Amon's gaze lingered on the branches and trees above. Gentle rays of sunlight passed through, warming up his skin.
The Corrupted Draconic Spawn was long gone.
Amon closed his eyes and let a low chuckle escape his throat. He was completely relaxed.
'It's actually a good thing that it has run away.'
Having had more time to think about it, Amon had come to that conclusion.
The Corrupted Draconic Spawn's escape wasn't a failure. It no longer posed a threat to him. He could strip it of its corruption at will, and Akane had proven capable of fighting it, even defeating it if she learned how to use her powers better.
'I'll just have to use it just like I used it on the Goblins.
Indeed, the Corurpted Draconic Spawn isn't a threat anymore, but a weapon.
Bringing it to the Goblins and Hobgoblins before was simply the only move to balance the playing field.
Now, however, it could actively be used when the Hobgoblins inevitably come for him. Maybe even when Demons come for him.
'The Goblins and Hobgoblins helped me fight it. Thanks to them, I was able to learn about its abilities and strength. Next time, I won't be using other enemies to fight the Corrupted Draconic Spawn, but using the Corrupted Draconic Spawn to fight those enemies.'
Amon's arms lazily moved through the pond, its cool water lapping at his chest. A ripple broke against his chin as he tilted his head back and stared up at the morning sky.
'Once Syl and the other Hobgoblins get to their Tribe, the Hobgoblin Chief will learn of what happened, and so will the Demons.' He scratched his chin. 'She should get there safely. Between Ron and that other Hobgoblins, the other five that I devoured… Syl should have four Hobgoblins with her. They don't have their Black Wolves, but they should make it there safely nevertheless. Hm… I wonder if I'll see her again.'
The thought brought him back to this very pond where he had found her, the waterline hugging her bare waist, droplets running down her curves, her strong body cooled down by the water causing her nipples to perk up… He remembered it well, and let out a sigh. 'God, she was hot.'
It was unfortunate they had parted ways, but that's just how it had to be.
'She'll be back with the rest of the Hobgoblins, all aiming to take my life and take the Black Stone from me. She'll be back…' He chuckled. 'Hopefully.'
A few steps away, on the dry ground, Akane stirred. The crack of splashing water pulled her from her slumber. Her lashes fluttered, and her half-lidded eyes turned to the pond.
And froze.
Amon had just stood up. His lean, muscular frame glistened as he rose from the water. Dark pelt clung to his skin, highlighting every ripple of muscle. Droplets cascaded down his torso, each one catching the sunlight before dripping lower.
Her breath caught when her gaze followed.
'...!' Heat rushed to her face, and she snapped her eyes shut.
The view of his enormous sword was too much for her gentle heart.
'Why did I close my eyes?! Why am I acting asleep?!' The flustered Akane shouted to herself.
What's worse, she could feel her cheeks burning and her heart hammering.
Amon stepped out of the pond, water streaming down his broad back.
Akane grabbed her courage with both hands and opened her eyes again.
Her claws twitched. Her tail bristled.
Before she could think twice, her body moved.
There was one undeniable fact that she couldn't look away from.
THUD!
He was a Hobgoblin.
"...?"
Amon's back hit the ground. The shock rolled through his shoulders, but he didn't resist. A pair of sharp claws pressed against his neck, holding him down.
Amon blinked once, then smiled. "Good morning."
Above him was Akane, her brown hair shining under the sunlight, her eyes wide and wild.
"Who are you?" She asked, her claws pressed harder, dimpling his flesh. "Who are you really?"
Amon blinked. He didn't hear any of that.
A beautiful, stunning woman was sitting on him with perked-up nipples and bare breasts.
Due to his sustained gaze, it didn't take long for Akane to notice.
'I'm naked…?!'
Amon's smile widened.
It really was a good morning.