Upon hearing the word "Ocelomeh," 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 America, the word meant "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, fearsome spirits that dwelled in the deep jungle.
"Ocelomeh..."
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 immediately understood Shiomi's intention and answered at once.
"Those warriors are the Ocelomeh. 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 Ocelomeh. Some were captured and died from their injuries. Others were poisoned, losing their intellect and becoming savage. In any case, wild Deinos like me have become quite rare."
"Hmph..." Shiomi let out an irritated murmur. "Why would the Ocelomeh 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 Ocelomeh hide it from them and conduct their dealings cleverly."
Both a violent organization and a trade network. That was the Ocelomeh.
"Sounds a lot like... North American 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 Ocelomeh pay for what they've done. Especially their captain, Izcalli."
Hearing that vow, Tepeu showed a somewhat helpless smile.
"No, no. While the Ocelomeh 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 meant 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 merely 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.
Meeting 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 some 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 fundamentally different from the humans of Proper Human History. Human values simply didn't apply.
"I'd like to treasure the bond we've formed. If you don't mind, allow me to guide you on your journey through Mictlan," Tepeu said eagerly.
Shiomi and the others were somewhat 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 immediately understood.
"You must be referring to the First Netherworld, Tlatlauqui. Recently it's become difficult to pass through. It seems someone 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 become like that?" Aesc asked.
"Probably around the same time the Ocelomeh started becoming active," Tepeu thought for a moment before replying. "Also, if you need food, I remember 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 time, however, he simply lived alone here, devoting himself to stargazing.
So under Tepeu's guidance, Shiomi's group traveled several kilometers from the cave to a cornfield that lay very close to the First Netherworld.
The corn grew exceptionally well. Each stalk stood nearly two meters 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 some 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 Ocelomeh, 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 former is enjoyable too, since you're here."
"You carried me on your back the entire way," Shiomi laughed. "Even when it wasn't necessary, you all insisted on giving me 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 treatment 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 came from downstream along the river.
Shiomi was the first to look over.
In the darkness, he saw Aesc's figure slowly approaching.
"Hm?"
Something felt strange.
He had just come from the camp. Aesc should have been upstream.