My Girlfriends Are Hardcore Yanderes - Chapter 167

Chapter 167: The Deal Part 2
They followed Nala through the winding corridors of the wooden castle. The air grew cooler the deeper they ventured into the structure.

Unlike typical stone castles, which often felt confining and heavy, this place exuded openness.

The corridors were wide and spacious, their walls adorned with intricate carvings of beasts and trees. Small panes of glass embedded in the wooden walls allowed streams of natural light to filter through, casting soft patterns on the polished floors.

Gentle breeze carried the faint scent of wood and blossoms, making the air feel refreshing and light.

Every step they took echoed faintly, the sound absorbed by the organic surroundings rather than bouncing harshly off cold stone.

His eyes wandered, taking in the serene beauty around him. For a fleeting moment, he felt the urge to pause and soak it all in. The ambiance was calming, almost hypnotic, and it whispered of peace—something he rarely experienced.

‘If I wasn’t in a hurry,’ he thought, stifling a yawn, ‘this would be the perfect place to nap.’

She led them upward, toward a section of the castle that seemed to stretch toward the sky itself. The stairway they climbed opened onto a vast, open space—a giant wooden rooftop, though it didn’t feel like one at all.

The open-air platform revealed an astonishing sight: dozens of flying beasts perched across the area.

Each one was enormous, their wings stretching wide, occasionally flapping with enough force to send gusts of wind across the platform.

At the far end, one creature stood out, towering over the rest. The Storm Eagle rested on a raised perch, its massive body blending with the azure sky behind it.

Its feathers shimmered with hints of black and blue, and its eyes were half-closed. The sheer size of its wings, though neatly tucked, suggested it could easily carry a two-story wooden structure on its back.

Asher stood still, his eyes studying the beast closely. It was as powerful and impressive as he had been told. There was no doubt in his mind that it was a level above even the serpent he had fought before.

“So, we can just use it? That’s it?” he asked, feeling like it was too simple. The creature looked intelligent.

“No,” Nala said, shaking her head. “You still need to prove yourself worthy to ride it. The Storm Eagle has only pledged loyalty to the royal family, and since you’re not one of us, it won’t accept you so easily. It’s more than just a mount—it’s a partner, with a very high status.”

“So I have to prove myself worthy?” he inquired.

“Yes, or I can let one of my daughters accompany you to—”

“I’ll just make it submit to me,” he interrupted her.

He wasn’t about to risk dealing with whatever kind of woman her daughter might be. He already had more than enough trouble with Lucia.

And with his luck, there was a 95% chance he would end up with a problematic girl who’d bring more trouble than it was worth.

‘Let’s see, I should at least show 50% of my power to scare it off,’ he thought, calculating his next move.

Without wasting another moment, he stepped forward, his focus narrowing on the Storm Eagle.

Slowly, he began to release his aura.

At first, it was just a faint glow, but then golden energy poured from his body like a tsunami. It spread outward, radiating with such intensity that the air grew heavier.

The wood beneath them trembled, and the platform started vibrating as if the very foundation of the castle could not bear the weight of his presence.

The Storm Eagle, previously calm, stirred nervously as the energy washed over it. Its feathers ruffled, and it lifted its head slightly, sensing the immense force. The creature hesitated for a moment, its sharp eyes darting toward him.

He noticed the beast’s look and assumed it was a challenge.

In response, he intensified his aura. The sheer concentration of his power made it appear almost liquid, a vivid display of how overwhelming it could become if he truly got serious.

It was a display of power unlike anything the two women had ever experienced. What Asher had shown in the arena seemed like child’s play compared to the overwhelming force radiating from him now.

They had suspected he had held back before, but neither had realized the extent of his restraint until this moment.

Lucia stood frozen in place. She had considered the possibility that he might have a slim chance of winning the tournament.

Even if he didn’t, she believed he could still attract the attention of influential sages. But now, as she felt the sheer pressure of his aura, her doubts vanished. For the first time, she truly believed he had the ability to pull it off—to win outright.

CREAK! CREAK! CREAK!

The Storm Eagle, massive and proud, bowed its head. The creature’s body trembled as it submitted, shaken by what it had just witnessed.

Asher let his aura slowly recede, his overwhelming presence gradually shrinking back. He glanced at the Storm Eagle, watching it carefully.

‘I think this should be enough to prove my point to it…’ he trailed off, his tone now calmer, almost questioning.

His eyes turned toward Nala and Lucia, noticing the shock written on their faces. Nala, usually composed and confident, was now very quiet.

Her lips were pressed into a thin line, her body stiff, and her eyes widened in disbelief as she processed what had just happened.

Lucia stood still as well, her usual arrogance replaced by a more subdued demeanor. It was as if his display of power had not only forced the beast to submit but had also affected the two women.

“Did I overdo it?” he asked, his voice light, almost too casual.

Lucia was the first to recover, her eyes narrowing as she studied him closely.

“I… didn’t know you could do that,” she muttered, her voice a mix of awe and suspicion.

Nala, still trying to regain her composure, finally spoke, her tone stiff and respectful.

“That was… more than enough.” There was a brief pause, and then she added, her voice softer, “You have proven your strength to the Storm Eagle.”

“That’s good news,” Asher responded, breaking the silence. “Let’s move.”

Nala gave instructions to the caretakers to set up a small wooden structure on the back of the beast.

The structure was a one-story, carriage-like design, compact and functional. It offered both sleeping and sitting space, with windows that provided a view of the surroundings. A small balcony jutted out from one side, offering a place to rest and enjoy the open air.

Inside, the caretakers loaded it with a large supply of food, enough to sustain them throughout the long journey ahead.

Rations, dried meats, fruits, and water barrels were carefully arranged, ensuring that they wouldn’t run short during the days of travel.

With the preparation complete, Asher turned toward the creature and stepped inside the wooden structure, followed by Lucia.

The creature flapped its wings slowly at first, then gradually picked up speed. It began ascending into the sky, its powerful wings cutting through the air, before it soared toward the horizon.