Strong Stance

A short while later, a rather old parchment map was brought out of Demps's dorm room.

"I got this map from Hera... After all, maps are prohibited from circulating within the Holy City, and only special departments or a very few individuals with permission can exhibit them."

As for the reasons, there's no need to elaborate.

This map was replaced from the library's cartography room because it was outdated, and I got it back. It's about fifteen years old now.

Although some land ownership on the map has changed, the overall picture remains the same.

Please don't spread this [map] around... otherwise I might get arrested and imprisoned.

This is a relatively small map (300km x 300km) centered on the Holy City.

When the map is fully unfolded.

The Holy City is located in the center of the map, occupying approximately 1/10 of the area.

The lush Gayn Forest in the surrounding area occupies one-third of the map area.

The Adalaga Mountains are located in the northern part of the map, with their foothills about 113 kilometers from the Holy City... This is even further than the mountainous area where Abel is lingering, which is close to the edge of the map.

One thing to note is that, in addition to drawing basic thumbnails of woodlands, canyons, and mountains, the map also uses a very conspicuous bright black dividing line to delineate some special areas.

This includes the Stuart Grand Manor.

Because this map is an older version, the regional affiliations have not yet been changed.

The manor area was marked with a distorted white font, which was the abbreviation [MO] that Han Dong was familiar with.

"The areas marked in special way are the king's territory, and each is accompanied by a 'land deed'... For example, the Stuart Manor we went to during our last training camp."

And the Adalaga Mountains, which Captain Abel was heading to, also included parts of 'the King's territory.'

The Adalaga Mountains are shown on the map, with a small area marked by a black line and the area inside marked with the bright red abbreviation "CH. F."

It is clearly an abbreviation of the name of a former king.

"The fact that 'land deeds' are involved indicates that there must be a hidden group of evil and Wild Monster in the Adalaga Mountains, directly controlled by a certain king."

Captain Abel, your target is very likely the guardian of the land deeds.

Of course, if you, Captain, are escorted by the Behemoth Knight Order throughout the entire journey, with the Knight Order clearing all obstacles for you... then you only need to fight this otherworldly demon.

"Hmm... My grandfather gave me some information about it. Once I'm ready, the Knight Order will escort me there."

Abel's words clearly lacked confidence.

At this moment, Han Dong was carefully examining the map, suddenly said:

"It's a bit strange... Just at this time, a new [Otherworldly Demon] with attributes matching Abel has appeared around the Holy City."

Han Dong found it hard to believe that such a coincidence could happen.

Of course, such suspicions are based on the premise that "there are problems with the Association President ' Association".

Moreover, Han Dong had long ago ordered the Crowman Tribe to conduct a comprehensive search of the Gayn Forest. Currently, they have obtained three pieces of information about the alien demons, none of which are related to their own abilities.

Each Otherworldly being is unique, and it is very difficult to find a newly born Otherworldly being that happens to match one's own attributes.

"It is indeed a bit of a coincidence." Demps agreed with Han Dong's opinion.

Han Dong was about to suggest that everyone go to the Mysticism Department, since this matter involved the deliberate Association President, Mr. Black and White would naturally be paying attention... If Mr. Black and White said there was no problem, then Han Dong and the others wouldn't need to worry too much.

Just then.

A crow flew in through the window.

It appeared out of thin air as Mr. Black and White.

Upon seeing this, the three immediately bowed their heads and addressed him respectfully... They were also quite surprised that Mr. Black and White would come here in person.

"Hera is willing to take the risk to give you the map; it seems she values you highly."

"Ha ha..."

Demps gave an awkward smile; he had also spent a lot of "finger effort" to get it.

"It's settled then. You two will assist Abel Raine in his journey to Mount Allagade."

"Huh?" The three of them didn't quite understand.

"As you suspect, there are problems with this matter, but it is also a rare opportunity... and only the three of you are capable of handling it properly."

"Sir, what are you planning to do!?"

With a wave of his hand, Mr. Black and White created a shadowy barrier that completely sealed off Demps's bedroom to prevent eavesdroppers from overhearing.

"Since others are offering things to lure Abel into their scheme... then let them deliberately enter the game, but the three of you will act together."

After receiving a "gift" from someone, take this opportunity to dig deeper and uncover the true identity of the gift giver.

Your 'weakness' can lull the mastermind into a false sense of security.

If you can uncover the mole hidden within the Writers Association ' Association, I assure you as a prophet.

Even if you don't receive the Holy City's reward due to special circumstances, you can still have my fortune-telling done for you once a year for free.

Mr. Black and White used rather vague language, Abel was somewhat confused because he was not very clear about some of the issues of the Writers' Association... But Han Dong and Demps were naturally well aware of the risks involved.

Mr. Black and White continued, "The guys in the Writers' Association naturally wouldn't dare leave the Holy City even a step. What you need to do is follow normal procedures, accompany Abel to Adelaga Mountain, and deal with the nascent alien demons in the information."

Unexpected situations may arise during this process, requiring you to be adaptable and try to find out who is behind all of this.

Even the smallest clue is a success.

Moreover, you will also gain something from this process.

"Mr. Black and White... what exactly is up on the mountain?" Demps never did anything without being sure of the outcome, and if something was too dangerous, he would refuse decisively.

"The area covered by the 'land deed' cannot be fully seen by my astrology."

However, I can see that the three of you will undergo significant 'changes' because of this incident... If you can do your best, the Holy City's line of preference will also shift because of you."

Because the event was so sudden, many details were impossible to consider, and the level of danger could not be assessed, leaving Demps somewhat undecided.

"This... I need to ask Teacher Hera what she thinks."

Just then.

Mr. Black and White suddenly took off his mask.

Gaga~

Countless crows flew out from under the mask.

The current student dormitory will be directly changed into a "Burial Ground".

At the same time, Abel was blocked.

Demps was sweating profusely as he stared at Mr. Black and White's face, which was shrouded in endless darkness.

"The protection I received was not free."

Prove your Chivalric spirit, prove your determination to fight for human freedom.

This is used for equivalent exchange.

Besides, the Writers' Association values the two of you highly. If this huge hidden danger cannot be eliminated, you will both get into trouble sooner or later.

Overwhelmed by fear and pressure, Demps did not hesitate and immediately knelt down on one knee.

"I will do my best to accomplish this task."

Han Dong, who was standing to the side, was also somewhat surprised. It was the first time he had seen Mr. Black and White's attitude so firm. It seemed that he had already decided that the three of them should cooperate, and it seemed that only the cooperation of the three of them could handle this matter.