Chapter 204


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    The headquarters of the New Beastmen Alliance was situated in the Najun Mountains northwest of Rundalian. The fortress, a simple adaptation of ruins from the ancient Beastmen Kingdom, was cramped and dpidated, but its defensive capabilities remained formidable, owing to its natural stronghold.


    Originally a ce that should have been heavily guarded, the personnel stationed here exhibited chronicziness. They felt there was no need for excessive vignce, given the stable surroundings and the unbreached history of the fortress, all under the belief that their leader, Jaeger, was invincible.


    Hows the weather outside damn it, how long do we have to keep doing this?


    The weather seems clear, judging by theck of rain smell. What can we do? Its our duty.


    Does Jaeger really need guarding? I havent killed a human in so long, itd be nice to be on the front lines.


    This conversation was shared by the guards guarding Jaegers residence. Two guards, a Werewolf and a Werebear, stood in front of the spacious corridor spread out before them.


    It was their assigned duty to spend about 30% of the day chatting while looking at this scene. Behind them loomed the imposing gate leading to the central area of the fortress where Jaeger resided.


    The corridor, which was used so infrequently that it seemed absurd to deploy troops there, nevertheless required their vignce as per orders. So, the two of them came here once a day to stand guard. Today, as usual, the Werewolf, lost in thought, yawned and muttered under his breath.


    Ugh why does this always happen How long has it been, five hours?


    As usual, probably advising Jaeger. It usually takes this long.


    Its annoying how secretive he is. Always covered head to toe. I wonder if hes human?


    I doubt it. From afar, hes almost the size of Jaeger. Probably one of our kin who inherited the blood of lions or tigers.


    The Werebear guard standing beside nodded. He had been specting that the periodic visitor Jaeger received, known only as the advisor , might be a Werelion or a Weretiger.


    Since the inception of the new Northern Beastmen Alliance, the enigmatic guest excluding Jaeger, whose identity remained unknown to anyone, provided quite decent gossip for the bored guards.


    If I knew this wouldve happened, I wouldve signaled for a fight. Its pointless being stationed at the fortress.


    Heh, take pride. It means were consideredpetent.


    As the two exchanged banter, they suddenly sensed movement. The Werebear guard tightened his grip on his spear.


    Wait, someonesing.


    What?


    The Werewolf guard tilted his head. Listening closely, they could indeed hear footsteps approaching. And it wasnt just one person; it was several. Soon, a well-built Werebear emerged from around the corner, leaving the guards eyes wide.


    Um Captain Umkano?!


    Oh my god, you are really alive?


    The guards were bewildered. The Captain, whom they thought had perished in the Rundalian raid three days ago, was walking toward them. He simply replied shortly,


    Yes.


    Umkano came to a stop in front of the two guards. They still couldnt close their gaping mouths. The Werebear managed to regain hisposure and spoke with a trembling voice.


    I-If I may ask, could you exin what happened? We heard that the raid team sent to Rundalian waspletely wiped out


    They let their guard down, and I managed to escape. The only survivor is me.


    I-I see. Its truly fortunate. No, remarkable.


    Umkano looked visibly exhausted, unlike his usual energetic self. His fur was unkempt, and his eyes seemed cloudy, as if he could copse at any moment. Even his usually confident tone seemed subdued.


    Hmm?


    At that moment, the Werebear guard noticed the rope clenched in Umkanos hand. It wasnt something typically used by beastmen. Their gaze followed the rope, and they took sharp breaths.


    Hu-human?


    Who are those?


    I captured them as prisoners.


    Umkano replied in a confident tone. Behind him, attached to the rope, were a man and a woman, both bound tightly and bowing their heads deeply. They both had ck hair and wore clothes that, even to the eyes of beastmen unfamiliar with human culture, seemed remarkably expensive and well-made. Umkano continued speaking.


    They are both nobles offspring they should hold value as prisoners.


    I-I see. And you managed to capture them amidst all this. Truly remarkable.


    The guards looked at the humans with sympathetic eyes. It was unfortunate for them to fall into the hands of Umkano, known for his strong aversion to humans.


    At that moment, the young man lifted his head, locking eyes with the Werewolf guard. The fierce gaze resembled that of a predatory bird, causing the Werewolf to shrink back, shoulders hunching.


    Wh-what are you looking at?


    It wasnt the gaze of a prisoner. The crimson eyes, glowing like embers, seemed ready to spew fire at any moment. The boy remained silent, simply staring him down.


    This!


    Feeling provoked by the humans boldness, anger surged within the Werewolf unexpectedly. Before he realized it, his arm shot up. Snap! Like lightning, Umkanos grip closed around his wrist.


    Dont touch him.


    Kraaagh! I-Im sorry! His gaze was too insolent, so I involuntarily Stop!


    The Werewolf guard shrieked. It felt like his bones would shatter under the overwhelming force. Umkano slowly released his grip and sternly warned,


    Dont touch the prisoners. Or else


    Y-Yes Kuek Im sorry


    The Werebear guard, who had been trailing off for a moment, raised his head sideways. Logically, Umkano wouldnt suddenly say such a thing. Umkano turned his gaze towards the entrance and spoke.


    Is Jaeger inside?


    Yes. Thats correct. However, today is the day when the Advisor visits, so I think youll have to wait a bit before going in.


    Advisor?


    Yes. Theye every week. It should only take about two hours for the meeting to finish today.


    Umkano fell silent. This was new information to him. After a moment of silence, he nodded his head.


    Alright. Ill wait and go in on my own. You may go now Ki-Kill me.


    Pardon?


    The eyes of the Werebear widened. This time he heard it clearly. Without a doubt, he had asked to be killed. The Werewolf guard beside him furrowed his brows.


    Captain, are you alright?


    Yeah. Fine Ju-just kill me already.


    Suddenly, Umkanos face began to convulse uncontrobly. Startled by the grotesque sight, both guards stepped back in fright. At that moment, the man and the woman, who had been captured as prisoners, exchanged quick nces. The young man looked up at Umkano and let out a deep sigh.


    Haah It seems its not going to work out now, huh?


    Yeah. Sorry.


    The woman hung her head in dismay. The eyes of both guards widened. Sensing that something was wrong, the Werewolf reached for his sword, but in that moment, the figure of the captive young man vanished from sight.


    Wh-what?!


    Even with their heightened senses, they couldnt capture anything. Only the ropes that had bound the young man remained, scattered on the ground. The human woman alone remained, looking at him with pity.


    Damn it, what is this?!


    Pointing his spear at the woman, the Werewolf shouted. Suddenly, a warm liquid sttered on his cheek. What was this now? Reflexively turning to the side, the Werewolfs eyes widened in shock. The head of the Werewolf guard, standing beside him, was gone.


    Wha!


    Blood spurted from the clean cut. The liquid that sttered on his face was his colleagues blood. The severed head of the Werebear was rolling on the ground. Thud! Both the headless body and Umkano copsed to the ground simultaneously.


    Wh-What the


    Shh. If you dont want to end up the same way, stay quiet.


    The Werewolf, who was about to scream, swallowed his shout. A sinister whisper came from behind him. He wanted to turn his head, but something cold and pointed, presumably a de, was pressing against his back, precisely at the line of his heart. Ronan, who had grabbed him from behind, spoke up.


    What a shame. I thought we could make it through without any trouble.


    Im sorry. If only I had done a bit better.


    No, its fine. You prated deep enough. Doesnt seem like itll take much longer now, right?


    It does seem that way.


    Adehsan, shaking her head, untied the ropes binding her body. The ropes, tied in a special way, required no effort to undo. Ronan, extending his head forward, pointed his chin towards Umkano.


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    Now, we cant use that bear any longer, can we? Seeing how it even asks to be killed.


    Yeah seems like his mental strength has reached its limit. Pitiful.


    Then lets just use this guy. Since hes a guard who protects the entrance, he should be able to go all the way to Jaegers door without any problem.


    Shall we do that?


    Adeshan stared silently at Werewolf. Her eyes, shining with the color of ash, were eerie. Something was seriously going wrong. Sensing the ominousness creeping up on his instincts, he raised his ws and shouted.


    Grrraagh! Dont donte!


    Sorry.


    Adeshan said calmly. Despite the fierce threat, she was steadily approaching Werewolf.


    D-Donte near me! Araaah!


    Now, the sword behind his back didnt matter anymore. Werewolf, unable to bear the unease, was about to rush forward. Suddenly, something like a thick mist began to rise over Adeshans shoulder. Werewolfs eyes widened at the unfamiliar and eerie aura.


    What whats that? Urgh!


    At the same time, Werewolfs movement as a guard halted. He froze, as if his limbs were paralyzed, and his words got stuck in his throat. He felt the strange energy he had sensed a while ago creeping into his own body. Adeshan took a deep breath and spoke.


    Im sorry.


    Huh ugh.


    Werewolfs convulsing head dropped. Ronan, who had been aiming his sword at the Werewolfs back, lowered it. After a moment of unconsciousness, Werewolf raised his head. ck. He, who had opened the door silently, muttered with a soulless voice.


    No anomalies detected while on guard.


    Ronan let out a sigh of relief. Werewolfs pupils were clouded with a dull gray. Seeing the guard turned puppet, he clicked his tongue.


    Shes truly awakening her abilities. Its getting a little scary now.


    Adeshan sessfully took control of a persons mind for the first time just the night beforest. Considering that it took her a whole day to control Umkanos mind, her growth rate was literally unrealistic.


    Although its easier to control fewer targets, this was far beyond Ronans expectations. Ronan, who had been staring at her profile, spoke up.


    Its fortunate that youre a good person, Sunbae.


    Huh? Why all of a sudden?


    Just because. You just prevented that bastard from hitting me.


    Adeshan had also manipted Umkano a while ago to stop the Werewolf from attacking Ronan. Ronan sincerely thought it was fortunate that she wasnt evil. Adeshan fidgeted with her hair as if embarrassed.


    Hehe, it was just something that I had to do.


    Thank you. Please continue to be like that.


    His voice was serious. There was a somewhat meaningful tone in his words, and Adeshans face blushed slightly. After a moment of silence, she replied with a warm smile.


    Yeah. I will.


    The two quickly disposed of the bodies and bloodstains, then tied each other up again. They handed one end of the rope to the Werewolf. From the Werewolfs mouth, manipted by Adeshan, came a soulless voice.


    Lets go then. You prisoners.


    ****


    What followed proceeded like water flowing. Disguised as prisoners, Ronan and Adeshan, along with the mentally controlled Werewolf guard, continued towards the heart of their destination without stopping. Contrary to the enemys expectations, the troops stationed at the core of the fortress were surprisingly few.


    Thats fortunate.


    Whether it was due to carelessness or not, it was truly fortunate. No matter how good the Holy Sword Lamancha was, the beastmen were still difficult opponents. asionally, they attracted attention from passing beastmen, but most of them stepped aside upon hearing that they were prisoners bound for interrogation by Jaeger.


    Dont mess around, pal. Youll be responsible, you know?


    I got it. Why are you getting angry?


    Even the conversation between the Werewolf and the guard was bing smootherpared to Umkano. Anyway, the obstacles in their path were either easily avoided or removed, and they continued their journey.


    Walking through corridors, stairs, and makeshift bridges between buildings, Ronan and Adeshan had finally reached the heart of the fortress. There were no longer any people to be seen around. Whether it was due to the presence of some advisor or for some other reason, they couldnt find anyone nearby anymore. Turning a corner, Ronan grinned.


    Atst.


    Instinctively, he knew they had reached their destination. A vast corridor, where it seemed twenty horses could pass abreast, stretched out before them. At the end of the corridor stood a huge door, undoubtedly where the leader resided. Ronan turned to Adeshan and said,


    Youve worked hard, Sunbae.


    The three-hour situational drama that felt like three days finally came to an end. Now, they had to storm in and cut off Jaegers head. Ronan was about to say that its okay to release Werewolf from Adeshans control. Adeshan, who had been silent all along, finally spoke up in a hoarse voice.


    Its a lie.


    What? Why do you say that?


    Ronan raised an eyebrow at her iprehensible reaction. Adeshans face was pale as she tremblingly raised her hand, pointing towards the door.


    Behind that Zaifa is there.


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