Seol Ji-Hu stared at the march of hundreds of beasts as they kicked up a mighty dust storm on the rugged terrain.

Oiii!!

Ian raised his hand and waved it while shouting out. Someone from the march also raised a hand as if to reply back. When that happened, the cavalry slowly decreased their ground-shaking march.

A beast boasting the greatest size among them approached the location where the expedition team was. Shortly thereafter, the beast stopped in front of Ian.

When the rider pulled on the reins hard, the horse-like creature went prrr! and reared on its hind legs.

I didnt expect you to arrive before us, Ian. (?)

A voice that sounded at once vivacious and energetic but also refined could be heard coming from the top of the beast.

Ian replied with a short bow and a smile.

How dare a gentleman be tardy when invited by your majesty, Princess Teresa Hussey? (Ian)

Thank you for your kind words. I was worried that you might ignore the invitation. (Teresa Hussey)

Teresa smiled, before turning her shapely chin away to shout at her men.

We shall take a short break here! With the exception of the soldiers entering the Arden Valley, the rest will immediately prepare to return to Haramark with the carriages and the horuses!! (TL: Not sure if the author was going all Konglish on horse, but in the raw, the horse-like beast is called as horuse. So, Ill go with that. Hope Im not wrong here.)

Instantly, lots of activity broke out behind her.

Ian slowly rubbed his beard.

But, isnt there a road leading to the fortress? By riding on horuses, we should get there much faster compared to running on foot. (Ian)

Well, the communication with the sentries posted on the road to the fortress has been cut off as well. (Teresa Hussey)

Teresa replied in a clear voice and elegantly dismounted from her horuse. When her feet landed on the ground, a loud metallic clank resounded out.

Which means. (Ian)

Its obvious. The sentry posts have been lost already. And we dont know if theres an ambush lying in wait for us. Rather than taking on the risk, itll be better to climb up the Dawn Peak to survey the situation first. (Teresa Hussey)

Ian nodded his head as if he understood her intention.

With a fatigued look on her face, Teresa Hussey scanned her surroundings, and upon finding the team of Carpe Diem silently standing to the side, she winked at them.

Been a while, Dylan, Cho Hong, Hugo. (Teresa Hussey)

Dylan bowed slightly to greet her, while Hugo raised his hand and waved it. A cold aura was oozing out of Cho Hong as she deliberately avoided the princesss gaze.

Next up, Teresas disinterested gaze shifted over to an unknown young man staring back at her; he kind of looked dazed at the moment.

.And this gentleman here is? (Teresa Hussey)

Hes an Earthling that graduated from the Neutral Zone during March this year. Hes a comrade who participated in the scouting of the Forest of Denial with us. (Dylan)

Oh. Wait a minute? Hold on. If youre talking about this year, then hes only a level 1? (Teresa Hussey)

Without realising it himself, Dylan took a look at Seol Ji-Hu. And then, didnt open his mouth anymore.

The youth was simply staring, utterly dumbstruck.

.At the beautiful woman and her pale smooth skin that seemed to have shunned sunlight until now.

Suddenly, there was a gust of wind.

As she was not wearing a helm, Teresas hair flowing down to her shoulders like a waterfall danced in the air. Her pale pink-coloured hair playfully wavered about, scattering reddish-golden sparkles around at the same time.

When Seol Ji-Hu gazed into her deep, profound eyes that were seemingly carved out from a Pink Star and emitted the same golden hue like her hair, he was finally able to regain his senses.

Sunlight reflected off her marvellous silvery-platinum armour, making it hard to keep his eyes open.

Seol Ji-Hu placed his hand on his chest.

Thump, thump his heart was beating wildly.

But, why? (Seol Ji-Hu)

He failed to hide his flustered state.

The moment he saw her, he was captured by an unexplainable emotion. Although it didnt violently rampage about in his head, he was overcome with this inexplicable sense of deja vu.

.Right. Must be. (Seol Ji-Hu)

Argh! Lets chat after we sit down first. I havent caught a wink of sleep for the past two days, so. Ouch, even my a*s hurts like hell. (Teresa Hussey)

Teresa tore her gaze away from him with Oops! and as if she was performing a light exercise routine, began turning and loosening her lower half. And then, after finding a boulder with the right size, she strode there and plopped down on it.

She even beckoned others to come and join her.

Ian opened his mouth first.

It is truly praiseworthy that you have set off as soon as possible with a contingent of elite troops, but the Parasites have been making a mockery out of our expectations every time. If they are using radio wave interference to block the communication, then we do need to hurry, but you must consider the possibility that the fortress has already fallen. (Ian)

I know that. Thats why were climbing up the Dawn Peak first, too. (Teresa Hussey)

In that case, I shall follow. However, what are your plans if its the latter situation? (Ian)

You mean, the fortress has fallen already. Just thinking about the dogsh*t Cough, cough!! Argh, godd*mn it! (Teresa Hussey)

Kaahk, ptooi!!

Teresas rather beautiful eyes suddenly narrowed to a slit; she roughly spat on the ground before taking several large gulps of water from a bottle.

Oh my gosh. My bad. My throat was hurting a little, what with riding hard and fast on this dry desert sand. (Teresa Hussey)

Teresa covered her mouth primly and grinned brightly. Others didnt mind that at all, but Seol Ji-Hus face looked as if he was struck dumb by a huge culture shock.

What the hell. (Seol Ji-Hu)

Her outer appearance of a dignified knight was straight out of an old-school fantasy epic, yet the way she acted was straight out of those backstreet hooligans.

Did he mean this by saying those words back then? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Seol Ji-Hu recalled what Ian had said not too long ago, and told himself that he should try to be more understanding.

Well, going by the examples of both Maria and Cho Hong, he should be able to get used to this, too.

What can we do? We go back home. However, I think the possibility of the fortress falling to their hands is very low. The Arden fortress is a heaven-defying defensive structure. Simply by utilising the surrounding topography well, the fortresss personnel can defend against an army several times bigger in size. (Teresa Hussey)

Che, its not even finished, you know. (Cho Hong)

Well, its almost finished, you know. (Teresa Hussey)

When Cho Hong spoke up in an icy voice, Teresa eloquently returned the volley. Then, she crossed her arms and frowned slightly.

However, something just doesnt add up. I definitely had lots of sentries stationed all over the place, so how did the enemy manage to sneak attack us? (Teresa Hussey)

I have something to report in that regard. (Ian)

Ian informed her in a swift but well-organised fashion on the result of the scouting of the Forest of Denial. Teresas eyes narrowed to a fine slit when they got to the part about the ambush of Lioners.

Thats impossible. How could the b*stards calling the mountains on the other side their home enter there? (Teresa Hussey)

If I were to offer up an opinion, then I believe they were chased away. (Ian)

Chased away? (Teresa)

Teresa quickly let out Ah! after that.

That certainly does make sense. Sensing the presence of the scouts, the Parasites traversed through the mountainside next to the forest, and the Lioners ended up running away towards the Forest of Denial after sensing the approaching danger. Godd*mn it. I shouldve commissioned the scouting of that d*mn forest sooner. (Teresa)

And also. (Ian)

Ian then made a short report regarding the demise of Samuels and Kahns teams. Teresa hid her face while sounding deeply unhappy.

Screw this. Losing Vanessa already hurt like hell, but now, Kahns and Samuels teams are all annihilated..? When we need every single high-levelled ranker we can find. (Teresa)

I understand your concern, but the current situation is far too urgent, your majesty. Right now, the soldiers of the Arden Fortress could be locked in a bitter battle of attrition, believing only in the timely arrival of the kingdoms support. (Ian)

Teresa wordlessly nodded her head. She let out a soft groan and rubbed her cheeks, before shifting her gaze over to Dylan.

One of the reasons why the army decided to stop here, even though the situation was urgent, was to take a short break. But, there was also another, much more important reason, as well.

Whew. Dylan, what are your thoughts? (Teresa)

Dylan quietly waited for her to finish.

Im well aware that youre tired from the scouting of the Forest of Denial. However, Id feel a whole lot more reassured with a trustworthy Arch Shooter and two experienced warriors watching my back. (Teresa)

She extended an invitation while sneakily raising the evaluation of the other party. However, Dylan remained impassive as he opened his mouth.

How many Earthlings heeded the recruitment call? (Dylan)

..Its not even 100. (Teresa)

Surely, you should know the exact number of them. (Dylan)

Its 68. 12 Level 4s, 56 Level 3s. Ian is the sole Sorcerer, while we have four Priests. (Teresa)

Thats far too few. (Dylan)

As soon as Dylan displayed signs of doubt, Teresa squeezed her eyes shut.

Cho Hong snorted loudly.

Of course there are only a few. Arent these the consequences of your actions? (Cho Hong)

Consequences? (Teresa)

Cho Hong had been waiting for this moment, so when Teresa curtly replied back, she went on a full-on snide attack.

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You know what Im talking about. You forcibly got this thing off the ground, so we all thought you had the confidence to take care of stuff by yourselves. From what I hear, not one answered your draft notice, right? (Cho Hong)

If you really thought like that, Im disappointed. (Teresa)

Teresa shot back in a tone of voice that said, How can you even say such things?

How many times do we need to say it before you finally understand? This is something we simply had to do. Once completed, well have ourselves a sturdy fortress that will encompass the entire mountain range, you know? (Teresa)

Gimme a break. And thats why others were saying, you honestly think the Parasites wont do anything and just let it happen? Look, they came invading already! Why did you have to poke a..? (Cho Hong)

But, thats not such a bad thing. (Teresa)

Teresa cut Cho Hong off there.

.What? (Cho Hong)

At a bare minimum, wed be helping indirectly. (Teresa)

And wed be helping who now? (Cho Hong)

Who do you think it is? The Federation, obviously. (Teresa)

Cho Hong formed a dumbfounded expression.

I cant even bring myself to call you a thick-headed idiot. So Well, have you forgotten the fact that the core of the Federation is actually made up of those foreign races that invaded the Paradise in the first place? (Cho Hong)

Of course I remember. I fought them off several times myself. (Teresa)

Teresa nonchalantly replied and began her explanation.

Currently, the warfare between the Federation and the Parasites are getting far more intense. (Teresa)

I know that. (Cho Hong)

I acknowledge my oversight in failing to consider the possibility of the Parasites traversing through the rugged, hostile terrain of the neighbouring mountain range. However, it is undeniable that we managed to draw their attention away by building a fortress there. And they even attacked us, too. (Teresa)

Oh, so you wanna split their focus, is it? (Cho Hong)

Thats right. The Federation had been expending all of their military might to fight the Parasites, but with us doing this, they should feel less of a pressure now. Of course, itd be no more than splashing a couple of cups of water on the bonfire, though. (Teresa)

Oh boy~. You must be feeling pretty comfy with your life now? Worrying about the folks over at the Federation and all. (Cho Hong)

You shouldnt take this issue so lightly like that. (Ian)

Ian cautiously offered his opinion, having been quietly listening to the tit-for-tat between the two ladies.

I dont know what your thoughts are, but I wholeheartedly agree with the princesss opinion. (Ian)

Ian slowly stroked his salt-and-pepper beard and continued on.

Once upon a time, the Beastmen Alliance boasted the second greatest power in this land, but eventually, they couldnt withstand the Parasites offensive and ended up being destroyed. Meanwhile, we humans stood by the side and did nothing. The end result was that, only a few remnants of the formerly-glorious Beastmen survived and they had to enter the Federation in order to survive. (Ian)

The battlefront we have to fight in has increased by two folds, as a result. And, the Parasite army grew even stronger after preying on the corpses of the Beastmen, too. (Teresa)

Teresa wrapped the strand of her attractive hair around her index finger while muttering out helplessly. Ian, too, looked rather bitter about that.

You all heard about the Cave Fairies joining the Federation recently. To be more specific, they have entered the Federation that the Sky Fairies have entered first. (Ian)

Now that Seol Ji-Hu thought about it, he could just about recall Dylan and Ian discussing that very matter earlier.

Those two might have come from the same ancestors, sure. The important point here is that these two opposing forces that had been at constant loggerheads with each other for centuries nay, millenniums are joining hands. I want you to think carefully about how pressed and desperate the Federation mustve been for such a situation to occur. (Ian)

Seol Ji-Hu listened to those words and quietly agreed with them.

This was the case of soon-mang-chi-hahn. (TL note at the end.)

Right now, the humans and the Federation were in a similar relationship between teeth and gums.

It makes certain sense. (Seol Ji-Hu)

It was a simple enough story.

What if they stood by the sidelines once more sucking on thumbs and did nothing as the Federation fell?

Listen to me. If us the royals wished to do whatever we wanted, then wed be thinking of invading the Parasites territory right about now. I mean, that would make things even more certain, wouldnt it? However, thats not the case here. Were simply building a fortress. As long as that is completed, wed have ourselves a trustworthy fortress to rely on. (Teresa)

Teresa suddenly began pleading with the group, sounding rather earnest now.

Cho Hong went Hmph! and turned her head away, but she kept her mouth shut as if she couldnt think of anything clever to say.

Thats why, please aid us. You already know this. Even though Im a upper level ranker, Earthlings dont respond well to the directives issued by the royals. (Teresa)

.

Dylan, not only are you a high-level ranker, youre also the leader of the famed Carpe Diem, so I believe youll be able to control them. (Teresa)

I must think about my comrades first. We were supposed to be returning to Haramark, but this. Besides, this friend here is still only a level 1. (Dylan)

When Dylan pointed at Seol Ji-Hu, Teresa shook her head.

Im not shameless and brazen enough for that. Ill have him return alongside the carriages and horuses.

Hmm.

Dylan~. You can earn lots of experience points from the battles, and youll also earn big achievement points by participating in the war, and finally, there will be suitable rewards from the royals, too. Its like, killing three birds with one stone, so what is there to even think about? Weve never short-changed you when it came to rewards, havent we? (Teresa)

Teresa spoke while folding her thumb, index, and middle finger one at a time. Even then, Dylan didnt show a single trace of being convinced. She let out a long sigh and raised her head to the sky.

It was a bit out of nowhere, but Seol Ji-Hu found her deer-like neckline quite pretty and rather pale to the view.

A short while later, Teresa spoke in a powerless voice.

.I understand. I wont ask you for anything excessive. I promise. I wont rashly order you to start fighting, so please, safeguard Ian if nothing else. (Teresa)

We can do that. (Dylan)

Finally, Dylan agreed.

As if everyone was waiting for that

Hugos mouth opened and closed several times, and as for Cho Hong, she did look wholly unsatisfied but still, didnt say anything. It seemed that Dylan did indeed have a chat with those two earlier.

Thank you. (Teresa)

As if she was relieved by this, Teresa expressed her gratitude in a soft voice and eventually, pushed herself up rather lethargically.

Well set off again in five minutes. I wish we could rest for a bit longer, but the situation remains too urgent, you see. Please forgive me. (Teresa)

She then walked away.

Seol Ji-Hu watched her departing back as she strode forward, and activated Nine Eyes.

Seol, now that the situation has come down to this, Id like to ask you for an important favour. (Dylan)

Dylan suddenly spoke to the youth.

A favour, you say? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Mm. Wed be grateful if you return to Haramark and safely guard our loot. Until we return, of course. (Dylan)

Ian revealed a toothy grin. It was a clear sign that Dylan was looking after the youth. But then, Seol Ji-Hu looked behind him again at the distant back of the princess.

.Seol? (Dylan)

Id like to go with you. (Seol Ji-Hu)

Nope. (Dylan)

Dylan refused right away.

If you are thinking of your loyalty to the team or about your feelings, then let me tell you this, youve done more than enough already. Youre a level 1. Theres no need for you to participate in a war yet. (Dylan)

Am I going to be hindrance by going there with you? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Was that an unexpected question for them?

Dylan was quickly waving his hand around.

Not at all. You even managed to stand your ground against a female Lioner whos strength shouldve exceeded a level 4 Warrior. Never mind your skills, that kind of balls means that youll be helpful in any situation. (Dylan)

Thats a relief. In that case, let me go with you. (Seol Ji-Hu)

Would you look at this kid? Hey dude, you saying that for real? (Cho Hong)

At Cho Hongs question, Seol Ji-Hu simply nodded his head.

Whether I want to or not, Im bound to get involved in the war, anyway. I figured that it wouldnt be so bad to experience it first-hand here. (Seol Ji-Hu)

Of course, that was just the surface explanation. There was another reason why Seol Ji-Hu wanted to participate in the war.

Teresa Hussey, the person he felt this unknown but powerful attraction from the moment he saw her. He was curious about the reason for this.

He even thought that, were he to let her slip through his fingers here, then hed never find another opportunity to see her again.

In other words, he was moving according to his emotions.

Mm. If thats what you want, I wont try to stop you. Looks like well have to add one more person to the list of those we protect. (Dylan)

You know, you shouldnt be acting like this already. (Cho Hong)

Dylan shrugged his shoulders and spoke, while Cho Hong massaged her forehead as if she had given up now.

Im grateful about you guys wanting to protect me, but doesnt that mean I gotta pay you guys something? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Not at all. We still havent even paid you back for the rest of the change, yet. (Dylan)

Dylan chuckled gently.

Whatever the case may be, this youth was an Earthling that saved their lives a few times already back in the Forest of Denial. For some reason, he made others hold high expectations of him.

This is why I like you so much, Seol! (Hugo)

Hugo suddenly pounced on him.

Seol Ji-Hu did his best to push the bald and muscular black dude away from him and looked back at Teresa once more.

Her colour, as shown by Nine Eyes, was none.

***

The expedition joined up with the reinforcements led by Teresa Hussey and immediately set off towards the Arden Valley.

Although it was already expected to some degree, the path leading to the Dawn Peak was an arduous one to take, with boulders and jutting rocks of varying sizes strewn about everywhere.

Not to forget, they were marching forward at a breakneck pace, so cases of Priests falling behind occurred as well. Of course, that didnt mean the army would abandon them and continue on, so the warriors had to go back and give them a piggy-back ride.

Before long, the sun was about to dip below the horizon; the fading twilight drew shadows, big and small, on several places of the steep ridge.

While being carried on Hugos back, Ian was tirelessly manipulating the communication crystal to get in touch with the fortress.

For a time, these communication crystals played the strategically important role of swiftly transmitting the unfolding situation to elsewhere. But, that was only until the Parasite Queen developed an ability to emit the communication-disrupting interference.

With that, the Parasites also changed the way they attacked.

In the beginning stages of the conflict, they pushed forward with absolutely overwhelming numbers, but nowadays, the Parasites began performing sneak attacks after interfering with communication first.

From the perspective of the human alliance, this was a truly maddening development, but still, they couldnt stop using the crystals to communicate with each other.

When the distance between two crystals shortened, the strength of Magic Power being sent between the two, not to mention the amount of time the two stayed connected, would improve greatly. Which meant that it was possible to break through the interference.

That was precisely why Ian tried his best to communicate with the fortress, even now. As long as they had not fallen, then the closer the reinforcement army got, the greater the odds of getting through to the fortress.

Buzzzzz!!!

Ians once-worried eyes opened wider. A noisy discharge of energy came from the crystal.

Yes!! They are still there! (Ian)

Ian shouted out loudly.

His shout was so loud that it even took Seol Ji-Hu by surprise as the youth was breathlessly running up the steep slope.

This reinforcement effort wasnt in vain. At the very least, its not the worst-case scenario! (Ian)

Ian declared so, and hurriedly poured more Magic Power into the crystal. Almost right away, it began emitting a ear-splitting mess of noises that contained all sorts of buzzes and crackles.

Dylan opened his mouth.

Master Ian. Should I speak to the princess and stop the march? (Dylan)

No! Its fine. Ill continue to connect to them while were on the move. (Ian)

Ian brought his face closer to the crystal.

Can you hear me? This is the Sorcerer Ian in the direct employ of the Haramarks royal family! (Ian)

Ian?

Crackle, buzzzz.

Maybe because he hadnt completely gotten through the interference, the cracking noise was still quite severe, but still, one could hear the urgent voice coming through.

Hell, the listeners could even sense desperation in the voice, too.

Wait a second! If youre coming, then.?!

As soon as all communications with the Arden fortress had been cut-off, we summoned Earthlings and set off from Haramark with elite troops. Were on our way to the fortress. (Ian)

But, the interference.!

When hearing that disbelieving voice, Ian began to carefully explaining the situation.

We have already entered the Arden valley earlier in the afternoon. (Ian)

Truly? Truly, did the Haramark royal family figure out the situation this side and dispatched reinforcements? This quickly??

Yes, they have. Her majesty Teresa Hussey is personally leading the troops. (Ian)

Her majesty has personally?!

It was then, a loud cheer could be heard coming from the crystal.

Waaaaah!!

That couldnt have been made by just one or two people. They mustve been so elated, because there were a couple of tearful voices mixed in there as well.

The sounds of thing exploding intermittently, as well as strange beastly roars in the background, were simply an added bonus.

How does the situation look? (Ian)

Were giving everything we have to defend against the enemy horde, but their number is far too overwhelming! The defensive line will fall at any second now!

Just wait a little bit longer! Well arrive at the Dawn Peak very soon! Which means arriving at the fortress will only be a matter of time! (Ian)

Is that so!! Thank you! I beg of you, but please hurry!!

The guy on the other side of the line shouted out in an elated, emotional voice.

The moment they realised that the royal family had not forsaken the Arden fortress, the fighting spirit that was running dangerously low had been re-ignited.

Can you tell us the enemys size? (Ian)

Understood! The invading Parasites are.!

Paaahhhtssszzkh!!

Another wave of interference abruptly ended the communication. Ian clicked his tongue, poured more Magic Power into the crystal and shouted out.

Dylan! Please go inform the princess! (Ian)

Dylan ran forward hard as if he had developed a pair of wings.

Meanwhile, Seol Ji-Hu swallowed down his saliva nervously.

During this rushed march forward, the whole thing felt intolerably tough, and he only wished that they could get there sooner. But, now that he heard the communication, his tension was shooting up through the roof.

Those people, just how much of a desperate struggle were they in right now?

Seol Ji-Hus eyes drifted upwards.

They were about to arrive at the Dawn Peak.