Back in the treehouse, after dragging the sleeping, Dimwitted Dragon back into the room to warm it up for the two of them, Gorth began sorting through the gifts.
By categorizing and arranging food and items, the originally cluttered walls now appear somewhat harmonious.
Nodding in satisfaction, Gorth transformed the wall into a U-shape, with a snowman in the very center, its branches stuck in the ground.
Seeing the crooked horns, he couldn't help but reach out and straighten them.
"..."
Silently, Gorth reinserted the fallen, withered branch and, having nothing else to do, began to let his thoughts wander.
Speaking of which... how are Patriots doing now?
"I am fine!"
Boom--!
"Damn it! What kind of monster is that!?"
While everyone in the Black Forest slept soundly, a fierce battle was raging on the frigid snowfields.
No, it wouldn't exactly be described as intense.
The shells fired from the watchtower flew toward the ever-advancing behemoth, and the Patriot, wielding his spear, intercepted the shells mid-air with the mere wind pressure he generated.
"Call..."
Looking at the watchtower in the mine ahead, Patriot exhaled a puff of white breath.
Vines spread from the jet-black armor and took root in the ground, accompanied by constantly glowing red patterns, making the armor move rhythmically as if it were alive.
The Cannibalism Ritual is initiated, but the target is not the human, but the living armor on the body.
The Patriot's entire body blazed crimson, the magical light spreading to his very edge.
Bend your arm, step forward, and throw the spear.
A crimson meteor streaked across the sky, leaving only fragments of the towering building.
"Marching!"
As the military order was given, the Shieldguards slowly advanced.
The steel torrent crushed the wreckage before it and stormed into the mine through the breached gate.
The mine's guards had lost their will to fight; the dark Wendigo in the snowfield had already breached their psychological defenses.
"That's really strong!"
From the Shieldguards's side, the Yeti Squadron watched Patriot wreak havoc and couldn't help but sigh in amazement.
"At least the Patriot used to use a shield, but now he doesn't even bother to pretend anymore."
"A shield is nowhere near as effective as that armor."
Big Bear immediately refuted this, which was met with unanimous agreement from the other team members.
"Yes, this is the first time I've known that armor can attack on its own."
Watching the branches swaying on Patriot's body, Yeti A couldn't help but complain.
"It's just that it looks a bit scary."
"Isn't Patriot already scary-looking?"
Yeti B continued, turning its gaze back to the battlefield, and asked with some confusion:
"Speaking of which, don't you guys feel like Patriot has grown up a bit?"
Seeing the way his companions were looking at him like he was an idiot, Yeti B was speechless.
"I'm serious! Haven't you noticed that Patriot has grown taller?"
"You've definitely grown taller."
"Boss!"
Nodding to the Yetis, FrostNova watched Patriot's retreating figure and reaffirmed her agreement.
"Ever since the Old Stubborn One started using the Cannibalism Ritual, his body has begun to recover."
"Recover?"
The yetis looked at each other in bewilderment. So, their previous appearance was actually a state of weakness?
Seeing the Yetis's confusion, FrostNova nodded affirmatively.
"For some reason, the Old Stubborn One has always refused to use Cannibalism Rituals on a large scale, but now that he has that armor, things are much better."
The energy is absorbed from the Daichi through the Spreading Branches, and then fed back to the Patriot through the Cannibalism Ritual.
Others might not know, but FrostNova, who interacts with Patriots every day, certainly does.
The body beneath Patriot's armor is now far more robust than before.
"Let's go, it's our turn."
Watching the flames burning in the mine, FrostNova activated Originium Arts.
A biting wind howled, and black ice spikes rose from the Daichi as the Yeti Squadron advanced from the other side.
In the chaotic mine, two guards ran hand in hand, never letting go even with the terrifying Wendigo right behind them.
They must be very good friends!
"[Ursus curse!] Let go! I told you to let go, you bastard!!"
"Don't abandon me! Save me, aren't we friends!?"
The guard behind him pleaded, yet clung tightly to his companion's arm.
"Who says I'm your friend! You traitorous bastard!"
The guard, his face contorted in rage as he was being held by the arm, hadn't even had a chance to break free before his companion was smashed to pieces on the ground.
Looking at the hand still hanging on his arm, the guard stiffly looked up.
"Please, please spare me..."
Patriots raise their halberds.
"When you beg for mercy, do you ever think of... the civilians you tortured to death?"
"I..."
Pfft--
A bewildered corpse lay on the ground, and Aiguo looked up at another spot.
"Don't come any closer! If you do, I'll kill this lowly commoner!"
A well-dressed sheriff, holding an Infected hostage, stared in terror at the tall figure not far away.
The Patriot remained silent, simply gazing intently.
"I told you to get lost!"
The sheriff, his face contorted with rage, brought the blade toward the hostage's neck, but froze in the next instant.
"Call..."
FrostNova, exhaling white breath, walked past the ice sculpture, hands on her hips, looking at the Patriot in front of her.
"Dad, why are you wasting your breath talking to him?"
"I'm waiting for you."
Patriot reached out to pick up FrostNova, but she dodged him with a series of jumps and leaps.
"Enough! Don't do this in front of so many people!"
FrostNova was somewhat embarrassed and annoyed. Ever since Patriot was able to touch her, he would pick her up almost whenever he had nothing else to do.
It's fine in front of acquaintances, but in front of many strangers in the mine...
"I'm not a child anymore!"
Patriot froze, Shieldguards behind him suppressed their laughter, feeling a pang of emotion.
Looking at the Patriots in front of them, they felt as if they had returned to the past.
Has the invincible Patriot returned?
No... it's stronger than that.
The Shieldguards stood tall and followed Patriot's instructions to rescue the remaining Infected.
Soon after, the Infected who were working in the mine were told, with bewildered expressions, that they were free.
Only when they emerged from the mine, the cold wind brushing their cheeks, and the starry sky coming into view, did the Infected finally burst into tears and shout.
But some people didn't react at all; those with numb expressions had already accepted reality.
Even if we are saved, so what?
Even though they were treated like animals in the mines, at least they were able to survive.
But what about outside?
The cold wind blew through the thin clothes of the Infected, and many silently retreated back into the mine.
They had already given up on the future...
But some have not given up.
"Thank you for your help! Is there anything I can do for you?"
Looking into the burning gaze of the Infected before them, Patriot and the others were reminded of the fiery girl they had encountered in the Black Forest.
"Live on."
Patriot replied in a deep voice, and after instructing the Shieldguards to leave behind sufficient supplies, some of the more conscientious Infected were taken away by them.
The Shieldguards remained silent; they were soldiers, warriors.
Following them on their march would likely be even more painful for these untrained Infected.
Suppressed sobs came from behind, and Patriot stopped in his tracks.
"Go... over there."
The Patriot points into the distance, towards the direction of the forest.
"Keep going until you find the Black Forest."
"Do not disturb the owner there."
"A white-haired girl who can wield fire."
She will help you.
After speaking at length, Patriot was a little out of breath.
FrostNova offered the potion (given by Gorth), but was refused by shaking her head.
The Guerrillas advanced again, leaving the Infected behind to watch them silently as they went.
After an unknown amount of time, one of the Infected picked up some of the supplies.
"I want to go take a look..."
"You'll freeze to death."
"I guess so."
Ignoring his companion's warnings, the Infected stepped forward and walked towards the snowfield.
"Etc!"
The Infected stopped in their tracks as their companions behind them shouted.
"I'll go with you."
Is anyone else here?
A few more Infected stood up, picked up some of the meager supplies, and walked out amidst the numb gazes of the remaining people.
What awaits them?
Will we die?
"A 50% probability."
"Where's your other half?"
The Infected looked in the direction the Guerrillas had gone.
"A New Future."
"Dad, do you want them to go find Talulah?"
FrostNova approached Patriot, somewhat puzzled.
"What can she do? It's better to talk to Uncle Gorth than her."
"..."
Patriots certainly know this, and given that compatriot's character, he probably wouldn't refuse these Infected.
But...
"He... shouldn't have gotten involved."
Patriot looked at his daughter sternly. FrostNova understood his meaning, and her ears twitched in annoyance.
"But Uncle Gorth will attract attention sooner or later; it would be strange if he hadn't."
Patriots remained silent.
Yes, how could such a vast Black Forest not attract attention?
There's been no movement for so long; either the higher-ups aren't paying attention, or they're brewing something big.
"Call..."
Recalling what FrostNova had told him, and the ideals spoken by that fellow countryman, Patriot felt somewhat lost.
After their strength was restored, the pace of liberating the mines did indeed accelerate.
The more Infected he could save, the more he understood the inadequacy of this method.
Talulah... I heard she's been taken in as a student by her compatriots.
Can she be a new hope?
Can her flames... withstand the chilling winds of Ursus?
"Hiss..."
"!!!"
The sound of a venomous snake's breath rose silently, the Patriots assumed a fighting stance, and the entire army instantly went on high alert.
"... call"
The moonlight was swallowed up, and black snowflakes fell from the sky.
All light and brightness vanished, and the people were plunged into darkness even deeper than the night.
"Hiss..."
The monstrous breathing filled their ears, constantly stimulating their hearts.
FrostNova's breathing was somewhat rapid, and her face looked unwell.
Boom--!
The Patriot slammed his rifle butt into the ground, the violent explosion echoing across the snowfield.
"Get out here!"
"... Hiss, salutes to you, Captain."
From the darkness, a figure clad in a black protective suit emerged.
The strange noises came from the tubes and breathing mask covering his body, the bright red light emanating from the small holes in his eyes, and the unclean blackness around his body testified to his identity.
"Internal Guard..."
[The Internal Guard, also known as the Emperor's Blades, is an elite unit of Ursus. They seal Demons within their bodies to wield the power of supernatural beings.]
"Exactly."
Another voice rang out, and a group of Internal Guards emerged from the darkness.
"Five Internal Guard... what brings you here?"
Patriot stared silently at the Internal Guards in front of him, his voice completely flat.
"Hiss... As the intelligence indicated, you have indeed recovered to your peak condition."
The Internal Guard did not answer, observing the Patriot's body.
"Hiss... it brings back memories."
The Internal Guards looked up and stared directly at the enormous thing in front of him.
"Buldrokkas'tee, for whom does your spear now fight?"
"Infected."
The Patriot replied without hesitation, drawing sighs from the crowd.
"Hiss... Infected, no... this shouldn't be happening!"
The Internal Guard's hoarse voice was filled with heartache.
"You should have been Ursus's shield, you damned parasites... rotten scum!"
Black dust, like countless tiny, winding roots, emerged from every pore of the uniform.
It greedily coils around, covers, and absorbs, until it completely envelops the creature.
"Hiss... [whisper]"
The Internal Guard was abruptly excited, then calmed down, muttering to himself.
Seeing this, Patriot finally showed some emotion.
"You are... from Sunset Canyon..."
No need for further explanation.
The Internal Guard restrained his strength, and his companions moved further away from him.
They had not served Internal Guards for nearly as long as their predecessor, and their control over Demons power was far less formidable.
"You betrayed Ursus, and Ursus betrayed you in return."
The Internal Guard looked at the Shieldguards behind Patriot with increasing regret; this should have been the strength of the Empire.
"Since the late emperor passed away, Ursus in my heart... has also passed away."
Patriot answered in a deep voice. Ursus gave him belonging, gave him glory, gave him pain, and then gave him betrayal.
He doesn't hate Ursus.
He only hated his own powerlessness.
Thump--!
Patriot's demeanor changed completely as he struck the ground again.
"State your purpose, Internal Guard."
The Shieldguards led the bewildered Yeti Squadron backward; regardless of what the conversation would bring, they shouldn't stay any longer.
"Hiss... You should know."
The Internal Guard's voice calmed down; the reminiscing was over, and he returned to being a weapon devoid of emotion.
"The black forest is expanding; we initially thought it was Demons."
His gaze shifted to the Patriot's armor.
"A new outsider has arrived in Ursus's territory, just like you..."
Boom--!
The Internal Guard struggled to parry the halberd with his saber, half his body sinking into the ground, staring in horror at Wendigo a brilliant red light before him.
"Stay away from him...!!"
The black saber loomed in and out of view, as if in a still frame, turning towards Patriot from different angles.
Vines, seemingly alive, extended from the armor. The sabers bounced off, and Patriot swung his halberd, easily forcing several Internal Guards back.
"Hiss... The intelligence was wrong."
The young Internal Guards whispered, having asked their seniors for advice before they came.
At his peak, the Patriot could take on five Internal Guards.
He scoffed at it then, but now he has to doubt the veracity of this information.
Who said it can only be played with 5 Internal Guard!?
"Hiss... Calm down, Captain, we mean no harm."
The lead Internal Guard pulled himself out of the snow but did not adopt an attack stance.
"Our presence before you is proof of Ursus's goodwill."
Patriots did not lower their attack stance, awaiting an explanation from the other side.
"Hiss... Ursus needs new power, no matter where it comes from."
"The black forest is a scar on the pristine territory of Ursus, but it can also be a medal."
We are seeking answers from you.
The Internal Guards stood together, black and red facing each other from afar.
"Is the Black Forest an enemy of Ursus?"
"..."
Patriot remained silent; the Internal Guard question had surprised him.
He had assumed Ursus was already rotten to the core, but it seemed someone was planning to save themselves?
Whom do you represent?
"A sharp blade."
The Internal Guard's voice confirmed his stance.
A sharp blade... the Emperor's Blades.
Patriots knew of the new emperor, who seemed to have lofty ambitions, but the nobles of Ursus were already corrupt and could not bear that burning hope.
"Phew... it was just a forest."
The Patriot's answer greatly dissatisfied the Internal Guard.
"Hiss... You know that's not what I meant."
Their meaning couldn't be clearer: could the mysterious Black Forest Lord be recruited by Ursus just like Buldrokkas'tee before?
If so, then they are the new "Patriots ".
"He has no intention of getting involved in the conflict, and you... should not disturb him."
"Absurd!"
The Internal Guard roared, his power spreading with his emotions.
"Whether it's the far northern snowfields, the desolate deserts Catastrophe, or that black forest..."
The blizzard abruptly stopped, due to the anger of the Internal Guards.
"This is all Ursus territory!!"
The Internal Guards raised their sharp blades, their stern eyes fixed on the Patriot.
"Buldrokkas'tee, a storm surge centered on the Black Forest is rising."
"Is your gaze still sharp enough to pierce through the truth?"
"Is your armor still sturdy enough to withstand wear and tear?"
"Is your body still tall enough to bear hope?"
You can't!
The Internal Guard denied the Patriots ' superiority; even though Wendigo had returned to his peak, he was still insignificant in the face of Ursus.
"Ursus has no friends! Only enemies and allies!"
The Internal Guard made its stance clear—
If Ursus learns of the threat posed by the Black Forest from the Patriots, he will not hesitate to eliminate it.
And in response to the final announcement from the Internal Guard, Patriots ' reply was...
"If Ursus... be prepared to pay the price, an entire army group."
"What?"
The Internal Guard's anger faltered; the Patriots ' voices were not false, but an entire army group?
"Hiss... [whisper]"
The Internal Guards discussed it and eventually came to the conclusion that...
"Have you gone mad, Captain...?"
The head of the Internal Guards opened his arms, embracing the black kingdom.
"Five groups of Shieldguards can slaughter a squad of knights."
Four Internal Guards can sweep through a settlement.
Three Wendigos can conquer a small town...
The Internal Guards chanted the poems that were widely circulated in Ursus, which were the most direct impressions of Ursus among the people of this land.
Patriot continued in a low voice:
"... Two army groups can destroy a principality."
A monarch can disrupt a Daichi.
Ursus is an extension of my hands.
The Internal Guard lowered his hands, indicating that this former "Patriot" had not yet gone mad.
"Hiss... How can you prove it?"
The black forest was indeed strange, but the Internal Guards did not believe it could withstand the army group's steel torrent.
"Prove..."
Vines pierced the ground, and the Patriot's body swelled in red light.
"I fought for Ursus, conquered land for her, and quelled rebellions for her."
"My shield is the bulwark of Ursus, my halberd is the sharpest edge of Ursus."
"But now, I ask you... what are you fighting for?"
"Is it for the people of Ursus, or for those nobles who have emptied her coffers?"
"This Daichi has swallowed countless warriors, and Ursus... does he still remember their blood?"
A crimson light pierced the darkness of the kingdom, and the figure of the Patriot enveloped the Internal Guards.
"If you seek proof, I am right here!"
Ursus is a massive war machine, and what the Internal Guard wants to do is use Mars to get that machine running again.
Who is Mars?
I think of my gentle compatriot, and of his skeleton gazing into the forest.
The Patriot gripped his halberd tightly and roared.
"If you are sharp blades, today I will break you!"
The Internal Guards remain silent; only the nation continues to spread its influence.
Ursus is on the verge of decline...
Anyone who witnessed Ursus during the reign of the late emperor would feel a deep sense of regret for the Ursus of today.
The nobles, obsessed with military achievements, are pushing Ursus into the quagmire of war; only in the midst of war can Ursus briefly forget its pain.
But when the first dud was produced in Tuliskaya, the empire's decline was already sealed.
Did the Internal Guards know of the empire's decay?
Know.
Did the emperor know?
Know.
Did the nobles know this?
Oh...
They don't care.
But some people care.
They wanted to make a change, but they were also worried about whether a major surgery could give patients a new lease on life.
The Ursus disease was too severe.
They only had one chance for surgery, and they dared not gamble.
So they frantically used drugs to maintain a false prosperity, even though the illness was no longer Ursus.
Just then--
New ideas flowed from the Black Forest to the snowfields.
Unlike other countries, Ursus, which had truly overthrown the Hippogryph, had the potential for a complete overhaul.
Can He save Ursus?
The Internal Guards didn't know.
But the person in front of you might be able to provide the answer.
Everything for Ursus...
Facing the ferocious monster before them, the Internal Guards launched an attack.
"Everything for Ursus!"
[Note: I'm taking a day off. There's not enough time to post a new chapter. Wait...]
Two pictures will be sent next time.
(Okay, everyone should go to bed early.)