Surviving The Beast World With My 'Sassy' System-Chapter 71: Reality Vs Inner Thought

She paused suddenly, as though remembering something, and lightly tapped her temple.

"Oh, right. I nearly forgot to thank you. My memory truly can be troublesome at times. Thank you very much for dealing with that serpent infected by chaotic energy. Creatures like that are always a nuisance when I must handle them myself. There are quite a number of them within this forest. I would advise you to remain watchful whenever you are foraging. You may encounter another."

Her amber eyes turned toward Mirek, bright yet calm.

"If it is not too much trouble, I would appreciate your help in eliminating them whenever you come across one," she said warmly.

Her words flowed quickly, one after another, leaving neither of them any chance to respond before her attention shifted once more.

Lavayla frowned and stepped forward. Ever since Shalika began speaking about the chaotic energy–infected serpents, the crease between her brows had only deepened.

Shalika turned toward her, noticing the clear dissatisfaction on the human woman’s face just as Lavayla finally spoke.

"I may be overstepping," Lavayla said carefully, though her tone carried unmistakable firmness, "but you are the guardian of this forest, aren’t you? Shouldn’t dealing with infected beasts be easy for you? Why ask an ordinary Beastman to handle something that should fall under your responsibility?" 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

She paused briefly, drawing in a steady breath before continuing.

"And you have been talking nonstop without giving us a chance to respond. Why did you bring us here? Why did you prepare all those plants for us? There has to be a reason."

Her grip around Vai tightened slightly as another thought surfaced.

"Thank you for allowing us to forage in the forest," she added, more calmly. "But Mirek was bitten by a serpent infected with chaotic energy. It is already affecting him, even if only slightly..."

She stopped mid-sentence.

Lavayla turned instinctively toward Mirek.

He stood upright beside her, steady and composed. Unlike earlier, there was no visible instability in his posture. His breathing was even, his gaze clear. The restless aggression she had sensed before seemed subdued, as though something within him had already begun to settle.

Before she could question it, Shalika spoke gently.

"You are completely right to feel displeased," she said, her voice calm and sincere. "And I apologize for my manners."

Her amber eyes softened.

"As for the chaotic energy, there is already a solution. Actually, the plants I prepared along your path may be eaten raw or cooked. Once consumed, the chaotic energy within his body will gradually transform into ambient energy that he can safely absorb."

She smiled faintly.

"And not just ordinary ambient energy. It is exceptionally refined energy. It will benefit him greatly."

Shalika clasped her hands behind her back as she continued.

"That is also why I suggested he eliminate infected beasts when he encounters them. Not because I wished to avoid my duties. Rather, I recognized his potential. Beastmen grow through combat and hunting. Their nature is vigorous, restless, and driven by instinct. Battling powerful prey, especially those strengthened by chaotic energy, allows them to advance far more quickly."

Her gaze shifted briefly between Mirek and Lavayla.

"If he survives the encounter and absorbs the converted energy, his strength will increase considerably. At the same time, the vegetables and medicinal roots I provided contain energies compatible with humans. They will aid your own cultivation and physical stability."

Her smile widened slightly.

"Would you not call that a mutually beneficial arrangement?"

Lavayla listened in silence.

The explanation made sense. More than that, it reassured her. Yet unease still lingered quietly beneath her relief. Shalika had shown them kindness without hesitation, offered resources, protection, and even solutions to dangers they barely understood.

And she had apologized without pride or irritation despite Lavayla’s blunt questioning.

It was... unexpected.

Still, whatever Shalika’s motives were, refusing such assistance would be foolish.

Lavayla inclined her head slightly.

"Thank you," she said sincerely. "And I apologize if my words sounded disrespectful. I hope I did not offend you."

She hesitated, then added, "But you brought us here for another reason, didn’t you? Helping us cannot be the only purpose."

Shalika’s lips curved upward, her expression turning sly and openly delighted.

"As expected," she said lightly. "You truly are interesting. The only beings capable of crossing into the basin."

She turned and began walking forward along the mist-lined path, motioning for them to follow.

"Do you know," she continued, her tone almost conversational, "that no one has appeared within the cave beneath that waterfall for nearly a thousand years?"

Lavayla and Mirek exchanged a glance before following her.

"Many have fallen from the cliffs above," Shalika went on. "But none ever reached the barrier separating the valley from the waterfall basin. Yet you did more than reach it. You passed through as though the barrier recognized you. I lied earlier, I did not let you in, you entered because the space welcomed you both."

She glanced back over her shoulder, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"As if you were the keys themselves."

Lavayla’s brow furrowed deeper.

"What do you mean?" she asked slowly. "Are the valley and this place... located in different spaces?"

"No."

Shalika shook her head with a playful smile as she glanced back at them. "Not a different space alone, but a different time and space."

She slowed her steps and turned slightly, her gaze settling on a droplet of water sliding down the surface of a broad leaf before falling silently to the ground.

"The water flowing from the waterfall originates from the ocean itself," she continued calmly. "It travels along hidden streams before gathering in the basin. From there, it nourishes everything around it. The trees, the roots, the soil, even the smallest plants."

Her expression grew thoughtful.

"But before reaching the basin, that water walks another unseen path. A path that exists between time and space. The boundary separating it is what you see as mist."

She lifted a hand toward the pale fog surrounding them.

"It may appear thin, but in truth, it is an enormous and impenetrable gate. The mist itself judges those who attempt to enter. If it senses something unusual about a beastman or their connection to this place, it may subject them to trials. Passing one trial leads to another test before entry is granted."

Her tone softened slightly.

"And if they fail, they will not necessarily die. However, they will never find their way out either. Many simply remain unaware that another path even exists. To them, there is nothing beyond what they can see."

She looked back at Lavayla and Mirek. "I hope my explanation is clear."

Lavayla nodded. "Yes, we understand. Please continue."

Shalika gave a satisfied nod.

"To return to the main point, this place exists within the real world, yet apart from it. Time flows differently here, much faster than outside." She paused before asking, "Tell me, how long have you stayed here?"

Lavayla hesitated. "Um... two days. No, wait, maybe this is the third day. Right, Mirek?"

Mirek leaned closer and answered quietly, "It is the second day."

"Oh." Lavayla rubbed her forehead in embarrassment. "Yes, the second day."

Shalika smiled faintly. "Then less than a full day has passed in the outside world."

Lavayla blinked in disbelief. "Really?"

"Yes, really." Shalika laughed softly at her stunned expression. "This space can temporarily detach itself from the flow of the real world. Aside from the rare plants, beasts, and resources found here, time itself becomes a gift. You may consider it a fortune that you were able to enter."

Lavayla fell silent.

Although she still struggled to fully accept that they were standing in another layer of time and space, relief slowly settled in her chest. If time outside had barely moved, then Ressha and the others would not have been searching desperately for them yet.

At least they would not be overwhelmed with worry.

Still, staying here long-term was another matter.

Truthfully, if given the choice, Lavayla was not eager to leave. The tranquil environment, abundant resources, and peaceful atmosphere made this place strangely comforting. And with Vai in her arms and Mirek beside her, it almost felt like a sanctuary.

But reality remained reality.

She turned toward Shalika. "Earlier, I thought we only needed to find an exit to leave this place. But now it seems far more complicated." She hesitated before continuing, "You have guarded this place for a long time. You must know a safe way out, right?"

The moment her words fell, Shalika froze.

A stunned expression crossed her face before it slowly transformed into pure delight.

Surprised barely described what she felt. Relief and excitement surged within her chest. After waiting countless years, the two individuals who had reached this place possessed hearts far purer than she had hoped.

At last, she had found suitable successors.

Even if one was human and the other a powerful beastman who carried the risk of losing control, the immense ambient energy within the cave was already stabilizing him.

That problem could be resolved in time.

Most importantly, they were worthy.

And she had no intention of letting them leave so easily now that she had found them.

Her smile widened unconsciously.

Seeing that expression, Lavayla suddenly felt as though she were being stared at by someone who had just discovered a priceless heavenly treasure, just like in the cultivation stories she once read.

Instinctively, she took a step back.

"Watch your step."

Mirek’s voice sounded beside her, steady and low, halting her movement just before she lost her footing.

"Oh, thank you," Lavayla said as she glanced back at Mirek.