Being tested wasn’t the best feeling, but apart from that, Hans was well aware of its validity. After all, it was a direct encounter with the leaders of the Twelve Tribes.
He had even snuck in without permission and got caught. In any normal situation, it wouldn’t be surprising to be attacked on the spot. That’s why Hans completely understood Yuyoung’s actions.
Instead, what was bothering Hans right now were Yuyoung’s words. Save Bayard? What on earth happened? At that, Yuyoung turned her head as if to say, “Follow me.”
Thinking time was of the essence, Hans gladly followed Yuyoung’s lead. There was a possibility it could be a trap, but if it was, he could break through it head-on.
“Then should I take it that you disagree with Bayard’s plan?”
“Right. After all, how many people would casually commit such acts?”
“Of course.”
Hans couldn’t help but nod at Yuyoung’s words. What Bayard was doing now was close to collective suicide. You all, me too. It was as if they intended to burn everything in this world.
Though he had slight doubts about the might, over the past three years, the Dwarf Republic’s technicians, Cluna, and the essence of Demon technology had all come into play. He couldn’t simply doubt everything.
“Specifically, if Steel Lightning is used, what kind of damage would it inflict on the continent?”
“At least over 60% of the Demon’s territory would become a land of death uninhabitable by humans. And the aftereffects would surely reach us as well. Countless people would die.”
“…I see.”
“And above all, Bayard seems unwilling to leave this place.”
“What?!”
Cluna and Clara gasped at Yuyoung’s hushed voice. Steel Lightning boasted the power to obliterate the surroundings at the moment of firing. That’s why a fortress was built here.
If fired from within the territory of the inhabitants of the continent, the backlash would be enormous. They had even constructed a fortress to mitigate that backlash. Yet, for him to remain inside the fortress…
While Cluna and Clara, who understood the implications, were too shocked to speak, Lua, who didn’t grasp the meaning, tilted her head and asked Hans.
“Hans, what does that mean?”
“To put it simply, he cannot forgive himself.”
“Cannot forgive? Why?”
“It means he knows his actions are wrong but finds himself unable to stop.”
Did he think he had come too far? Or was there another reason? He couldn’t tell yet, but one thing was certain: if things went on like this, Bayard would cross a line he should not.
Hans let out a self-deprecating laugh. In the past, he might have thought that would be better. After all, the Demons would be eradicated, and this wasn’t his world anyway.
That ambiguous attitude must have brought about the current anger. But mere regret wouldn’t change anything. What mattered were actions and results. Hans looked straight at Yuyoung and coldly said,
“Even so, Bayard’s actions are not right. Doing harm to innocent people is something we cannot overlook.”
“But…!!!”
“As long as Bayard fires that thing, at least.”
Right, nothing had happened yet. So, there was still time to fix it. Because I will make it so. Hans moved forward. Yuyoung urgently said,
“Wait a moment. There’s an intruder.”
“An intruder?”
“Do you know about Baykand, the chief of the Bear Clan?”
“I don’t even know what a chief is.”
“To put it simply, if a chieftain governs the Twelve Tribes, then a chief manages each tribe on behalf of the chieftain. And Baykand is the chief of the Bear Clan and Bayard’s father.”
“I see the picture now.”
Bayard was Baykand’s daughter. Yet, knowing Bayard wouldn’t leave this fortress, she didn’t bother to stop her. What did this mean? It must be one of two things.
Either she was a monster eaten up by her own beliefs, or she had plans to succeed the chieftain as the leader of the Twelve Tribes. Either way, a monster is a monster. Damn brat.
“Since Bayard became the chieftain, the Bear Clan’s voice must have grown stronger. Furthermore, for such a mad plan to be devised, the hardliners must be in the majority now.”
“That’s accurate. Quite the keen insight.”
However, it wasn’t Yuyoung who confirmed Hans’ speculation. A coarse voice captured everyone’s attention. He was massive in size. While Beastmen were generally strong and large, he was among the largest of them all. His chin was adorned with a scraggly beard, and his face and body were covered with numerous wounds. He grinned widely and said,
“Pleasure to meet you. I am Baykand, chief of the Bear Clan.”
“I am Hans, commander of the Royal Knights.”
“Former commander, I suppose. The Royal Knights have been disbanded now.”
Clara, infuriated by Baykand’s taunting tone, wanted to step forward, but Hans raised his hand to stop her. His eyes were naturally scanning the surroundings. He realized,
“We’re surrounded. There must be about 200 of them.”
“Even if they’re rotten, they need to have some skill. Shouldn’t one be prepared when confronting a bigwig like yourself?”
“When did you become aware of our movements?”
“Thanks to the collaborator behind me.”
At Baykand’s half-smiling words, Clara and Cluna simultaneously looked at Yuyoung. Yuyoung clicked her tongue. It was a perfect setup. She couldn’t help but think anyone else would have suspected betrayal.
Naturally, Yuyoung hadn’t betrayed them. She, who hoped for Bayard to survive, would never betray him. Thus, she had to clear up this misunderstanding by any means necessary.
If even Hans fell for Baykand’s trick. But Hans was only gazing coldly at Baykand. Baykand tilted his head and asked,
“Why are you looking at me?”
“Because I don’t think Yuyoung has betrayed us.”
“Trust is stronger than I thought. Then how could I have timed this perfect ambush?”
“That’s not my concern. Step aside.”
With a single comment from Hans, Clara and Cluna’s suspicions faded. They weren’t particularly trusting Yuyoung. They were merely acting based on Hans’ decision to trust her.
In this situation, it was Yuyoung who was caught off guard. Even though everything pointed to betrayal, it was all passing smoothly as if nothing was wrong. Yuyoung hurriedly spoke up.
“Commander Hans, be careful! Baykand is a powerhouse on par with the Royal Knights! Plus, he’s as cunning as a snake…”
“Too late.”
Before that word even left her mouth, Baykand was already moving. A perfectly timed ambush while the opponent was whispering to each other. But Hans was just watching it all unfold.
The one who blocked Baykand’s attack in place of Hans was Clara. Her veins bulged with rage. How dare he attack in front of them!
“This is surprising. An elf, of all beings, blocking my punch.”
“You won’t get away with this. I have to kill you myself.”
“Clara.”
“Commander, we’ll handle this.”
Cluna held Hans back, thinking it wasn’t wise to waste time grappling with such insignificant foes.
Was leaving it to them the right choice? Hans contemplated for a moment but soon nodded. After all, Baykand couldn’t be stronger than the Blood Demons.
“I’ll leave it to you. Yuyoung, we will set off immediately.”
“Is that really okay?!”
“They’ve faced off against Blood Demons. There’s no way they’d be caught by such weaklings.”
“I think so too. Those girls are stronger than that bear.”
Of course, Baykand wouldn’t just sit back and watch. Everything was part of a perfect plan. His daughter had finally driven the Rat Clan away with overwhelming strength and seized power.
After that, he was ready to follow in her footsteps once she disappeared. He wouldn’t just watch as she sprinkled ashes amid such a scenario. He reached out.
At that, the Beastmen warriors surrounding them all charged at once. They were warriors of the Bear Clan, each possessing the strength of ten human males.
“No matter how strong you claim to be, can you truly stop hundreds of Beastmen warriors…”
Boom!!
However, before Baykand’s words could finish, the boldly charging Beastmen warriors were sent flying. As if they had collided with a castle wall. Some even fainted outright.
Cluna had created a barrier using magic. She had even faced the World Tree with this barrier. Stopping a handful of Beastmen warriors was piece of cake.
Cluna glanced back. The few troops Yuyoung had brought over had naturally joined the Bear Clan. So, these were the betrayers Baykand mentioned. A bunch of trash.
“Shall we finally have some fun after a long time!!”
Starting with Lua’s words along with Cluna and Clara, the Royal Knights faced off against the Beastmen warriors.
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