The Cultist

Nearly half a month later.

Ailanka had practically become Antonio's captive.

That was an exaggeration, but to Reilo, it wasn't far from the truth.

Reilo had no idea what he and Antonio looked like in Ailanka's eyes, but from Antonio's perspective, the spiritual creatures Ailanka summoned had indeed given him fantastical inspiration for many of his research projects.

If Antonio hadn't been carrying out His Majesty the Chen King's orders on this journey, and been responsible for escorting Reilo safely back to Saint Grand Fort, he would probably have already thrown himself completely into studying the creatures Ailanka summoned, oblivious to everything else.

After nearly half a month on the road, the three finally left the Pangula Highlands and reached the edge of the duchy territories.

"Master, should we test the shielding effect here?"

They were about to enter the duchy territories, where the population was gradually growing denser. Even with Antonio standing right there, Reilo still wasn't sure whether this layer of curse-shielding skin could truly prevent his curse from spreading.

Antonio frowned slightly.

"The duchies are waging a fierce war against the ancient creatures from the Underground World. The great duchies are also united in name only, and now those ancient creatures are trying to open an even larger passage in the Pangula Highlands. We're short on time..."

Just then.

The three had only just crossed into the duchy territories when an unwelcome guest appeared.

He was a Sky Knight.

High above, a man astride a two-legged falcon spotted them and dove straight down. The gusts whipped at their robes.

"So, two esteemed mages! I'm the commander of the Parami Second Sky Knight Order. The royal family of my country is welcoming mage friends from all across the land to come to the Parami Duchy and help establish