Upon hearing the word "Oceloh," Shiomi's first thought was of the Jaguar Warriors who had once fought alongside Chaldea in the Uruk Singularity.
In the Nahuatl language of Central and South Arica, the word ant "Jaguar Warrior."
They were also the "leopard-headed warriors" known from Aztec mythology and the Aztec Empire.
Legend said they were avatars of the war god Tezcatlipoca, fearso spirits that dwelled in the deep jungle.
"Oceloh..."
Shiomi pulled up another set of records.
Displayed before Tepeu was the dossier on the jaguar-masked bandits who had previously clashed with Shiomi's group and two other exploration teams deep in the forest.
"Yes, that's them." Tepeu imdiately understood Shiomi's intention and answered at once.
"Those warriors are the Oceloh. It seems you've already run into them."
He paused to organize his thoughts before continuing.
"They're a race that appeared alongside the Crypter. They're highly skilled in combat and began hunting us humans. Recently, they seem to have built a massive city on the Fifth Layer. Their leader, Izcalli, appears intent on wiping us out entirely. Many Deinos have died at the hands of the Oceloh. So were captured and died from their injuries. Others were poisoned, losing their intellect and becoming savage. In any case, wild Deinos like have beco quite rare."
"Hmph..." Shiomi let out an irritated murmur. "Why would the Oceloh carry out this kind of slaughter? Is it a territorial conflict?"
"It's less about territory and more about gathering resources. Profit, in other words." Tepeu shook his head. "They strip our flesh, process our bones, and circulate our hearts as treasures in trade. The Maya do not approve of such acts, but the Oceloh hide it from them and conduct their dealings cleverly."
Both a violent organization and a trade network. That was the Oceloh.
"Sounds a lot like... North Arican pioneers," Shiomi clicked his tongue. "Taking things this far is truly unbearable. Mr. Tepeu, I promise you this. No matter what fate ultimately awaits Mictlan, I'll make the Oceloh pay for what they've done. Especially their captain, Izcalli."
Hearing that vow, Tepeu showed a sowhat helpless smile.
"No, no. While the Oceloh have pushed us toward a survival crisis, even if we were to go extinct because of it, there would be no need for hatred."
"You don't care about your own death or the extinction of your species?" Aesc asked, clearly shocked.
"After all, even if the Deinos disappear, the world itself would remain unchanged," Tepeu replied calmly. "Of course, if our disappearance ant the world would collapse, then that would be a different matter."
It was as if he regarded himself simply as part of nature. Life and death were rely part of nature's cycle.
The Deinos' way of living, completely integrated with nature, embodied a philosophy humans could hardly match.
"This has nothing to do with hatred or personal grudges," Shiomi said, shaking his head. "Just as the Deinos have their own values, we have ours. That's all."
"Hehe, people from Proper Human History really are fascinating," Tepeu said with a laugh. "Whether it was those children yesterday or you all today, there's a strange atmosphere about you that simply doesn't exist in Mictlan.
eting like this must also be a kind of fate. I actually wanted to say this yesterday, but it's not too late now."
Tepeu tidied up a few things inside the cave and put on so simple clothing.
Even if a Deinos walked around completely naked, it wouldn't seem strange to them.
It was like how humans viewed cats, dogs, or even large wild animals.
After all, they were a species fundantally different from the humans of Proper Human History. Human values simply didn't apply.
"I'd like to treasure the bond we've ford. If you don't mind, allow to guide you on your journey through Mictlan," Tepeu said eagerly.
Shiomi and the others were sowhat surprised by Tepeu's friendliness.
But this was more than a gesture they could simply accept politely.
Having a sage so familiar with Mictlan act as their guide would make Chaldea's exploration far easier.
"Of course. But we also have another task during this trip. We need to find supplies that can serve as food, and approach the ring-shaped body of water that surrounds this underground world."
Tepeu imdiately understood.
"You must be referring to the First Netherworld, Tlatlauqui. Recently it's beco difficult to pass through. It seems soone has taken control of the area. You can approach it to collect water, but crossing it is no longer possible. Normally, it's a place people could pass through freely."
"When exactly did it beco like that?" Aesc asked.
"Probably around the sa ti the Oceloh started becoming active," Tepeu thought for a mont before replying. "Also, if you need food, I rember there being a large cornfield along the road from here to the First Netherworld. It might be useful to you."
Although the Deinos had already evolved into "humans" who could survive with nothing more than sunlight and water, Mictlan still contained many naturally growing edible plants.
Tepeu would occasionally gather and eat such plants as a form of leisure.
Most of the ti, however, he simply lived alone here, devoting himself to stargazing.
So under Tepeu's guidance, Shiomi's group traveled several kiloters from the cave to a cornfield that lay very close to the First Netherworld.
The corn grew exceptionally well. Each stalk stood nearly two ters tall. The entire field looked as though it had grown naturally, yet it rivaled the quality of carefully cultivated farmland.
After reporting the discovery to Storm Border, Shiomi's group set up camp there and prepared to receive Storm Border once its preparations were complete.
"Here."
After making so quick preparations and lighting a campfire, Shiomi walked over with a roasted ear of corn and handed it to Skadi, who was cooling off by the nearby river.
She had just finished setting up defensive barriers to guard against outside threats, especially the Oceloh, and was resting by the riverbank.
"I only stepped away for a little while, but you still couldn't help worrying," Skadi said as she held the steaming roasted corn. Its rich aroma drifted into her nose, instantly stirring her appetite.
Shiomi shrugged.
"So? How does exploring out here compare to staying behind on Storm Border?"
"The latter is certainly easier," Skadi replied, shaking her head slightly. "But the forr is enjoyable too, since you're here."
"You carried on your back the entire way," Shiomi laughed. "Even when it wasn't necessary, you all insisted on giving a ride. I almost feel guilty about it."
Skadi's eyes curved into a cheerful smile.
"Oh? With the condition you're in right now, a little special treatnt is only natural. Once you've recovered, you can repay us double."
"So it wasn't charity after all," Shiomi said with a helpless shrug.
As the two of them laughed, the sound of footsteps suddenly ca from downstream along the river.
Shiomi was the first to look over.
In the darkness, he saw Aesc's figure slowly approaching.
"Hm?"
Sothing felt strange.
He had just co from the camp. Aesc should have been upstream.
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