Chapter 66
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Chapter 66: Kalian’s Longing and Meeting
Dawn.
In the woods south of Winter Fortress.
The cold, crisp air snuffed out the last embers in the fire pit, and light rain began to fall, making the waters of Winter River flow even faster.
A group of human cavalry camped in the forest, the horses’ hooves wrapped in black cloth, and the soldiers had removed their heavy armor.
This was not only to speed up their march but also to prevent the noise of clashing armor from attracting the Night Demon.
It has been two and a half days since Winter Fortress fell.
After two and a half days of fleeing, this bodyguard unit, originally nearly one thousand strong, now had fewer than three hundred left.
To have survived for this long under the pursuit of the Night Demon is already a miracle.
You see, for the quick-moving Night Demon who uses dark magic, this forest with its complex and deep quiet paths is the perfect place to move around.
They have managed to hold on for so long, not only because their loyal guard includes a fourth-level Paladin—Viscount Carter, but also because Ms. Kalian, a follower of the Mechanical Sect, is among them.
When it comes to close combat, Kalian, a third-level advanced believer, is completely overpowered by the Night Demon Soldiers; she is far behind these well-trained soldiers in strength, speed, and battle experience.
Unfortunately, this is not a direct battle, but a chase.
The mechanical traps that Kalian carries can come in handy now.
The best example is when she blew up dozens of Night Demon Soldiers at the bridge near Winter Fortress.
Kalian still has many mechanical traps, similar to landmines, which is why the Night Demons are cautious and have slowed down their march.
The dawn forest is very quiet; because of the winter, there are hardly any insects, only the occasional whinny of a horse.
In the simple camp, the wet people munched on dry food in small, hurried bites, swallowing it down with rainwater when it got stuck, while only a few soldiers gathered around Viscount Carter and Ms. Kalian to discuss what to do next.
Normally, dawn is the time when the Night Demons feel the most tired, allowing everyone to relax and rest for a while, but these generals remain extremely alert.
Only because Ms. Kalian is in the army.
These loyal soldiers have only one thought in their hearts —
To bring Ms. Kalian back to the royal city.
The Marquis of Logan has collided head-on with the Night Demon Commander; it is likely that the situation is dire. The Duke of Tersk has only two children, and Ms. Kalian is the last heir.
Her life must not be lost.
Kalian certainly knows this, but after a series of shocks and exhaustion, this strong princess is nearly breaking down, hugging her knees and staring blankly.
There is nothing she can do; no matter how strong her character is, she is just an eighteen-year-old girl, and outside her family, her upbringing has only been at the peaceful steam academy.
She is like a flower in a greenhouse, suddenly watered with blood-red terror.
Confused fear filled her heart, leaving her unsure of what to do.
The soldiers beside her were becoming fewer, while the pursuers behind her kept coming.
If it continues like this, will she be able to escape?
If she wants to escape, how should she do it?
If it were you, what would you do?
Unconsciously, Kalian pictured Leo in her mind.
"Oh, what am I thinking… He flew into the sky with the White Cavalry Army; he was one of the first warriors to face the ancient dragon. How could he have survived?" Kalian murmured sadly, feeling a mix of regret and nostalgia.
"Nono! Nono! A familiar smell, Nono!" The mechanical bird on her shoulder suddenly raised its chin, and its fluff spun around.
"Hmm?"
The knights quickly gripped their sword handles, watching their surroundings closely.
"Don’t be nervous, it’s me."
Leo pushed through the bushes and came out with Miss Skuld.
Both of them were covered in bright red, clearly having gone through a series of fierce battles.
"Leo! It really is you!"
"Yes, it’s me!"
Viscount Carter was the first to greet Leo, punching him lightly in the chest, and then giving him a big bear hug.
The events at Winter Fortress had earned Leo the respect of this warrior and his loyal soldiers.
Even though they ultimately could not hold the fortress, there was nothing they could do; who would have thought the Night Demon would use the power of an ancient dragon?
Leo was very excited; he had been chasing the small team led by Kalian for two and a half days, and he finally caught up.
The experiences along the way were truly colorful; Miss Kalian had set many hidden traps that almost blew Leo and Skuld up.
Their biggest trouble along the way was not the Night Demon, but Miss Kalian’s bombs.
She was simply a master of explosions.
Fortunately, there were quite a few Night Demon bodies, which Miss Skuld consumed, giving her a boost in power.
"You’ve worked hard on the way."
"You too, great job!"
"Mr. Carter, he is still hurt," Miss Skuld said expressionlessly as she walked up, trying to separate the two men full of affection for each other.
"Ha!" Miss Kalian chuckled, covering her mouth at the sight.
For some unknown reason, the moment she saw Leo, a thought sprang up in her mind that she might be able to escape.
At the same time, a feeling of deep joy arrived within her heart.
She was happy that Leo could survive.
Her eyes curved into two crescent moons.
The sudden laughter changed the serious atmosphere, bringing a little comfort to everyone’s tense and despairing feelings.
The soldiers stood up and gathered around.
"Mr. Leo, come here, I have water."
"Water? I have some strong liquor here, Mr. Leo; drinking it will help your wound."
"Alcohol is good for wounds? I think you’re confused! I also have some jerky; Mr. Leo, take some to eat."
"No way, you are hiding wine from us!"
Joyful teasing sounds rose and fell, and the numb soldiers seemed to find their courage, instantly regaining some spirit.
"Ms. Kalian, Viscount Carter, and everyone, I appreciate your good intentions." Leo patted Carter’s shoulder. "But right now, we must focus on escaping from the Night Demon."
"Indeed." Hearing this, the recently lifted spirits sank a bit again. Carter sat on the ground, sighed, "These damn creatures raised by the dwarfs are fast and strong, and they are really tough to deal with. Hmph, but we might not lose after all."
"The Duke’s army must be gathering. When he sends his troops, they will definitely turn them into minced meat!"
"…" Leo frowned but said nothing, sitting down beside him.
To be honest, Leo couldn’t understand what that invincible ruler of the North Land was doing now.
The Night Demon has breached their home, and they still haven’t responded?
At this rate, Leo might really have to run away with Kalian to the Mechanical Church.
Yes, this is the true reason Leo came to find Kalian.
Anyway, Leo doesn’t really understand countries and doesn’t have any family or friends. If North Land doesn’t work out, he can just follow Kalian to the Mechanical Sect’s territory.
After all, Kalian is a normal person, not an extreme crazy person, and she is very good looking.
For this, he must win Kalian’s favor and make sure she doesn’t die during this chase.
"Nono! Nono! Leo, think of something, Leo, think of something!" A mechanical bird flew to Leo’s shoulder and spread its wings.
"So everyone," Leo blinked, "may I ask what you plan to do next?"
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