The Smiling Death-Chapter 317: New Friends

Amon slowly opened the door and stepped out of his new house. The weather was as usual. Grey clouds covered the sky, blocking the sunlight from reaching the earth.

A cold breeze hit his face.

"Same sight as always," Amon muttered. Then he heard some murmurs.

People were talking outside.

’At least there are a few good things here.’

Amon started walking, observing the village.

On the way, a few people greeted him. Amon greeted them back with a kind smile.

Just after moving away from his home, he saw three figures sitting on a wooden bench near the center of the village. They looked about his age.

He observed them carefully as he walked closer.

They looked around eighteen years old—about the same age as him. Two young men and one woman.

The first was a human young man. He had short chestnut-brown hair neatly brushed back, with sharp blue eyes that carried a confident spark. He wore a fitted dark tunic. His posture was straight and composed, giving off the aura of someone friendly yet disciplined.

Beside him sat a beastman.

Wolf-like ears rose from his messy ash-blond hair, twitching slightly as Amon approached. His golden eyes were sharp and alert.

He had a broader, more muscular build than the human, and his sleeveless attire revealed toned arms marked with faint claw scars. A gray tail swayed lazily behind him as he leaned back against the wooden bench, arms crossed with casual ease.

The third was a demon woman.

Her skin was smooth under the dull sky. Two small, curved black horns emerged elegantly from her head, partially hidden beneath long, flowing dark hair. Her amber eyes were striking. Calm yet intense. She wore a fitted black outfit lined with subtle silver patterns, both practical and refined. Even while sitting, there was an undeniable grace and quiet authority in her presence.

As Amon stepped closer, the three noticed him.

The human young man nudged the beastman slightly before standing up with an easy smile.

"Hey. You must be new here," he said, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "I’ve seen you walking with Uncle Roland."

"Yes," Amon replied calmly. "I somehow ended up here."

The human extended his hand. "Julian."

Amon shook it. "Amon."

The beastman rose next, stretching his arms over his head before stepping forward. "Ethan," he introduced in a slightly rough but friendly tone. "And yeah, like he said—you’re new."

The demon woman stood last. She moved with smooth elegance, her eyes studying Amon for a brief moment before softening.

"I’m Katherine," she said, offering a small, polite nod instead of a handshake.

Amon nodded back respectfully.

"You live nearby?" Julian asked.

"Yes. Just down that path." Amon gestured toward his house.

Ethan smirked faintly. "Then you’re officially one of us now. Congratulations."

Katherine gave Ethan a look, though there was a hint of amusement in her eyes. "We were about to head to the canteen for lunch," she explained. "You’re welcome to join us."

Julian smiled. "It’s better than wandering alone."

For a brief second, Amon considered it.

He had planned to explore quietly by himself.

But looking at them, standing there beneath the heavy grey clouds. Something felt lighter.

He gave his signature wide smile.

"Alright. I’ll join," he said, a little excited. Finally, he could have a nice lunch after a long month.

Ethan grinned, sharp canines briefly visible. "Good. Let’s see what you can do."

Julian clapped Amon lightly on the shoulder. "Then it’s settled."

And just like that, beneath the dull sky and cold breeze of the village, Amon found himself walking beside three strangers who were already beginning to feel like more than coincidence, perhaps the beginning of a new friendship.

---

Inside the canteen, Amon sat at one of the huge wooden tables. With him were the three—Julian, Ethan, and Katherine.

There were many tables for all the villagers to sit comfortably, and a counter where food was served. This routine had been going on for many years.

There were also more young people like him sitting with them.

Most of them were either human or demon. The number of elves and other races was very low.

For lunch, there was roasted rabbit meat and some unknown vegetable soup.

"What vegetable is this? Where did you guys get it?" Amon asked while eating.

It tasted much better than what he had eaten for so many days. The rabbit meat was far better compared to monster meat.

"The soup is made of watercress. It grows near the riverside. It’s edible, so don’t worry," Katherine replied while taking a sip of her soup.

Amon nodded and took a sip. "Hmm... this is good!" Amon exclaimed in surprise.

It was much better than he had thought. "Hah, this is tasty."

"Haha! It seems you really had a hard time outside," Ethan said.

"Yeah, it was..." Suddenly Amon’s tone became serious. He ran his hand through his hair in a dramatic way. "You have no idea what things I faced before coming here."

Ethan, Julian, and Katherine looked at him with growing curiosity. Others at the table also gazed at him, focusing on what he was about to say.

Amon smirked proudly. "Let me tell you guys how I came here. The challenges I faced. Be ready to hear an amazing, adventurous journey of yours truly, Amon Vale."

Like that, Amon started telling his story, trying to show off. The story was half altered by him to make himself look cooler.

This was one of the best things.Amon truly enjoyed this. As he spoke with dramatic gestures and exaggerated expressions, everyone at the table listened intently. Julian leaned forward with interest.

Ethan’s eyes shone with excitement. Katherine watched quietly, her lips curved in a faint smile, though her sharp gaze hinted she could tell he was embellishing parts.

Some of the others looked impressed. A few exchanged glances, half believing and half doubting his heroic claims.

Meanwhile, Amon sat there basking in their attention, speaking louder, stretching certain scenes, making himself the undeniable hero of every moment.

He enjoyed every second of it. The spotlight, the admiration, the way all eyes were fixed on him.

At that moment, Amon looked completely satisfied, like someone who loved hearing his own legend being born.