"Master, ahead should be the ice wolves' territory."
Freya pointed to the dense mountains.
Jioral Kingdom built on subhuman plunder.
Even post-founding, old habits persisted.
Special troops disguised as mercenaries raided subhumans.
Rare ice wolves—prime targets.
Clan location unknown, but general area confirmed.
Such intel no secret to Freya.
Star Spirit surveyed surroundings. "Master, why here?"
"Find an ice wolf girl."
"As expected—Master's mind only women."
Kaiser smiled. "Yes—harem devil. Problem?"
"…"
Star Spirit mouth twitched—speechless retort.
Master's perversion boldly open.
Ignoring, Kaiser eyed glowing devil contract.
No hesitation—extended perception.
Moments; lips curved. "Her, likely."
Position locked; led Freya trio forward.
Soon, girl in sight.
Instant—Kaiser's eyes brightened.
Exquisite pretty face; jade-smooth skin glowing moonlight.
Silver hair cascaded snow-like; fluffy wolf ears adorable.
Petite yet perfectly proportioned.
Rough furs covered full contours—fatal allure.
Wrists to thighs below—white fur.
Fluffy wolf tail swishing—ultimate wild charm.
Prime beast-eared girl.
Wonder wolf-petting feel?
Mind wandered.
Different from Leone—pure natural.
Meanwhile.
Patrolling Setsuna spotted trio instantly.
Eyes sharpened.
Humans—all bad.
Capture clansmen for slavery.
Hum!
Cold mist; sharp ice claws coated palms.
Charged like lone hunting wolf toward Kaiser.
Success.
Unmoving Kaiser—Setsuna smiled.
But.
Cold blade blocked path.
So fast?
When drawn?
Setsuna's pupils shrank; ducked low, shifting attack.
Next!
Foot stomped ground; ice claws toward blade-wielder.
Clang clang clang!
Metal clashes linked.
Instant—ice claws shattered to fragments.
Setsuna retreated meters.
Anna knife in hand, smiling sweetly at Setsuna.
"Ice wolf miss—attacking Master rude."
Setsuna wary. "Humans here—no good intent."
Glanced trembling hand—unwilling flashed.
This woman.
So strong.
Passive defense crushed skill.
And…
Seemingly no older.
Why?
Her talent best in clan.
But level capped.
Effort futile—current limit.
Mere guard this strong.
This man—what status?
Seconds—countless thoughts.
But no flight.
Ice wolf warrior—no retreat without fight.
"Master?"
Sensing intent, Anna glanced Kaiser.
Likely target.
Light hand.
"Don't injure."
"Yes, Master."
Anna nodded; advanced toward Setsuna.
Chance.
Setsuna's eyes razor-sharp.
Defeat woman—reduce force.
Next!
Vanished.
Instant—before Anna; ice claws rending air, shredding intent.
Facing, Anna gentle smile unchanged.
"Good moves."
Admit.
Energy use, technique—strongest encountered.
But pity…
Too weak.
Even without Insight Eye—full flaws.
Bang! Bang!
Anna parried claws unmoving.
Other hand pressed Setsuna's shoulder.
Terrifying force.
Setsuna staggered, pinned ground.
Eyes wide. "You humans—release!"
Anna. "Can—but no more attacks."
"Fine—release first."
"Of course."
Anna released, helping up.
In heart—future comrade.
Keep relations good.
"You… really released?"
Setsuna puzzled at Anna. "Not here enslave us?"
"Not those mercenaries."
Kaiser approached, smiling. "You attacked first."
"Apologize?"
Hearing, Setsuna paused.
True.
Misjudged good people.
Cheeks pinkened; embarrassed. "Sorry—thought you slavers. Attacked mistakenly."
"Past."
Kaiser waved; gazed deeply into Setsuna's eyes. "Introduce—I'm Kaiser, devil."
"???"
Setsuna blinked; examined Kaiser, muttering. "Human?"
"But not quite."
"Unimportant."
Kaiser lazy explaining devils.
"Simply—want strength?"
Setsuna inhaled deeply.
Unexpected words.
Even odd.
But hit heart.
Strength—sole obsession.
Gazed Kaiser; deep bow. "Lord Kaiser—I want strength."
"Teach method."
"Transaction then."
Kaiser deep eyes; faint smile. "Easy for me."
"But price."
Setsuna nodded firmly. "Accept."
Countless life-death; strength stagnant.
Enough.
Even if lied—try.
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