details, not wanting to risk exposing Nova’s secrets even to her grandfather.
Tharuk sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead. "Hmm... At least you’re safe now. That’s what matters most." He paused, glancing at Ogrun and Urgath, clearly debating whether to speak further about her bloodline.
"It’s alright, Grandpa," Rieka said softly, looking at both men. "I consider Uncle Ogrun and Uncle Urgath as close family too. They can know."
Hearing her words, both beastfolk looked deeply moved, their eyes nearly tearing up. This girl, who was considered the pride of their tribe — blessed with divine beauty and great talent thought of them as family.
Tharuk nodded slowly. He knew better than anyone about Rieka’s special bloodline, inherited from her mysterious father.
"So... this human showed no malice toward you, and your bloodline trait even unawakened cannot be wrong," he said thoughtfully. "And if he truly saved your life... then I will consider accepting him. But only after I meet him myself."
Ogrun and Urgath immediately chimed in.
"I also want to meet Rieka’s husband," Ogrun declared.
"Me too! Me too!" Urgath added excitedly.
A beautiful, radiant smile bloomed on Rieka’s face. Seeing her so happy softened Tharuk’s stern expression. Nothing brought him more peace in this cruel world than his granddaughter’s smile.
"Thank you, Grandpa! Thank you so much!" Rieka cried out joyfully as she rushed forward and hugged him tightly like an excited child. Not only had he not scolded her harshly, but he had also agreed to meet Nova.
After everyone had calmed down, the four of them sat quietly in the room. Rieka took a deep breath and spoke again, her voice steady but soft.
"You must have already heard about the beast tide approaching the city."
Tharuk nodded gravely. "Yes. We received a message from Duke Theodore Frost himself. He has requested that I send our capable warriors to aid in defending the city. I will be leading them personally."
Ogrun and Urgath nodded solemnly in agreement.
Rieka’s expression softened as she continued, "My husband will also be participating in tomorrow’s battle. He should be returning to the city this evening. I’ll bring him here tonight to meet all of you. He won’t refuse my request."
Just the thought of Nova made her cheeks flush a deep, lovely pink. Her fluffy tail swayed gently behind her, and her hybrid ears twitched with clear affection. It was obvious to everyone present just how deeply in love she had fallen.
Seeing his granddaughter in such a lovestruck state, Tharuk could only let out a long, heavy sigh and slowly shake his head. The proud and protective old wolfkin felt a strange mix of helplessness and reluctant warmth in his chest.
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