Chapter 395: The Feline Queen
The feline camp was nothing short of outstanding. Due to their limited resources in the hollow valley, the felines had needed to get creative.
Assembled next to a mountain-like structure, it reduced the possible angles from which they could have been besieged. Natural and man-made openings had been deliberately drilled into the hard rock, constructing long tunnels that made it possible to expand their domain of influence without increasing the land they took up.
Buildings had been erected, a mixture of modern technology using long-ruined metal structures and primitive methods like cut-down trees along with vines and leaves for crafting makeshift roofs.
Pressing forward, the crew exited the jungle, moving toward the camp’s outer border, where sturdy walls stood.
Trees driven into the ground and bound together with ropes made from vines served as the first line of defense in case of an attack. Spears were evenly distributed at an angle, ready to pierce any threat, making both aliens and cultists alike reconsider charging blindly toward the camp.
Looming over the protective barricade were high towers on which guards were constantly assigned to keep watch for any irregularities.
The watchers needed only a moment to spot the cheerful Nyla, who was happily leading Cyberfang’s massive frame, on which Michael’s crew traveled along with Claire’s mecha, right toward their camp.
"N—Nyla? What have you done?!" They bellowed in unison. "You really went out of your way to bring outsiders here?! You betrayed us!"
In their minds, such advanced technology and humans lacking feline traits were a clear sign of cultist infiltration. Even if their safe haven had been built with the idea of driving off potential attacks, suddenly the protective walls didn’t seem that useful against a threatening mechanical beast that could just clear them with a single leap.
Having anticipated such an outcome, Nyla’s mood didn’t dampen in the least.
"You morons!" She barked with a higher degree of authority. "Do you really think we would have come out in the open if this really was a betrayal?! Stop playing hard to get and open the damned gates! Don’t make our esteemed guests wait!"
The guards exchanged uneasy gazes. On one hand, letting these foreign people through risked the integrity of the camp. On the other hand, Nyla was among the best scouts and, by extension, fighters they possessed.
Defying a direct order from her was prone to end very badly...
In the end, they complied, opening the gates, allowing the crew to pass.
"Welcome to our place!" Nyla giggled, marching forward.
The crew were impressed. The feline buildings didn’t look too shabby. Flat roads had been established to ease movement, and several sections had been created where plants were being tended to... undoubtedly a real agriculture.
"The place looks great." Claire praised with a smile.
"Wise way to adapt to the surroundings." Bryce agreed with his granddaughter.
"Thank you!" Nyla visibly brightened by the acknowledgement. "You must have many questions. I propose we meet with the elders... wandering aimlessly will just cause unnecessary tension."
She referred to the curious felines that spared the crew a glance before bolting out of the way in fright. Given the power Michael’s companions wielded, it could only spell bad news, or so the locals thought.
Michael and the crew agreed, following Nyla to the widest building positioned at the very center of the feline camp.
Claire was forced to leave her mecha outside along with Cyberfang, since the two were simply too large to fit inside the structure.
Due to the ruckus the crew had caused merely by visiting the camp, the elders had already assembled, waiting for Nyla to bring the newcomers.
The felines’ system of governance differed in some ways from usual human leadership, while in others it carried a striking resemblance.
The oldest among their ranks, often regarded as the elders, had been put in charge. Their wisdom was best suited to lead them toward survival and success.
Coming in close second when it came to authority were the scouts, each ranked by their fighting capabilities. They not only investigated the surroundings of the camp for foes or allies and drove off alien invaders in case of emergencies but were also responsible for carrying out the elders’ will.
The camp was similar to how Magmorious, Venus’ capital, was governed by politicians. The acting Lords could have taken control, yet didn’t, either due to a lack of interest or not believing they could do a better job.
Inside the feline headquarters, seven elders awaited. Three on each side with one sitting at the center. He looked the oldest, nearing 90 years old, though that didn’t deter the old man from keeping a magnificent grey mustache that spanned beyond the width of his face.
"Chief Wilson." Nyla addressed the oldest elder with a respectful bow, moving to his side.
Other than the elders, there were several scouts present, ranging from Early Experts to Early Masters like Nyla.
Intending to save time, Nyla proceeded to fill in the others, bringing them up to speed.
"I see..." Wilson and the rest of the elders nodded in understanding. Their gazes moved toward Ruby in unison before they bowed deeply.
Michael’s crew was all around powerful, but to them Ruby was the most exceptional. For a member of their kin to reach such heights was proof that they too could achieve such presence with enough rigorous training.
"Our queen." Their collective reverence for her left Ruby in a deep state of confusion, her tail going rigid.
Before the crew could respond, Wilson spoke once more, his old eyes ignited with vigor.
"You must be tired from your journey. Rest assured, you will be granted individual lodgings befitting your status, so I will keep this short, newcomers."
Given his position, Wilson spoke on behalf of the other elders.
"We are but survivors, having narrowly escaped captivity by those cultists, or so you call them. Why they deemed it necessary to isolate us so deep underground, we do not know. All we can tell you is the location of their bases, and we beg you to rescue those who did not share our luck."
The chief’s voice grew strained with regret at the end. It was clear he didn’t harbor much hope of rescuing their brethren without outside help.
"Chief, wait!" Nyla abruptly interjected, whispering about what had transpired when she encountered their queen.
"Ah, youth..." Wilson exhaled, his eyes trailing between Michael and Ruby.
"Fear not, you two shall be housed together, giving you all the privacy you need."