Category: Dear, it’s time for your medicine!

Chapter 94: A True Beauty

The message transmission ended.

Qin Chu stood in place, gazing straight ahead, silent for several minutes.

He was formulating a plan in his mind.

Dealing with Athena required a completely different approach than the one used for Ekaterina. This was a difficult problem.

Athena wasn’t as simple-minded as Ekaterina… Well, that might not be a very kind way to describe Ekaterina. The Crimson Valkyrie was a woman with big breasts and no brains… Uh, that wasn’t quite right either. Simple-minded and strong? That didn’t seem appropriate either… Hmm, perhaps honest… Yes, she was an honest person.

Ekaterina didn’t have many tricks up her sleeve. She wasn’t stupid, but she preferred not to think too hard when others were already scheming and plotting. Ekaterina wasn’t a mage either, so she wasn’t sensitive to magic or potions.

But Athena was different.

Stunning Love would be detected the moment she took the first sip. Mind control magic would also be noticed by Athena. She was intelligent and cunning, insidious and ruthless. Although she appeared to be a soft and warm older sister, her heart was as cruel as Loseweisse’s.

Even if he defeated Athena with overwhelming strength and placed a powerful curse on her that would cause her to explode if she disobeyed, this woman would still find a way to relay the information, even if it meant her death.

After much deliberation, it seemed that there was only one way to make Athena obedient: the Soul Fragment of the First Hero. As long as he possessed one of the fragments, Athena would have no choice but to comply.

Because she couldn’t bear the thought of Jie Luo’s soul being crushed by Qin Chu.

No matter how he thought about it, the final answer remained the same. The Storm Witch’s territory was a place he had to explore.

Shaye silently thanked Angelica in her heart. After all, it was Angelica’s message that had diverted Qin Chu’s attention from the issue of his slow level progression.

“Let’s go, this way…”

Under Shaye’s eager guidance, the group slowly moved forward.

After passing through the dense jungle, their vision suddenly opened up. In the midst of the dense forest was a vast desert, larger than most cities. There was no vegetation, no animals, only countless fine grains of sand, forming a massive funnel shape.

Nine tornadoes, like giant pythons, connected the sky and the earth, whipping up yellow sand and twisting their enormous bodies in mid-air. Even from a distance, they could feel the terrifying energy contained within the tornadoes.

Yellow sand filled the air, obscuring their vision through the dust. They could vaguely make out a tall castle in the distance.

“Over there, that’s the Storm Witch’s domain.” Shaye emerged from behind Qin Chu, wrapping her arms around his neck and hanging on his back.

She didn’t want to sit on his shoulder anymore. She wanted a unique position, leaving the shoulder for Anthea.

Her delicate finger pointed towards the bottom of the nine tornadoes, at the deepest part of the funnel-shaped depression. Shaye’s voice was solemn and serious: “Look there…”

Following Shaye’s pale finger, Qin Chu fell silent. He stood there, gazing at the abyss-like depression, a paleness that even the yellow sand couldn’t conceal.

White bones!

Their number was immeasurable, a veritable mountain of bones. There were human bones, animal bones, Demon Beast bones, and even some bones that Qin Chu couldn’t identify, belonging to creatures he didn’t recognize. He felt his scalp tingle, imagining himself becoming one of those white bones.

A vast number of bones were piled together, forming a massive oval. In the center of the oval were strange runes formed by bones.

It was those runes that made Qin Chu frown.

He had some recollection of these runes, as if he had seen them somewhere before… Ah, right, he had seen them in the Holy See.

Beside the statue of the Goddess of Holy Light in the Holy See, one of the seven auxiliary gods’ statues was adorned with these strange patterns.

Qin Chu subconsciously crossed his arms in front of his chest. This was the Storm Witch’s territory. How could it be related to the Holy See? Witches and the Holy See were always at odds.

Suddenly, Qin Chu shivered. He felt that he shouldn’t be here, as if he would get into trouble. But the Soul Fragment of the First Hero was something he had to obtain.

This area also made Ekaterina feel very uncomfortable. Her palms were sweating, and an invisible pressure enveloped her entire body. She had a vague feeling, an illusion that countless eyes were watching her from places she couldn’t see. The wind blew her crimson ponytail, causing it to flutter behind her.

Ever since her master said he liked her with this hairstyle, Ekaterina had kept her hair in a ponytail.

On the other side, Anthea had also emerged from Qin Chu’s body. Her small figure tightly gripped a long spear that was twice her height. Anthea was powerful, although not as strong as she was in her prime, she was definitely not weak. Yet, this place even made her feel uneasy.

What made Anthea feel even stranger was that, along with the unease, there was also a strange sense of familiarity.

After a long while, Qin Chu finally lowered his arms. He took a step forward, choosing to approach the white bones in the center of the desert depression!

He was quite curious about the symbols formed by the bones.

Shaye’s figure floated in mid-air in front of Qin Chu, her arms outstretched, blocking his path:

“Hey, isn’t this far enough? You’re not actually going to look for the Storm Witch, are you? I remember telling you before that the relationship between Witches is terrible.”

“Although I don’t know why, we don’t seem to have any grudges against each other, but as soon as we meet, it’s a fight to the death.”

“In my current state, if the Storm Witch discovers me, she will definitely attack. She will definitely devour the authority I possess.”

Shaye rambled on, dissatisfied with Qin Chu’s risky behavior.

“That’s quite scary…”

Suddenly, a soft and gentle voice came from behind them.

In that instant, their bodies stiffened. Someone had approached them to such a degree without them noticing?

It was like a gentle breeze. If the other party hadn’t spoken, they wouldn’t even have noticed her presence. Either her strength far surpassed theirs, or she possessed an extremely powerful ability to conceal her presence, or perhaps both…

They didn’t know what had appeared behind them, but in this eerie place… Anthea’s expression suddenly became extremely serious. In the next moment, she gripped her spear with one hand, twisted her waist, and spun around abruptly.

Black flames, like a long serpent, instantly wrapped around the spear. With a whoosh, the spear left her hand the moment she turned around. The long spear ripped through the air, producing a sharp whistling sound.

Infused with terrifying power, the spear trembled violently. The spearhead pierced through the air, shooting towards the rear like a dark meteor with incredible speed.

Behind them stood a woman with a captivating figure.

Her long silver-white hair fluttered in the wind, and a faint smile played on her slightly upturned lips.

She was undoubtedly a great beauty.

The “great” here shouldn’t be misinterpreted. Of course, she was indeed well-endowed, but it mainly referred to another aspect.

Even Ekaterina, who was over 1.8 meters tall, seemed like a dwarf in front of this woman. The woman’s height of nearly three meters seemed exaggerated, but it didn’t make her appear bulky. On the contrary, her curves were voluptuous and graceful.

Her ample bosom seemed to sway in the wind, and her waist appeared particularly slender in comparison to her height. However, her hips flared out dramatically, creating an exaggerated yet perfect hourglass figure. Although her tall stature seemed somewhat strange, it also exuded a peculiar kind of sexiness.

Perhaps due to her height, her legs appeared especially plump, shapely, and long. Such a tall stature involuntarily raised a question: what did she eat to grow so tall?

How did she manage to approach them so silently?

Her silver hair and blue skirt seemed to break free from their constraints, fluttering in the wind, revealing a glimpse of her fair calves and bare jade feet. Her entire body was suspended in mid-air, with her rounded toes pointing downwards.

A silver anklet adorned her ankle, jingling in the wind, adding an ethereal quality to her appearance. She was gentle, and a beauty mark near the corner of her eye added a touch of charm to her tall figure.

Her beauty and aura made people subconsciously ignore her somewhat exaggerated height.

She smiled faintly, seemingly unaware of the spear wrapped in crimson flames, hurtling towards her chest like a meteor streaking across the sky.

Chapter 93: Grand Magus Athena

Death Knight Karsus.

The most mysterious member of the Hero Squad. No one knew his true origins, only that he possessed a burly physique, long pale hair, and a skeletal warhorse.

Undoubtedly, he was a knight tainted by dark powers, unwelcome in the Heavenly Continent.

Rumors circulated that he was once the son of a powerful noble, born into a prominent family with a lineage of prestige.

Some said he was once impulsive and proud, brave and tenacious, with a handsome face.

Some said he once had a beautiful and accomplished girlfriend, and they were even on the verge of marriage.

Others said that after being tainted by dark powers, he had fallen, lost his mind, and killed his own parents, using their souls as sacrifices to pray for greater power…

In the Heavenly Continent, beings like Karsus were hunted by the Holy See and judged by the Inquisition. Yet, for reasons unknown, the First Hero, Jie Luo, had accepted Karsus and even allowed him to become a member of the Hero Squad.

He wielded a slender, silver-white longsword that shimmered with icy blue. It was a gift forged by the First Hero himself, using various precious materials, and given a beautiful name:

Frostmourne!*

Although his primary weapon was a lance… he still accepted Jie Luo’s gift. He had asked Jie Luo why he chose such a name for the sword, but Jie Luo didn’t answer. He still remembered the strange expression on Jie Luo’s face at the time.

Not only had he been accepted, but he had also been bestowed with a precious weapon.

From that moment on, Karsus swore that his life would be dedicated to Jie Luo.

But in the end, he could only watch helplessly as Jie Luo’s body was torn to shreds by that despicable and hideous Demon King, powerless to intervene.

In Karsus’s heart, the only one he recognized as a Hero was Jie Luo. No one else deserved the title. Because the Auville Empire and the Thirteen Sages were preparing to summon the Second Hero, Karsus left the empire in fury, wandering the wilderness alone.

Until he received Loseweisse’s message, learning of the possibility of Jie Luo’s resurrection.

Like Loseweisse, he loathed Qin Chu, who had stolen the title of Hero. But as long as it meant resurrecting Jie Luo, he was willing to endure his anger and disgust.

Benson had not only contacted Loseweisse but also others. Just as Qin Chu had calculated, except for Ekaterina and Loseweisse, almost everyone was too late to assist Benson.

Sylph, Eileen, Airi, and Athena were all in different directions.

Ronald was in the Demon Beast Territory.

The Mad Muse was too far away.

However, what Qin Chu didn’t know was that Karsus, in his first life, hadn’t shown his full abilities. Or rather, it wasn’t Karsus’s own power, but the ability of the skeletal warhorse he rode.

If the skeletal warhorse didn’t conserve its magic, it could maintain an extremely fast speed for a prolonged period when running at full speed, although it would enter a weakened state for at least three times the duration afterward.

It was this speed that allowed Karsus to arrive at Benson’s location before Loseweisse and Natia.

But, he was still too late. When Karsus arrived, he could only see the dried-up, cold corpse on the ground. Seeing Benson’s mutilated and battered body, Karsus trembled.

Suddenly, the tall and burly knight raised his head and let out an angry wail towards the sky.

Due to his identity, even within the squad, Karsus could sense the other members’ rejection of him. Ronald looked down on him, Athena, Eileen, and Airi disliked him, and Sylph treated him like a plague. Only the Shield Warrior, Benson, the Mad Muse, and Loseweisse were willing to interact with him.

Besides the Hero, Benson and Muse were Karsus’s closest companions.

But now, all that remained was a stiff corpse.

He was angry, he was sad, his heart was bleeding.

Benson’s death… was all because of Qin Chu.

No matter who had killed Benson, the culprit was the Second Hero, Qin Chu. If this guy hadn’t appeared in the Heavenly Continent, Benson wouldn’t have rushed back to the Imperial Capital and wouldn’t have been intercepted by Demon Beasts.

He couldn’t blame Loseweisse, as she was also trying to resurrect Jie Luo. He could only focus all his hatred on Qin Chu.

Qin Chu… kill him.

Karsus roared, the crimson flames flickering, and the skeletal warhorse beneath him let out an uneasy whinny.

…

Achoo!

On the other side, Qin Chu, who had already left the area, sneezed.

Perhaps it was because too many people missed him.

They were now in the borderlands, where the morning temperature was still quite low. The wind blew relentlessly, day and night, rustling the branches with a whooshing sound.

At this moment, Qin Chu and Ekaterina had stepped into the Storm Witch’s territory. The raging winds seemed to be the Witch’s signature, warning others to stay away.

There were no Demon Beasts here, no birds, no beasts. Aside from the howling winds, almost no other sound could be heard, as if it were a realm of death.

No enemies had appeared yet, but Ekaterina’s battle instincts made her feel a sense of oppression. She subconsciously gripped the hilt of her sword, her body pressed against Qin Chu’s, her eyes vigilantly scanning their surroundings.

Qin Chu closed his panel. Although his attributes had surged and his level had increased considerably, it still didn’t satisfy him.

It was the same before. After absorbing hundreds of Demon Beasts, his level had only increased slightly.

At that time, Qin Chu thought it might be because those Demon Beasts were too weak. But now, it was the Level 83 Shield Warrior, Benson. Qin Chu had expected to gain more after devouring Benson, but it turned out to be just this much.

Although his attribute values had increased significantly, it was far from reaching his goal.

“Shhh…” Shaye opened her small mouth, whistling a silent tune, her gaze shifting inconspicuously to the side. Her eyes were somewhat unfocused, darting around.

Anthea, perched on his shoulder, also abruptly turned her head away.

The Goddess’s Hair on his wrist shimmered faintly.

The small sprout entangled with Battle Origin and Demon Core within him also swayed slightly…

Suddenly, Qin Chu felt an itch in his ear, as if someone was whispering softly beside him. He pressed two fingers against his ear, and the initially vague murmurs became clear.

Angelica’s crisp voice rang directly in his ear.

Information Magic, a type of magic used for long-distance communication, somewhat similar to cell phones on Earth, but with poor signal and often affected by various factors, especially in areas with unstable magic.

“Master, I’m so glad you’re alright. Angelica missed you so much…”

“By the way, I have important information to report, Master. The Grand Magus Athena, a member of the Hero Squad, arrived in the Imperial Capital last night. With the approval of Wadsworth, Augustus, and Saint Monique, she will be serving as your magic instructor.”

“Athena has already moved her belongings to the palace and plans to live here, just like Ekaterina. Although Athena was very discreet, I discovered that she seems to have set up Eyes of True Sight within the palace!”

The Eye of True Sight could be imagined as a camera on Earth, a type of magic used for surveillance.

However, unlike a camera, the images captured by the Eye of True Sight weren’t stored but displayed directly in front of the caster.

Ordinary mages wouldn’t easily use this magic, especially not setting up multiple Eyes of True Sight simultaneously, as it would cause the images to overlap and become chaotic, even leading to strange illusions in the caster’s mind.

But for a Grand Magus like Athena, this shouldn’t be a problem!

Thinking back, in his first life, he had probably been living under Athena’s surveillance as well. She had seen everything he did, which further strengthened his resolve to deal with Athena as soon as possible.

“She expressed great interest in your recent elimination of hundreds of Demon Beasts, Master. After setting up the Eyes of True Sight, she immediately started inquiring about it. She’s also very curious about the relationship between you and Ekaterina. She’s deliberately befriending everyone who has frequent contact with you, Nikles, Martithes… even the guards who often accompany you on your outings, and of course, me as well.”

“She bought a large amount of fine wine and drank with the guards responsible for the palace’s security. In just one night, she became quite familiar with everyone.”

Qin Chu stood still, his eyes seemingly fixed on the raging storm ahead. But the roar of the storm didn’t disturb his tranquility. Only Angelica’s voice filled his ears.

Qin Chu’s emotions settled.

Athena, a very tolerant woman. This tolerance didn’t refer to her large breasts, although her breasts were indeed large, the largest among the women Qin Chu knew. But that wasn’t the point.

The point was that Athena possessed a charming and languid aura. Despite her high position and formidable strength, she was informal in her behavior. Coupled with her unique affability and tolerance, it was easy for her to gain others’ favor.

In his first life, Athena had a wide circle of friends, ranging from royalty and high-ranking officials of the Holy See to peddlers, commoners, and even slaves. She knew people from all walks of life.

Around Athena, a vast and astonishing social network had formed. Within this network, princes, princesses, nobles, restaurant owners, barflies, anyone could become a source of information for Athena.

By now, Athena might have already learned quite a bit of potentially crucial information from the palace guards.

She was truly an opponent to be wary of. It was conceivable that Qin Chu’s future actions would become more difficult. He had to find a way to avoid the Eyes of True Sight, as well as all the guards, and even minimize contact with others as much as possible, preventing Athena from uncovering his secrets.

Angelica’s voice came again: “Master, do you need me to find a way to get rid of those Eyes of True Sight?”

“No, I told you to be careful.” Qin Chu replied calmly, his voice not loud but carrying an air of authority: “Athena is extremely powerful. If you destroy the Eyes of True Sight, she’ll immediately discover it. Don’t be fooled by the lazy smile she always wears. When it’s time to act, she’ll be more ruthless than anyone. She’ll eliminate any obstacles without mercy.”

“If you want me to tear myself apart from the Hero Squad to avenge you, go ahead and do it. I’m probably not their match right now…”

“Hmm… I understand…”

Hearing the slightly cheerful yet reluctant voice, Qin Chu could almost imagine Angelica sticking out her tongue.

“If there’s nothing particularly important, try not to use Information Magic to contact me. Athena is very sensitive to magic fluctuations.” Qin Chu reminded her again.

“I understand. Then, Master, please be careful.”

***

Warcraft – a World of Warcraft reference – and I guess the Death Knights are also a reference (DK).

Frostmourne!*: Legendary sword wielded by Arthas Menethil, a central character in the Warcraft franchise. It is a powerful and cursed sword that plays a significant role in the storyline of Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and its expansion, The Frozen Throne.

Chapter 92: Death Knight Karsus

Benson was dead.

He had breathed his last in utter despair and agony.

His murky soul floated above the corpse, attempting to escape, but Qin Chu flicked a small flame, incinerating it to ashes.

Although Qin Chu was tempted to make Benson watch while he dealt with Loseweisse, he didn’t want to leave any loose ends. It was better to be safe than sorry.

This way, even if someone tried to resurrect Benson, it would only be an empty shell!

He dispersed the earth spikes, and the mutilated corpse collapsed onto the ground, motionless.

Deep despair was still visible on his face.

That man must have been heartbroken when Qin Chu read the contents of the diary. The last few words, especially the final sentence, “Loseweisse is next,” had pushed Benson into an abyss, allowing him to experience extreme pain even in the moment before his physical death.

However, in reality, Qin Chu wouldn’t act against Loseweisse so quickly.

After all, Loseweisse’s identity was special. She was the Holy Maiden of the Holy See and seemingly had some connection to the beings in the Void. Unlike the lone wolf Benson, she had a powerful force backing her. Making a move against Loseweisse wouldn’t be easy.

His next real targets were two people. One was the noble swordsman, Ronald.

This man was powerful, and most importantly, cautious. If they spent too much time together, Ronald might discover something amiss.

However, he was currently within the Demon Beast Territory. The task of dealing with Ronald would be left to Lomond.

As for the second target, it was the Grand Magus(master mage), Athena.

She possessed exceptionally advanced magical skills, even stronger than Loseweisse, and certainly no less than Natia.

Despite the panel’s disguise, the existence of Shaye and Anthea, and his true strength, although Qin Chu was confident in his acting skills, there was still a risk of being seen through by Athena.

Since dealing with Ronald wasn’t convenient, he would start with the voluptuous Athena.

He couldn’t use Stunning Love against Athena. She was a master of magic herself and also had a deep understanding of potion brewing. Ekaterina might not notice anything, but Athena would definitely sense something amiss.

The best way to deal with Athena was still the Soul Fragment of the First Hero.

While pondering this, Qin Chu meticulously cleaned up any traces he had left near Benson’s body, eliminating all clues that could lead back to him.

He also conveniently took the Storage Ring from Benson’s finger. After all, a member of the Hero Squad was bound to be wealthy. A quick glance revealed tens of millions of Mana alone. Although not as extravagant as Loseweisse, it was still a significant sum.

Besides Mana, there were also Benson’s spare armor, weapons, magic scrolls, and potions. These items were undoubtedly valuable… But, what truly attracted Qin Chu wasn’t these things, but a box carefully placed at the very bottom, giving off the feeling of containing something extraordinary.

Qin Chu felt there might be some treasure inside. As he picked up the box and opened it, the expression on his face instantly became incredibly strange.

Inside the box were some white fabrics… To be precise, silk fabrics…

White stockings? A white dress?

Qin Chu was startled, a chill running down his spine. Benson, this bearded, burly man, actually had a penchant for cross-dressing? Imagining Benson wearing these clothes, Qin Chu shuddered. The image was simply too horrifying.

Its power was comparable to the corruption of an Evil God.

However, Qin Chu quickly realized that he might have guessed wrong. These white stockings and the white dress didn’t seem to be prepared for Benson himself. They wouldn’t fit. The size was very tight, and Benson’s physique would definitely cause them to burst.

Most importantly, he could see some patterns unique to the Holy See on these fabrics, which felt strangely familiar.

After a few seconds of thought, Qin Chu was dumbfounded. This… This dress, these stockings, weren’t they the same as the ones Loseweisse wore?

As the Holy Maiden of the Holy See, Loseweisse naturally had to maintain a saintly appearance. Like many nobles, she rarely wore the same clothes twice, and the discarded ones were naturally thrown away.

Could it be that Benson had picked up the Holy Maiden’s discarded stockings?

Then kept them in his Storage Ring like a sacred relic, occasionally taking them out to reminisce?

Wouldn’t that be even worse? If you have a penchant for cross-dressing, that’s your personal business, but taking Loseweisse’s clothes home is a bit too much, isn’t it?

He glanced at Benson’s corpse on the ground: Benson, you were quite dishonest. You didn’t die unjustly.

Benson’s body had become dried up. Qin Chu sighed and tossed the clothes onto the corpse, allowing Benson to reminisce even in death. I’m truly a kind and good person.

He just wondered what Loseweisse’s expression would be when she saw these things. It would probably be quite entertaining.

He crouched down and carefully examined Benson’s body. The tattered clothes were almost completely soaked in blood, with only a small area appearing slightly clean. However, right there, were some marks left by Benson.

It was a single word written in blood:

Two!

Heh, it seems Benson didn’t have much strength left when he wrote this. He couldn’t write out my full name, so he could only leave a “Two.” Was he trying to imply the Second Hero?

But isn’t this guy underestimating me too much? Did he think I wouldn’t loot his corpse?

After a moment of thought, Qin Chu flicked a small flame, burning away the marks. Then, he picked up a white stocking, grabbed Benson’s finger, dipped it in blood, and left two symbols on the stocking.

One symbolizing the Church of the Earth Mother Goddess.

One symbolizing the Holy See.

Anyway, Augustus already had enough blame to bear; he wouldn’t mind adding one more.

Incidentally, he would also gift Saint Monique a scapegoat. She would surely be grateful.

After making his preparations, Qin Chu stuffed the stocking into Benson’s clenched fist.

Ekaterina had been silently watching this scene without uttering a word. She showed no sadness over the death of her former companion.

Qin Chu waved towards the cliff, then called for Ekaterina and turned to leave.

Since his next target was the Grand Magus Athena, he naturally had to prepare. Although he had Anthea by his side and wouldn’t lose in terms of raw power, the commotion caused by a battle would be too great, which wasn’t what Qin Chu wanted. Using the Soul Fragment of the First Hero was the best option.

However, there were two known Soul Fragments of the First Hero.

One was in the territory of the Third Demon Beast Princess, which Ronald was currently searching for.

The other was in the territory of the Storm Witch.

With his current strength, he might have a chance against the Storm Witch. Moreover, Qin Chu had also prepared a backup plan. Even if he couldn’t win, he could still escape.

Qin Chu opened his panel.

Level: 47
Class: Hero
Strength: 373
Stamina: 285
Agility: 176
Spirit: 744
Defense: 658
Charm: 6
Authority: Greed, Wrath, Forced Calm, Shapeshifting, Pseudo Absolute Defense!
Special Authority: Desire, Holy Healing

His strength and stamina had both significantly increased, especially his defense, which was exceptionally high. His spirit had surged by hundreds after his second glimpse into the Void and remained his highest attribute.

Level 80 was a significant hurdle for cultivators in this world. Once they broke through level 80, they seemed to receive some kind of blessing, with all attributes doubling and their strength skyrocketing. Judging solely by his attributes, Qin Chu was infinitely close to level 80.

With these attributes, he possessed a considerable ability to protect himself in this world and was no longer as vulnerable as before.

Most importantly, he had successfully obtained Benson’s authority, Pseudo Absolute Defense. Although it had drawbacks, such as being unable to move and being unable to defend against attacks from underground, this authority could save his life in critical moments.

This time, the harvest was truly substantial.

Qin Chu wiped the smile off his face. All that remained was to wait for Loseweisse to discover Benson’s body, and then he and Ekaterina would appear from behind. Benson’s death had nothing to do with him.

As for the time in between, he could drop by the Storm Witch’s place for a cup of tea…

…

Qin Chu and Ekaterina had departed, leaving Benson’s corpse lying silently in a pool of blood, covered in cockroaches and flies, with rats gnawing on the dried-up remains.

A member of the Hero Squad, the Shield Warrior with the title “The Immovable Shield,” had ultimately met such an end.

The stars shifted in the night sky.

The sky was gray and overcast.

A cluster of eerie flames suddenly appeared at the foot of the Cavanyas Mountains.

Clatter, clatter, clatter…

Accompanied by rapid sounds, the eerie flames quickly approached.

A few minutes later, the flames pierced through the thick fog and appeared beside Benson’s corpse.

It was a warhorse, but there wasn’t a single piece of flesh on its body, only white bones. It must have been an exceptionally fine steed in life. Even reduced to a skeleton, one could still sense the powerful limbs. Crimson flames burned beneath its hooves, sinister and eerie.

Atop the warhorse was a knight clad in heavy armor. The sealed helmet completely concealed the knight’s head, preventing anyone from seeing the face within. One could only glimpse a pair of dark, crimson eyes through the openings in the helmet.

A member of the Hero Squad.

The Death Knight, Karsus!

Chapter 91: Psychological Warfare

Qin Chu had no intention of stopping Benson. To him, the Immovable Shield was nothing but an insignificant insect, easily crushed.

He was keeping him alive to devour his rapidly regenerating Battle Qi, to savor his despair, to make him experience true agony.

Such a valuable… toy… he couldn’t waste it.

A cat playing with a mouse… it was a display of dominance, of absolute control.

Villains who talked too much… they were simply unprepared, their arrogance a consequence of their weakness.

Qin Chu’s smile widened as he listened to Benson’s desperate plea.

Benson, his voice hoarse, his breath ragged, slumped against a tree, his energy spent. He ignored the blood gushing from his wound, the waves of dizziness, the encroaching darkness. Death held no fear for him. As long as Loseweisse was safe, his own life was irrelevant.

He looked at Qin Chu, a smug smile twisting his lips. This Hero was doomed. His comrades wouldn’t let him get away with this.

But to his surprise, Qin Chu showed no fear, only amusement.

He had sent the message. Why was he still smiling?

Benson’s smile faltered, his face hardening. There was no response from Loseweisse.

He turned his head, his neck stiff and painful, his gaze falling upon the scroll lying on the ground. His eyes widened in horror. It hadn’t activated.

“Sorry, but this area is… blocked. No Information Magic can penetrate it,” Qin Chu said, his voice cheerful, his tone mocking.

This was Shaye’s handiwork.

She might not be at her full strength, but disrupting magic within a limited area was well within her capabilities.

After all, Qin Chu, knowing about Information Magic, knowing that Loseweisse and Benson used it to communicate, had prepared for this.

Benson’s desperate attempt at communication had been a pathetic, futile gesture.

His heart clenched, his fear intensifying. This enemy… he was far more dangerous than he had realized.

“You’re not afraid of my comrades’ wrath?” he gasped, his voice hoarse.

“Please,” Qin Chu said, his voice calm, his tone condescending, “Lomond will be blamed for your death. It has nothing to do with me, the Hero.”

“Don’t try to pin this on me. I’m innocent.”

“And besides, how will they investigate? Fingerprints? This world doesn’t have that technology. The murder weapon? The ice spike melted in your blood…”

“Loseweisse, Ekaterina, and Natia all know that Lomond attacked you… Their testimonies will be sufficient, wouldn’t you say?”

“And Lomond will spread the word of his victory.”

“In fact, your death will be… beneficial to many.”

“I’ll devour your power, my strength increasing.”

“And Lomond will gain prestige among the Demonfolk, becoming a valuable tool for me.”

“It’s a win-win situation.”

His smile made Benson shudder. This man… he had planned everything, leaving no trace, ensuring his innocence.

Even after killing him, he would return to the capital, hailed as a hero, his reputation untarnished.

He was a monster.

Benson sat there, his gaze filled with hatred, but a flicker of hope still burned within him.

One hour. That was the duration of False Absolute Defense. If his comrades arrived within that time, they could expose him.

“You’re hoping they’ll arrive within the hour, aren’t you? Hoping they’ll see through my facade?”

Benson’s lips twitched. This… this monster… he knew his thoughts.

“I would love to tell you that they won’t make it in time… but I already have.”

Qin Chu chuckled, his cruelty evident. He would crush him, slowly and methodically, his body, his spirit, his hopes… “And you don’t truly believe that your Ability can save you, do you?”

“False Absolute Defense has a… weakness. You know that, don’t you?”

Benson had decided to ignore him, to endure his taunts, to wait for his comrades. His Ability’s regenerative powers, though hampered by Qin Chu’s Devourer, were still active. His stamina was returning.

He had maintained a stoic silence, his expression a mask of grim determination. But Qin Chu’s words shattered his composure. “How… how do you know…?”

His Ability’s weakness… it was a secret, unknown even to the other Hero Squad members. How had he learned of it?

He tried to scramble to his feet, to escape, but it was too late.

Qin Chu tapped the ground with his foot, a surge of mana rippling outwards.

The earth trembled.

A stone spike erupted from the ground, impaling Benson, piercing his body from below.

His barrier shattered.

False Absolute Defense, though powerful, its protective qualities almost absolute, capable of deflecting attacks from every direction, its regenerative powers incredible, had a fatal flaw.

It couldn’t block attacks from below.

“Aaaaagh!”

His scream, fueled by unimaginable agony, echoed through the forest.

He hung there, impaled, his blood staining the stone spike crimson.

He writhed, his pain so intense that he wished for death.

Even Qin Chu, the architect of his suffering, felt a twinge of discomfort.

He approached Benson, his movements leisurely, his demeanor calm, his smile unwavering, like a poet strolling through a garden, oblivious to the stench of blood, the carnage surrounding him.

He pulled out a black notebook.

Loseweisse’s diary, one of nine, each containing her true thoughts, her venomous words, her hatred for her comrades.

He wanted to break him, not just physically, but mentally as well.

He held the notebook before Benson’s fading gaze. “This is Loseweisse’s diary. You recognize her handwriting, don’t you? I acquired it from her. You love her, don’t you? Wouldn’t you like to know what she truly thinks of you?”

Benson, his vision blurring, his consciousness fading, his life ebbing away, saw images of his past, of his time with Loseweisse, with Jie Luo, with the others… those precious moments of camaraderie…

But Qin Chu’s words sparked a flicker of life in his fading eyes. He shook his head weakly.

“No…”

Qin Chu smiled, his satisfaction evident. “Ah, my dear Benson, I knew you’d be curious…”

He sighed, opening the diary, his voice soft, almost soothing. “You seem to be… indisposed. I’ll read it to you. How thoughtful of me, wouldn’t you say?”

Benson thrashed weakly, his eyes pleading. He knew he was dying, his life slipping away. He didn’t want to endure this torment, this despair. He begged Qin Chu for mercy, hoping to awaken some shred of compassion within him.

But Qin Chu’s compassion, his empathy, had died the day he was torn apart, his body desecrated, his soul scattered.

He began to read, his voice a cruel mockery of Loseweisse’s:

“Benson is staring at me again… Ugh… it’s so disgusting. I feel my skin crawl. He’s so ugly, his face covered in that filthy beard. I can barely tolerate his presence, forcing a smile in his presence. My face hurts…”

“Gods, he actually tried to talk to me! Doesn’t he know he stinks? How often does he even bathe? Please, stay away from me! What does he think he’s doing, strutting around like a peacock?”

“Ronald told me that Benson likes me? Please, it’s so obvious. But Benson… who does he think he is, daring to have feelings for me? The only one I love… no, the only one I’ll ever love… is Jie Luo! He’s nothing compared to him. He’s not even worthy of polishing his shoes…”

“Well, I’m too kind to hold it against him. He’s just a… simpleton with an inflated ego. But he’s obedient. He’ll do whatever I ask. I suppose I can be a little nicer to him. After all, such useful people are hard to find…”

“Jie Luo is dead, and he’s trying to… comfort me. Go away! It’s so annoying! Why couldn’t it have been Benson who died…? Does he think he can take advantage of my grief, my vulnerability? He’s delusional! He makes me sick! Even if every other man in the world died, I would never consider him…”

Benson convulsed, his body wracked with tremors, the physical pain fading as despair consumed him, his spirit shattered.

He had known that she loved Jie Luo. He had known that he had no chance, but he had clung to the hope of remaining by her side, as a friend, a comrade, a… protector…

He laughed, the sound hollow and broken, his throat filled with blood.

“Are you satisfied, humiliating me like this?” His voice was barely a whisper.

Qin Chu’s smile widened. “Immensely!”

Benson coughed up blood, then fumbled in his pocket, retrieving a small crossbow, his last weapon, his last act of defiance. He aimed it at Qin Chu…

He couldn’t allow him to harm Loseweisse. He would torture her…

Qin Chu, his gaze cold and merciless, didn’t move, his amusement turning to disdain. “Benson, you truly are a pathetic creature.”

As Benson’s finger tightened on the trigger, a fiery arc flashed through the air, severing his arm at the elbow.

He stared at Ekaterina, who stood beside Qin Chu, her expression unreadable, his shock too profound for words.

Had she betrayed them?

“Ekaterina, you betrayed your comrades,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

“Betrayal?” She shook her head, her body pressed against Qin Chu’s side. “My only master is Qin Chu. And you… were we ever truly close?”

Shaye’s magic, its power encompassing the area, masked their presence from the outside world. They were shrouded in darkness, invisible, their actions hidden. Qin Chu, his smile unwavering, leaned closer to Benson, his voice a soft whisper, delivering the final blow.

“Oh, one more thing…”

“I’m from seven years in the future. You succeeded… I, along with the Dark Witch, reversed time. I know everything. Your plans, your secrets, your every thought…”

“Not this time.”

Time travel… the Dark Witch…?

Benson’s eyes widened, their focus fading… Hahahaha… this was their enemy?

The Hero, allied with the Dark Witch?

Despair, utter and absolute, consumed him. He saw Loseweisse, the others… their fates sealed. Qin Chu’s voice, a haunting melody, extinguished the last flicker of hope within him.

And then, as his consciousness faded, he heard Qin Chu’s voice, more chilling than any demon’s growl:

“Next… Loseweisse…”

His body twitched, his remaining hand reaching out, clawing at the air, as if trying to tear Qin Chu’s face, his final act of defiance. But his strength failed him, his arm falling limply to the ground.

…

Chapter 89-90: The Clown is Me

Qin Chu laughed, his expression a mask of cruel amusement. “I’m the traitor! Surprise!”

Benson, though battered and weakened, was still a powerful member of the Hero Squad. That’s why Qin Chu had waited, patiently weaving his web of deceit, approaching him only when his mind was clouded, his defenses weakened.

Mentioning Ekaterina, Loseweisse, and even Natia… it was all to lower his guard.

Revealing his status screen… it was to confirm his identity as the Hero.

Humans were strange creatures.

Benson and the others had plotted against him, using him as a tool, discarding him once he had served his purpose. In their eyes, he was a fool, a puppet dancing to their tune.

They viewed him with amusement, his sincerity a source of both annoyance and ridicule. Their arrogance, their belief in his gullibility, had blinded them to his true intentions. They had eagerly anticipated the moment of revelation, the moment he realized the truth, his expression a mask of despair.

They had never imagined that he would be the one pulling the strings.

Benson, his scream ripped from his throat by the excruciating pain, stared at him in disbelief.

He… He was the Second Hero! How could he be the traitor?

What did he gain from this? How had he learned of his movements, contacted Lomond?

He had only arrived a few days ago! It was impossible!

As Qin Chu had predicted, confirming his identity as the Hero had erased any lingering suspicion. He hadn’t anticipated this betrayal.

He had thought Qin Chu was the clown. It turned out the joke was on him.

The pain, coupled with the realization of his own foolishness, enraged him. He lashed out, his fist, encased in a metal gauntlet, slamming into Qin Chu’s face.

He didn’t have the strength to lift his axe, but he would gladly crush the Hero’s skull with his bare hands.

The impact cracked Qin Chu’s cheekbone, drawing blood. Benson smiled, his expression twisted with pain and rage. If only his Battle Qi wasn’t depleted! He would have crushed the Hero’s skull with that single blow!

He prepared to strike again, his confidence unwavering. Even without Battle Qi, his fists were deadly weapons. He could pulverize this weakling.

But then something… impossible… happened.

The wound on Qin Chu’s face, the cracked bone, the gushing blood… it began to heal, new flesh rapidly growing, the blood flowing back into the wound as if defying gravity.

The wound vanished, as if it had never existed.

Benson stared at him, his eyes wide with disbelief. What was this power?

He hadn’t seen him cast a spell. It had to be an Ability, but he had never seen anything like it. It wasn’t in the intel Loseweisse had provided.

He understood.

This Second Hero had been hiding his true power from the moment he arrived.

This man… he was terrifying.

A chilling realization dawned on him. This man, newly arrived in this world, had deliberately concealed his true strength, deceiving the three strongest humans, the Thirteen Sages, even the Hero Squad. This level of cunning… it was unsettling.

Qin Chu touched his cheek, his smile widening. “That hurt…”

He snapped his fingers.

“Explode.”

The ice spike embedded in Benson’s stomach shattered.

Countless shards of ice ripped through his insides.

“Aaaaaaaaaaah!”

His scream, fueled by unimaginable agony, echoed through the forest. His body convulsed, his muscles spasming uncontrollably, sweat pouring down his face, his features contorted in pain, his expression as grotesque as a demon’s.

“It hurts…” he gasped, his voice a strangled whisper.

His insides were shredded, his organs pierced.

He was still alive, but that was hardly a comfort.

It hurts?

Qin Chu’s smile widened as he grabbed Benson’s hair, yanking his head back. The Immovable Shield, his strength sapped by the pain, offered no resistance.

He forced their faces close, his gaze, cold and merciless, sending shivers down Benson’s spine.

He couldn’t understand this… hatred… this… malice…

“It hurts?”

His voice was soft, almost gentle, but his tone was laced with a cruel amusement.

Anthea, perched on a tree branch, watched, her presence a silent deterrent. Shaye had already set up wards around them, a web of magical defenses.

Loseweisse wouldn’t arrive for at least another day. He had plenty of time to play with Benson. And even if someone stumbled upon them, he could easily snap Benson’s neck before they could intervene.

He needed to vent his rage.

“It hurts? So you know pain?”

“But this… this is nothing compared to what I endured. Do you know what it feels like to be torn limb from limb? That’s true pain.”

He raised his knee, driving it into Benson’s stomach, the point of impact the already mangled wound.

The force of the blow made Benson’s stomach cave inwards, the ice shards grinding against his organs, his insides a pulpy mess. He groaned, his body flying back, landing with a thud several meters away.

He writhed on the ground, his agony unbearable.

“Now it’s your turn to experience it. How does it feel?” Qin Chu chuckled, extending his hand.

Devourer!

His fingers transformed into translucent tendrils, like those of a slime, reaching for Benson, wrapping around his body.

The Ability, fueled by his growing power, was no longer limited to physical contact.

The tendrils sank into Benson’s flesh, draining his energy, his Battle Qi already depleted. To his horror, the tendrils began to siphon energy from his Battle Origin.

His Battle Origin was his core, the essence of his strength, decades of cultivation condensed into a single point.

“False… Absolute… Defense!” he screamed, his voice hoarse, activating his Ability one last time.

A faint golden barrier enveloped him.

His wounds didn’t heal, but his stamina and Battle Qi began to regenerate.

Hope flickered within him. If he could regain some strength, he could still defeat this Hero. He was weak, a coward who relied on sneak attacks.

But his hopes were quickly dashed. His Ability activated, his strength returning, but the tendrils, their grip relentless, continued to drain his energy, preventing any significant recovery.

False Absolute Defense couldn’t withstand Devourer!

To steal another’s power… what kind of evil Ability was this?

Fear, cold and constricting, gripped his heart. This enemy was far more terrifying than he had imagined. He struggled to sit up, his body screaming in protest, then, discreetly, he retrieved an Information Magic scroll.

He had to warn Loseweisse.

This wasn’t the harmless clown they had believed him to be. It was too dangerous for her to be near him. He was going to kill him now, but he would surely target her next, his methods even more cruel, more ruthless.

His movements were slow, careful, his attempt at stealth clumsy, but he believed he was being subtle. He was unaware that Qin Chu was watching him, his gaze amused, his every action anticipated.

“You… you betrayed us…” Benson hissed, his eyes filled with hatred.

“No, no, you misunderstand. I truly considered you… family…” Qin Chu shrugged, his voice calm, his expression devoid of any anger.

“But you betrayed me…”

Benson’s heart skipped a beat, his face twisting in fear. Did he know…?

“You befriended me, pretending to care for me, making me believe you were my closest allies.”

“Tsk, tsk, how cunning.”

“A stranger… a… foreigner… arriving in a new world, alone and vulnerable… I would be grateful for your kindness, wouldn’t I? I would trust you, consider you my brothers, my comrades. I might even fall in love with one of you…”

Especially him, a former shut-in, socially awkward and desperate for connection.

“And then, once I had eliminated the Demons, once I had served my purpose… you would stab me in the back, when I least expected it…”

Benson’s eyes widened, his body trembling. How did he know?

This was a secret, shared only within the Hero Squad. They hadn’t told anyone else. Was there another traitor among them?

He had to warn Loseweisse. She couldn’t fall into this monster’s clutches.

He couldn’t wait any longer. He activated the scroll, its magic enveloping him.

He pressed his hand against his ear, his voice a desperate plea.

“Loseweisse, be careful! Qin Chu is a monster!”

“He knows everything…”

Qin Chu, a cruel smile twisting his lips, watched him, his gaze filled with amusement, as if observing a clown performing a pathetic act.

…

Chapter 88: Sorry, I’m the Traitor

Instead of questioning Qin Chu’s presence, Benson was consumed by a wave of disgust and loathing.

A Hero? You?

The Hero Squad members, unlike the other inhabitants of the Heavenly Continent, had a deep bond with the First Hero, Jie Luo. The common folk might welcome the Second Hero, the one who would bring them peace, but to them, there was only one true Hero: Jie Luo.

No one else was worthy.

Benson wanted to spit in his face.

He suppressed the urge, remembering Loseweisse’s instructions. They had to treat the Second Hero with respect, with warmth, like a brother, erasing any suspicion, concealing their true intentions.

It was a necessary charade, a painful performance.

Damn this… torture…

He forced a smile, his words strained, his tone overly enthusiastic. “Ah, the Second Hero, Qin Chu! What an honor to meet you! I’m… delighted.”

His voice was thick with insincerity.

The muscles in his face twitched, betraying his struggle to maintain the facade.

Then, a flicker of confusion crossed his eyes.

“Did you… drive away those Demons?”

It was impossible. The Hero had just arrived in this world. Loseweisse, in their last communication, had mentioned that he was still training with Ekaterina, that the Valkyrie, in a drunken stupor, had even… violated him.

That crazy woman… that drunkard.

Always causing trouble. How had she even become a member of the Hero Squad?

He held her in contempt. She was nothing but a brute, her only redeeming quality her combat prowess. If not for Jie Luo’s approval, he wouldn’t even consider her a comrade.

How could the Second Hero, after only a few days of training with that drunkard, possess the power to scare away Lomond?

Was his talent truly that exceptional? Loseweisse had mentioned his potential, but this was absurd.

Qin Chu scratched his head, forcing a laugh. “Benson, you flatter me. I could never defeat so many Demons. I scared them away.”

“Scared them away?” Benson frowned, his grip on his axe tightening. This man might claim to be the Hero, but he wasn’t letting his guard down.

“Yes, Ekaterina, Loseweisse, and Natia brought me here to rescue you,” Qin Chu explained, nodding earnestly.

“Natia came too?” Benson’s eyebrows shot up. Ekaterina and Loseweisse’s presence was expected, but Natia?

That Sage was notoriously aloof, indifferent to most things. And yet, she had come to his aid?

Could it be… that she liked him?

He preened inwardly. He had met her a few times. Perhaps he had made a good impression?

“But we were attacked by a horde of Minotaurs. Ekaterina, Loseweisse, and Natia fought them off, creating a path for me to escape.”

He continued weaving his elaborate lie, his words riddled with inconsistencies.

He knew that Benson, exhausted and shaken, wouldn’t have the mental clarity to analyze his story.

“When I arrived, I saw all those Demons. I knew I couldn’t defeat them, so I shouted, telling them to back off, that the Crimson Valkyrie and the Holy Maiden were on their way. They fled in terror. But they were making so much noise, you probably didn’t hear me.”

Benson, his skepticism evident, was indeed confused, his mind struggling to process the information. Something felt off, but he couldn’t pinpoint the discrepancy.

His wounds throbbed, his body aching, his strength fading. He had pushed himself to his limits, enduring the relentless assault of the Demons.

He stumbled, his legs almost giving way.

“Ah, look at you…” Qin Chu said, slapping his forehead. “You’re badly injured. I should heal you. I think I learned a healing spell. Let me see…”

He opened his status screen, its information carefully curated, its true nature hidden.

Benson glanced at it.

Qin Chu, Hero Class!

Super-tier Ability: Partner of Justice.

Super-tier Ability: Heaven Rewards Diligence.

The information matched what Loseweisse had told him. This man was indeed the Hero.

He relaxed.

They might harbor ill intentions, but the Hero was unaware of their plans.

And a Hero with the Partner of Justice Ability wouldn’t commit any unjust acts.

He loosened his grip on his axe.

“Ah, found it! Water Healing… I’m not very proficient in it, but it should help,” Qin Chu said, approaching him.

Benson, his initial resistance fading, felt a surge of gratitude.

But there was something more important. He stared at Qin Chu, his eyes wide with urgency. “No, I’m fine…”

“Do you know Information Magic? Contact Loseweisse and the others.”

“Someone betrayed me. They told Lomond about my movements.”

“We have to warn them. The others might be in danger.”

He lowered his voice, his tone grim. “There’s a traitor among us.”

This was his primary concern. His injuries, though severe, weren’t fatal. But the traitor, their actions… they could harm Loseweisse.

“A traitor?” Qin Chu asked, his voice a perfect blend of concern and disbelief.

He saw Benson stumble, his body swaying, and rushed forward, catching him before he could fall. “A traitor? That’s… impossible. How could…”

“No, it’s true…” Benson insisted, his voice weak.

And then…

A sharp pain ripped through his stomach, something cold and sharp piercing his flesh.

His eyes widened in disbelief as he looked down. An ice spike protruded from his stomach, its tip embedded in his intestines, blood gushing from the wound.

A gut-wrenching blow!

And at the other end of the spike… was the Second Hero’s hand!

Qin Chu’s smile, gentle yet menacing, sent chills down his spine.

“Sorry, Benson, but… I’m the traitor.”

…

Chapter 87: A Hero? You?

The silver hair, long and lustrous, cascaded from the tree branch, swaying gently in the night breeze.

It was beautiful.

Lomond’s aesthetic preferences differed from those of humans. He favored strong, fierce, monstrous females, their bodies covered in fur, their features intimidating. But even he had to admit, this hair was truly stunning.

And it felt familiar… as if he had seen it before.

He didn’t rush towards it. Instead, his curiosity piqued, he slowly raised his gaze, his eyes following the strand of hair upwards. Soon, a familiar figure came into view.

A beautiful woman.

She sat on a branch, bathed in the soft moonlight, her presence ethereal, like a forest spirit.

Her small, white feet dangled in the air.

She wore a long black dress, her face, framed by her silver hair, breathtakingly beautiful, her crimson eyes gleaming with an otherworldly light.

Lomond gasped, recognizing her instantly. He dropped to one knee, his voice a respectful murmur. “Greetings, Lady Witch.”

Shaye Nigulas, the Dark Witch.

One of the most powerful entities among the Demonfolk, her strength rivaling even his father, the Eternal Monarch.

And of all the witches, she was the one who interacted most frequently with the Demons.

Lomond, usually arrogant and boisterous, now stood before her like a schoolboy in the presence of his teacher. He was aggressive, bloodthirsty, but he wasn’t suicidal.

He had only met her once, when she had visited the Demon King’s castle at Nagath’s invitation. He and his siblings had been present.

Among the Demonfolk, strength was paramount.

Power equaled respect.

Several Demons, seeing her slender form, her seemingly delicate features, had underestimated her, their resentment fueled by the Demon King’s lavish hospitality.

One of his brothers, the third in line, had challenged her.

He was far stronger and more influential than Lomond.

Lomond still remembered his brother’s fate. The witch had simply waved her hand, and his brother, his massive form lifted effortlessly, had been suspended from the highest point of the Demon King’s tower, his power sealed. He had hung there for seven days and nights, a spectacle for all who entered or exited the castle, his humiliation absolute.

And their father had simply chuckled, offering no assistance, no reprimand.

From that day forward, the Demons had understood: this witch was not to be trifled with.

His brother’s humiliation had been severe, his reputation tarnished. His followers, sensing weakness, had abandoned him, his power diminishing.

Lomond was surprised to see her. Wasn’t she in seclusion, honing her powers?

And why was she here?

And why was her aura so weak? But he didn’t question it. Her power was beyond his comprehension. It was natural that he couldn’t sense its true depth.

She had seemed equally harmless during their first encounter.

Shaye, her beautiful eyes gazing down at him from her perch, her expression indifferent, spoke. “Rise.”

Her voice, though soft, held an undeniable authority.

This was the demeanor of a true master.

Lomond, his massive form towering over her, stood obediently, his gaze fixed on the ground.

Shaye sighed inwardly, her performance exhausting.

She hadn’t wanted to do this, but Lomond was still useful to Qin Chu, a tool to be manipulated. He wasn’t ready to discard him yet.

Was she spoiling him?

She fulfilled his every request, even going so far as to personally intervene, to chase away Lomond, despite the risk of exposing herself. After all, she was facing a threat from… herself…

But then she remembered that, in her previous life, she had been in seclusion at this time, mastering a powerful, forbidden spell. She hadn’t emerged for two years.

She didn’t know Lomond well. This encounter shouldn’t have any significant repercussions.

She decided to let it go.

“Lady Witch?” Lomond, seeing her silence, spoke, his voice a deep rumble.

“Ah, my apologies, Seventh Prince. I was contemplating a complex magical theory,” she said, her voice calm, her expression neutral.

To be lost in thought, amidst a battle… she truly was a witch. Lomond was impressed.

“Do you require my assistance, Lady Witch? Whatever your command, I will fulfill it to the best of my ability,” he said, his massive fist pounding his chest.

This was his chance to curry favor with her.

Her support would elevate his status among the Demonfolk. And if he could somehow convince her to become his consort… well, the throne would be his. Though her slender, human form didn’t appeal to him.

“Is that so?” Shaye said, her voice laced with amusement. “That’s convenient.”

“Leave this place. Take your troops with you.”

“Leave that one to me.”

Eh?

Her words surprised him. Was she claiming this kill for herself?

But Lomond, though foolish, wasn’t stupid.

The Dark Witch held a unique position among the Demonfolk. Mortal concerns, such as accolades and achievements, were irrelevant to her.

“May I ask why?” he inquired cautiously.

“He possesses something I require. I’ll dispose of him after I’ve acquired it. You can claim the credit. No one will question it. He’s a valuable test subject. If you’re curious, I’ll allow you to observe.”

“Unless… you’re unwilling to relinquish him?” Her voice turned cold, her gaze sharp.

A test subject?

Lomond swallowed, his crimson face paling.

Experiments… Ah, yes, the Dark Witch was known for her research.

Nagath had even provided her with a group of strong, resilient Demon warriors. She had modified them.

The details were unknown, but even with the soundproofing and magical barriers surrounding her laboratory, those who passed by could still hear the screams, the chilling cries of agony that made even Demons shudder.

The Demons who emerged from her laboratory were stronger, their power amplified significantly.

But when asked about their experience, they would simply stare blankly, their eyes haunted, their minds seemingly broken, their memories too horrific to recall.

They called her a devil, a monster.

And their ferocity in battle was legendary… They would rather die on the battlefield than return to her laboratory.

One of his sisters, after much pleading, had been allowed to observe her experiments. She had fled the laboratory within half a day, her face pale, her body trembling, her stomach churning at the sight of fresh meat. She claimed that it wasn’t a laboratory, but a true hell, far more terrifying than the abyss the Demons called home.

Lomond forced a smile, his voice strained. “No, no, of course not, Lady Witch. I… I’ll take my leave now. Please, continue your research.”

He wasn’t about to defy her. He didn’t want to spend another seven days hanging from the Demon King’s tower.

He had even considered asking her to become his consort. How foolish he had been! She wouldn’t hesitate to use her own husband as a test subject.

He turned to leave.

“Wait…”

Her voice stopped him in his tracks.

He flinched, his face paling. Was she going to use him for her experiments? Please, no!

“A parting gift.”

Relief washed over him. He wasn’t going to be her next… project…

“A member of the Hero Squad is searching for the First Hero’s soul fragments within your territory.”

His eyes brightened. He had eliminated one Hero Squad member, and now there was another? What a glorious opportunity!

How did she know? But he didn’t have time to dwell on that question.

“Who? Where?”

“Don’t you have spies? Let them find him. I don’t know the details.”

“I understand.”

He bowed, his gratitude evident.

He ordered his troops to retreat.

They were confused. They were about to kill Benson. Why stop now?

“Shh, you fools…” he hissed, his voice barely audible. “The Dark Witch is here. She’s going to use that unfortunate soul for her experiments…”

The Demons shuddered, their gazes shifting towards Benson, their eyes filled with pity.

Poor bastard.

They turned and fled, their fear overriding their bloodlust. After all, the witch had promised them the credit for Benson’s death. There was no need to stay.

They vanished in a matter of seconds.

Benson, confused, stared at their retreating forms. He had been on the verge of collapsing, about to activate his Ability for the final time. Why had they retreated?

What had happened?

He didn’t understand, but their departure was a good thing… right?

He gasped, taking advantage of this unexpected respite, his hands gripping his battered axe, his body aching.

He felt a surge of pride. He had endured Lomond’s assault, the relentless attacks of the Demon horde. He had held out, despite the overwhelming odds.

He pulled out a healing scroll, intending to tend to his wounds.

A twig snapped underfoot.

His momentary relief vanished, replaced by a surge of adrenaline. He raised his axe, his gaze alert. “Who’s there?”

The footsteps didn’t falter. A figure emerged from the forest.

It was a human.

An ordinary human.

His guard lowered slightly. A human, even one whose identity was unknown, was preferable to a Demon. But he kept his weapon raised.

He didn’t recognize the man, but a flicker of hope, of relief, warmed his heart. Reinforcements? Had they arrived with Loseweisse and Ekaterina? Soldiers from the capital?

“Who are you?”

The man smiled, his expression cheerful.

Benson frowned. What was there to be happy about in this carnage?

“You’re Benson, the Immovable Shield, a member of the Hero Squad, correct?”

Qin Chu, struggling to contain his smile, his demeanor carefully polite, introduced himself. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Qin Chu, the Second Hero.”

Qin Chu, the Second Hero?

A wave of disgust washed over Benson.

A Hero? You?

…

Chapter 86: Ekaterina’s Reward

Potions and magic formations were Shaye’s favorite pastimes.

She didn’t possess any spatial Abilities, unlike the Spatial Witches who could effortlessly traverse dimensions, but constructing a teleportation circle was well within her capabilities.

Following her instructions, Qin Chu snapped a twig from a nearby bush and began to draw a complex pattern on the ground. A large circle, filled with intricate lines and symbols, resembling a tangle of writhing worms, took shape. At three equidistant points along the circle’s circumference, he drew three crosses, placing a silver candle on each, igniting them with a snap of his fingers.

The orange flames, flickering in the night wind, cast an eerie glow, their light feeble and unsettling.

Ekaterina watched him, her curiosity piqued. She didn’t understand magic, but this formation, with its intricate patterns and symbols, was beyond even Athena, the master mage.

She stood guard, her crimson eyes scanning their surroundings, her vigilance unwavering, preventing any creature from approaching.

Qin Chu had planned this carefully. The materials for the teleportation circle had been prepared in advance.

He could have constructed the circle within the mansion, appearing before Benson alone, eliminating the Hero Squad’s strongest defender. But activating a teleportation circle generated a significant amount of energy, attracting unwanted attention.

He couldn’t completely avoid scrutiny.

He had too many secrets, too many things he wanted to keep hidden.

This way, he could blame Loseweisse. They had forced him to come here. He was innocent, unaware of their true intentions.

“Do you have the Saint Quartz powder?” Shaye asked.

“Of course.”

“A teleportation circle requires a significant amount of energy. Unfortunately, you didn’t have time to gather the necessary materials. But luckily, you have Loseweisse’s gift.”

Shaye shrugged. Saint Quartz, its energy pure and versatile, could be used for a variety of purposes, substituting for other energy sources.

“It’s a bit wasteful, though.”

The witch was frugal, her heart aching at the thought of squandering such valuable resources. Saint Quartz was worth far more than the traditional materials used for teleportation circles, approximately six times more valuable.

What a waste! It might have been a gift, but this extravagance pained her. This circle alone required sixty-two pieces of Saint Quartz!

Qin Chu retrieved a bag of finely ground Saint Quartz powder from his Storage Ring, sprinkling it evenly over the circle. The powder, catching the moonlight, shimmered with an ethereal beauty, its presence both captivating and unsettling.

“And then…?”

“Stand in the center of the circle. Pray to the God of Space, visualizing his form, and channel your mana into the Saint Quartz powder.”

Qin Chu, obediently stepping into the circle, beckoned Ekaterina to join him. But as he prepared to begin, he hesitated. “What’s the God of Space’s name?”

He suddenly realized that he didn’t even know the deity’s name.

He knew that the Heavenly Continent’s primary deity was the Goddess of Holy Light. There were also seven lesser Gods, and the Earth Mother Goddess.

But none of them controlled space.

Shaye shrugged. “I don’t know…”

He stared at her, speechless. This witch… was she serious? She didn’t even know the God’s name?

“No one knows his true name or appearance. Simply visualize his form. If you’re lucky, the circle will activate.”

“He’s a benevolent God. Even a vague resemblance to his true form is enough. It’s not difficult. You don’t even need to know his name. In fact, the more… unusual… your visualization, the higher the success rate.”

Qin Chu gave up.

The God of Space… The first thing that came to mind was a cuckolded deity… what was his name? And his form… was it a collection of bubbles?

His memories of Earth, of things that no longer mattered, were fading.

Well, he might as well try.

He placed his hand on Ekaterina’s waist, closing his eyes, focusing his mind, visualizing a chaotic mass of… bubbles…

Nothing happened.

He had been concentrating for a while, but there was no response from the deity.

He was about to try a different approach, his visualization clearly flawed, when his heart suddenly began to pound, its rhythm frantic, as if trying to escape his chest.

He felt a presence, vast and incomprehensible, brush against his consciousness. What was it? A door? A key? An endless void? A giant bubble? A tall, slender shadow?

He couldn’t describe the sensation: fear, curiosity, excitement, madness…

Whispers, their words in an unknown tongue, echoed in his ears. He strained to understand their meaning, but they vanished as quickly as they had appeared.

He saw a light, a radiance that seemed to hold infinite knowledge, infinite wisdom…

He felt a powerful urge to reach out, to grasp it.

But before he could move, the scene before him twisted and distorted.

He felt as if he were on a rollercoaster, his body tumbling through a washing machine set to the highest spin cycle. He felt nauseous, his stomach churning.

Thankfully, the sensation was brief. The darkness receded, replaced by a sense of… solidity… beneath his feet. He was no longer standing on soft earth, but on hard stone.

The wind, cold and damp, whipped at his face.

It had worked? He was stunned. He had simply visualized a bunch of bubbles, and the circle had activated? Was this God truly that benevolent?

He had chosen that image randomly, without any expectation of accuracy.

His nausea subsided. Ekaterina, her constitution stronger than his, seemed unaffected.

She stared at their surroundings, her eyes wide with surprise. They were no longer on the plains. They were on a mountaintop, a vast range stretching before them.

The peak, barren and rocky, was devoid of any vegetation.

The Cavanyas Mountains?

She recognized their location instantly. They had traveled at least four or five hundred kilometers in a matter of seconds. This power… it was incredible!

Her attention was drawn to a commotion in the distance. She channeled her Battle Qi into her eyes, their crimson glow intensifying, her vision sharpening.

A group of figures were fighting at the foot of the mountain.

One of them, short and stocky, was unmistakably Benson.

Demon corpses, their limbs severed, their bodies mangled, littered the ground around him, the earth stained crimson. He seemed to be winning, but his situation was precarious.

His armor was shattered, his shield broken.

Blood, both his and the Demons’, covered him.

His attacks were weak, his strategy relying on his resilience, his ability to endure their attacks while slowly wearing them down. But his stamina was dwindling, even his Ability’s regenerative powers struggling to keep up.

If this continued, he would eventually collapse from exhaustion. And the Demons, their numbers seemingly endless, kept coming, wave after wave, their ferocity undiminished.

And Lomond, watching from a distance, his presence a constant threat, was waiting for his opportunity.

“Master, Benson is over there,” Ekaterina said, her voice urgent.

Qin Chu’s eyes, now a silvery white, focused on the distant battle.

Benson.

His old comrade, the most honest and straightforward of them all.

He felt a surge of excitement, a cruel anticipation.

He had imagined this moment countless times, his plans for revenge meticulously crafted. But now, his emotions were strangely muted, his mind calm, his thoughts clear.

He didn’t even need Forced Calm. His silver eyes, devoid of any warmth, watched Benson, a cruel smile curving his lips.

He would break him, make him understand true despair.

“Master, should we intervene?” Ekaterina asked, her voice eager, her eyes blazing with anticipation.

She was a warrior, her bloodlust easily ignited. She wasn’t afraid of Lomond, or Benson.

“Not yet.”

Benson was still strong. He wouldn’t reveal himself until Lomond had weakened him sufficiently. And Loseweisse wouldn’t arrive for at least two days. He had time.

Ekaterina, though confused by his decision, obeyed.

She blushed, her voice dropping to a shy whisper.

“Master…”

“Yes?”

“You promised a reward for Ekaterina…”

Her voice was barely audible.

Was she referring to the information about the First Hero’s soul fragment? He had indeed promised her a reward.

This greedy woman!

Well, he had time to kill.

An appetizer before the main course.

He nodded. Ekaterina, her face lighting up, reached for her armor, intending to remove it, but he stopped her.

“No need.”

“Keep it on…”

Her cheeks flushed crimson. Somehow, this felt even more…

…

The battle raged.

Lomond, his face twisted in a cruel grin, watched as his Demons swarmed Benson, their attacks relentless.

Benson’s attacks were weak, his damage output minimal. Though the ground was littered with corpses, their losses were insignificant, a small price to pay for eliminating a Hero Squad member.

The two moons, now high in the sky, cast a pale light over the battlefield.

Benson, his body battered, his armor torn, had acquired several new wounds.

Lomond, seizing his opportunities, had landed several powerful blows, forcing Benson to activate False Absolute Defense.

A few more hits, and he would be dead.

Lomond, his gaze fixed on Benson, searching for an opening, suddenly froze, his head snapping around, his senses alert.

He abandoned his troops, his massive form disappearing into the forest behind them.

He had sensed a presence, familiar yet… unsettling…

His eyes, large and bloodshot, scanned the forest, searching for the source of the disturbance.

Then, he saw it, a strand of long, silver hair, dangling from a tree branch.

Chapter 85: The Minotaur Horde

Minotaurs, as far as the eye could see!

Their massive forms, at least four meters tall, were unclothed, their thick hides covered in coarse fur, their muscles bulging beneath their skin. They wielded crude, rusty battle axes, their movements brutish and uncoordinated.

Their heads were adorned with enormous, curved horns, their tips sharpened to a razor’s edge, their surfaces gleaming with a metallic sheen. Their faces, resembling those of bulls, were fierce and menacing. Their eyes, large and bloodshot, glowed with an eerie green light in the moonlight.

Their thick legs ended in massive, blood-red hooves.

It seemed Candice had done her job well. Lomond had sent an army to intercept them. This was his chance to separate from the others.

He whispered in Ekaterina’s ear, his instructions brief and precise. She, though confused, nodded, her obedience absolute.

“Minotaurs…”

Loseweisse’s face darkened. She hadn’t expected to encounter these creatures, especially not in such numbers.

It was as if they had anticipated their arrival, their ambush carefully planned.

Natia’s expression turned serious.

Minotaurs, though considered low to mid-ranking Demons, possessed incredible strength and resilience. Their massive bodies, however, housed simple minds.

A well-trained squad of ten could easily handle them.

But their strength lay in their numbers, their rapid breeding cycle ensuring a constant supply of fresh troops. When they gathered in large numbers, their destructive power was amplified.

And like goblins, they had a… disturbing… habit of kidnapping human women, their victims often meeting a gruesome fate.

They wielded crude weapons, their every limb capable of delivering a crushing blow. They even hurled their axes at distant or airborne enemies. Their lack of intelligence often led them to throw all their weapons at the beginning of a battle, leaving them to fight with their bare hands.

In short… all brawn, no brains!

But when thousands of them charged across a battlefield, they were an unstoppable force, their blood-red hooves trampling everything in their path. Their lack of fear, their unwavering aggression, made them formidable opponents.

And amidst the horde, they saw him, a monstrous figure, his size dwarfing the other Minotaurs, his body as large as a nobleman’s villa, his muscles like slabs of iron, his horns long and sharp, their surfaces stained a dark crimson.

His eyes, the size of human heads, gleamed with a primal ferocity.

The Minotaur Chieftain, Minotauros.

Only the strongest, the most savage, earned this title.

He was also the Demon King’s brother-in-law, Lomond’s uncle. His sister was one of Nagath’s wives…

Qin Chu couldn’t fathom the Demon King’s… taste…

This was bad. Minotauros, his power only slightly inferior to Lomond’s, was a formidable opponent. And with an army of thousands at his command… even they would struggle to defeat him.

The Minotaurs, forming a massive circle, charged towards them, their speed increasing with every thunderous step.

The ground trembled, rocks bouncing into the air.

Their roars, a guttural symphony of rage, echoed across the plains, a deafening chorus of primal fury.

Dust billowed, obscuring the moonlight, their forms a dark wave crashing towards them. Even from a distance, their oppressive presence was palpable.

The horizon was a sea of charging Minotaurs, their rusty weapons glinting in the moonlight.

Green eyes, countless green eyes, pierced through the dust cloud, their gaze chilling.

Loseweisse swallowed nervously, her gaze darting between Natia and Ekaterina. They needed a plan.

Killing them all was… impractical… though not impossible. It would take too long.

Circumventing them was also impossible. They were surrounded. Avoiding them would require a lengthy detour, and time was of the essence.

“Eka…”

Ekaterina interrupted her. “Every man for himself. Get past them.”

She drew Flame Extinction, crimson energy swirling around its blade.

“Whoever breaks through first, go assist Benson.”

Loseweisse’s eyes brightened. It was a good plan.

If one of them could reach Benson, his burden would be lessened, giving him time to hold out until reinforcements arrived.

She nodded, milky white light emanating from her body.

Ekaterina channeled her power into her greatsword.

Pierce the Stars.

The same attack she had used against Qin Chu at the Holy See.

Flame Extinction hummed with power, its blade trembling, its tip glowing with a crimson intensity.

The power was the same as before, but this time, she wasn’t exhausted. She still had reserves.

Since her master had begun… favoring… her, her Star Flame Battle Qi had progressed significantly. She hadn’t broken through to the eleventh layer yet, but her power had increased.

Her master… even his… affection… brought her benefits.

The Minotaurs were upon them, their grotesque faces, now mere meters away, twisted in feral rage. Ekaterina shouted, her arm whipping forward, releasing her blade.

Pierce the Stars!

Flame Extinction, a blazing meteor, tore through the air, its heat intense, its trajectory unwavering.

The first Minotaur, its massive body struck by the blade, exploded, its flesh, muscle, and bone instantly incinerated.

The blade’s momentum continued, its path a crimson spiral of destruction.

Minotaurs, caught in the spiral’s path, were obliterated, their screams swallowed by the flames, their bodies reduced to ash.

A thick layer of white dust covered the ground, the plains transforming into a desert.

Ekaterina, carrying Qin Chu, leaped forward, following the path carved by her blade. As its momentum waned, her hand shot out, grasping the hilt, her swing swift and precise, a fiery arc cleaving through a hundred Minotaurs, splitting their bodies in two.

Her movements were fluid, her combat instincts honed to perfection.

Even Qin Chu was impressed.

But she was a warrior, her fighting style inherently limited. She couldn’t avoid being surrounded.

Loseweisse, however, had an easier time. The Holy Light emanating from her body, though gentle and soothing to humans, was devastating to Demons.

The Minotaurs, instinctively fearing her power, roared and charged, but they kept their distance, hurling their axes at her from afar.

Their attacks were futile. She weaved through the flying axes with ease, her movements graceful, her progress swift. Despite being the weakest of the three, she was the first to break through their ranks.

Natia’s approach was far more… destructive…

Fire, ice, lightning, wind…

She unleashed a barrage of high-tier spells, her casting effortless, her control precise.

Mages, though physically frail, were mobile artillery, capable of inflicting devastating damage.

And Natia, a Sage, could even transform low-tier spells into deadly weapons. Her attacks, a symphony of elemental fury, cleared swathes through the Minotaur horde.

Flames engulfed the ground, Minotaurs screaming in agony as their flesh burned. Ice shards, sharp and deadly, rained down from the sky, impaling them.

But her most devastating spell was a wind vortex, a swirling tornado of razor-sharp air, its rotation shredding flesh and bone, leaving behind only bleached white skeletons, the ground littered with gore.

Her destructive power, her ruthlessness, drew the attention of Minotauros, the Chieftain.

He charged towards her, his massive form a terrifying sight.

Natia, forced to confront him, couldn’t escape.

Qin Chu, watching Loseweisse, his gaze fixed on her retreating form, smiled.

He had intended for her to be the first to leave, the first to reach Benson.

Ekaterina was still fighting her way through the horde.

A Minotaur, its size dwarfing the others, its green eyes burning with rage, its roar a guttural challenge, charged towards them, its massive axes raised high.

It was a Minotaur Warrior, one of the largest and strongest in the horde.

They were rare, their numbers few, their ferocity legendary.

Each Warrior had earned its position through countless battles, its strength forged in blood and fire.

Its level was seventy-five, its strength amplified by its berserker rage. Even stronger opponents struggled to defeat it.

It had targeted Qin Chu and Ekaterina, their embrace, their closeness, enraging it.

It plowed through its own kind, its massive body a battering ram, reaching them in a matter of seconds, its axes swinging down in a deadly arc.

“Bloom, Holy Light!”

Qin Chu chanted, his voice a low rumble.

The light that erupted from him was even brighter than Loseweisse’s, a blinding silver radiance.

Blades of light, countless blades, shot outwards, piercing the surrounding Minotaurs, their bodies smoking where the light touched them.

The Warrior, its thick hide pierced in several places, roared in pain. It was tough, its vitality incredible. These wounds wouldn’t kill it. But the blinding light forced it to close its eyes, its eyeballs burning, blood dripping from its tear ducts.

It stumbled, its movements momentarily disrupted. And then a black spear, spinning rapidly, shot out from Qin Chu’s chest, piercing the Warrior’s heart.

A gaping hole, a gruesome wound, appeared in its chest, its heart, along with chunks of flesh and bone, pulverized.

“Thank you, Anthea!”

It was her spear.

“Let’s go!”

Ekaterina, her Battle Qi surging, flames engulfing her, her greatsword a blur of motion, carved a path through the horde, then, carrying Qin Chu, followed Loseweisse.

He wasn’t worried about Natia.

She was powerful, and her temper, when unleashed in battle, was… terrifying…

After several kilometers, he ordered Ekaterina to stop.

Shaye materialized on his shoulder, her gaze fixed on the ground.

She guided him, her instructions precise, as he drew a complex pattern on the ground.

A teleportation circle!

…

Chapter 84: Conspiracy, Pawn or Player? 

The First Hero had been killed in front of all ten members of the Hero Squad. Why hadn’t they collected his soul fragments when his soul was shattered?

And how had they survived?

Qin Chu had fought Nagath personally. He knew the Demon King’s terrifying power. He was the strongest opponent he had ever faced. If not for Shaye’s near-immortality, Nagath would have been even more dangerous.

The Hero Squad members, though skilled, were no match for Nagath. Their combined strength wouldn’t have been enough to overcome the vast difference in power.

Ekaterina, confronted with his questions, faltered, her pace slowing slightly.

She had never considered this before.

“Soul fragments… at the time… we were… shocked… We didn’t think about them…”

She paused, searching her memories. “We saw him… torn apart… We were enraged. We attacked Nagath…”

“But our attacks couldn’t even pierce his defenses.”

“But strangely… he didn’t kill us. He simply endured our attacks, then retreated, vanishing into the abyss.”

She tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. “Perhaps… he was injured during his battle with the First Hero.”

That was her explanation, but Qin Chu wasn’t convinced.

Nagath wasn’t easily injured. Even weakened, he could have easily eliminated the Hero Squad.

The clues were too few, too fragmented.

Based on Ekaterina’s account, the First Hero had been a selfless hero, sacrificing himself to protect humanity. What a noble spirit!

It was understandable that he would be revered. But this was the Heavenly Continent, where heroes were disposable. He, Qin Chu, had dedicated his life to this world, and how had they repaid him?

He hadn’t forgotten his public execution.

The Hero Squad’s devotion to the First Hero was unsettling…

And why, surrounded by so many beautiful women, had he remained celibate? Was he truly that virtuous? Or was there something preventing him from… indulging…?

And his death, at Nagath’s hands, it felt staged… as if he had deliberately sought it out.

The mystery deepened.

Qin Chu took a deep breath, calming his racing thoughts.

“Where did you get the scroll containing the resurrection ritual?” he asked.

“Loseweisse said she received it from someone.”

Who was this mysterious benefactor?

And the scroll itself… it was suspicious.

A scroll containing a resurrection spell, capable of reviving anyone… that was plausible.

But this scroll was specifically designed to resurrect the First Hero.

It felt as if he had been caught in a web of intrigue from the moment he arrived in this world, his very summoning orchestrated by an unseen hand.

Loseweisse, who believed herself to be the mastermind, was merely a pawn, perhaps even the smallest, most insignificant piece on the board.

Ekaterina, unsure if her answers satisfied him, fidgeted nervously. Her memories were fragmented, incomplete.

Qin Chu, noticing her unease, smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Ekaterina, I’m satisfied with your answers.”

She relaxed, her pace quickening.

He mentally summoned Shaye, asking if she had witnessed the First Hero’s death.

Her answer was the same as before. She hadn’t seen him die. She had only seen his soul shattered by Nagath, the fragments scattering.

This was another anomaly. Why hadn’t Nagath consumed his soul?

Lower-ranking Demons feasted on flesh and blood, but powerful Demons craved souls.

Was Ekaterina’s explanation correct? Had Nagath been injured, too weak to pursue the Hero Squad, too weak to consume the soul fragments?

If so, it would explain the Demons’ inactivity, their lack of aggression. Their leader was wounded, giving the Second Hero time to grow stronger.

Theories, countless theories, swirled in his mind, but he couldn’t make sense of it all. Perhaps only by acquiring a soul fragment, by accessing the memories within, could he unravel the mystery.

Their speed increased, the scenery blurring. The capital, now far behind them, had vanished from view. They had traveled at least two or three hundred kilometers.

As darkness descended, Ekaterina and Loseweisse showed no signs of slowing down. They were heading towards a specific destination, their path unwavering.

Natia, her brow furrowed, her patience finally exhausted, acted.

She summoned a whirlwind, her speed increasing dramatically, her form intercepting Ekaterina.

The Valkyrie, forced to stop abruptly, skidded to a halt.

An entire day of sustained, high-speed travel would have exhausted most people, but Ekaterina’s face was flushed, her energy seemingly boundless, her Battle Qi still potent.

Loseweisse, sensing the commotion, quickened her pace.

Her breathing was labored, beads of sweat dotting her forehead. But was this genuine exertion, or was she merely pretending?

Natia, her expression stern, her gaze sharp, looked at them, her voice laced with disapproval. “Where are you taking the Hero?”

If they were simply searching for Demons, they could have found them closer to the capital. They didn’t need to travel so far. Natia should have noticed their unusual route earlier, but she had been… distracted…

She had been contemplating a very important question: was she truly in love with Qin Chu?

According to Louisa, her reaction to his touch, her racing heart, her desire for more contact, her persistent thoughts about him… these were signs of love.

But why had his rejection left her unfazed? She hadn’t felt sadness, hadn’t felt pain. It had been… underwhelming…

She was a master of multitasking, her magical control exceptional.

She had managed to maintain her high-speed flight while simultaneously contemplating matters of the heart. Unfortunately, after an entire day of deliberation, she had reached no conclusions. She had given up.

And then she had realized that night had fallen! She might be indifferent to most things, but she couldn’t allow the Hero to be placed in danger. His safety was paramount, his existence crucial to the Heavenly Continent’s survival.

Even Loseweisse, Ekaterina, and Qin Chu were surprised by her… delayed reaction… Was she truly that oblivious?

Loseweisse, however, was prepared.

“Lady Natia, please don’t be angry. We mean the Hero no harm. We’re simply taking him to… encounter… a truly powerful Demon, to show him the… realities… of this world. He needs to be prepared. His first battle could be dangerous…” she explained, her voice calm and reassuring.

No need, I’ve already experienced the worst this world has to offer.

Natia, her skepticism evident, raised an eyebrow. “A truly powerful Demon?”

“Lomond, Nagath’s seventh son.”

“We received intel that he’s been sighted in the Cavanyas Mountains.”

Natia’s eyes widened, her usual composure cracking. She glared at them, her voice laced with anger. “Lomond? Are you insane?”

“The Hero is no match for him…”

Lomond was a high-ranking Demon, his power exceeding level eighty, stronger than most Hero Squad members. Were these two madwomen taking the Hero to his death?

“I know…” Loseweisse said, her voice calm, her smile unwavering. “But that’s why we have Lady Natia with us. I’m sure she’ll protect him.”

“And besides, Ekaterina and I will be there, along with another Hero Squad member, our Immovable Shield, Benson! He’s already in the Cavanyas Mountains.”

“The four of us are more than enough to handle Lomond… perhaps even defeat him…”

“As you know, Lady Natia, the Demons haven’t launched a full-scale invasion, but the human armies are losing ground. We need a victory. The Hero, defeating the Demon King’s son… it would boost morale.”

“And it would give the Hero some valuable experience…”

Her explanation, though seemingly reasonable, felt contrived. Natia was about to argue when Qin Chu spoke, his voice laced with amusement. “I’m actually quite curious to see what a powerful Demon looks like… but…”

“Could someone tell me what those are?”

He pointed towards the horizon.

A vast, desolate plain stretched before them.

In the silver moonlight, countless dots of green light, like a field of stars, shimmered in the distance.

The three women, their gazes following his finger, gasped, their eyes widening in horror. The ground trembled as the green lights approached, their numbers overwhelming.

A stench, foul and oppressive, filled the air, accompanied by guttural roars that rumbled across the plains.

As the lights drew closer, their forms became clear.

The plains were teeming with Minotaurs… tens of thousands of them, their massive forms a terrifying sight.

…