The addition of the cart slowed their pace significantly, but the journey back still unfolded without any problems.

After everything that had transpired in the village, even the others began to follow Zephyrion’s every word as though it were a decree. Kaiden was no exception.

Though he grumbled under his breath and cursed more than once, he still complied.

By the second night, Zephyrion sat before the campfire, his gaze fixed on its steady blaze.

Fiona, Kaiden, and the others had already fallen asleep, leaving him to take the first watch.

Throughout the journey, Zephyrion had reflected on everything that occurred in the village, carefully weighing his actions and noting where he could have done better.

In the end, only one point stood out.

’Guren.’

Had he identified the Mindflare earlier, he would have been able to maneuver the situation with far greater precision.

With that thought settled, Zephyrion shifted his focus.

His mind map flickered, and the scene of the forest emerged. Within it, the towering humanoid construct. Jenna stood behind it, steadily inscribing runes onto a piece of pulsewood.

With a subtle shift in focus, Zephyrion observed closely, taking in every detail of her work.

Rune arts had always been regarded as a superior expression of an art due to the ability to conceal their formation.

Unfortunately, not everyone possessed the skill to use them. In fact, the more complex a rune art became, the more difficult it was to execute.

Because of this, many resorted to inscribing the runes directly for ease. However, any art written onto pulsewood was left exposed for all to see.

Where an ordinary person would require prolonged observation to grasp and memorize its structure, Zephyrion needed only a glance.

The Tome construct art had caught his interest for its complexity and potential, and Jenna had presented the perfect opportunity to acquire it.

Giving a slight inward nod, Zephyrion prepared to comprehend the rune when he sensed a presence behind him.

He turned, finding Kona standing there. His brows drew together slightly. The Silversteel’s expression was tight, his brows furrowed and his gaze unfocused.

’He’s hesitant.’

"...did something happen?"

Kona paused, then let out a quiet breath as though settling on a decision.

"...young lord... I’m not sure this is worth mentioning, but I’ve received a report. A nearby team ran into trouble. What was supposed to be simple thieves... turned out to be Redmaws. I’ve been asked to stay ready, in case they need support for the trainees."

Given that their overarching duty was the safety of the trainees, such a request was only natural. Even so, Zephyrion tilted his head slightly, his gaze seemingly to say;

Why are you telling me this?

Kona, who immediately understood, gave a small nod.

"...there’s someone on that team. A steel trainee... Lumi."

Zephyrion restrained himself from reacting, keeping his body still. Only a faint frown touched his face as he spoke.

"...thank you for telling me."

"It’s my honor, young lord." Kona brought a fist to his chest before melting back into the night.

Within his mind, Demorian, who had been silent, suddenly burst out.

"Oh no! The little flower is in trouble! My protégé, we have to go. Now!"

’There’s no need.’

"No need?! You’re hopeless! Truly hopeless! I can see why the universe had to personally intervene and assign you to me. You desperately need my guidance in the way of women!

"Listen carefully. There are two things that make an amazing woman: her bust size... and her heart. The first is, obviously, more important, but in rare cases like this—"

’Get to the point.’

"The point is, when a woman likes you, she becomes devoted. Loyal! Obedient!"

Demorian let out an exaggerated sigh.

"Anycase, you have to go help her! A flower that innocent, you have to protect her! Just imagine what those large, blurry men would do to her once they get a hold of her? The cuter she is, the worse it gets! They can—"

"Enough."

Demorian froze mid thought. Zephyrion’s gaze had turned cold, laced with killing intent.

He didn’t need a second warning, another word, and he would regret it. He cleared his throat awkwardly before muttering,

"...well, I suppose I’ve made myself clear."

He fell silent.

Zephyrion remained where he was, eyes fixed on the dancing flames.

After a moment, his thoughts settled.

’It’s unnecessary.’

Lumi had been trained in the ways of the Order. She was a weapon, not some fragile girl. Against overwhelming force, she could handle herself.

Yet a faint crease formed on his brow. His pulse refused to settle, and Demorian’s words lingered in his mind. Large. Blurry. Men...

Tch.

Before he realized it, Zephyrion was already on his feet.

"Kona."

Kona stepped out from the darkness at once, bowing.

"...my lord."

"Our mission... is it over?"

Kona hesitated briefly under Zephyrion’s steady gaze, then gave a firm nod.

"...yes, young lord."

Zephyrion inclined his head.

"Then I’ll go check on the situation... just to ensure the trainees’ safety."

...

An hour later, Zephyrion reached his destination.

The town lay a few kilometers west of their campground, and it had taken him only minutes to cross the distance.

According to Kona, the mission had been to deal with a group of bandits attacking and ravaging a large, secluded farm just outside the town walls.

The owner had sent repeated pleas, but the Blackiron warriors stationed there had been unable to catch them, hence the assignment.

However, what were supposed to be ordinary, weak bandits had turned out to be Redmaws.

Sweeping his senses across the farm, Zephyrion’s focus settled on the barn at its eastern edge. He could feel a faint disturbance emerging from it.

As he approached, he suppressed his presence completely, coming to a silent halt.

’Two outside.’

Though none were visible, he could sense the faint distortions in the air.

’One in the crops... the other on the roof.’

He observed them briefly, then his gaze sharpened. Their attention was directed inward, not outward. Guards were meant to focus external threats.

’They’re there to catch stragglers trying to escape.’

Which meant the trainees were inside.

With that conclusion, Zephyrion slipped into motion, his figure dissolving into the night.

The discipline of the Order surged through him as he moved, each step precise, practiced, as though etched into him over centuries.

The first, hidden among the crops, never noticed his approach. Zephyrion appeared behind him, his blade tracing a clean line across the man’s throat before the body could even react.

He vanished again, reappearing behind the second. Another swift motion, another silent kill, the body lowered soundlessly to the ground.

Landing lightly, Zephyrion advanced toward the barn’s entrance. Through the slightly open door, his eyes caught the scene within.

A brutal dance unfolded.

A petite girl wielding a metal rope, its edges lined with sharp blades, moved through the Redmaws with fluidity.

The weapon whistled through the air, carving cleanly through flesh. Attacks converged on her from every direction, yet she slipped through them with ease, severing limbs, splitting throats, and bringing bodies crashing down.

Blood painted the barn in violent streaks.

At one corner, the remaining trainees huddled together, watching with pale, trembling faces.

"Damn..." Demorian muttered, his voice filled with disbelief. "Looks really can be deceiving."

To think a girl who appeared so delicate would be this lethal.

Zephyrion let out a quiet scoff. It seemed his concern had been misplaced.

Unnecessary.

He turned, ready to leave, when a voice cut through the night.

"W-who are you!"

Zephyrion’s head snapped toward the source. An aged man stood a short distance away, staring at him in alarm.

The farmer.

In the next instant, Zephyrion vanished, reappearing behind him. A precise strike landed at the base of his neck, and the man crumpled without a sound. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

But before Zephyrion could move again, a suffocating wave of bloodlust washed over him.

He turned.

Lumi now stood there, staring at him with a murderous glare.