Encounter (Part 2)

"Lady Serie is someone I idolize...:::... I'm not talking to you, I'm asking that man, hey, you should know, right? I came all this way specifically for you."

Seeing the tall Demons casting an eager gaze at him, Galan clenched his fists, knowing that this matter could not be fooled, and his gaze became more solemn than ever before.

He walked up to the two women and shielded them on either side of his back.

Lia, who was initially terrified by the sudden appearance of the powerful Demons, felt a sense of security the moment she touched Galan's body. It seemed that ever since Galan first saved her, she had unconsciously developed a greater dependence on the man in front of her.

Amber felt similarly. She had only met Galan after he saved her, and although their acquaintance was brief, she had a strong affinity and trust for her mentor, especially after witnessing his handling of the two bullies in the association. Her admiration for him only deepened...

Galan already had a rough idea of the other person's identity the moment they appeared, based on previous information.

Seeing the calluses on the other person's hands, clearly from years of weapon use, confirmed both the other person's identity as a warrior and [Bloodstained War God] Rivale.

The strongest warrior among the Demons!

The Great Demons Rivale!

Should I say I'm lucky or unlucky?

He gave a bitter laugh to himself. He had just heard rumors about Rivale in the tavern not long ago, and then learned of his existence from Serie, and now he had run into him.

And judging from his words, he came specifically to find me.

Will I be able to leave this time?

After all, even Serie said she could never beat Rivale, so escaping from him seemed like a very difficult thing to do, not to mention that she had Lia and Amber with her.

With them around, his movements would be greatly restricted, making escape even more impossible.

Right now, apart from the other party being willing to let him and his group leave, he really couldn't think of any other way to escape unharmed.

It's not impossible; if Serie were here, he could ask her for help, but she's not in [Äußerst] right now.

Even if she wanted to help, she was powerless to do so.

"Our relationship... it's nothing special... did you come to me just for this?"

"You don't seem very afraid of me. Do you know who I am?"

"[Bloodstained War God] Rivale, the strongest warrior in the Demon King's Army. It would be strange if anyone didn't know your name, wouldn't it?"

That's not an exaggeration.

In this age of war, the names of powerful Demons on the Demon King's Army's side are not taboo topics among humans. On the contrary, the more dangerous Demons is, the faster its name spreads among humans.

On the one hand, it can serve as a warning, advising ordinary people to run away as quickly as possible if they hear news of its appearance.

On the other hand, it can also provide the expeditionary force with corresponding strategy ideas and improve its survival rate.

Therefore, a powerful Demons like Rivale is a well-known existence.

"You probably haven't seen me before, so how do you recognize me?"

"Didn't you let a caravan go before? News of your presence in this area has spread throughout the city, and I bet even Serie knows... But I guess the reason you let them go was because of Serie, right?"

"You're smart, but it's just superficial cleverness."

Upon hearing Galan's words, Rivale revealed a seemingly kind smile. If Galan hadn't known just how terrifyingly powerful this seemingly gentle man truly was, he would surely have been deceived by his approachable demeanor.

"Indeed, I let them go before because of the threat from Serie, but you're not trying to tell me that through this, are you?"

"I'd better not lay a hand on you, or it might attract Serie. If you really have anything to do with her, you surely know she's not in town right now."

He slightly opened his eyes, his deep, dark pupils looking down at Galan.

Although he wasn't intimidated by him, Galan could still feel a clear and tangible powerful pressure, like a mountain falling on him.

If I were even slightly weaker, I probably wouldn't have been able to withstand that pressure from him.

"Hmm, not too bad. You really are a warrior, not Mage."

"How strange, why would Serie be interested in someone who isn't qualified to be Mage?"

"You carry her strong scent; there must be some kind of connection between you, right? What is it?"

Rivale spoke at length, making no attempt to conceal his keen interest in Galan.

Faced with such a powerful Demons, a normal person would surely lose their composure and become disoriented.

But Galan didn't; he was searching for a glimmer of hope from beginning to end.

After hearing the series of questions from the other party, Galan sensed an opportunity.

He raised his head and looked at Rivale with neither servility nor arrogance:

"I'm curious too, why are you here? You know Serie is in [Äußerst], yet you still chose to come here. What is your purpose? Do you want to challenge her again? A warrior, wanting to challenge a Mage?"

It's about challenging the strongest of this era.

Answer questions with questions, and don't put yourself in a weak position in the conversation. Galan didn't answer whatever the other party asked. Since the other party came to him with questions, it means that he won't take action against him in the short term. In that case, he still has some room to maneuver.

Despite the slightly teasing tone in Galan's question, Rivale remained silent and replied with a hint of regret.

"Unfortunately, even now, I find it hard to imagine a future where I defeat Serie, so I chose to give up. But just as I was about to leave, I discovered she wasn't in the city, and then I found you, who are closely connected to her."

It's quite an interesting thing, isn't it? We two seem to have a special connection.

Who said you're destined to be with me...? This isn't interesting at all...

Galan silently complained to himself.

If I could, I would never want to meet you in my life...