Secret Stronghold

Punk, using Mage Hand, held the Archer Girl, who was "tied up," avoiding the scorched meat chunks and shattered stones on the ground. He walked back behind the stone wall they had used as a "resting spot" earlier. The other dire wolf and Mainesi were waiting there.

"Bang!"

Punk threw the girl onto the ground, then performed a formal salute to Mainesi and said, "Respected Lord Mainesi, do you require this enemy's vitality for recovery?"

Although Punk kept his head down, his senses were at their maximum, and his entire being was in a state of alert, like a taut bowstring. This was another test of Mainesi by Punk. If Mainesi could indeed absorb others' vitality for rapid recovery, Punk would have to seriously consider whether to take the huge risk of ambushing this half-crippled Formal Mage after entering the secret passage. This was because being in the presence of a Mage with the ability to absorb life force for extended periods was like putting one's head in a lion's mouth to sleep – dangerous and insane! Punk absolutely could not accept such a perilous situation!

Mainesi completely ignored the girl on the ground, who was showing signs of waking up. He stared deeply at Punk with an inexplicable gaze, as if Punk were some incomprehensible monster that needed to be seen through as quickly as possible.

After a long while, Mainesi finally opened his mouth and said in a hoarse voice, "My cultivation direction for Life Element is 'creation,' not 'acquisition.' Her vitality is meaningless to me."

"I see, it was my mistake."

Punk gave a "respectful" reply. Although he didn't fully believe Mainesi's words, at least for now, they could continue to cooperate. He calmly raised his head and, with a single motion, lifted the girl who had already woken up.

The Archer Girl was lifted into the air by Punk. Realizing something bad was about to happen, she began to futilely try to break free from the vines binding her, cursing and swearing, "Pervert, let me down, you're going to die a horrible death..."

However, neither Punk nor Mainesi paid any attention to the "delicate" girl. Punk walked to the edge of the stone wall and yanked the Ruby Necklace from the girl's neck. Due to the rough movement, a bruised ligature mark immediately appeared on the girl's fair neck. Simultaneously, with a few low incantations, a pale purple Mage Hand appeared in front of the girl's head...

Punk completely ignored the tearful, pleading gaze of the Archer Girl and unhesitatingly controlled the Mage Hand to exert force...

"Slish..."

Large gouts of blood stained the entire stone wall a dark red. Then, with a casual kick, a round object bounced twice on the ground before disappearing into a crack in the ruins...

"We need to hurry, the inn is just ahead!"

Mainesi watched indifferently as Punk put the Divine Spell Necklace into his mage robe's pocket and reminded him unhurriedly.

"Yes, Lord Mainesi."

Mainesi's secret stronghold was actually hidden in the inn's cellar. What was originally a cellar just large enough to hold a few sacks of potatoes had now been magically expanded to the size of a basketball court.

Entering the dark and oppressive cellar, Punk noticed that the walls were carved with many magic runes, which seemed to have a good reinforcing effect. He had to admit that Formal Mages were truly extravagant. This kind of semi-permanent Enchantment could cover such a large area. Although the enchanted house looked simple, its sturdiness was far superior to those gaudy and impractical luxurious castles. However... the lighting here was somewhat... unbearable. Only two pathetic Dancing Light Spells were stuck to the ceiling as illumination tools, which made the entire cellar feel exceptionally like a "secret stronghold."

The ones who greeted Mainesi and Punk were the Alchemy Golem responsible for reception at the Mage Guild. After some time apart, the little guy had become even more dull-witted. While doing some cleaning, it froze for a good while upon seeing Punk enter the cellar, then let out a rather mischievous, duck-like voice, shouting loudly, "Someone's here! Someone's here!"

Fortunately, the soldiers' reaction speed was quite fast. Soon, two Apprentice Level Warriors ran to the entrance, gripping their weapons and shields, "welcoming them with open arms." However, after seeing Mainesi, their initially imposing demeanor turned to joy, which was then immediately replaced by shock at Mainesi's "shocking" wounds.

Mainesi, who had just cast a Levitation Spell on himself, clearly looked displeased seeing his soldiers' "disheveled" appearance. This made Punk inwardly complain, did he not consider how terrifying it would be to have half of his body floating in the air like a ghost?

However, the soldiers wouldn't fail to recognize their superior officer just because Mainesi was missing half his body. Thus, upon learning that Mainesi had returned, all the remaining loyal elites gathered in a room that could barely be called a living room. Her Highness the Princess, with tears streaming down her face, hugged Mainesi tightly, unwilling to let go, as if she were a small kitten afraid of being abandoned, completely unlike her heroic and spirited demeanor during her speech in the plaza.

Watching the Princess cry profusely while hugging Mainesi, and the surrounding warriors secretly wiping away tears, Punk could only wish they could quickly open the secret passage and escape. Crying would be fine later, once they were outside. But seeing the old Mage beside him crying like a child, Punk silently decided to remain silent.

"Sir, you..."

The Princess tried to stop the "half-remaining" Mainesi from getting up, but Mainesi, wanting to interrupt this "feast of sorrow," gently pushed away the Princess's arm.

"Soldiers..." Mainesi scanned the few remaining soldiers with eyes burning with fighting spirit.

"... this battle, we have failed, but! Our Her Highness the Princess is still here, the spirit of our Kingdom of Kamos is still here! And you—you are still here!"

Mainesi's words were powerful and resonant.

"Are you willing to follow Her Highness with me until the end of our lives?"

"We are willing!!!"

All the soldiers stood at attention in unison, with the greatest strength, the most powerful voices, and the most standard posture, they performed the most standard military salute representing loyalty. The old Mage beside Punk even shouted until his voice was hoarse.

"Good... you are all good. Now! We will leave Konola City first. Sooner or later! We will return! Return here! Return to Konola City! Return to reclaim our glory!"

Due to the urgency of time, even Mainesi could only give a brief rally. After delivering this "Chicken Soup for the Soul," amidst the deafening roars of the soldiers, Mainesi skillfully manipulated the Levitation Spell to carry himself. The soldiers consciously made way, and he, filled with calmness and confidence, slowly approached a seemingly inconspicuous wall.

Then... there was no brilliant radiance, no rumbling thunder, only a dark, silent opening that appeared on the wall. Most importantly... including Punk, who possessed the System, no one could detect even the slightest magical sign or trace of spellcasting, as if the opening had instantly appeared there!

Even as he walked into the opening, following behind the impassioned soldiers, Punk still deeply feared Mainesi's methods. Formal Level powerhouses were indeed Formal Level powerhouses; even in an awkward, near-death state, they were not to be underestimated!

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