After fully mastering the power of the Death Rune, Duanmu Huai set off immediately toward the Grand Lift.
According to Ranni, the Grand Lift required a key to activate—but Duanmu Huai couldn't be bothered to go searching for whatever ancient key might be hidden who-knows-where. Instead, he fired up his jetpack and simply flew straight to the Altus Plateau.
Just as Ranni had described, the area outside Leyndell was a wasteland of ruins and debris left by endless wars. Massive iron golems lumbered across the land, each gripping a colossal bow and moving sluggishly. Duanmu Huai had no interest in provoking these mindless constructs; he simply circled around the battlefield, planning to approach Volcano Manor from the other side.
However, halfway through his detour, a familiar aroma wafted through the air.
"Huh? That smell—wait a minute…"
Recognizing the scent, Duanmu Huai's eyes lit up. He turned and followed the source of the fragrance. Before long, he saw a man sitting beside a river beneath the capital, tending to a steaming pot that gave off an irresistible spicy smell.
"Who's there?!"
Startled by the sound of footsteps, the man jumped to his feet and spun around. But when he saw the hulking figure of Duanmu Huai in his armor, he nearly dropped his knife in fright.
Duanmu Huai quickly removed his helmet and waved.
"It's me."
"Oh—it's you! Damn, you scared me half to death!"
The man let out a sigh of relief when he recognized the familiar face. It was none other than the Shrimp Brother—the same cook Duanmu Huai had once shared spicy crayfish with back in Liurnia.
Duanmu Huai sat down beside him and peered into the bubbling pot of red crabs.
"Switched recipes, huh?"
"Heh, gotta change the menu sometimes. Boiled crab isn't bad either."
The Shrimp Brother grinned, rubbing his hands sheepishly.
"Uh… I hate to ask, but do you still have any of that seasoning you used before? I tried to save what was left, but it's hard to keep fresh…"
"No problem."
Duanmu Huai could tell the broth had lost its punch—the spicy aroma was faint, likely from being reused too many times. Without another word, he reached into his pack, pulled out a packet of hotpot base, tore it open, and handed it over.
"Here. Take it."
"Ha! You're a lifesaver!"
The Shrimp Brother eagerly took the packet, scooped some into the pot, and carefully stored away the rest. Within moments, the thick, mouthwatering aroma of chili and spices filled the air again. The sight of those plump, steaming crabs was enough to make anyone's stomach growl.
"All right—done!"
The two men dug in, cracking shells and devouring the spicy crab feast. Say what you will—Shrimp Brother knew his cooking. Compared to Duanmu Huai's "throw everything in and hope it works" method from before, this man's technique was refined and balanced. The seasoning enhanced the crab's natural sweetness without overwhelming it—spicy, fragrant, and perfectly cooked.
Soon, the pot was empty. The Shrimp Brother leaned back, patting his now-round belly.
"Ahhh… that hit the spot…"
"So, what's your plan next?"
Duanmu Huai asked between bites, curious. The man seemed like just a regular guy—certainly not a warrior or adventurer. Wandering alone through this dangerous land seemed suicidal.
"I don't really know," the Shrimp Brother admitted, shrugging. "I used to be a small-time thug. Got locked up for a while, managed to escape, and then—bam—the whole world went crazy. I don't know where to go, what to do, or what this damned place is turning into…"
"With your cooking skills, you could open a restaurant," Duanmu Huai said with a grin.
"Hahaha, not a bad idea."
The Shrimp Brother chuckled, clearly pleased by the thought.
"If you're interested," Duanmu Huai continued, "I can take you somewhere. I'm headed to Volcano Manor to find someone, but if you trust me, stay here and wait. When I'm done, I'll bring you to a place that's a lot safer than this madhouse."
The Shrimp Brother hesitated, then nodded.
"All right. I'll wait. I'm curious what kind of place you're talking about."
As they chatted and ate, Duanmu Huai also used his telepathic link to check in with Bambi and Milfi.
They reported that they hadn't found Mystlina on the Weeping Peninsula—but a wandering merchant there mentioned seeing a girl matching her description heading toward Stormveil Castle.
"Mystlina went to Stormveil?" Duanmu Huai raised an eyebrow, surprised. But it made sense. They must have just missed each other. He told Bambi and Milfi to follow that lead. At least now, he could relax a little.
If Mystlina was still on the surface of the Lands Between and not deep underground, that was already good news—it would make finding her much easier.
"Oh, by the way…"
As Duanmu Huai ended the psychic call, Shrimp Brother, who had been lounging to digest, suddenly spoke up.
"You ever heard of the Dung Eater?"
"I'm eating," Duanmu Huai said flatly. "Please don't bring up disgusting things right now."
He glanced down at the crab roe in his hand. Was this guy doing it on purpose?
"Ha, sorry," Shrimp Brother said with a laugh. "I mean that crazy bastard in the filthy, stinking armor. He's… something else."
His tone grew serious.
"I can tell you're strong, but if you ever run into that guy, don't get close. I used to share a cell with him, so I know what I'm talking about. He's not just some thug—he's terrifying. That man kills people just to curse their souls forever, then… decorates their corpses with his filth…"
The Shrimp Brother shuddered visibly at the memory.
"I've never seen anything so vile. Not long ago, I found some defiled corpses nearby. That means he's around here somewhere. Be careful—you don't want to cross paths with that monster."
"Got it. Thanks for the warning."
Duanmu Huai didn't take the "Dung Eater" too seriously—just another lunatic, he figured. Still, seeing the disgust on Shrimp Brother's face, he made a mental note.
If they met, he'd just crush him on the spot.
While Duanmu Huai enjoyed his meal and conversation, Mystlina was enduring the most horrifying ordeal of her life.
"Miss Hyetta, do we really have to keep going?"
Sword in one hand, shield in the other, Mystlina glanced uneasily at the blind prophetess beside her. After meeting her, Mystlina had followed Hyetta all the way to the Royal Capital—but to her dismay, the "flame of the Frenzied Light" that Hyetta sought was located beneath the city—in the sewers.
Mystlina swore she had never set foot in a place so foul.
The tunnels were pitch black, crawling with rats the size of dogs and twisted abominations of men and plants warped by curses. Streams of filth ran through every corridor, and the stench was unbearable. For someone who had lived her entire life in a pristine forest, this place felt like descending into a nightmare.
She could sense it—something was lurking deeper within. Something far more grotesque than mere decay.
"…!"
Suddenly, Mystlina froze. Raising her shield, she stared ahead. A grotesque, malformed silhouette emerged from the shadows.
The figure was clad in armor caked with filth, pus, and rotting flesh, reeking of decay. It looked as though it had crawled out of a cesspit. The armor's surface was covered with boils and sores—repulsive beyond description.
Slowly, the creature lifted its head, glaring at Mystlina with bloodshot eyes full of hatred—pure, undiluted hatred for everything that lived.
"…I'll kill you. Defile you. I'll devour all of you. I am… the Dung Eater! The curse of all men!"
With a deranged scream, he raised his greatsword.
"I'll kill you all—and defile your corpses! Let the curse spread forever through every child and descendant! I'll—KILL—YOU—ALL!!"
The monster charged.
"Miss Hyetta! Stay back!"
Mystlina lifted her shield, shouting as she braced herself. She had no idea who—or what—this creature truly was, but it was clear he had marked her as his prey.
"I am Mystlina, Princess of the Forest! Evil creature—prepare to die!"
With a cry, she met the abomination head-on, shield raised and sword gleaming in the dim light.
(End of Chapter)