Chapter 294: Chapter 39: I Became Stronger Entirely Through My Own Hard Work

As much as he wanted to take down the whole damn world by himself, Westheid’s current strength unfortunately only made him invincible in single combat. In a one-on-one fight, no one in the Country of Yonglan was his match. This was the confidence that Withered Glory Sun and Cursed Source Blood gave him!

He wasn’t afraid of a gauntlet-style battle at all—in fact, that would be to his advantage. But two fists are no match for four hands; he still couldn’t quite handle being ganged up on.

While Yonglan Knights didn’t typically gang up on opponents, even setting that aside, it was still an excellent idea to gather more strength to complete the pilgrimage as quickly as possible.

The path of conquest didn’t require the King Claimant to personally beat everyone into submission. A King Claimant’s forces were also part of their strength.

In other words, the people Reiya and Mivana defeated also counted toward Westheid’s record of achievements. That part was quite user-friendly.

Therefore, Mivana’s advancement was crucial. With three T0 Powerhouses, all practically invincible within their tier, the speed at which they could steamroll their way forward would be terrifying.

So, Westheid and the others spent a few more weeks preparing in Dusk Lamp Territory, leaving enough time for the Expeditionary Army’s vanguard to return and spread the word before they officially set out.

Qinghui Guards, the Imperial Princess’s Personal Army, and a very small number of Beastman Warriors boarded the Floating Battleship. The residents of Dusk Lamp Territory came to see them off with food and drink.

The townsfolk surrounded the Wolf-eared Maiden, and Mivana’s dozens of brothers and sisters clung to her hands, crying their eyes out.

"Mivana! You have to win!"

"It’s a shame we aren’t qualified to join this battle, or we’d have gone with you."

"Don’t let those outsiders look down on us!"

"And what about your mating partner? You really not gonna let him sow his seed for us sisters...?"

Although a strange comment got mixed in, Mivana selectively filtered it out. She clenched her fist, pounded her chest, and declared with the utmost solemnity:

"For the sake of Teacher Viona’s last wish, on this journey, there will be only victory, no retreat!"

Watched by the simple townsfolk, the Floating Fleet took off from the open ground in front of Dusk Lamp’s main city and officially began its journey.

Westheid stood on the projected map of Yonglan displayed in the center of the bridge command room. With his finger, he traced a simple and clear route.

"Our first stop will be the Pool of the Holy Grail. The nearest one is here, about a two- or three-day journey from Dusk Lamp Territory. The Knight Territories near the Pool of the Holy Grail are certain to be protecting the Holy Pool. They’re all hard-liners, so we can deal with them all at once."

Before setting out, Westheid had already formulated a plan for the pilgrimage, and it was far more than a simple route map.

Every Knight Territory along the way—which were potential allies to be won over, which were wavering neutral parties, and which were opposition that had to be struck with a heavy fist—was all clearly marked.

Mivana watched Westheid’s profile as he strategized and couldn’t help but quip:

"I know I’ve asked this a bunch of times before, but why are you so familiar with Yonglan, West?"

"The local customs and geography are one thing, but how do you even know the political leanings of the Knight Territories?"

"Practice makes perfect."

Westheid said faintly. He had made the pilgrimage in "Poem of Destiny" so many times he’d lost count, and he already knew the major Knight Territories like the back of his hand.

’He had already sampled them all—which ones were War Frenzies, which were freaks, and which were just Defying the Heavens.’

It had gotten to the point where just remembering it all made him want to puke. ’Do you have any idea the caliber of a Knight King on his thirty-second playthrough?!’

Westheid sat back down in the command chair of the bridge, resting both hands on the hilt of Shadow-Born, and said to Reiya:

"Can I leave it to you to deal with anyone who tries to block our path to the Pool of the Holy Grail?"

The Silver-haired Princess, who had been standing to the side with her arms crossed, unfolded them. "Mhm," she agreed.

"That’s not a problem, but why me?"

From what she understood of Westheid, he would never pass up an opportunity for a public Sanctity Manifestation.

Westheid sat cross-legged on the command sofa. "Because I still need to prepare for the final battle. My current strength isn’t enough to guarantee a foolproof victory, so I’ll be using my free time to train through meditation. During that time, I’ll be blocking out all perception of the outside world."

Mivana: "So it really is a Knight’s training method."

The Yonglan Knights’ meditation methods did include such a practice, but Westheid obviously wasn’t really going to use their method. He caressed the sheath of Shadow-Born and said with a smile:

"Anyone who dares to block our way to the Pool of the Holy Grail is no ordinary opponent. We have to hit them hard! Teach them a good lesson!"

Reiya nodded. "Understood. Leave it to me."

Westheid naturally had immense trust in the White-haired Dragon Lady. He confidently entrusted command of the fleet to the Princess, then drew Shadow-Born.

HUMMM—

Relaxing his mind, his consciousness sank into the blade’s edge in an instant.

The first time is strange, the second is familiar. For Westheid, entering the Master of Extinction’s Imaginary Space was like coming home; he slipped inside with practiced ease.

He didn’t even need to walk any further. When he opened his eyes, he was directly before the Master of Extinction’s Candlelight Throne.

The gray-haired, red-eyed girl was still dressed in a red gown stained with countless patches of blood. Black thorns pierced through her dress and elegant hair. The moment she saw Westheid, the Great Demon’s cherry-red lips trembled slightly, and a soft, cheerful call came forth.

"Welcome, my love."

"Good evening... no, wait. There’s no concept of day or night here, is there?"

Westheid waved his hand subconsciously and looked up at the black sun hanging high in the sky. The light spilling from the edges of the colossal object—so vast it rendered one speechless—was dim and murky, serving only to make the outlines of the ruins look even more unsettling.