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The morale of the troops was high. They were an odd bunch – a mixture of humans, orcs, and elves. Although their overall numbers had been reduced by almost half, their power had not weakened considerably with the addition of the Red Moon Valley warriors.

It was reassuring for the Pendragon Duchy’s soldiers to have the warriors from the two tribes by their sides. They had sworn to be blood allies of the Pendragon Duchy.

“Then I will leave it to you, Miss Kara.”

Kara nodded with a soft smile.

“As blood allies, we will be responsible for the funeral procession for the Pendragon and the Ancona warriors.”

“Thank you.”

After exchanging last few words, Raven turned around and followed behind the troops with Soldrake. The troops finally exited the village while the elves saw them off. Raven turned to Soldrake and spoke with a slightly apologetic tone.

“It may be inconvenient, but let’s walk together in this form for a while, Sol.”

[It is not uncomfortable. Rather, my original body consumes more mana, so this is more comfortable. And I like walking next to Ray.]

Although her expression and voice were indifferent as always, Raven could feel the emotion behind her words.

“Well… Thank you anyways. Hmm?”

Suddenly, Soldrake stopped in her place. Raven became puzzled at her abrupt behaviour.

[…..]

As if time had stopped in place, Soldrake stood still like a statue. Then, she jerked her head in a certain direction.

Paaaa…

A faint spirit exuded from her forehead.

“Sol, is there something wrong?”

Raven was quite surprised. She had never acted like this during his time with her.

Pa!

Soldrake’s eyes glimmered with spirit, and she slowly turned towards Raven before speaking.

[Ray, I felt a new Pendragon.]

“A new pendragon? What do you mean by that?”

Raven frowned at the unexpected words. Soldrake resumed walking with the faintest of smiles.

[The first boy to be born with the blood of Pendragon is a new Pendragon.]

“Hmm, yeah…? What?!”

Raven continued alongside her without understanding her words, then his eyes suddenly jerked open. Even an idiot would be able to know what she was talking about.

“Sol, just now, w, what you said… Sol, tell me the details. Sol? Sol…!”

[It was like this when Alan was conceived as well, but it still feels somewhat empty.]

Soldrake did not respond to Raven’s comment, continuing to walk forward while muttering in a small voice.

***

Woosh…!

Cold winds swept over the surface of the shallow river.

“Keheung! Throw them over there!”

At Karuta’s words, the Ancona Orc warriors lobbed several beasts and monsters to the lower reaches of the river, far from where the troops were waiting. They had captured the creatures as they travelled through the Great Forest.

Kiyeeeehk!

Kyaaahk!

A dozen goblins and harpies screamed. They were bound with ropes, and they flew more than 50 yards before hitting the surface of the water. Soon, ripples started to appear on the quiet surface, beginning to move rapidly towards the place where the goblins and harpies were struggling.

Kwaaaahk!

Huge assiah crocodiles started to appear on the surface of the water, fighting over the helpless prey.

“Okay, let’s cross!”

Humans, orcs, and elves rushed to cross the shallow river at Killian’s shouts. Everyone was able to safely cross the river while the crocodiles were running wild.

“Is everything all right?”

“Yes, lord.”

“We will take a short break. Have the troops dry their boots and clothes in the meantime.”

At Raven’s words, the troops settled down and began to rest. Raven and Soldrake stood on a side of a hill, and Raven turned his head. Facing the wind from the river, the dark green trees of the Great Forest swayed as if nothing had happened.

“…..”

More than a month had passed already, but the events were still fresh in his mind. He had escaped into the Great Forest after being entrapped by the demonic army. All the incidents passed by his eyes like a flash.

But Raven knew that this wasn’t the end.

Rather, this might have marked the real beginning.

Destroying the Troll King and bringing peace to the Great Forest was only the first step in reversing the current situation in the South. He would have to climb to the end of the stairs to fulfil his duty as Duke Pendragon and take revenge as Raven Valt.

“Killian.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Where are the main forces of the coalition stationed now?”

“Either Raxla or Florence. What do you think about heading to the original base first? The war horses are there and the remains of the fallen soldiers have been transported there as well.”

“No, we don’t have time for that. Which one is closer to here?”

“It’s Raxla. But my lord, the one named Baltai has been sent to the original base…”

“Baltai…”

Raven’s eyes glimmered.

In the past, he would have headed to the original base without hesitation to kill him, but Raven’s mindset had changed after what he experienced in the labyrinth.

He realized that his responsibilities as the Duke of Pendragon were equally as important as getting his revenge.

“Viscount Moraine would have already transported Baltai to wherever the main army is staying at. No matter what anyone says, Baltai is a traitor to the empire.”

“Hm…”

Killian agreed. Viscount Moraine was a commander of the imperial army before he was the commander of the coalition. It was clear that he would keep a strict watch over the one who dared to betray the empire to attack a duke.

“We will head to Raxla. For now, send a couple of swift-footed soldiers to the base. I already sent a letter with a griffon, but I need to convey my words accurately to El Pasa.”

“Yes, sir.”

Killian saluted, then returned to the soldiers before selecting a few.

“Karuta, Eltuan.”

Raven turned his head and called the two that represented their race. Karuta’s promise to a battle had not been fulfilled yet. They came forward.

“As you may know, in our current situation, the friends from Ancona and Red Moon Valley are our most important forces. If we confront the rebels, you will have to stand at the forefront. I request of you.”

“Keung! Don’t worry about it.”

“It is our turn to shed blood for Pendragon. Leave it to me.”

The two nodded simultaneously.

Regardless of their relationship with each other, they were absolutely trustworthy when they fought together. Raven could rest assured at their words.

“Let’s start moving.”

“Yes! Break is over! Let’s go, let’s go!”

The troops of the three races resumed their march.

[Ray, are you worried about something?]

Raven’s forehead was furrowed as he walked. Noticing his expression, Soldrake asked.

Raven raised his head before answering bitterly.

“I can’t help but think that we don’t have enough troops.”

[But you have me Ray, right? And you have the awakened power too.]

She was probably referring to Dragon Blade. But Raven shook his head.

“Sol and Dragon Blade should only be used in battles against the monsters.”

[Why?]

“A great power that transcends human capabilities could instill fear even among our allies. Of course, I’m sure that the 7th regiment and the cooperating southerners will welcome it for now, but after the war ends, some of them will definitely have concerns and fears.”

[…..]

Recognizing what he was referring to, Soldrake nodded slightly. She knew that no forces had dared cross the Pendragon Duchy for hundreds of years due to her presence. Even when the duchy started to decline after the death of Raven’s predecessor, it was still the same.

“It’s especially true with Dragon Blade. It might push me into a corner as strong as it is. No human beings, even the emperor, can escape the gazes of others if they utilize a power that transcends human boundaries.”

[Why is that?]

Soldrake asked once more. She was indifferent to all human affairs outside of the Pendragon Duchy.

“Even if you are the emperor, you cannot control everything in the empire by yourself. That’s just a tyrant. You would have to appease the various high lords and the officials of the imperial castle. In particular, you should take care of the lords who are loyal to yourself and the empire in return for guaranteeing their power, wealth, and safety. I am already expanding my power throughout the empire, but if they find out that I possess a transcendental power, they will be forced into fear and enmity.”

[It is the same as how all the dragons, including myself, do not use our authorities when we are outside of our own territory.]

“Well, it’s similar.”

Raven was certain.

He must not use Dragon Blade unless it was a means of last resort and his life depended on it. If he used it recklessly, even though he might achieve victory in the immediate battle, he would be creating more enemies.

[Then what are you planning to do?]

“…..”

Raven remained silent for a moment, staring up at the distant skies.

“I can only hope… that my knight will succeed.”

His gaze contained concern, but a brighter light of trust. His gaze was headed towards the direction of the land that people called Valvas.

***

Valvas.

The land of great warriors and knights.

The geography consisted of high and deep mountain ranges, and unlike the other parts of the rich South, it was constantly embroiled in conflict and war.

Dozens of large and small groups, known as clans, formed and dissociated, some of which left their lands and spread over the land to participate in conflicts between lords and landlords as mercenaries. All in all, the ones known as the Valvas Cavalier possessed enormous power.

Rumors had it that they learned how to use the sword before they learned to walk. Every single Valvas Cavalier boasted a power equivalent to 100 men. Moreover, their fame had not spread to the mainland as well just because of their individual abilities.

They were bold and courageous, and unafraid of death. Moreover, they were loyal to death, even if they were hired with money. With the exception of the biggest, more famous mercenary groups, many mercenaries often betrayed their employers for money.

Larger mercenary groups were mainly hired for transportation and security jobs with low risk, so they had no complications with sticking to the contract. However, those who participated in territorial disputes were usually seeking money.

As such, they would not hesitate to turn sides if the other side offered more money.

But the Valvas Cavaliers were different.

The famous Knight King, Mara Valencia, had taken on the request of a girl for a single silver coin. She had requested him to take care of the bandits who murdered her family, and he had faced dozens of enemies alone. The same spirit was passed down to the other Valvas Cavliers.

They fought for their loyalty.

Even if they were forced to face a brother, they would not hesitate to draw their blades once involved in a military relationship.

There was a single passage leading to the land of Valvas. A man walked along a road located in the middle of Mount Uelba, which was located 3,000 above sea level. His face was covered by a hood, and he was of average height, no different from any other travelers.

Whooosh…!

The road was surrounded by mountain ranges, so the heat had set on earlier. A cool breeze swept through the passage. As a result, the man’s hood came off and his face was revealed. His rich, brown hair was reminiscent of a pedigree stallion’s beautiful hair, and his dark, navy eyes were deep like a lake. His name was Elkin Isla, the griffon knight of the Pendragon Duchy.