"So, you finally decided to come?"

The monkey Mamadou had met previously spoke from atop a massive tree. Sitting cross-legged on one of the branches, he observed Mamadou from above.

"Aren’t you afraid that this could be a trap?"

"I thought about turning back several times, especially after seeing how quiet everything was. When I left the mountain, there was so much commotion that I could barely recognize this place. I also considered the possibility of an ambush."

"And yet you still came," Mamadou’s interlocutor replied. Unlike before, when he had seemed playful, he now appeared serious.

"Because I have questions!"

After answering, Mamadou looked around him.

The mountain was covered in trees. At its summit stood a large clearing, and at the center of it grew a gigantic tree upon whose branches the Greater Ark Monkey sat.

Now that Mamadou took the time to observe it, the silence of this place seemed to radiate a certain grandeur.

He had never truly stopped to admire the scenery since arriving here.

He had to admit it.

It was one of the most beautiful landscapes he had ever seen.

He relaxed slightly.

The Greater Ark Monkey noticed and broke the silence.

"Even at the cost of your life?"

Mamadou had the feeling that this being knew many things—things that would be useful to him.

"Senior, what is the meaning of my life if I cannot accomplish what I desire?"

"If wagering my life today brings me closer to my goal, and if I truly have no alternative, then so be it. However, know that my life is not something that can be taken on a whim."

"Brave words indeed. However, know that you cannot teach grimaces to an old monkey. I already told you: if I wanted you dead, you would know it."

Mamadou knew those were not empty threats.

He had even expected a display of power, like in fictional stories.

To think I imagined all kinds of scenarios where I’d have to resist his pressure, intimidation, or killing intent just to survive.

I can’t believe we’re actually having a reasonable conversation.

"Still, I am curious," said the old monkey.

Of course, he looked anything but old.

"The fact that you came here despite your doubts could be called courage. But what gives you the confidence to speak such words?"

"Is it that strange ability that allows you to become stronger so quickly?"

"Or perhaps that ability which lets you alter your bloodline and incorporate the strengths of other species?"

"Or maybe it’s the fact that you’ve already died once?"

"Is that what gives you the confidence that you’ll survive this time as well?"

Mamadou’s gaze hardened as he looked up at the old monkey.

What does he know?

Now I have even more questions.

Who is he?

What does he mean when he talks about death?

Is he referring to when I lost consciousness during the fight with that goblin?

Or when I transmigrated into this world?

Damn it, I’m not smart enough for this.

I don’t know how I should react.

If I show that he’s right and start revealing information about myself, he’ll gain the initiative and lead me around by the nose.

Is that the kind of situation this is?

"Relax. It’s not that complicated, young Ma. Let’s call what happened trust. After all, we are a warrior race. And it pains me to see you torturing that little thing you call a brain trying to scheme something."

The old monkey raised a finger.

"Look. I have no ill intentions toward you. To demonstrate my sincerity, I’ll gladly satisfy your curiosity and answer every question you ask, provided I know the answer. That said, I reserve the right to refuse certain questions."

As though responding to the raised finger, roots suddenly emerged from the ground where Mamadou stood.

Startled, he instinctively wanted to move, but he stopped himself.

The roots moved slowly enough that he sensed no danger from them.

They lifted him into the air and formed a chair beneath him.

The chair was so comfortable that Mamadou felt a hint of jealousy.

What kind of technique is this?

I’d give anything to obtain something like that.

"Since it seems this conversation will be a long one, make yourself comfortable."

"Now then, what would you like to know?"

"When I left Mount Meru, I remember there being a huge battle. What was the reason for it? And when I came here today, I didn’t encounter any of them. What happened?"

Mamadou had countless questions.

He wasn’t sure how to phrase some of them or where to begin with others.

So he decided to start by understanding the situation on Mount Meru.

That would give him time to think about the rest.

The Greater Ark Monkey observed him.

Mamadou wondered whether he had made some mistake.

Before he could figure it out, the old monkey answered.

"There are several types of monsters."

"First, those who possess sentience and sapience. They have intelligence."

"Second, those who evolve in order to gain sapience. They may eventually develop intelligence."

"Third, ordinary monsters. It is rare for these monsters to gain sapience through natural means. Therefore, they act only according to instinct."

"Fourth, those who possess neither sentience nor sapience."

"You and the monkeys who were fighting when you left Mount Meru belong to the second category."

"To be precise, our entire species belongs to the second category."

"What you witnessed that day was merely a natural development."

"What do you think warriors born and made for battle would do if they were driven solely by instinct?"

"They would fight endlessly," Mamadou admitted.

"And that is exactly what happened here."

"Have you finished inquiring about the situation of Mount Meru?"

Mamadou immediately found himself wondering something.

If this monster was implying that the others had not yet gained sapience, then why weren’t they fighting today?

Had they all killed one another that day?

There was no trace of such a conflict here.

"Then... are they all dead?"

"I merely answered your question regarding what happened that day. As for the others, they have always been here."

"Look behind you."

Mamadou turned around and looked toward the trees.

In the shadows, he could see numerous figures watching him.

How had he managed to walk through this place without noticing any of them? he wondered.