Wendigo, one of the ten Royal Courts of Sarkaz, is ancient and powerful.
After this tribe left Kazdel, they were recruited by the former Emperor of Ursus.
The warlike Ursus unleashed their power to its fullest extent, earning them a fearsome reputation.
However, after the Battle of Sunset Canyon, purebred Wendigos were almost wiped out, with only one remaining.
To be able to fight the last purebred Wendigo in the world is both fortunate and unfortunate.
Because this might be the strongest one in a thousand years.
"Buzz--!"
The magical energy blast, imbued with Demons power, struck the target. The attack, powerful enough to pierce the armor of a warship, only created a shallow crater.
The Internal Guard retreated swiftly with the support of his teammates.
"Boom--!"
The permafrost was ripped up like an avalanche, Wendigo brandished his halberd, stirring up the storm with brute force.
"Hiss--!"
The Internal Guards ' cries grew increasingly urgent. The longer the battle lasted, the weaker their suppression of the Demons fragments within them became.
Looking at the figure on the other side...
"Is that all there is to it!?"
The Spreading Branches blood vessels swayed like tentacles, and the high temperature attached to the body emitted a magnificent white vapor.
Patriots pressed forward despite being surrounded by five Internal Guards, his armor constantly breaking but rapidly regenerating.
"Even I... cannot surpass you..."
Two crimson dots swayed in the mist, accompanied by the rumble of the Daichi, as the mountain-like figure continued to approach.
The vines climbed and coiled around the halberd, transforming it into a giant black sword.
"They don't even have the right to enter the forest!!"
Boom--!
The saber barely managed to parry, but the immense force had already arrived.
The Internal Guards rolled and paddled across the snow-covered plains, leaving streaks of scorched black marks on the pure Daichi of the "kingdom".
"Monster..."
This title, which once belonged to the Internal Guards, was now returned to their enemies.
Click--
A crisp cracking sound rang out as the Internal Guard's saber shattered, along with the remaining pride of the other Internal Guards.
If this senior hadn't borne most of the pressure, they wouldn't even have had the chance to hold their own against this monster.
This is the Patriot —only war can kill him.
Patriot did not pursue; he had noticed the damage to the other man's breathing tube.
"Phew... you lost."
The Internal Guards remained silent, their leader gripping the pipe tightly to prevent the Demons fragments from leaking out.
His gaze was fixed on the Patriot, and even more so on his armor.
"Hiss... If only we had this power back then..."
While the Patriots ' immense strength and regenerative abilities are certainly formidable, they are by no means the sole reason for the five Internal Guards' predicament.
The truth is obvious: as the vines penetrate deeper into the frozen soil, the darkness on the snowfield quickly recedes, and the vein-like patterns dance and pulsate joyfully.
Even the Patriots themselves were somewhat surprised—this "gift" could even resist the corruption of Demons.
"Now, tell me your answers..."
The Patriot cast aside his thoughts and strode forward, while an Internal Guard instinctively stepped back.
No refunds allowed!
A hoarse, violent roar emanated from the old Internal Guard's body, and the young Internal Guard froze.
"Don't let fear consume you, Internal Guards... There should be no fear!"
The young Internal Guards immediately composed themselves, knowing that fear would lead them to be devoured by the Demons.
"Oops... Sorry."
The old Internal Guard stood up, ignoring his junior's apology.
"You've won, Captain..."
The old Internal Guard readily admitted this, realizing the Patriot's unusual behavior.
"We will inform His Majesty, but please remember..."
As the war spread across the land, the figures of the Internal Guards disappeared into the darkness.
"... We lost, not Ursus."
"..."
As the branches retracted, the red light of the cannibalistic witchcraft subsided, and the Patriot returned to silent blackness.
That's all he could do...
Turning towards the Shieldguards, Patriot could only pray in his heart.
We hope the veterans can convey the seriousness of the situation.
It is hoped that the emperor will value the relationship with the Black Forest.
Hope...
Patriot looked up and gazed toward the Black Forest.
Those noble scumbags won't arrive anytime soon...
"Dad..."
Her daughter's call interrupted her thoughts, and FrostNova came closer, her expression somewhat solemn.
"Are they here for Uncle Gorth?"
Even when separated by great distances, the roar of Patriots can still be heard.
The Shieldguards' faces were covered by helmets, but the fierce gazes peeking through the gaps spoke volumes about their attitude.
Everyone felt only gratitude towards the Lord of the Forest who had restored their leader to his former glory.
At this moment, everyone's will is perfectly aligned.
The Patriot exhaled a breath of stale air, raised his halberd, and shouted:
"Marching towards the Black Forest!"
"Yes, Captain!"
The night was still long, and unlike the others who were sound asleep in the Black Forest, the Guerrillas had no desire to sleep.
Like them, there was also a pair of unfortunate master and apprentice.
"Ugh... Mr. Vane..."
"Okay, okay, can you wait until you've finished throwing up before you talk?"
Vane gently patted the girl's shoulder, but she forcefully shook him off.
"You, you scoundrel... Ugh!"
Seeing the girl's deathly pale face, Vane looked helpless.
"Oh dear... It's supposed to be Liberi, but he's afraid of heights."
Vane flapped his wings and flew toward Dario, landing on the other's shoulder.
"Look at Madara! Even after flying at high speed, it can still land steadily. That's a true eagle that can conquer the sky!"
"..."
Seeing the teacher's blank stare, Irene's Iberia curse was finally suppressed by her manners.
"Land dwellers... are so fragile."
Skadi's sigh made Irene's face even more bitter. If things continued like this, the authority of the Inquisition would be shattered before diplomatic relations with Aegir were even established!
"There's no need to worry. The hunters' physical abilities are among the best, even in the entire Terra kingdom."
Ulpianus's cold voice touched Irene somewhat, but she was quickly pulled back by Vane's words.
"In contrast, Liberi's physical fitness is among the lowest of all the countries."
"Mr. Vane ..."
"Ah?"
"Could you please shut up?"
The girl's calm voice made Vane feel inexplicably uneasy, while Skadi calmly watched the scene, feeling a little curious.
In Aegir, where she grew up, social interactions were efficient, there was little discrimination among people, and everyone was able to utilize their talents in their respective fields.
Skadi had seen all sorts of talented people, but she had never seen anyone like Vane.
Powerful, weak, elegant, vulgar.
These diametrically opposed words can appear in the same individual.
Is it due to the difference in terrestrial environments?
Skadi was unaware that she was planning to observe secretly.
"Uh... have we arrived?"
Dario, regaining his senses, rubbed his head and asked, but the answer he received was not satisfactory.
"No, based on our current speed, we still have one-third of the journey to go."
Ulpianus's answer turned the Inquisitor pale, Vane drifted back to the ocean.
"Let's continue then, it'll only be a little while anyway... Hmm?"
Looking down in surprise, Dario grabbed Vane and pulled him down.
"Let's take the land route; if we go too early, no one will be there to meet us."
Vane stared at the other person with half-closed eyes.
Are you scared?
Irene, standing to the side, straightened up, about to say, "The Inquisitor is fearless."
"Yes."
Startled, I turned around and saw a teacher with an unchanging expression.
The teacher is possessed by something evil!?
Vane was starting to doubt if he had misheard, and was about to ask again when Dario said:
Breakfast is on me.
Skadi glanced at him, Dario added at the opportune moment:
"All."
"Alright."
Vane's dry reply wasn't because he lacked the money; he mainly wanted to get something for free.
The group set off again, and for the sake of efficiency, Vane suggested that the hunter lead the way.
The two Inquisitor vehemently refused, but nodded in agreement as Vane once again headed towards the sea.
"Don't look at me, you have to choose one of the two hunters, right?"
Exhausted from struggling, Irene was already tucked under Skadi's arm. The girl's calm gaze fell on Dario, and she released her other free hand.
"A great opportunity!"
Vane slipped inside and waved at Dario.
"This place is full, let's go somewhere else~"
"No... I can still keep up if I use all my strength."
Ulpianus cast a glance his way, and Dario, for the sake of his remaining dignity, chose to put on a brave face.
Vane shook his head indifferently, Skadi instinctively tightened her grip, and the former suddenly realized that the energy of [Immortal Body] had increased significantly.
Vane: "..."
Were you trying to crush my head?
Ignoring Vane's doubts, the team raced at full speed and finally arrived in Gran Faro at dawn.
The sound of waves echoed through the white buildings, and a few pedestrians strolled along the streets.
Gran Faro was unusually quiet in the early morning, but clearly... someone was unhappy about it.
"Iberia, your king has returned!!"
A loud shout rang out, and the key words it contained caused many pedestrians to frown.
Following the sound, the combination of the Aegir in hunter's attire and the Inquisitor caused many people's expressions to change slightly.
The young Inquisitor awkwardly pulled the toddler from the ground away, leading him away amidst the toddler's displeased movements.
Knowing who made the voice, some of the strange looks faded, and the rest turned into vigilance.
"Mr. Vane! Please don't always do things that put people in a difficult position!" Irene said sternly.
"Iberia no longer has a royal family; you're giving people the wrong impression!"
Don't worry, children just say the darndest things.
Vane flew to Dario's side, shaking his head, and stretched out his little hands.
"Please give me the money."
Dario sighed and took his wallet out of his pocket.
"Teacher!?"
"Let's take the guests to breakfast."
After giving his apprentice a task, Dario, looking exhausted, turned to the two hunters.
"If you two are interested, you can take a stroll around Gran Faro."
"For several reasons, the hostility towards the Aegir here is not as strong as it is outside."
Ulpianus nodded, looking around at his surroundings.
"This architectural style... looks familiar."
"It's probably Breogan's last work. What a pity for such a talented designer."
Vane spoke up, and the familiar name brought both sides into silence.
Unaware of the need to avoid the heavy topic, Dario once again confirmed with his beloved student.
"Once we've rested, bring a few men to the base. If anyone tries to cause trouble on the way..."
Dario's gaze fell on Vane, who was floating in the air, and his tone was firm.
"Permission to use force"
"Yes!"
As Irene walked away, Dario turned and headed towards the stronghold.
Although he longed to lie down and rest, as the Grand Inquisitor, he clearly didn't have the luxury of doing so.
Let's finish this as soon as possible... Take a break before they get back.