It was nearly evening before a troop of cavalry finally arrived at the mountain pass connecting the regions of Mihan and Karyad.
This was a great canyon, the only passage through the sprawling mountain range.
If one could not fly or did not wish to travel by sea, this was the only route from Karyad to Mihan, or from Mihan to Karyad.
Because it occupied such a strategic location, a permanent watchpost and camp had naturally been established here as early as the days when the Kingdom of Erathia ruled the land. There was also a checkpoint on the mountain road, usually guarded by anywhere from dozens to hundreds of soldiers.
In the past, aside from keeping a close watch for monsters from various evil forces that might be roaming about, this place was also responsible for inspecting passing merchants, collecting taxes, and guarding against Rogues. It could be said to be an extremely important strategic stronghold.
However, after the Kingdom of Erathia fell, this place was occupied by the infernal demons of Eeofol. The original Erathian soldiers had long since vanished, most likely either killed or scattered in flight, and so the pass naturally fell into the demons' hands.
Two days ago, on the very day Queen Catherine landed, scouting cavalry had come here and discovered that the place was occupied by demons. Since Christian had neither the intention nor the ability to attack Prince, Mihan, and Teriya for the time being, he naturally had no plans to assault this checkpoint either.
Yet tonight, when the cavalrymen ordered to retrieve Annie approached the silent watchpost camp with unease, its gates already collapsed and flames shooting into the sky from several places inside, they were astonished to discover:
The demons that had originally occupied this place—whether those powerful and terrifying