In between the snowy taigas of the great forest stood a massive mound of compacted dirt, half-buried under layers of frost and surrounded by a crude ring of jagged stone. It rose unnaturally from the white landscape, like a scar forced onto the land.
Patrolling around it were several giant ants.
Each one was as large as a small carriage, their bodies covered in a steel-like exoskeleton that reflected the pale winter light with a dull, ominous sheen. Eight jointed limbs dug into the frozen ground with unsettling precision, leaving deep clawed marks behind as they moved in slow, deliberate patterns.
Their mandibles were massive—serrated, black, and strong enough to crush stone—with faint traces of frost clinging to their edges. Most unsettling of all were their eyes: glowing purple orbs that pierced through the snowfall, scanning their surroundings with unnatural awareness.
From their abdomens, clusters of crystalline growths jutted outward—jagged purple crystals pulsing faintly with Astron, as if the creatures themselves were living conduits of magic. Each step they took caused those crystals to emit a low hum, barely audible beneath the howling wind.
They weren't wandering aimlessly.
They were guarding.
Hiding behind the snow-laden trees, Haruto and Haruna silently observed the magic beasts as they roamed like wardens around the mound.
Haruto had already activated Magic Instincts, mapping the surroundings with practiced ease.
"So this pile of dirt is the outpost," he thought. "...Well, they're ants. What was I expecting? A watchtower?"
His gaze lingered on the base of the mound, where faint gaps and reinforced earth suggested a passageway beneath. Still... there has to be a tunnel leading deeper inside. No way this is all there is.
Beside him, Haruna's breath came out in shallow, uneven puffs. The cold was biting hard now, gnawing at her exposed skin. Yet her expression never wavered.
Determination burned behind her eyes.
Desperation. Regret. Anger.
Those emotions drowned out the creeping numbness of frostbite.
Haruto noticed—and immediately understood.
They couldn't afford to drag this out.
"There are only a few guards outside," he whispered. "I don't sense anything deeper in for now. You should be safe. I'll distract them. You go in and find your teacher. Got it?"
Haruna stiffened for a moment, nerves flashing across her face—but she nodded.
Seeing her hesitation, Haruto placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice steady. "Don't worry. Once I deal with the ones outside, I'll join you."
She took a breath, then slipped back into cover behind a massive tree.
Haruto straightened.
A half-smile formed on his face as he stepped out from the shadows, boots crunching softly against the snow.
"Alright then," he muttered as he walked toward the anthill.
---
The giant ants were roaming around like guards when they suddenly froze, sensing an unusual presence nearby.
With glowing purple eyes, they all turned in the same direction.
Their intelligence showed as they quickly formed a defensive formation, mandibles raised, steel-like exoskeletons scraping against one another as they prepared for an intruder.
They might be big.
They might be smart.
But they were still unprepared to face the true force of nature born within this forest.
A dark, ominous aura flooded the area, crushing the atmosphere itself.
The ants trembled.
Not from the cold.
From fear.
Crunching footsteps echoed from the direction they were staring at.
"That's pretty underwhelming..."
Haruto's mocking voice rang out—and instantly, the ants grew frantic. The presence they had sensed moments ago scattered, shifting unpredictably around them.
Before they could react—
He was standing atop the anthill, hands in his pockets.
"...I'm disappointed," he scoffed. "Looks like you're all nothing more than overgrown insects."
That was enough to provoke them.
One of the ants charged, massive mandibles snapping toward him. Haruto effortlessly evaded the attack, leaping onto its head and grabbing its antennae.
He rode it like a raging beast, steering it straight into a nearby tree.
The impact was violent.
The ant's mandibles lodged deep into the trunk—and with a brutal crunch, it tore straight through the massive tree.
Haruto narrowed his eyes.
Those jaws have some serious force.
If that was Haruna... she would've been cut in half.
While analyzing their strength, he decided to test their durability as well.
He leapt onto another ant, gripping its antennae tightly.
Then, clenching his fist, he swung.
The punch shattered its exoskeleton. His fist drove straight through its head, acidic blood splattering violently across the snow.
The moment he realized it was acid, he pulled his arm back.
It stung—only slightly.
His regeneration adapted almost instantly, the corrosive substance being absorbed and neutralized by his body.
Not only that... he felt his blood grow stronger. More destructive. More efficient.
"...Interesting."
Research could wait.
Now he wanted to consume them.
Placing his hand on the ant's head, he released his blood, engulfing the creature in an instant. The consumption took longer than usual.
"Is it because of the tough exoskeleton?"
Before he could adjust anything, the ant began breaking down—its hardened shell crumbling like dust.
His blood adapted again.
In mere seconds, nothing remained.
The remaining ants watched in horror.
That moment of hesitation was enough.
Haruna slipped past them, quietly entering the anthill. Despite her shock, she prioritized the mission and disappeared into the tunnels below.
Haruto, meanwhile, felt something change.
A new evolution.
Just as the ant was fully consumed, a familiar voice echoed in his mind.
<
<
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"What—"
Before he could react, his entire body was reconstructed.
Cell by cell.
Muscles dissolved and reformed, woven from condensed Astrons. He felt lighter—yet far stronger than before.
No pain.
No fatigue.
Only excitement.
"So my skills don't just consume..." he muttered. "They steal."
Suddenly—
A pair of massive mandibles snapped toward his face.
He caught them effortlessly.
This time, he felt it clearly—Astrons flowing directly into his muscles and bones, reinforcing them with raw power. He could control it. Regulate it. Decide exactly how much energy to use.
He increased the flow.
The mandibles trembled—then were forced back.
Before he could react, another ant lunged from behind. Then another.
Six of them clamped onto him at once, mandibles crashing down again and again, trying to tear him apart.
But Haruto felt nothing.
Pain Nullification erased it all.
No physical pain.
No mental strain.
Only calm.
"...They really are ants, huh?"
A mocking smirk spread across his face.
He increased his Astron output tenfold.
The mandibles in his grip shattered like brittle ice. Even jawless, the ants continued charging, driven purely by instinct.
Haruto tore through them.
Mandibles ripped off.
Skulls crushed with brutal uppercuts.
Acidic blood sprayed everywhere, melting the snow like it had touched a blowtorch.
It didn't hurt him.
It didn't even affect him.
Before he realized it—
Everything was over.
The battlefield fell silent.
All the ants lay motionless, their glowing eyes dim and lifeless.
---
Finally, Haruto calmed down.
But as he looked over the mangled battlefield, something felt... wrong.
A subtle change inside him.
It was as if—somewhere along the way—he had lost control.
Before he could dwell on it, a new sensation crawled up his spine.
A presence.
Far heavier than the earth dragons they had faced in the labyrinth.
Haruto stiffened instantly, sharpening his senses and locking onto its source.
Then—
"It's..." he muttered, eyes snapping toward the anthill. "...Shit."
The realization hit like a hammer.
He bolted forward at full speed, diving into the outpost without sparing a glance at the ant corpses. For once, he didn't even think about consuming them.
His expression was calm—but the worry in his eyes was unmistakable.
What awaited him inside, however, was completely unexpected.
As he rounded a bend—
A blade flashed toward his head.
Haruto reacted a split second before decapitation, twisting aside as the strike grazed past him. Instinctively, his blood surged, forming his familiar weapons—the blood gauntlet and scissor claws.
Golden eyes flared as he locked onto the attacker and countered—
"WAIT!"
Haruna's voice echoed through the tunnel.
Haruto froze, his claws stopping mere inches from the attacker's skull.
Both men turned toward the sound.
Haruna stood there, visibly shaken.
Haruto withdrew his hand and stepped back. "...Haruna, are you okay?"
She nodded nervously, then shifted aside, revealing the man beside her.
Only then did Haruto take a proper look.
A towering figure with dark gray skin and blood-red eyes stood calmly before him. His unshaken demeanor spoke of countless battles fought and survived. Ash-blue hair was tied into a high topknot, partially framed by a demonic half-faced oni mask lined with jagged fangs.
His traditional robes were torn, filthy, and soaked with dried blood—clear proof of relentless combat. One arm gripped a worn yet deadly katana, while the other rested at his side: a fully skeletal metal arm, unmistakably artificial.
He resembled the ogres Haruto had imagined in stories—
Yet something about him was different.
Not visually.
Instinctively.
The man's mere presence was crushing.
Haruto immediately understood—this man was far more dangerous than anything he had faced so far.
Even if his Astron reserves didn't surpass those of the earth dragon—or Haruto himself—against an experienced warrior, tables will turn. Haruto's Astrol Physique and regeneration would only delay the inevitable if they truly clashed. Victory would demand either the singularity technique or devouring—both costly, risky, and difficult to use against someone so composed and intelligent.
At first glance, it was obvious.
This man was no joke.
After a few seconds of silence, Haruto spoke. "Do you two know each other? Are you her teacher?"
The man didn't answer.
Instead, he turned his cold gaze to Haruna.
Though startled, she stepped forward quickly. "N-no, Lord Haruto. This isn't my teacher. Unfortunately... it seems he was taken elsewhere."
She swallowed, then continued, "...This is Lord Takada. One of the greatest sword masters of the great ogre clans. He hails from the Violet Phantom Tribe. His skill earned him the title Lightning Feather."
"Oh..." Haruto said softly, realizing he was standing before someone important.
He offered a hand with an easy smile. "...It's an honor to meet you, Sir Takada. My name is Haruto. Haruto Kanzaki."
"So he's named already," Haruto noted internally. "No wonder he's so strong."
Takada paused, visibly confused, before taking the handshake. "The honor is mine," he replied in a low, cold voice.
Haruna stood beside Haruto. "Lord Haruto is my new master. And... I would appreciate it if you addressed me as Haruna from now on, Master Takada."
Takada nodded once, his expression unchanged. "...I will inform the goblin chief. I'm certain he will be pleased."
"...Chief?" Haruna's breath caught. "W-wait—you mean... Master Kataka returned to the village?"
Hope flickered in her eyes.
Takada shook his head. "No. Unfortunately not. I meant the new chief. Your father."
The reaction that followed wasn't relief.
It was disappointment.
Irritation.
Takada seemed to understand immediately. "Don't worry. We will find him. He is an important piece in the coming war."
"...War?" Haruto echoed. "Wait—what do you mean, war?"
Takada regarded him skeptically before answering. "This morning, the Crimson Empress declared war on the entirety of the Great Forest."
"The entire forest...?" Haruna whispered, the weight of it sinking in. "That can't be..."
"It is," Takada confirmed. "...A messenger delivered the decree."
He paused.
"Submit or die."
---
Apparently, at dawn today, a monster appeared at the ogre clan's territory.
It was a humanoid ant—standing upright on two legs, with a total of six limbs. Even at a glance, its observable power rivaled that of the clan's highest-ranking warriors.
Concern spread immediately.
That concern turned into terror when the ant declared itself one of the many Majin serving under the Empress of the Crimson Moon. Its presence alone was overwhelming. But the message it delivered was far worse.
The Crimson Battalion—one of the three great guardians of the forest—had decided to seize control of the entire domain and spread their authority.
Their intent was still unknown.
But one thing was clear.
Their power was no joke.
Now, there was no choice left. The forest had to unite—or be crushed.
"So... if you don't mind me asking," Haruto said, his tone curious yet clueless, "just how strong are these ants? Strong enough for the entire forest to panic like this?"
Takada answered in his usual cold voice.
"They're no mere ants. They used to be. Even back then, they were a force to be reckoned with. There's a reason they're considered one of the great guardians. They once served under Lord Charybdis. But with his absence... they are free to act however they wish."
Haruna, noticing Haruto's clear lack of knowledge about the forest, stepped in.
"The Crimson Battalion was appointed by the Great Ancestor to protect the forest. They were one of the three guardians. First—Lord Rayqaura, ruler of the skies. Second—the forest spirits, including dryads. And third—the Crimson Battalion."
She continued, her voice heavy.
"For thousands of years, those three protected the forest and its inhabitants. Their power surpassed nearly every being within it. And now... one of them has turned against the forest it once swore to protect."
"I see..." Haruto muttered.
Ants were apex predators among insects to begin with. Scale that up, add magic, and the result was terrifyingly obvious.
"Then what about the other two guardians?" he asked. "Are they siding with the ants too?"
"No," Takada replied flatly.
"Lord Rayqaura only intervenes when the forest faces absolute annihilation. The forest spirits are bound by a vow made with Lord Charybdis—to never fight one another. Rayqaura remains neutral. The dryads may offer guidance. Nothing more."
"That's awful..." Haruto muttered.
After a brief pause, he turned to Takada.
"Are you confident you can defeat the Crimson Battalion? You said they're different now. What did you mean by that?"
Takada glanced at him, skepticism clear in his eyes.
"I apologize. But I am not permitted to answer such questions. Not to a stranger."
"I see," Haruto replied calmly.
He understood immediately.
If this turns into a war, espionage is inevitable. Asking about military strength doesn't exactly inspire trust.
Haruna, however, bristled.
"Are you implying that my master isn't trustworthy, Master Takada?"
He didn't answer.
"It's fine, Haruna," Haruto said gently. "We just met them. They have no reason to trust me yet."
But her sharp gaze didn't soften.
Without another word, she turned away.
"Let's go, Lord Haruto. We don't have time to waste on people like this."
"H-hey—" Haruto tried to stop her, but the tension was already set.
He sighed and followed, an uneasy feeling settling in his chest.
As the two disappeared from sight, Takada's gaze shifted toward the shadows of the tunnel behind him.
"You sensed it too, didn't you?" he said quietly.
"...Kataka."
"Dragon blood, hm?"
A man stepped out from the darkness. There were no footsteps—only silence. His face was hidden behind a full oni mask, long snow-white hair flowing down his back.
"Yes," Takada replied, briefly glancing in the direction Haruto had gone.
"A half-dragon is an anomaly. There's a chance he could be affiliated with a Demon Lord."
"Unlikely," the masked man said calmly.
"A Majin of that caliber wouldn't be born overnight. His ignorance was genuine. And pure dragon blood is impossible to hide. If he served a Demon Lord, he'd be concealing it—not flaunting it."
He slowly unsheathed his katana.
"It's a risk... but a calculated one. Let her stay with him for now. He clearly cares for her. Enough to give her a name."
Haruna... he thought. I should thank him someday.
Takada's body became enveloped in dark, shadowy energy.
"I'm returning to camp. You should follow soon. Prince Dino seeks your guidance."
And with that, he vanished.
Kataka leaned against the cavern wall, exhaling deeply. His reflection stared back at him through the blade of his sword—uneasy.
"So there's no turning back," he muttered.
"War is inevitable."
While events unfolded beneath the earth, Haruna and Haruto raced through the forest above.
They leapt from tree to tree, their pace relentless.
Haruna was clearly shaken. She didn't cry—but her expression said everything.
Haruto stayed close behind, unsure of what to say.
This was unfamiliar territory for him.
So he chose silence—for now. At least until they reunited with Hana and Haruki.
After all...
who understood a girl better than another girl?
Unaware of it all, they rushed forward—
not knowing that the person they were searching for had been nearby all along.
---
A group of adventurers pushed deep into the forest, enduring the brutal weather, treacherous terrain, and the dangers lurking ahead.
And speaking of danger—
The sound of clashing steel echoed through the snowy woods.
Beneath the towering trees, a battle for survival was unfolding.
A giant magic beast stood before them—an abomination with the body of a lion and the sheer size of an elephant. Massive fangs jutted forward like tusks as it loomed over the adventurers.
And it wasn't alone.
A whole pack lingered behind it, circling, ready to charge the moment their alpha needed support.
At the vanguard stood the captain, Dreuo, gripping his massive longsword. His eyes burned with confidence as he shouted,
"FORMATION C!"
The party moved instantly.
Mages took position in the rear, protected by two tanks as they began chanting buff spells. Dreuo and the heavy hitters held the front, spiritual and physical enhancements surging through them—fear replaced by confidence and bloodlust. Two assassin-types positioned themselves beside the prince and the duke, guarding them closely.
Once the formation was complete, Dreuo roared,
"NOW!"
He leapt forward, aura flowing around his greatsword like liquid fire. The beast hesitated—then chose him as its first target.
A massive paw came crashing down.
Dreuo landed first.
He drove his blade straight into the creature's paw, stopping the strike cold. Without pulling it free, he sprang upward, planting his feet on its skull. As the beast roared in pain, Dreuo slammed a crushing punch into its forehead.
The impact stunned it.
That was all the opening the party needed.
They rushed in—swords, maces, and axes striking in perfect coordination. They danced around its clumsy swings, carving into its legs and underbelly.
Then one adventurer mistimed his dodge.
The beast's tail whipped around, slamming into him and sending his body flying. Blood sprayed as he hit the ground, unconscious from a single blow.
"HEALER!" someone shouted.
A powerful healing spell flashed instantly, mending shattered bones as the assassins dragged the fallen man to safety.
The white snow was soon painted red.
Blood poured from countless wounds as the beast staggered... then collapsed.
Its eyes, fur, and maw were drenched in its own blood as it hit the ground with a thunderous crash.
The death of their leader broke the pack's will.
The remaining Sabertusks scattered, fleeing deep into the forest.
Dreuo raised his sword high, a smug grin spreading across his face.
Cheers erupted as the adventurers celebrated their overwhelming victory.
From the sidelines, Duke Velnard watched with a faint smile.
"Impressive—for adventurers," he remarked. "A shame we didn't bring any S-ranks. If they were here, not a single one would've escaped."
Prince Rudra stood nearby, eyes wide with awe.
"Amazing..." he murmured.
Velnard shook his head slightly.
"Don't misunderstand, Prince Rudra. These are B-rank adventurers. Dreuo himself is high A-rank. Their victory was expected... though luck played a role."
"Luck?" Rudra echoed.
"Yes," Velnard replied calmly. "We were fortunate to encounter Sabertusks. They're among the few magic beasts intelligent enough to retreat from a losing battle. If the entire pack had attacked at once, this would've ended very differently."
"But they were smaller," Rudra argued. "Weaker."
Velnard chuckled.
"Tell me then—would you rather fight one dire wolf, or twenty average dogs?"
"...I see," Rudra said quietly, watching the aftermath unfold.
Dreuo approached them, resting his sword on his shoulder with a grin.
"So? Feel like reliving the old days, Duke?" He pointed toward the massive corpse behind him. "Tonight's feast is on me. I even brought the strong stuff—just for you."
Rudra stiffened.
"W-wait... we're eating that?"
"Of course!" Dreuo laughed. "Wasting it would be a crime." He leaned closer with a mischievous grin. "Trust me, kid. Tastes better than most noble cuisine."
Rudra swallowed and nodded, clearly nervous at the thought of eating a monster.
Velnard sighed.
"I'm not sure if I should—"
Too late.
Dreuo slung an arm around his shoulders.
"No escaping this time, my friend! I've waited years for this!"
Velnard gave in with a reluctant nod.
"...Fine. One glass. That's it."
Dreuo burst out laughing.
"That's rich coming from you. But I'll take it!"
And so—despite the dangers and hardships—
Velnard and his group pressed onward, continuing their journey toward a future meant to save Princess Nethra.
...