Hope of Survival

Before we knew it, Riven had arrived in front of us. Needless to say, she certainly wouldn't have had a proper rest while I was on such a dangerous mission.

She was carrying a greatsword on her back and holding Gale in her hand; it seemed she was on her way to support me, but we unexpectedly met halfway.

Mona glanced at Riven and gave her a strange smile, "Dark-skinned and not pretty at all. I thought Great City of Demacia loved beautiful women, but it seems you're not like that."

Riven was a little angry when she heard this. "I can easily cut off your head!"

"That fierce look isn't good."

"Then what do you suggest I do?"

"Alright, Riven, she's not an enemy. Look at her appearance." I quickly stopped the two of them.

Riven looked her up and down. "Charming Women?"

"Yes, she's not only Charming Women, she's also Tiana's daughter."

"Oh? Where did you find her?"

"It's probably just a coincidence. Let's go back and talk about it. She has the information we need, which might be more useful than kidnapping Bernie."

It was already past midnight when we got back to camp. Everyone was still awake, and they were all relieved to see me return safely.

I gave a brief account of the operation, and everyone's attention turned to Mona, eager to hear her reveal Uncle Wolf's weaknesses.

"Don't look at me like that, it makes me feel awkward."

"Then hurry up and tell Uncle Wolf's weaknesses, we're all waiting!" Olaf impatiently.

"Alright, looks like you're going to eat me alive if I don't tell you soon. Actually, I don't know what his weakness is either. Bernie just told me that his power comes from Zaun, and then chaos broke out outside."

"Sigh, what a disappointment." Jeram sighed, but I actually found this information very useful:

"Since his abilities originate from Zaun, we can definitely find a way to fight werewolves there. If we manage to escape, we can go and investigate."

"Yes, that's true. Knowing the source is useful information!"

Now the question is back to square one: how do we withstand the offensive of Avarosa's army?

Then Mona said again, "If you just want to escape, I have a way."

Please advise.

"I learned from Bernie that they're not doing well right now..."

Under the relentless attacks from Demacia and Noxus, Avarosa had decided to adopt a defensive strategy.

Although they have abundant supplies, they still need to store more food in preparation for a protracted battle.

Two days later, Bernie will send more than half of his men north from here to plunder, bringing back all the usable equipment and food to Avarosa.

The round trip would take about a week, which would be the time when their camp was most vulnerable. If an attack were launched during that period, it would be highly likely to succeed!

However, they will launch another attack before setting off to demonstrate their strength and intimidate the people here. So, if we can withstand tomorrow's attack, we will have a chance to escape.

Everyone was excited to hear the news. Although tomorrow will be a tough battle, there is hope for survival if they persevere.

"Thank you for bringing the news. We berserkers will never forget your kindness." Jeram took a step closer to Mona, wanting to take her hand, but then pulled back.

"I don't like formalities. If you really want to thank me, send a few strong warriors to serve me."

"This..." Jeram hesitated, seemingly lost in thought.

"How stingy! He won't even grant this small request, and he still says thank you."

"I promise you, a few soldiers won't do. We need manpower right now, so I'll do it myself!"

"Haha, you're quite interesting too, trying to hog everything? Since manpower is important right now, I won't waste your energy. I'm leaving now."

"Where are you going?" Mona just said she wasn't going back, but now she's leaving again. This isn't safe.

"I'm going back to Bernie. You've already promised him you'd let me go, so I won't be suspected if I go back now. I might even get some useful information."

"What if we get suspected? You'd better stay here."

"There aren't that many 'what ifs' around. I've survived all these years safely, nothing will happen. But just to be on the safe side, I'll pretend for a while."

As she spoke, Mona found some branches, took off the coat I had given her, and made many cuts on her body, just like the cuts she had made while fleeing for her life. It was heartbreaking to see.

She didn't care at all; despite the blood streaming down her face, she remained unfazed. Finally Jeram pulled her back. "That's enough. Even if they were real enemies, we wouldn't treat a woman like this."

"Let me go, big guy, I'm leaving."

Jeram reluctantly let go of his hand. "My name is Jeram. Take care. We'll definitely come to Avarosa to rescue you once we break through the encirclement!"

"Haha, I'm doing this for Demacia, don't flatter yourself."

Mona chuckled softly as usual, then left, naked, her fair skin stained with blood.

She went up and down the mountain that night, even scratching herself. When she got back, she would definitely look disheveled, and Bernie wouldn't suspect anything.

Such a sacrifice moved us all deeply. Although she said it was for Demacia, the fact remains that we are the biggest beneficiaries.

After Mona left, Olaf patted Jeram on the shoulder. "Stop looking, she's gone. Have you fallen for that woman?"

"Don't talk nonsense, I'm just grateful for what she's done for us!"

"Ha, you can fool others, but can you fool your own brother? You've always been like this since you were little, your eyes light up whenever you see something you like."

Jeram shook off Olaf's hand and went back to his tent to rest, after which everyone dispersed.

Actually, I could tell that Jeram had feelings for Mona, but there was one thing I didn't say: Mona, as Garen's aunt, was at least in her fifties or sixties.

Although fifty or sixty years old is nothing in this world, it's different for me. In my mind, that age is already considered middle-aged or elderly.

Back in the tent, Riven said to me, "I should have apologized to her."

"Why don't you just tell her next time you see her?"

"But when I saw the way she glanced at you, I didn't want to apologize."

"... She's Charming Women; she sees everyone that way. Don't overthink it."

I suspect Riven was quite unhappy from the start when she saw me bring back a beautiful woman, especially after Mona teased her upon their first meeting. However, Mona's efforts inevitably made her feel ashamed.

The fog grew thicker and thicker, a sign that the cold Freljord was beginning to warm up.

As nature comes back to life, the soldiers' hearts are also stirred. Everyone is ready to face tomorrow's battle!