"Thanks for the warning."
Hel watched the strange father-and-daughter pair slowly walk away. Even after their figures disappeared from sight, she remained staring blankly in the direction they had gone.
After a long moment, she shook her head and muttered to herself:
"What a strange combination."
Originally, she had intended to keep a low profile and avoid trouble. But after seeing the details of Zephyra's three entries, she realized she couldn't ignore it.
If those three entries were left in Zephyra, no matter how much beauty she experienced in the world, one day she would completely fall into darkness and summon the god residing behind her. That god would descend into Zephyra's body.
On this continent, where true transcendent beings were rare and a 6th-rank individual could be considered a king, the arrival of a god far above the saintly rank would be like a max-level player going to destroy fish in a beginner village.
Such a dangerous situation was something Hel absolutely could not allow.
That was why she had removed the three dangerous entries from Zephyra.
However, her own "Corrupt God's Offspring" and "Corrupt Overlord" entries were similar in danger to the Witch entry—otherwise, Hel would have needed to purge all dangerous entries from herself as well.
…
Ashton Count Territory—A battered army raced forward at top speed.
This was the Empire's Third Legion, once numbering fifty thousand, now reduced to just over ten thousand.
At the forefront of the army, a luxurious carriage sped along. Pulled by eight sturdy white horses, it resembled a moving house. The carriage was inscribed with numerous alchemical runes.
Not only could it withstand attacks from 6th-rank transcendents, it also functioned as a mobile wizard tower. This carriage had played a crucial role in allowing the Third Legion to escape from the Beastmen army's encirclement.
At this moment, most of the high-ranking officers of the army were gathered inside.
"The Beastmen aim to support the traitors who stole the angel. Our goal is not to defeat them outright, but to delay them. If we can keep them trapped within the Mandrake Principality, that will be our greatest victory."
"But Commander, they have over three hundred thousand transcendents. How can our remnants possibly delay them?"
A general beside Gaspar spoke with concern:
"We were defeated at Black Pine Hills, losing over 13,000 men. At the Hofmann Castle battle, we lost again, leaving only half our soldiers behind. Thirteen suicide missions aimed at destroying their supplies have failed, costing nearly three knight regiments. Commander, if we continue, the Third Legion may be wiped out entirely."
"Commander, maybe we should continue setting traps along the route, destroy roads, and hinder the enemy's advance."
"Useful?"
Gaspar slammed both hands onto the table, sending clouds of dust into the air. After a moment of silence, he sighed and spoke in a calmer tone:
"Traps, destroyed roads—do you really think that will work against the War Witch? No matter how many traps we set, no matter how ruined the roads are, she can solve it with a single spell. Meanwhile, we only slow ourselves down and waste valuable military resources."
"Then how do you suggest we fight this battle?"
"There's only one option: hold the city at all costs."
After a moment's contemplation, Gaspar pointed to a location on the map and said gravely:
"This is Riverside Fortress. If we destroy the bridge to the east bank, we can use the Mandrake River's natural defenses to trap them on the eastern shore."
"Exactly, Commander, wise as always. Then they either risk crossing the river or must detour to the southern plains bridge. And if we destroy that too?"
"Then they must cross the river, risking everything. We just need to position archers and mages along the shore, and we can easily stop them on the opposite bank."
"But what if the War Witch uses that terrain-defying magic again?"
Someone muttered this suddenly, and the little confidence the officers had gained immediately vanished. They exchanged nervous glances, none daring to speak further.
Finally, Gaspar said:
"This is the best plan. Even if the War Witch casts magic, she can't make everyone cross easily. Our forces facing them will still be fewer."
"The best plan? Have you considered another possibility? That you won't even make it across the river before being annihilated?"
The officers froze, turning toward the voice. Suddenly, the doors of the carriage swung open, and a wolf-girl silently stood there.
"Bloodhowl Fang?!"
"The War Witch?!"
"How are you here?!"
Chaos erupted instantly, while Nikki simply watched the performance.
"Don't panic. There's only one of them. We need to take her down first; only then can we hope to delay the Beastmen army."
"Yes, take her down!"
Several officers, regaining composure, drew their weapons and charged at Nikki.
However, facing multiple equally strong opponents, Nikki did not panic. She sneered disdainfully:
"Trash is still trash. Even at death's door, you don't realize it. Fine, then I'll show you what dying properly feels like."
[Advanced War Magic: Legion Summon]
A blood-red magic circle instantly erupted beneath Nikki's feet. In moments, it expanded rapidly, engulfing the advancing army completely.
The soldiers panicked, looking around desperately to see who had cast the spell. Many tried fleeing the circle, attempting to escape the danger.
But in the next instant, countless Beastmen soldiers appeared around them, unleashing prepared skills and attacks.
In an instant, the Third Legion suffered devastating casualties.
And this was only the beginning of the slaughter.