Back in the Beast World..

Two R7s could be seen observing the huge portal from a distance.

They were in their humanoid forms. One was a birdman and the other a lionman...

"Hehe. The statues are back but those brats aren't back yet. It seems they died in there"

"What did you expect? Strong beings like us couldn't pass through the trial and you think they could do it? Defeating those statues isn't something anyone can do. Even if there's a whole army. If they aren't strong enough. They won't win"

"True. But don't you think that those brats seemed to be human?"

"There you go again with your conspiracy theories. A whole back you said a subordinate of yours spotted a human in the Middle Zone going to the outskirts. Yet when we went to check we saw nothing"

"I accept that mistake. But this time we saw them ourselves. And they didn't give off any beastly scent or anything" 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"I get that. But they are probably of noble descent. That's why they have such perfect forms and know how to hide their scents and completely imitate humans in every way. And even then, didn't you sense a slight draconic presence among them? That's proof enough right?"

"Well, if you put it that way. But if they are really of noble descent, how are they not in the higher realm already? Even if they are down here. Where's their escort?"

"They probably ran off or something. Or maybe their parents were too arrogant and trusted their capabilities. You know how high and mighty those bastards are. They are probably the ones who prepared these statues to stop us from going there. They think they own everything just because they were born before us and happen to be a bit more talented"

"Okay okay. Calm down. I hate them too. But at least so many of their children died this time. I just wish we could eat the bodies. But I doubt anything was left of them even if we had the chance to collect the bodies after the fight".

"True. It's such a... Huh? Impossible!" The birdman was replying when both their eyes snapped into the distance just as Muku and the girls appeared.

To say they were shocked was an understatement. Both turned to each other to see the shock in the other's eyes.

"They bastards made it" The lionman spoke in a disbelieving voice.

"Come now, friend. We don't know each other and you're already calling us bastards? Isn't that a bit too rude if you?" Muku's voice was suddenly heard behind the two beasts.

The two turned around and saw him standing there with a disapproving look on his face. Beside him were Raya, Chloe, and Layla.

All of his group's fastest members. Of course the rest, especially Jade and Audrey weren't slow, but compared to the roaster Muku had, they were a bit slower.

"...."

"...."

The two beasts looked at them silently, not sure what to do.

"Son you won't even say anything to me? You really are rude huh? Well, whatever. It doesn't matter whether you're rude or not. Just tell us which Monarch sent you here to spy on us? Of course with any other valuable information you have. If we like your answers, then maybe you'll leave here alive" Muku threatened so overtly that the beasts were enraged.

But neither rushed to make a move.

They weren't some dumb idiots who started fights when they were outnumbered.

For that reason, both instantly put on their best fake smiles.

"No brother. You misunderstood us. We aren't rude at all. We were just flabbergasted by your majesty just now and couldn't say anything. As for what we said before, we apologize, we didn't mean it. It's just that we tried beating those statues so many times before but couldn't do it. So we were jealous at how you managed to do it in one try" The lionman spoke fawningly.

It was rather odd to see a lion face smile but that's what Muku's group was seeing.

"Yes, yes. That's exactly what happened. And we do not understand what you mean by being sent here by a Monarch. We are nothing special as you can see. How could any Monarch leave a task to use? And who would dare mention any Monarch's name even if we were sent? I'm not saying that we were sent, but I hope you understand us. We really have no idea what you're talking about. We got here just when you were about to go in after noticing the disturbance with the trial statues. We would never lie to esteemed noble beasts like you" The birdman, who also had a very weird smile added.

Their plan was obvious, they were going to bootylick Muku's side as much as they could. Maybe run away after finding an opening if it's necessary.

They felt a bit wronged after being accused of colluding with a Monarch when they knew nothing about that at all.

And why were these brats mentioning Monarchs so casually? Was it because their backgrounds made them arrogant?

Did they think their parents could contend against Monarchs?

Was this the stupidity of youth?

Yes, it had to be. Otherwise, there was no way any normal beast wouldn't be scared to even bring up Monarchs in general.

After all, some of them were psychos who were known to kill for less. Like that golden nightmare Ares.

"Hmm. You seem to be speaking the truth. Okay, let's forget about it. Those matters. Tell us about this portal. What do you think is on the other side of them?" Muku asked.

As established before, high-ranked beings could easily tell when they were being lied to.

Of course, similarly ranked beings could probably lie without being caught.

But that would require some noticeable effort. Something this odd pair wasn't doing.

Anyway, hearing Muku's question the two beasts were enraged again.

How dare he mock them by asking something he clearly knew more than them after coming from there?

But of course, they dared not show their anger. Their smiles didn't leave their faces. They were in a weaker position, so they couldn't be too rash in their actions. Everything had to be measured.

"Well, we have never been there since we constantly fail the trial. But from what we have gathered. At the other side is the Higher Realm. A place where all R7s go after passing the trial. It's the perfect place for cultivation for beings at our rank unlike here, where advanced mana is predominant along with normal mana. Oh, and it's supposedly run by twelve noble beast families that have ties to the twelve rulers of the Beast Realm, who seldom appear as they are constantly in retreat in their private domains. After going through the portal you will be received by R7 guards that will give you a choice on which beast family you want to join. Am I right?" The lionman spoke and asked for confirmation.

"Oh ho. So you really are well informed huh? Now tell me how to confirm your entry after passing the trial. Do you just walk through the portal or is there something else you need to do?" Muku replied.

Of course, he had long caught on that the other side had misunderstood their background. But he had no intention of correcting them. It made gathering information a lot easier after all.

Now he just needed to pretend to be an unreasonable second-generation beast that was asking questions just to gloat about his great background and get the answers he needed.

"Surely you must jest young master. Everyone knows that trying such a thing will get you vaporised even after passing the trial. One needs to touch the statue they defeated first and say "Request entry" then it will say "Entry granted". Only then can one go through" The birdman replied with a crooked smile.

It was getting harder and harder to entertain these bastard seconds gens. They were clearly messing with them by asking such dumb questions.

But there was nothing they could do. They were extremely outnumbered with it being two against eleven.

Besides, who knows what would happen if they dared to fight the other side in the first place? What if hidden soldiers suddenly pop up and kill them?

So yeah, they could only answer the dumb questions.

"Well now. I wonder who is circulating this information. Well, whatever. We're done here. You're free to go. Next time try your best to hold your mouth when speaking about those you don't know. Some young masters are not as nice as I am. In fact, some of these girls wanted your heads. But I stopped them because you seem like upright beasts" Muku spoke in an arrogant tone despite saying "nice" things.

"Yes, yes. Thank you young master. We're forever in your debt. We will take your words to heart and will never speak so randomly again. We will not waste your time anymore. Bye," The lionman spoke with a genuine smile this time.

It wasn't that his impression of Muku had reason. But he was just happy that it was finally over and they didn't lose a legs it arms like how such encounters usually went.

After that, the two of them sped off into the distance without looking back.

The way they ran was so dedicated you'd think they were being chased.

It looked quite comical to Muku and the girls...