Summoning the Holy Sword

Chapter 1157: The Forgotten Land (2)

Confronted by Canary, Rhode was at a loss for words. If it was possible, he wished to not say anything and muddle through the situation with a simple 'haha'. He knew that he would just be courting disaster if he mentioned another woman before her, not to mention several of them…

But Rhode was also aware that Canary was neither being unreasonable nor teasing him on purpose and out of jealousy. On the contrary, he sensed traces of uncertainties behind those words of hers. She was just a young lady who transmigrated to this world to be with a man she loved and yet, she had to face several other women who were on similar footing as her. This was indeed a bothersome and thorny issue to Canary, which explained why she couldn't hold back the anxiousness and asked Rhode such questions. After all, compared to a native like Marlene, Canary was more like an outsider where it was impossible for her to not have her own ideas and views on the situation.

Men couldn't possibly understand women because men and women were completely different species. It was just like how men could never understand why women would weep over intricate soap operas and dramas involving a group of women fighting over love and vengeance and would commit suicide over things that were deemed as trivalities in men's eyes. Men also couldn't understand why women hated one another over no particular interests. This was because men considered things rationally, while women did so by means of emotions, just like that joke spreading all over the Internet: "You'd better give me an explanation! If not, there will be no end until you explain things to me clearly!" "Alright, alright. Dear, calm down and listen to me!" "No, I don't want to listen! Since everything you say is a lie!"

This was the difference in the thought process between men and women. As a matter of fact, whenever women said the sentences above, she wasn't really hoping for her man to give her an explanation. Instead, she just wanted to be in a dominant position to tell her man that she was furious and not just an unreasonable person. That was why as long as her man coaxed her, she would listen to his explanations after she was no longer angry. At that moment, if that man were smart enough, he would avoid touching the same topic and everything would turn out fine after he coaxed his woman until she was no longer furious (as long as there were no mistakes in principles).

Men often felt wronged since it was apparently his woman who asked for an explanation and yet, refused to listen when given one. Wasn't that being unreasonable? Men felt like they had a clear conscience and everything could be resolved after explanation. But to women, this was an act of the man pushing away his responsibilities. Be it whether she saw her man laying in bed naked with another woman or stepping out of a cafe with another woman while talking cheerfully and wittily, she deemed her man as guilty if he was eager to explain his doings! Why must the man explain if he wasn't feeling guilty? So… "I don't want to listen! Since everything you say is a lie!"

This was the tragedy resulting from a misunderstanding caused by different thought processes.

Rhode had been mixing around in 'clusters of flowers' and even though he didn't 'get involved with every flower he had gotten into contact with', he more or less understood women's psychology. Taking the women around him, for instance; there were several 'factions' of them just like in the dramas. However, since most of them got along well, there weren't any conspiracies amongst them to kill or push one into the well and whatnot. Of course, with the strength of the women around Rhode, the clashes between them would definitely be earth-shattering, at the very least. It was impossible for a petty one to secretly poison the other or drown another in the pond.

And Rhode was also aware that Canary's worries weren't baseless. He felt her thin shoulder trembling uncontrollably. The feeling of uncertainty and fear toward the future was indeed a huge problem for her.

Which was also Rhode's problem, as a matter of fact.

Even in ancient times, the Empress would always be around to grasp the big picture. However, no such prominent figure existed around Rhode. He had also never announced his hopes of marriage with anyone. Of course, most of the young ladies he set his eyes on were smart people who knew their status and position and wouldn't daydream about marriage all day. All this while, it was always Canary No. 2 who managed the situation from behind the scenes and she had qualities that could convince the rest. First, she was a Phantom Guardian who was bound to Rhode's system. As long as Rhode survived, she would live forever with him. This was an objective factor, just like how earth and heaven were forever in contrast and one couldn't do anything to change this fact. Second, she was considered the strongest among all women around Rhode, where apart from Marlene, no one else could compete against her. Third, Canary was gentle and peaceful in nature and never caused any conflicts, which was why the others agreed tacitly and acknowledged her position.

On the other hand, the true Canary was entirely different. Even though she possessed strength similar to her projection due to mental resonance, she was lacking far behind in other aspects. She was an ordinary human, after all. If she led a peaceful life, she would live up to slightly more than 100 years at the very most. Besides, she didn't watch how Marlene, Lize, and the rest grew stronger like her projection, where she had a natural sense of superiority. Marlene, Lize, and Anne were all unfamiliar names to Canary. Canary trusted her feelings for Rhode and vice versa. But with the sudden emergence of these people… After all, Canary grew up in a modern society. In the past, she was merely friends-with-benefits with Rhode, so she didn't need to worry over competing with other women. Back then, Canary knew that Rhode would never marry her. On the other hand, she wanted a child and after having one, they would part ways without hard feelings and lead their separate lives—that was enough for her.

But now, she followed Rhode into a brand new world and had to live with him for the rest of her life. This wasn't considered marriage, but was somewhat similar. On Earth, it wasn't uncommon for cohabitation to occur. But the problem was that even on Earth, she had never seen a man cohabiting with several women at once… That man would basically be caught and thrown into prison.

How should she put it… Canary felt like she was Rhode's adolescent lover. Both of them forged a romance and due to various reasons, they lived far apart from each other. Then, Rhode returned to her side and asked her to be with him forever. After Canary agreed and stepped into her new home, she discovered several other women in wedding dresses, close with one another, and yet, she didn't know any of them…

Even after eliminating the other women's jealousy and desire to dominate, it was still enough to make her feel awkward and insecure. After all, she was unlike Marlene and the rest. In the Dragon Soul Continent, men weren't bound by social morality for having multiple wives. But on Earth, with the exception of a few countries, most countries prohibited such behavior.

Polygamy and moral criticisms are just waiting to descend upon one as soon as it happens.

At this thought, Rhode let out a sigh, extended his hand, and stroked Canary's silky, long hair.

"Don't worry, Canary. I will not abandon you. If not, I wouldn't have brought you here."

"I know… Rhode…"

Upon hearing his response, Canary revealed a smile. Indeed, just like Rhode said, it proved a point to her since he was willing to bring her to this world. After all, Canary wasn't irreplaceable in this world as Rhode already had her projection and there was no need for him to bring her true self over. If Rhode didn't have deep, genuine feelings for her, he could have simply given her a big sum of money and let her continue to live her life on Earth. She didn't need to come with him to the Dragon Soul Continent to suffer.

"Canary, if you're willing to…"

Caressing Canary's long hair, Rhode said and pondered in silence. Then, he continued.

"… I can fuse you and your projection together. This way, you can obtain the same constitution as your projection and don't need to worry too much about… those matters. At the very least, we can be together most of the time."

With Rhode's current identity, there was almost nothing he couldn't do. As long as he returned to the Dragon Soul Continent and retrieved his dragon essence, he could use his power to fuse Canary and her projection together. Thereafter, the projected Canary would simply live as a spirit hovering around the real Canary. On the other hand, the real Canary would receive a stronger constitution and turn into a presence like a 'data spirit', where Rhode wouldn't need to worry about her dying earlier than him.

"It's fine, Rhode."

But before Rhode completed his sentence, Canary held her finger on his lips and shook her head.

"Frankly speaking, I'm glad to see my other self. It makes me feel like I have another sister. Besides, even though fusing with her is beneficial for me, it isn't fair for her, right? I'm fine as things are now. I also hope to spend more time with you, but I will find other ways to do it."

"I understand."

Upon hearing Canary's answer, Rhode nodded in response. In fact, he had raised this suggestion to Mini Bubble Gum before, but Mini Bubble Gum's response was the same as Canary's. They loved their own projections and treated them as sisters, so they naturally weren't willing to do anything that would restrict their freedom. Besides, Rhode also knew that in the Dragon Soul Continent, there were many other ways to forcefully modify one's race. For instance, in the Country of Law, the Spirit Tree's dew could turn the consumer into an elf. Although it was challenging to gather that precious dew, and it required at least decades to get one single drop, Rhode believed that with his reputation, it shouldn't be tough asking the twin dragons for two drops of it. Besides, Rhode could also borrow Lapis's and Marlene's powers to concoct a potion that could provide longevity or strengthen one's constitution. Moreover, as players in the past, Canary and Mini Bubble Gum also knew some ways around switching one's race.

Of course, the most reliable way was to kill them, conclude a contract with their souls, and turn them into card spirits. However, Rhode definitely wouldn't agree with doing something so moronic and ruthless. Even if they could be revived without a doubt, he had to be sick in the head for him to kill the young ladies to resurrect them again… Perhaps he would only do it if this were the only way left.

"Ooo———!"

All of a sudden, a deep, loud sound disrupted their heart-warming ambiance. Canary lifted her head in shock to gaze at the surroundings. Rhode knitted his brows, raised his head, and scanned the surroundings. But at that moment, the sound repeated.

"Ooo———!"

It sounded like a steam whistle from some ship, but was much louder and clearer. Rhode couldn't figure out where the sound came from. This deep sound seemed to be reverberating from all directions with an intense pressure. At that moment, the group that was resting stood to their feet immediately. Shortly after, magical radiance flickered and the quiet campsite lit up instantly. The dazzling light illuminated the surroundings like searchlights, but nothing strange was discovered apart from the tranquil plain.

"Ooo———!!"

The sound became louder and seemed to be getting closer to them. At that moment, Rhode witnessed a shadowy figure flitting across him. He wrapped his arms around Canary immediately and took a step back subconsciously. Then, he slashed a silver-whitish blade ray forward with his sword and the dazzling brightness revealed that hidden figure.

It was that 'primitive man' who 'tailed' them earlier.

"…!"

The primitive man was obviously terrified of the runes around and guarding the campsite. He wandered around the periphery of the enchanted field and didn't seem to have any intention to retreat. On the contrary, facing the tip of Rhode's razor-sharp blade, he gesticulated as though trying to express his thoughts despite being afraid. It was a pity that Rhode couldn't understand him at all. But even so, Rhode barely made out what he meant from his actions. The primitive man pointed to the horizon with a horrified look, covered his ear, shook and nodded his head, and lay on the ground. Then, he stood up and gazed at Rhode anxiously.

However, Rhode couldn't fully understand what he meant. The only thing he was certain was that the primitive man was referring to something related to that mysterious sound. Whenever the steam whistle-like sound reverberated, the primitive man raised his head and looked around him in fright as though he were being chased by devils.

"Your Majesty Rhode, what exactly is going on? What is he trying to tell us?"

At that moment, everyone returned to their senses. Lydia and Erin gathered around him, while the rest quickly packed their belongings and scanned the surroundings vigilantly. After all, this was an equally unfamiliar world to them too. The steam whistle-like sound started reverberating in shorter intervals and the primitive man seemed more anxious each time. He looked up at the sky from time to time, before shifting his gaze to Rhode's group. There was an instant when he almost broke into a run.

What exactly is he trying to tell us?

"Please allow me to try."

At that moment, Marybelle's voice sounded from the side. She went up to the primitive man and spoke a language unknown to Rhode. Rhode's group was taken aback by Marybelle's words. On the other hand, the terrified primitive man got on bended knees as though he were worshiping her. Shortly after, he muttered some words in fear and upon hearing them, Marybelle grimaced. She asked again anxiously and this time, the primitive man nodded with force as though confirming something. Then, Marybelle turned around immediately. She gripped the magic wand and tapped it ahead lightly!

Along with this action, the campsite where Rhode's group was at suddenly sunk into the ground like a descending elevator. In a few moments, the windless campsite submerged underneath the surface entirely.

At the same time, the mysterious sound rang once again.

"Ooo—!"

This time, the sound was as though right beside their ear, where some of them couldn't help but cover their ears. But this was only the start. Shortly after, everyone witnessed a strange, terrifying, and enormous shadow flitting across and over their heads!

It was a storm of countless gravel!

The blustering gales engulfed the gravel and whirled rapidly, wreaking havoc on the surface like a tornado. Rhode's group felt the surface being struck by gravel and the rumbles from its bombardment. In an instant, they were as though devastated by a petrifying hail. If it weren't for Marybelle, who made a prompt decision to use her power to make the entire campsite sink underneath the surface, maybe Rhode's group would be struggling against this scary storm right now!

No. Something is wrong!

Gazing at the violent gales devastating the defensive barrier, Rhode narrowed his eyes. Because at that moment, the wild, gigantic, black tornado rose, and its structure, formed from darkness, revealed a crack all of a sudden. Then, an ear-deafening sound erupted.

"Ooo———!!!"

At that moment, Rhode finally knew what exactly he was dealing with.