Tiefling (4)

The Giant Evil Snowman also sensed the danger of the attack. It quickly gathered strength, dense ice pellets forming deep in its throat, and the Tiefling Paladin felt bone-chilling cold rushing at him.

"Freezing Breath!"

But Mezhuolash still charged into the biting wind, gripping his sword in both hands and bringing it down in a vicious slash.

The Giant Evil Snowman tilted its head, and the longsword struck the curled horns on either side of its skull, slowly cutting into them. But the yeti used its immense strength to hold back the blade, violently shaking its horns from side to side and making it difficult for Mezhuolash to focus his strength.

Guardian Light flickered around Mezhuolash, barely fending off the invading cold.

Blood continued to pour from the Giant Evil Snowman's severed arm as Mezhuolash's body gradually froze. This was their final struggle for life.

For a time, neither side could gain the upper hand. Both wanted the other dead.

Then, a sudden change occurred.

"Boom!"

Several blazing fireballs struck the Giant Evil Snowman's back, scorching large patches of its fur black and making it stagger.

The power of the flames even penetrated its flesh, roasting its cold-blooded body.

The weakened Giant Evil Snowman let out a pained howl. Instinctively loosening its grip, it flung the Tiefling aside.

It abruptly turned around and pounded its chest, intending to intimidate the despicable ambusher.

But all it saw was fire that seemed to scorch the heavens and melt the earth.

"Maximized Fire Breath!"

In an instant, the snow was vaporized, and wisps of White Smoke rose from the exposed ground.

The Giant Evil Snowman, which had been so imposing moments ago, was still standing there. Yet its entire body had been charred into a blurry black mass, giving off the stench of burnt flesh.

As the Cold Wind blew lightly past, the ruined body toppled stiffly over, collapsing into a pile of fine ashes that were soon swept into the sky by the wind.

"Tsk, tsk. A monster weak to fire."

Keosius folded his Wings and landed on the ground, his feet landing squarely on the smoldering remains.

Information refreshed on his panel.

[You killed Giant Evil Snowman (Challenge Rating 9), gained 5000 XP]
[Your level has increased to Level 6]

Stealing the kill felt that good. A powerful Level 9 monster had been taken down in a single strike.

As the Giant Evil Snowman turned to ash, the other yetis scattered in all directions, fleeing back into the snow-covered mountains.

Though the yetis had fled, the Tieflings remained deeply tense.

Because an even stronger and more unpredictable Red Dragon had arrived.

Although it had helped them kill the Giant Evil Snowman, no one knew whether this dragon that had suddenly intruded was friend or foe. Worse still, it was a Red Dragon, renowned for evil and brutality.

The Tiefling fighters stood guard with sword and shield in hand, nervously watching the Red Dragon slowly approach. Yet no one dared provoke it.

Supporting himself with his longsword, Mezhuolash struggled to rise from the snow.

He tried to remain calm as he watched the Red Dragon before him—a massive body eight or nine meters long, muscles knotted and exceptionally robust, its surface covered in bright scales with a metallic sheen. Scorching breath carrying a Sulfur Scent spilled from its mouth, as though a volcano lay hidden within its body.

A powerful Red Dragon could not be confronted head-on.

That was his final judgment.

Red Dragons had always been known for their brutality. Any offense might enrage one and cause it to bury everything in flames.

The most famous Red Dragon in the Storm Highlands recently was Flying Flame, the one that had massacred the Eagle Guards.

And the enemy of one's enemy was a friend.

With that thought, he ordered, "Put down your weapons."

Though reluctant, the Tiefling fighters obeyed and dropped their weapons.

Mezhuolash sheathed his longsword at his waist and bowed with difficulty.

"Honorable Lord Flying Flame, thank you for helping us deal with our enemy. Once we are settled, we will offer you sufficient compensation as a gesture of our sincerity."

"May I ask... why have you come here?"

Keosius watched the Tiefling before him. Rather than answer directly, he said with a hint of amusement, "You are the leader of the Tiefling Rebel Army?"

"The legendary devilspawn, the child of hell who eats three humans every meal?"

Mezhuolash's expression did not change. He merely replied in an even tone,

"That is only slander from the Rackman Dynasty. I believe you understand better than I do the arrogance and rudeness of those bloodsucking vermin. The Rackman Dynasty has always been like this—just as they invaded your territory without restraint."

Keosius looked down at the Tiefling and said, "A fine speech. But words and this laughable little army of yours will not get you through Anzeta's winter."

Mezhuolash respectfully replied, "You foresaw that, which is why you came, isn't it?"

Keosius lightly shook his head. "To be honest, you are insignificant to me. You alone have a little value. The remaining Tieflings may not even be worth a chest of Silver Coins."

Mezhuolash said solemnly, "But I will fight to the death for them and give my life."

Keosius narrowed his eyes slightly. "I can help you Contend Against the Rackman Dynasty's army."

"But you are already their enemy. This has nothing to do with the Tieflings."

Keosius gave a disdainful laugh and shook his head.

"But that does not stop me from deciding whether you live or die. If I make peace with the Rackman Dynasty, report your location to them, and grant them military passage through my territory, what do you think will happen next?"

"To be frank, you have no capital to negotiate with me."

He continued, "Think about it. My Ember Nest can also accommodate Tieflings."

"I can provide you with shelter and help you survive the bitter cold, even... protect you from the Eagle Guards' pursuit."

Faced with this tempting proposal, Mezhuolash's breathing quickened slightly.

The light of his ideals had long since gone out. Now, his only wish was to preserve his people.

And this opportunity was right before him.

The Tiefling hesitated for a moment before slowly speaking. "Then, my lord..."

"What is the price?"

This Tiefling Paladin, who had endured hardship from a young age, knew that everything came at a price. There had never been a free lunch in this world—only hatred that came knocking for no reason.

Keosius leaned slightly closer to the Tiefling, his words like a demon's whisper. "North Wind Fortress."

"I want you to become my retainers and help me seize it all."

Mezhuolash raised his head slightly and found that Hellfire seemed to burn within the Red Dragon's golden pupils.

He had once yearned for light and redemption, walking the path of mercy and justice. Even after breaking his oath, he had still habitually followed the rules of the Oath of Redemption, doing his best to preserve his nature.

But now, for survival—for the simplest act of staying alive—he had to make this choice.

To become the retainer of an evil dragon and seize a city for him.

"Yes, Master."

"The Tiefling tribe is willing to obey your will."

Mezhuolash, the Paladin who had once sworn to kneel only before the gods, bent his knees and knelt.

The reading conversion rate has hit a new low. This book is about to die.

I want to change the title. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm begging you.