The Old Man and the Little Girl

Returning to one month ago.

Near Gostan City, in a certain mountain forest.

Solitar sat on a fallen tree trunk, swinging her small feet leisurely.

She was waiting for someone.

Ah, no, she was waiting for a great demon lord.

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

Before long, a dull sound of footsteps echoed through the woods.

The tall, burly figure of Rivalei slowly emerged. Seeing Solitar sitting on the log, he happily raised a hand in greeting: "Hello there, little Sol."

Hearing Rivalei's voice, Solitar smiled happily, her tone light: "Ah, you're here. Grausam and I have been waiting for you for a long time."

No sooner had she finished speaking than a hidden gray figure appeared abruptly in the shadows of the nearby thicket.

The gray figure wore a hood and was completely wrapped in robes, making it impossible to discern their appearance.

Rivalei glanced at the figure before finding a large rock to sit on of his own accord.

He let out a sigh of relief and said to Solitar and the gray figure: "You two little ones really know how to order this old man around. Tell me, where do you need me to charge into battle this time?"

Although he complained, there was not a hint of reluctance in his tone; rather, he seemed somewhat excited.

Hearing this, Solitar glanced at the gray figure.

The figure made no sound, merely nodding slightly.

Solitar then explained to Rivalei on his behalf: "Grausam says that before The Omniscient Schlacht died, he foresaw several critical futures, and one of them is happening right now."

"Schlacht believed that someone would obtain something extremely valuable here, something that would cause the Demon Race to fall into a bitter struggle in the future. He hoped we could come here to intercept them."

Hearing this, Rivalei became interested. His lips parted to reveal sharp teeth, and he licked his fangs with a touch of excitement.

"So, there will be a satisfying battle here? That is truly wonderful."

"Who is that person? Is it the strongest human warrior, Ize?"

He had long yearned for this legendary strongest human warrior. In his hazy memories, he even felt as if he had crossed blades with him before; otherwise, why would his blood boil and his body tremble with involuntary excitement every time he thought of that name?

It had been far too long since he had encountered a decent opponent.

Even the famous Warrior Village was nothing more than a hollow reputation.

Thinking back on that battle which had just ended not long ago, he even felt a bit bored.

Seeing the madness in Rivalei's eyes, Solitar naturally knew what this bloodthirsty god of war was thinking again.

"The future is blurred; we cannot determine the true identity of the target."

"Oh? Interesting... Then how are we to intercept the enemy?"

At this, Solitar jumped off the tree trunk, paced slowly with her hands behind her back.

"Regarding that, Grausam and I have already scouted ahead. There are two ruins in this area that are quite concerning: one inside Gostan City, an unconquered labyrinth, and one in the eastern part of the Neck Mountains, which may be related to the dwarves."

"I believe that if a 'valuable item' is to appear, it is highly likely to be in one of these two places."

As she spoke, she glanced at the gray figure in the shade. The figure did not speak, but nodded in agreement.

She then continued: "Then we just need to reach the 'valuable item' before that mysterious person does, right?"

Hearing this, Rivalei's previously excited expression turned slightly disappointed.

Sweating on the battlefield was what he looked forward to; if it was just to retrieve some "valuable item," it would be too boring.

"Fine, you young ones always like to plan these complicated things."

"An old man like me is much simpler. I just want a hearty, exhilarating battle."

Having said that, he stood up and walked toward the depths of the mountain forest.

Solitar reminded him from behind that they would each take one side and meet back here once finished, but he did not respond, merely raising a hand and waving it casually.

After Rivalei left, Solitar walked up to the gray figure, stood with her hands behind her back, and leaned in slightly to examine the person in the shadows carefully.

But the other party was wrapped up too tightly, and she could see nothing at all.

She had no choice but to shake her head helplessly.

"I clearly remember we met just a short while ago, so why can't I suddenly recall where it was? Did you take a portion of my memories again?"

Facing Solitar's question, the gray figure remained silent.

Solitar smiled, her tone light and a bit mischievous:

"Changing your appearance, changing your form, disappearing from the eyes of humans time and time again—you are always able to escape safely and live on in peace under any circumstances."

"What form will you take this time? Is there really a need to be so mysterious?"

Facing her teasing, the gray figure ignored her, vanishing from the spot in a single blink.

Solitar shrugged, hands clasped behind her back, and walked lightly toward the edge of the woods.

She arrived at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the magnificent Gostan City ahead, a playful plan forming in her mind.

One month later.

Current timeline.

Eastern Neck Mountains, within the mountain forest.

Rivalei had chosen a group of merchants for his breakfast.

A party of eight, a mix of lean and fat, nutritionally balanced—just the flavor he preferred.

He then performed a very thorough pre-meal ritual and enjoyed himself immensely.

Of course, cleaning up afterward was his least favorite chore, so he discarded those bothersome carriages and began his work for the day—

Following the map provided by Solitar to continue searching for that legendary ruin.

"Is it related to the dwarves?"

It was, at the very least, a tiny bit of fun in the midst of his boredom.

Although he couldn't have a real battle, getting to see the Steel Civilization that once dominated the human world would make the trip worthwhile.

As he walked, he suddenly sensed a Mana Detection coming from behind him.

Oh?

A powerful mage had appeared nearby.

Thinking this, he flexed his wrists, baring his teeth in a silent grin; hadn't things just become interesting?

Hmm, and a warrior... how weak.

No, wait, how did they get stronger?

Hm?

And weaker again...

Interesting, interesting.

Thinking this, he glanced back over his shoulder, and upon confirming that the party was indeed heading in his direction, he flew toward the rocks in the distance, concealing his presence entirely.

He certainly didn't want to scare off these "opponents" who had stumbled upon him so conveniently.

He would have to play with them properly...