Sovereign of the Ashes

Sein’s status as a demigod-level mage definitely earned him more respect than an average Rank One or Rank Two Magus World traveler, especially since he was traveling with Tourmaline.

Most people probably could not see through Tourmaline’s true nature when she was in her human form, but the true master of No Man’s Land noticed her immediately.

Though busy with countless affairs, Eugene personally came to welcome Sein and his group the moment he sensed such an important guest had arrived.

Just like the rumors said, the half-beastman demigod had green skin. His mixed bloodline was so complex that it was impossible to tell his origins.

There were many different species of half-beastmen—half-wolffolk, half-foxfolk, half-catfolk, and so on...

However, Eugene’s bloodline was so complex that trying to narrow it down was hopeless.

The half-beastmen demigod stood at about two meters tall. He was not quite as towering as the stronger beastman races, but certainly not short either.

Years of hardship and age had taken their toll—his face sagged and his back hunched.

Leaning heavily on a cane, he looked more like an old half-beastman in his twilight years than someone on the verge of ascending to godhood.

It turned out some of the rumors had gotten the details wrong.

Eugene was not a demigod but a real Rank Four being!

Still, since he had not yet ignited divine fire or formed a divine relic, calling him a “demigod” was not entirely off the mark.

To truly become the real “God of Half-Beastman”, those final steps were necessary.

Eugene was clearly moved by the arrival of Sein and Tourmaline, especially the latter.

After all, Sein was just a demigod-level mage who was not that well-known in the Magus World.

Although Eugene had no idea who Tourmaline truly was, that did not stop him from showing her immense respect.

They were both Rank Four, but Eugene’s attitude was worlds apart from that of the arrogant Tower Master of Bone Sein had encountered back in Blackhaven.

Where the latter had been insufferably proud, Eugene was humble and courteous.

At Eugene’s insistent invitation, Sein and his group followed him to his tent.

Yes—a tent.

Despite being a Rank Four being and the rising spiritual leader of hundreds of millions of half-beastmen across this world, Eugene lived an incredibly modest life.

He had no palace, no attendants—not even a living environment that could be described as comfortable.

The place this Rank Four half-beastman called home was nothing more than a tent made from animal hides.

In terms of luxury, even King Vayril—the Rank Two bearfolk Sein met earlier—lived in far better conditions.

“I’m used to poverty. Back when I was a kid, one of my biggest dreams was to have a bowl of camel milk tea every day. And now, I finally can,” Eugene said with an embarrassed grin, revealing a mouthful of crooked, yellowish teeth.

“The conditions here really aren’t great for hosting guests,” he added apologetically.

A few large bowls, clearly made for beastmen, were placed on the wooden table.

Eugene poured camel milk from a rough wooden pot and broke off a small piece of compressed tea brick with his thick, calloused fingers.

He was not putting on a show for anyone; this was really how he lived.

Sein could tell Eugene was a down-to-earth creature from the way he spoke.

“It’s fine. We mages are seekers of truth. We don’t exactly chase luxury either,” Sein replied casually.

Surprisingly, the camel milk tea Eugene brewed was tasty. It was rich, creamy, with a unique aroma.

Tourmaline sipped it happily, her eyes curving adorably into a pair of crescents.

“Honored guests, may I ask what brings you here?” Eugene asked directly. Like most beastmen, he did not beat around the bush.

Though his back was hunched and his skin wrinkled, the old half-beastman’s eyes were sharp and bright.

“I’m just here to travel. I heard the half-beastmen are building their own nation and planning to launch a war, so I came to check things out,” Sein replied frankly.

As a demigod-level mage from Magus World, Sein was considered equal in status to Eugene, even though the half-beastman was Rank Four.

This was one of the perks of coming from a superior civilization.

In any allied plane—even one like Beastmen World—a demigod-level knight or mage from Magus World would always be treated on par with local Rank Four deities.

And given the half-beastmen’s relatively low standing in Beastmen World, Eugene was even more humble and polite than most.

“Is that so? I happen to have a few special plants and trained beasts on hand. I hope you’ll find them interesting, Master Sein,” Eugene offered sincerely.

“If you’re willing to lend us a hand in the upcoming war, it’d be an even greater honor. We half-beastmen will never forget what you’ve done for us,” he added solemnly.

Sein expected no less from a Rank Four being who had traveled across multiple planes in the Magus Alliance—and possibly even visited Magus World itself, if the rumors were true.

Eugene knew exactly how to speak a mage’s language.

The half-beastmen might have been poor, but with such a massive population and someone like Eugene leading them, they still had plenty of nice things tucked away.

Sein was not particularly interested in overly precious crystal cores or rare materials.

What excited him more were unique biological specimens or strange little trinklets with research value that these half-beastmen could offer.

After chatting with Sein a bit longer, Eugene personally walked him to the entrance of the tent.

Throughout the visit, Eugene seemed keen to talk with Tourmaline.

But Tourmaline was clearly uninterested. After polishing off several large bowls of camel milk tea, she leaned back in her wooden chair and dozed off.

As they were leaving, Eugene’s gaze lingered for a few moments on Azelia, the quiet fox maiden at Sein’s side.

Eventually, he gave a slow nod and told Sein, “If anything happens, come find me.”

***

“There’s something strange about that old beastman. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but he’s definitely not like the other Rank Four and above beings I’ve met,” Leena said as they made their way back to the oasis.

“He’s a beastman with ideals. When I looked at him, I saw a glimmer of hope for this civilization, and maybe even the future of his race,” Sein replied, his tone thoughtful.

“He reminded me of those kids I taught back in Faeloria. They were also the kind of people outsiders rarely understood, but they just kept going, driven by their own beliefs.”

Tourmaline, who had been curled up asleep in Leena’s arms, suddenly opened her eyes and said lazily, “That old grandpa’s getting a lot of attention from the planar will. Way more than Azelia.”

Then she pointed to herself with a grin and added, “But not more than me, hehe!”