Chapter 21: Shifting Tides
Glaimond’s use of the word “back” revealed that he knew Vikarn Port was Salred’s hometown.
However, Demon Hunters rarely ventured deep into the Empire’s heartland, even to visit their hometowns.
Due to their half-demon nature, the Empire couldn’t allow such unstable individuals near vital areas.
Salred was aware of this and had concealed his identity, only revealing it when forced to save the little girl.
He wasn’t surprised that Glaimond had sought him out, only that he had appeared so quickly.
“Mr. Salred, I trust the Demon Hunters have no ulterior motives?” Glaimond asked, a smile on his face, but a glint of coldness in his eyes.
Salred’s appearance was unexpected. The Demon Hunters’ headquarters were far from Vikarn Port, on a different front line. He shouldn’t be here.
Moreover, Glaimond hadn’t anticipated the other demon being a commander-level threat.
Even if he inherited the full power of a Legendary Knight, he could only barely hold his own against such a foe, let alone defeat her.
These unforeseen deviations from his plan irritated Glaimond. He, who always had everything under control, felt a loss of control, his tone becoming sharper.
“Of course not. But it’s not something I can discuss with just anyone,” Salred replied vaguely, avoiding a direct answer.
His return to his hometown wasn’t simply for sentimental reasons. Moreover, his family had perished long before he became a Demon Hunter.
This answer didn’t satisfy Glaimond. His smile faded, the atmosphere growing tense.
Salred hadn’t anticipated Glaimond’s sharp reaction, but he knew he couldn’t reveal his true purpose, not yet. Even if it became known later, he couldn’t divulge anything now.
The Demon Hunters had sent Salred, who wasn’t their strongest member, partly because Vikarn Port was his hometown, and partly as a gesture of goodwill towards the Empire, a way to ease their vigilance, or perhaps distract them.
This mission was crucial for the Demon Hunters, for the eradication of demons.
“But General, you know that the Demon Hunters’ only enemy is demons. Our interests and goals align,” Salred said, looking directly at Glaimond. “At least for now.”
Glaimond paused. “But you still haven’t explained why the Demon Hunters are in Vikarn Port.”
Under normal circumstances, Glaimond might have overlooked the Demon Hunters’ presence.
But in this critical period, such an unpredictable variable was unacceptable.
“Why are you so insistent, General?” Salred calmly reloaded his crossbow, his other hand gripping a dagger.
He had expected Glaimond, so highly praised by the elder council, to have a different perspective on Demon Hunters, but he was disappointed. Glaimond was no different from other Imperial generals.
He wasn’t like Lugner, the former Garrison Commander, who had resigned a year ago.
Glaimond’s gaze fell on Salred’s hands. Salred made no attempt to conceal his preparations for battle.
“…I’m not. I simply want to know if Mr. Salred’s actions in Vikarn Port will endanger the citizens here. That is all.” Glaimond softened his tone, controlling his emotions.
He couldn’t afford another conflict at this crucial juncture. Salred was a formidable opponent; defeating him would require too much effort.
“They won’t. On the contrary, it might even be to protect them—”
Salred stopped mid-sentence, realizing he had said too much.
“Very well,” Glaimond nodded. “I hope Mr. Salred completes his mission quickly. As you can see, Vikarn Port is currently unstable.”
Glaimond paused, looking at the surrounding destruction and the lingering demonic aura. “Being a Demon Hunter is a sensitive matter. At a time like this… it’s best not to stay too long, to avoid further complications.”
“I understand.” Seeing Glaimond’s change in demeanor, Salred discreetly lowered his crossbow.
He knew Glaimond’s words held truth.
As outcasts, Demon Hunters weren’t viewed favorably by ordinary humans, making them easy targets for misunderstanding.
“If you have nothing further, General, I’ll take my leave.”
Salred didn’t want to prolong the conversation.
He could tell that while he had his own agenda, Glaimond did as well. The general’s behavior and carefully chosen words suggested he was planning something.
Salred wanted no part in it, not even the slightest knowledge. This wasn’t his fight.
“Very well, Mr. Salred,” Glaimond forced a smile. “I hope we can cooperate in the future. The Knights and the Demon Hunters should be allies.”
Both men harbored secrets, neither willing to reveal them.
Salred nodded almost imperceptibly, then turned and quickly left.
Glaimond watched Salred’s retreating figure, the forced smile vanishing from his face, replaced by a dark scowl.
The approaching City Guards, seeing Glaimond’s expression, hesitated to approach.
It was clear the general was in a foul mood. Approaching him now would be asking for trouble.
But Glaimond quickly composed himself, taking a few deep breaths and closing his eyes, suppressing his displeasure.
Vikarn Port had become the center of a growing storm. Demon Hunters, a demon commander, and perhaps even more unknown entities were converging here, far exceeding Glaimond’s initial expectations.
“Did you anticipate this as well, Commander Lugner…?”
Glaimond opened his eyes, his gaze fixed on the overcast sky, his expression grave.
“But I won’t lose…”
“Send word. Have the Garrison Knights lockdown Vikarn Port.”
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