The contracted Mountain Spire Beast served as a translator, allowing Kent to communicate smoothly with the Mountain Spire Beast King.
"No need for thanks; it's just some meat," Kent said. "Also, please don't misunderstand, I won't take White Earth with me. I contracted White Earth because I'm interested in your buildings, and I wanted to experience them firsthand. After that, I will release the contract." White Earth was the name of the contracted Mountain Spire Beast.
The Mountain Spire Beast King nodded and glanced at its tribe of hundreds of Mountain Spire Beasts, its face showing a hint of indecision.
Finally, it said, "Noble human, we are honored by your arrival. You are our guest, and we revere your strength. There is something I must mention, and I hope it does not upset you."
Kent shrugged nonchalantly, "Please, go ahead."
The Mountain Spire Beast King perked up and said, "We have lived here for countless years, continuously breeding and growing our tribe. We even have traces all across the underground forest. However, in the last decade, we encountered a powerful enemy. Our kin have been killed and devoured by it. To avoid further harm, we have refrained from digging tunnels and have instead retreated here."
Kent listened attentively.
"We know the entire underground terrain. We know where the ore veins are and where treasures are hidden. Our original nest had a unique stone, a Memory Gem. By absorbing its power, we can selectively enhance our muscle memory and learn new skills in a short amount of time."
"Enhance muscle memory and quickly learn skills?" Kent was stunned, amazed by such a thing. It was incredible. Perhaps he could use the Memory Gem to learn combat techniques.
He couldn't help but ask, "Could it enhance combat techniques?"
The Mountain Spire Beast King thought for a moment before nodding, "Yes, it can enhance combat skills. Noble guest, do you have a need for these Memory Gems? If you can help us eliminate our powerful enemy, we are willing to offer you a hundred Memory Gems."
It added, "All the Memory Gems combined total no more than two hundred, so they are not many."
Kent didn't rush to agree but instead inquired about the enemy.
"This is a serpent-like creature, over a hundred meters long, a royal-level beast," the Mountain Spire Beast King explained. "Its abilities are absorption, crushing, enhancement, and command."
Kent immediately recognized the foe. It was likely the Dragon Blood Violent Serpent he had encountered earlier, or another one of its kind.
"I've seen it," Kent said. "It's very strong, and I'm not confident in defeating it, unless you agree to one more condition."
"What condition do you ask, noble guest?"
"I need information about the forest. You've lived here for so long, you must know it well," Kent requested.
"Of course. I will share everything we know with you," the Mountain Spire Beast King agreed immediately.
"If it's convenient for you, we can set out to deal with the giant serpent now," the Mountain Spire Beast King added, eager for action.
Kent agreed and, with the help of four members of the Mountain Spire Beast tribe, set off toward the old nest of the Mountain Spire Beasts, about a hundred miles away.
Although the Mountain Spire Beasts moved underground, they were not slow. They tunneled at a speed of ten miles per hour, and some old paths made the journey faster.
Kent chose to follow behind, rather than moving on the surface, because he feared taking the wrong path. The Mountain Spire Beasts were far better at navigating underground.
However, Kent soon emerged to the surface as he couldn't stand the underground environment. Besides, his battle helmet's oxygen supply only lasted an hour, so he had to be cautious.
He left White Earth to continue underground, while he stayed within a reachable distance to maintain mental contact with it, ensuring they wouldn't lose connection.
After eight hours, White Earth and the other Mountain Spire Beasts reached the designated location and emerged from the ground to bring Kent down.
"Wow, this place is even bigger than your new nest," Kent exclaimed upon entering the Mountain Spire Beasts' old nest. Many of the buildings here were exquisitely crafted, truly a masterpiece of natural architecture.
"The Dragon Blood Violent Serpent leaves the nest to hunt for beasts every so often, then goes into hibernation for ten to fifteen days. It's not here now, but it should be back soon," White Earth explained.
Kent nodded. He had just encountered a Dragon Blood Violent Serpent outside, and it was likely the same one.
"Show me where the Memory Gems are stored," Kent instructed.
White Earth led Kent through numerous tunnels. If someone wasn't intimately familiar with the area, they could easily get lost. The main paths were wide enough for several Mountain Spire Beasts to walk together, but the smaller passages, similar to human single-file or double-file tunnels, could only fit one or two at a time.
After the Dragon Blood Violent Serpent took over the old nest, it had enlarged the main tunnels to fit its massive body, but left the smaller tunnels untouched.
Kent entered a narrow tunnel, designed for a single Mountain Spire Beast, which led to the tribe's storage area, where the Memory Gems were kept.
The storage was sealed with a stone slab. Once the slab was moved, Kent stepped inside.
The storage space was unexpectedly vast, about a quarter of a soccer field in size, but with a low ceiling, only two meters high. Kent immediately reverted to his normal form, undoing his super transformation.
Though the space was dark, Kent's night vision allowed him to see clearly. There were many valuable items in the warehouse, some of which emitted a faint glow.
White Earth continued introducing the treasures: "Master, this is Green Luo Ore, used for coloring weapons."
Interestingly, the Mountain Spire Beasts, besides being adept at tunneling, had some fire-making and basic metalworking skills, which they used to create simple weapons.
"And this is Red Netherstone," White Earth added. "It's highly valuable. It contains a special gas that induces sleep and mental meditation."
Kent was intrigued. He hadn't expected Red Netherstone to have such effects. Since he was practicing the Flying Sword Meditation Technique, perhaps this stone could aid him in his training.
Without hesitation, Kent grabbed the three Red Netherstones in the warehouse, saying, "This is very useful to me. I will trade it with your king later, so don't worry."
White Earth, recalling the scent of the Snow Bull, couldn't help but click its tongue in amazement.